zahtevam

Zahtevam is a verb form used in several South Slavic languages, notably Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin. It is the first-person singular present tense of the verb zahtjevati, meaning "to demand" or "to require." The related noun zahtev refers to a demand or a formal request. The term is commonly employed in formal, administrative, or legal contexts, where a statement or claim is asserted strongly.

Origin and related forms: The verb zahtjevati derives from the noun zahtev and shares roots with cognate words in other South Slavic languages that convey obligation or assertion. The pair of noun and verb form a common semantic field around demanding, requesting, or stipulating conditions.

Usage: Zahtevam is used to articulate demands, requests, or requirements. It often governs a subordinate clause introduced by da: "Zahtevam da mi se vrati novac" (I demand that the money be returned). It can also stand with a direct object: "Zahtevam povrat novca" (I demand a refund). In everyday speech, speakers may use gentler verbs like tražim depending on context, especially when the demand is not formal or is softened by politeness.

Examples: I demand a refund. I demand that the contract be revised. I demand that proper compensation be provided.

See also: zahtev (noun), zahtjevati (verb), tražiti (to seek/demand).