zapisnik

Zapisnik is a term used in several Slavic languages to denote a written record or document. Its principal sense is the minutes or official record of proceedings from a meeting, session, or hearing, documenting what was said, decided, and who attended. In this context the zapisnik functions as a formal summary of the event for archival and legal purposes. The word can also appear in the form of an official report or statement issued by authorities, such as a police or administrative record describing an incident or offense.

In addition to formal minutes, the term can refer to a record-keeping document kept by organizations for ongoing administrative purposes. The exact scope and form of a zapisnik vary by country and legal tradition, but the core idea is a written account that preserves a succession of events, statements, or observations.

Etymologically, zapisnik is built from the root zapis- meaning to write or record, plus the suffix -nik, which typically denotes a task, instrument, or person associated with the action. Across languages, cognates appear with similar meanings, though orthography may include diacritics (for example, zápisník or zapisník in different scripts).

Usage of zapisnik is common in legal, governmental, and organizational contexts across Central and Eastern Europe. It appears in expressions for meeting minutes, inspection reports, and formal records kept for accountability and reference. The exact function—whether a formal protocol, a police or administrative report, or a general log—depends on the jurisdiction and the specific institutional practice.

See also: minutes, protocol, logbook, notebook.