zobowizaniem

Zobowizaniem is a form often encountered in Polish texts, but it is not the standard form of the term. The correct nominative is zobowiązanie, and the instrumental singular is zobowiązaniem. In everyday usage zobowiązanie may appear without proper diacritics, yet it refers to the same legal concept: an obligation binding one or more parties to perform a specified act for another.

Zobowiązanie, in Polish civil law, is a legal relationship in which one party (the debtor) is obliged to render a performance for the benefit of another party (the creditor). The performance, or świadczenie, can take various forms: giving a thing, paying money, performing a specific act, or refraining from an action. Zobowiązania arise primarily from contracts (zobowiązanie umowne) and from non-contractual acts (zobowiązanie deliktowe, i.e., tort), such as damage caused to another through fault.

Key elements of a zobowiązanie include the object of the obligation (the specific świadczenie), the identities and rights of the creditor and debtor, and the time for performance. If the debtor fails to perform, the creditor may pursue remedies such as enforcement, damages, or interest. Zobowiązania can be secured by instruments like collateral, guaranties, or pledges, depending on the agreement and applicable law.

Examples illustrate the concept: a sales contract creates an obligation for the buyer to pay the price and the seller to deliver the goods; a tort may obligate a person who caused damage to compensate the injured party. Overall, zobowiązanie is a fundamental concept governing civil-law duties and the enforcement of promises within Polish legal order.