Úrad

Úrad (Czech: úřad) and Slovak: úrad designate a public administration office, a government agency, or an authority responsible for performing administrative tasks and delivering public services. The term can refer to both the building that houses administrative staff and the organization itself. It is widely used at national, regional, and local levels and appears in many compound names for specific offices.

The scope of an úřad varies, but it typically covers tasks related to governance, public records, licensing, permits, taxation, and social or civil services. Common examples include municipal or local offices, tax or financial offices, and district or regional offices. Czech examples include městský úřad (city office), obecní úřad (municipal office), finanční úřad (tax office), and krajský úřad (regional office). Slovak examples include obecný úrad (municipal office), daňový úrad (tax office), okresný úrad (district office), and matrický úrad (civil registry office).

In usage, úřad is distinguished from kancelář, which more often denotes a private or corporate workplace, while orgán or inštitúcia refers to a governing body or institution. The term appears frequently in official titles and legal or public-administration contexts, and it can form part of phrases such as úřední jazyk (official language), reflecting its role in the structure and functioning of government and public services.