German word

obligatorisch

Pronunciation

IPA/ɔbligaˈtoːʁɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adjectivemandatory

Example

Die Teilnahme ist obligatorisch.

Participation is mandatory.

Illustration for obligatorisch (mandatory)

More examples

In manchen Berufen ist die Fortbildung gesetzlich obligatorisch.

In some professions, continuing education is legally mandatory.

Core concept

An official rule places a firm obligation on an action, like a locked gate that permits no omission.

Common phrases

  • gesetzlich obligatorisch

    legally mandatory

  • für die Teilnahme obligatorisch

    mandatory for participation

  • obligatorisch bleiben

    remain mandatory

Similar words

verpflichtend: Required by a contract or duty that must be fulfilled.
verbindlich: Binding as a promise or rule that must be honored.
zwingend: Compelled by urgent necessity, leaving no realistic alternative.
vorgeschrieben: Set in advance by a rule or instruction that must be followed.

Definition in German

Durch Gesetz, Regel oder Anweisung verlangt; etwas, das getan werden muss.

Word origin

German "obligatorisch" is a learned borrowing from Late Latin obligatorius, which is related to Latin obligare, "to bind".

Usage tips

  • The adjective is usually used before a noun with normal adjective endings, as in "obligatorische Teilnahme" and "obligatorischer Kurs".

Other meanings

  • requiredadjective
  • compulsoryadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Obligatoriumcompulsory subjectnoun

Word lists with this word