How to Express Obligation and Necessity in Croatian

Understanding Obligation and Necessity in Croatian

In Croatian, expressing obligation and necessity is essential for everyday communication. Whether you want to say "I have to go" or "You must study," Croatian uses specific verbs and constructions to convey these meanings clearly.

Common Verbs to Express Obligation

The most common verbs used to express obligation and necessity in Croatian are morati (must, have to) and trebati (need to). These verbs are modal verbs and are used with the infinitive form of the main verb.

For example:

Using <em>Morati</em> to Express Obligation

Morati is the most direct way to express obligation or necessity. It is conjugated according to the subject and followed by the infinitive verb.

Conjugation of morati in present tense:

• Ja moram (I have to)
• Ti moraš (You have to)
• On/Ona mora (He/She has to)
• Mi moramo (We have to)
• Vi morate (You have to - formal/plural)
• Oni/One moraju (They have to)

Example sentence: Moram ići kući. (I have to go home.)

Using <em>Trebati</em> to Express Necessity

Trebati means "to need" and is also used with an infinitive to express necessity. It is conjugated similarly to regular verbs.

Conjugation of trebati in present tense:

• Ja trebam (I need)
• Ti trebaš (You need)
• On/Ona treba (He/She needs)
• Mi trebamo (We need)
• Vi trebate (You need - formal/plural)
• Oni/One trebaju (They need)

Example sentence: Trebaš učiti za ispit. (You need to study for the exam.)

Other Ways to Express Obligation

Besides morati and trebati, Croatian also uses phrases like potrebno je (it is necessary) and dužan/dužna sam (I am obliged) to express obligation.

Examples:

Tips for Learners

• Remember that morati is stronger and more direct than trebati.
• Use the infinitive form of the main verb after modal verbs.
• Pay attention to verb conjugations to match the subject.
• Practice common phrases to become comfortable expressing obligation.