When reading public signs or learning the rules of a new place, you will frequently encounter words for what is allowed or forbidden.
Allowed and forbidden
You can state rules using the adjectives dozvoljen (allowed) and zabranjen (forbidden). They are often used with nouns, or in the neuter form (dozvoljeno / zabranjeno) followed by an infinitive verb to state a general rule.
| This warning means that it is forbidden to photograph animals here. | Ovo upozorenje znači da je ovdje zabranjeno fotografirati životinje. |
| The use of mobile phones is not allowed. | Upotreba mobitela nije dozvoljena. |
The modal verb "smjeti"
To express that someone is personally allowed to do something (or "may" do it), use the modal verb smjeti. It is followed by another verb in the infinitive.
Here is the present tense conjugation of smjeti:
| Pronoun | Affirmative | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| ja | smijem | ne smijem |
| ti | smiješ | ne smiješ |
| on / ona / ono | smije | ne smije |
| mi | smijemo | ne smijemo |
| vi | smijete | ne smijete |
| oni / one / ona | smiju | ne smiju |
When used in the negative (ne smjeti), it translates to "must not" or "may not"—expressing a strict prohibition.
| We must not bring food and drinks into the museum. | Ne smijemo unositi hranu i piće u muzej. |
| The children must not step on the grass in the park. | Djeca ne smiju gaziti travu u parku. |
You will often see smjeti used alongside words like dozvoljen and zabranjen to clarify rules and warnings.
| You must not feed the bears, that is forbidden. | Ne smijete hraniti medvjede, to je zabranjeno. |
| The use of cameras is allowed, but we must not photograph the paintings. | Upotreba fotoaparata je dozvoljena, ali ne smijemo fotografirati slike. |
Asking for permission
If you are unsure of the rules in a given place, you can ask for permission by forming a question with smjeti and the question particle li.
| Are they allowed to drink alcohol here? | Smiju li oni ovdje piti alkohol? |
| Am I allowed to contact you tomorrow? | Smijem li ti se javiti sutra? |