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Tip 44.  Translation of "pod rygorem nieważności"

"Wszelkie zmiany niniejszej umowy wymagają formy pisemnej pod rygorem nieważności."

Which ONE of these sentences is a BAD translation?

"Any amendments to this Agreement shall...

A. ...be made in writing, otherwise being invalid."

Wrong answer, try again!

B. ...be made in writing; otherwise, they shall be deemed null and void."

Wrong answer, try again!

C. ...not be valid unless made in writing."

Wrong answer, try again!

D. ...require written form under pain of invalidity."

Correct answer!

Comment:

In option D, "under pain of invalidity" is a common direct translation from Polish. The phrase 'under pain of' is archaic and is rarely used except in the expression "under pain of death."

If you prefer a plain style, the best option is (C) "...shall not be valid unless made in writing."

Notes on option B: 'Invalid' is a synonym for 'null and void', though contracts drafted in traditional language usually use 'null and void'. 'Deemed' means 'regarded as', 'treated as' or 'considered to be'.