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C1 adjective 11 min read

vigente

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips vigente in 30 Seconds

Explanation vigente in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'vigente' is a very difficult word because it is formal and specific. However, you might see it on signs in Italy. For now, just remember that if you see 'vigente' on a sign, it means 'the current rule.' For example, if a sign says 'regolamento vigente,' it means 'the rules you must follow right now.' You don't need to use this word in your own speaking yet. Instead, use 'ora' (now) or 'di adesso' (of now). Just recognize that 'vigente' is a word for rules and laws. If you are in a museum and see a sign about 'tariffe vigenti,' it's telling you the prices for today. It's a 'grown-up' word for 'now.'

At the A2 level, you are starting to deal with more public signs and basic documents. You should recognize 'vigente' as an adjective that means 'current' specifically for rules. You might notice that it ends in 'e,' so it doesn't change for masculine or feminine. 'Il regolamento vigente' and 'la legge vigente' both use the same form. You might see this word when you are looking for information about bus tickets or opening hours in a formal office. While you still might not use it in casual conversation, knowing it helps you understand that a rule is currently active and not from the past. It's a step up from 'attuale.'

At the B1 level, you should be able to understand 'vigente' when reading news articles or listening to formal announcements. You are moving beyond basic survival Italian and starting to understand how the Italian state and organizations describe their rules. You should know that 'vigente' is used for laws (leggi), norms (norme), and contracts (contratti). If someone tells you 'secondo la normativa vigente,' they are giving you a formal reason why something must be done a certain way. You can start using it in formal emails, like when asking about the 'regolamento vigente' for an exam or a job application. It makes your Italian sound more professional and precise.

At the B2 level, 'vigente' should be part of your active vocabulary for formal writing and discussions. You should be comfortable using it to discuss social issues, politics, or work-related topics. You understand the difference between 'attuale' (general current) and 'vigente' (legally current). You can use the plural 'vigenti' correctly: 'Le leggi vigenti in materia di ambiente sono molto severe.' You also understand that this word is often used to avoid repetition of 'in vigore.' At this level, you might also encounter the noun form 'vigenza' (the period during which a law is in force), though 'vigente' is much more common. You can distinguish between a law that is 'vigente' and one that has been 'abrogata' (repealed).

At the C1 level, you use 'vigente' with nuance and precision. You understand its etymological roots (from 'vigere') and how that affects its usage in high-level legal and academic texts. You use it to define the temporal scope of regulations in complex arguments. You are familiar with common collocations like 'vuoto normativo' (regulatory vacuum) vs 'normativa vigente.' You can use 'vigente' to discuss the evolution of laws, comparing 'il testo previgente' (the previous text) with 'il testo vigente' (the current text). Your use of the word is seamless in both professional and academic contexts, and you never confuse it with 'vivente' or 'attuale.' You recognize it as an essential tool for formal Italian prose.

At the C2 level, 'vigente' is a word you master in all its stylistic possibilities. You can use it in highly technical legal drafting or sophisticated literary analysis. You understand how its placement can slightly alter the rhythm and emphasis of a sentence. You are aware of its synonyms in other Romance languages and its Latin origins, allowing you to use it with a deep sense of historical and linguistic context. You can navigate the most complex Italian bureaucratic documents where 'vigente' might appear dozens of times, and you can summarize those documents using the word appropriately. You might even use it metaphorically in creative writing to describe 'vigente' social pressures or 'vigente' philosophical paradigms.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

vigente in 30 Seconds

Vigente means 'currently in force' and is used for laws and rules.
It is a formal adjective that does not change for gender (ends in -e).
It is commonly used in bureaucracy, news, and legal documents.
The plural form is 'vigenti' for both masculine and feminine nouns.

The Italian word vigente is an adjective that translates most accurately to 'in force,' 'current,' or 'currently applicable.' While it might sound like a simple synonym for 'current' (attuale), it carries a specific weight of authority and legality. You won't use it to describe a current fashion trend, but you will use it to describe the laws, regulations, and rules that govern that fashion industry. It comes from the Latin verb vigere, meaning 'to be lively' or 'to thrive,' which in a legal sense translates to a law being 'alive' and active rather than 'dead' or repealed.

Legal Context: This is the primary home of 'vigente.' It refers to any statute, decree, or regulation that has not been repealed (abrogato) and is currently being enforced by the state or an organization. For example, 'la normativa vigente' refers to the set of rules currently in effect.

Dobbiamo rispettare il regolamento vigente per evitare sanzioni.

Translation: We must respect the current regulation to avoid sanctions.

Beyond the courtroom, 'vigente' appears frequently in administrative and bureaucratic settings. If you are filling out forms in Italy, you might see references to 'tariffe vigenti' (current rates) or 'prezzi vigenti' (current prices). It implies a sense of officiality. If a price is 'vigente,' it isn't just today's price; it is the price officially established by the governing body or company policy for this period.

Economic and Contractual Use: In contracts, 'vigente' ensures that the parties are referring to the version of a document or law that exists at the moment of signing or execution. It prevents ambiguity regarding which version of a rule applies.

Il contratto è soggetto alla legislazione vigente in Italia.

In everyday conversation, Italians might use 'vigente' less often than 'attuale,' but it is essential for anyone living in Italy, dealing with Italian bureaucracy, or reading the news. It conveys a level of precision that 'attuale' lacks. While 'attuale' means 'current' in a general sense (like 'the current situation'), 'vigente' specifically targets the validity of norms. You would rarely hear 'una moda vigente' (a current fashion) because fashion doesn't have the force of law; you would hear 'una moda attuale.'

Social Norms: Sometimes used metaphorically for social customs or traditions that are still active and respected within a community, though this is more literary.

Quella è una consuetudine ancora vigente nei piccoli paesi.

In summary, 'vigente' is the go-to word for anything that has the 'force of law.' It is indispensable for understanding your rights and obligations in any Italian-speaking environment. Whether it's the 'codice della strada' (traffic laws) or 'le leggi fiscali' (tax laws), if they are 'vigenti,' they are the ones you need to know and follow right now. It bridges the gap between 'existing' and 'being active.'

Using vigente correctly requires an understanding of Italian adjective agreement and placement. As an adjective ending in '-e', it follows the pattern of adjectives like 'grande' or 'intelligente'. This means it has the same form for both masculine and feminine singular nouns, but changes to vigenti for plural nouns, regardless of gender.

Adjective Agreement: Singular: Il decreto vigente (masc.), La legge vigente (fem.). Plural: I decreti vigenti (masc.), Le leggi vigenti (fem.).

Tutte le norme vigenti devono essere applicate senza eccezioni.

Placement is typically after the noun it modifies. In Italian, placing an adjective after the noun often gives it a more restrictive or technical meaning, which fits 'vigente' perfectly. Saying 'la vigente legge' is possible in very formal or poetic prose, but 'la legge vigente' is the standard administrative and legal way to phrase it. It specifies *which* law we are talking about: the one that is currently in force.

Common Noun Pairings: It is most commonly paired with: legge (law), normativa (regulations), regolamento (regulation), sistema (system), contratto (contract), tariffa (rate), and disposizione (provision).

Il sistema tributario vigente è piuttosto complesso.

One interesting aspect of 'vigente' is its use in the phrase 'in vigore.' While 'vigente' is an adjective, 'in vigore' is a prepositional phrase that functions similarly. You can say 'la legge vigente' or 'la legge in vigore.' However, 'vigente' is more concise and is preferred in formal writing. You would use 'entrare in vigore' (to come into force) as a verb phrase, but use 'vigente' to describe the state of the law once it has entered into force.

Negative Contexts: To say something is no longer in force, you don't usually say 'non vigente' (though it's understood). Instead, you use terms like 'abrogato' (repealed), 'decaduto' (expired/lapsed), or 'superato' (outdated).

Quell'articolo non è più vigente dal 2015.

When writing at a C1 level, using 'vigente' shows a command of formal register. It allows you to avoid wordy phrases like 'che è valida in questo momento' (which is valid at this moment) and replace them with a single, sharp adjective. It is also common in academic papers, especially in law, political science, and economics, where defining the temporal scope of a rule is crucial.

L'analisi si basa sulla ripartizione delle competenze vigente.

If you are walking through the streets of an Italian city, you might not hear a teenager scream vigente to their friend, but you will definitely see it on signs. One of the most common places is on public transport or near historical monuments. Signs saying 'Secondo la normativa vigente, è vietato fumare' (According to current regulations, smoking is prohibited) are ubiquitous. Here, 'vigente' serves as the 'teeth' of the sign, indicating that the prohibition isn't just a suggestion—it's the law.

The News and Media: Journalists on TG1 or reading for 'Corriere della Sera' use this word constantly. When the government proposes a new law, the media will compare it to the 'legge vigente.' This helps the public understand what is changing and what the current status quo is.

Il Ministro ha dichiarato che la normativa vigente è insufficiente.

In professional environments, particularly in HR or accounting, 'vigente' is the bread and butter of daily communication. An HR manager might send an email about the 'CCNL vigente' (the current national collective labor agreement). This is a vital piece of information because it determines salaries, holidays, and rights. Using 'vigente' here ensures everyone knows they are looking at the most updated version of the agreement.

Public Offices (Anagrafe, Questura): When dealing with Italian bureaucracy (the 'burocrazia'), you will hear officials refer to 'disposizioni vigenti.' If you are applying for a permit or a document, they might say, 'Dobbiamo seguire le procedure vigenti.' It’s a way of saying, 'My hands are tied; these are the current rules.'

Le tariffe vigenti per il passaporto sono aumentate.

You will also encounter it in the world of sports. If a player is disqualified, the sports judge will cite the 'codice di giustizia sportiva vigente.' In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the word 'vigente' became a household term, as Italians checked the news daily for the 'misure vigenti' (current measures) regarding lockdowns and masks. It transitioned from a purely legal term to a word that dictated daily life for everyone.

Finally, in academic lectures—especially in Law or Political Science—professors use 'vigente' to distinguish between 'de jure condito' (the law as it exists/vigente) and 'de jure condendo' (the law as it should be). It is a marker of intellectual rigor. If you use it in an Italian university exam, you will instantly sound more prepared and professional.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with vigente is using it as a direct substitute for 'current' in all situations. While 'vigente' means current, it is restricted to the realm of rules and laws. You cannot use it to describe people, weather, or temporary states of being.

Mistake: Using it for People: Incorrect: 'Il presidente vigente.' Correct: 'Il presidente in carica' or 'Il presidente attuale.' 'Vigente' is for the office or the rules of the presidency, not the person holding it.

Wrong: Il tempo vigente è brutto. Correct: Il tempo attuale è brutto.

Another common error is confusing vigente with vivente (living). Because they sound similar and both come from Latin verbs related to being active/alive, learners sometimes swap them. 'Il codice vivente' would mean 'the living code' (perhaps a metaphor), while 'il codice vigente' means 'the code in force.' Stick to 'vigente' for documents and 'vivente' for biological entities.

Agreement Errors: Since 'vigente' ends in '-e', some learners forget to change it to '-i' for plurals. They might say 'le leggi vigente' instead of 'le leggi vigenti.' Always remember that '-e' adjectives are gender-neutral but plural-sensitive.

A subtle mistake is using 'vigente' when 'valido' (valid) is more appropriate. While a law is 'vigente,' an individual ticket or a passport is 'valido.' You wouldn't say 'il mio biglietto è vigente'; you would say 'il mio biglietto è valido.' 'Vigente' refers to the general rule, 'valido' refers to the specific instance or document's usability.

Overuse in Casual Speech: Using 'vigente' when talking about house rules or games with friends can sound overly dramatic or sarcastic. Unless you're joking about the 'vigente regolamento della cucina' (the current kitchen regulations), use 'regole attuali' or 'regole di adesso.'

Context matters: In a courtroom, say vigente. At a dinner party, say 'quello che si fa di solito'.

Finally, avoid the redundant 'attualmente vigente.' Since 'vigente' already implies 'now,' adding 'attualmente' is like saying 'currently current.' While you might see it in some bureaucratic tautologies, it's better style to just use 'vigente' on its own.

While vigente is a powerful and specific word, Italian offers several alternatives depending on the nuance you want to convey. Knowing these will help you avoid repetition and choose the exact right tone for your writing.

In Vigore: This is the most common synonym. It’s a prepositional phrase rather than an adjective. While 'la legge vigente' is the subject, you might say 'la legge è in vigore' as a predicate. It’s slightly less formal than 'vigente' but still very standard.
Attuale: Broadly means 'current.' Use this for situations, fashions, or people. 'L'attuale situazione politica' is correct, whereas 'la vigente situazione politica' sounds slightly odd because a situation isn't a law.
Valido: Means 'valid.' Use this for specific objects like tickets, passports, or offers. 'L'offerta è valida fino a domani.' A law can be 'valida' (legally sound), but 'vigente' specifically means it is currently the law of the land.

Comparison: La legge vigente (The current law) vs. Una legge valida (A legally sound law).

In more literary or archaic contexts, you might encounter imperante (prevailing/ruling). While 'vigente' is neutral and legal, 'imperante' suggests a sense of dominance or widespread influence. 'La mentalità imperante' refers to the prevailing mindset of a time. You wouldn't use 'vigente' for a mindset.

Corrente: Often used for 'running' things like months (il mese corrente) or accounts (conto corrente). It lacks the legal 'force' of 'vigente' and is used more for time-tracking.

When you want to emphasize that something is still going on without interruption, you might use sussistente (existing/subsisting). This is very formal and often used in philosophical or high-level legal arguments to denote the continued existence of a condition or fact.

Nonostante le riforme, il problema rimane sussistente.

Choosing between these words depends on whether you are describing a law (vigente), a time (attuale/corrente), a specific document (valido), or a dominant idea (imperante). 'Vigente' is your sharpest tool for anything involving 'The Rules.'

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"La normativa vigente non contempla tale fattispecie."

Neutral

"Dobbiamo seguire le regole vigenti."

Informal

"Queste sono le regole vigenti qui, rassegnati!"

Child friendly

"Queste sono le regole di adesso per il gioco."

Slang

"Non c'è nulla di vigente in questo posto, è un caos!"

Fun Fact

The word is a 'cousin' to the English word 'vigorous'. While 'vigorous' describes a person with lots of energy, 'vigente' describes a law with lots of legal 'energy' (force).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /viˈdʒɛnte/

US /viˈdʒɛnte/

Second syllable (vi-GEN-te)

Rhymes With

agente presente urgente mitente dolente ponente solvente serpente

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'g' hard like in 'go' (it should be soft like 'j').
Pronouncing the final 'e' like 'ay' or 'ee' (it should be a short Italian 'e').
Stressing the first syllable (VI-gente).
Confusing the spelling with 'vigante' or 'vigente' with double 'g'.
Mumbling the 'n' before the 't'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in newspapers and signs, but formal.

Writing 7/5

Requires knowledge of formal register to use naturally.

Speaking 8/5

Rare in casual speech; mostly used in professional contexts.

Listening 5/5

Easy to recognize once you know the word 'vigore'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

legge regola ora valido vigore

Learn Next

abrogare normativa disposizione decreto attuazione

Advanced

previgente vigenza giurisprudenza ordinamento fattispecie

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -e

Vigente (singular), Vigenti (plural). No gender change.

Adjective placement after the noun

La legge vigente (standard) vs La vigente legge (very formal).

Agreement with collective nouns

La normativa (singular) vigente.

Use of 'in' with 'vigore'

Entrare in vigore (to come into force).

Prepositional phrases for 'according to'

In base alla / Secondo la / Ai sensi della normativa vigente.

Examples by Level

Leggi il regolamento vigente.

Read the current regulation.

Regolamento is masculine singular, vigente ends in -e.

Le tariffe vigenti sono scritte qui.

The current rates are written here.

Tariffe is feminine plural, so vigente becomes vigenti.

Questa è la legge vigente.

This is the current law.

Legge is feminine singular, vigente remains the same.

Segui le norme vigenti.

Follow the current norms.

Norme is feminine plural, so vigenti is used.

Il prezzo vigente è dieci euro.

The current price is ten euros.

Prezzo is masculine singular.

Dov'è il testo vigente?

Where is the current text?

Testo is masculine singular.

Il sistema vigente è semplice.

The current system is simple.

Sistema is masculine singular (Greek origin ending in -a).

Usa il modulo vigente.

Use the current form.

Modulo is masculine singular.

Non conosco la normativa vigente.

I don't know the current regulations.

Normativa is a collective noun for rules.

Il contratto vigente scade a maggio.

The current contract expires in May.

Contratto is masculine singular.

Le leggi vigenti sono molto chiare.

The current laws are very clear.

Plural agreement: leggi + vigenti.

Dobbiamo cambiare il piano vigente.

We must change the current plan.

Piano is masculine singular.

Il regolamento vigente vieta di fumare.

The current regulation prohibits smoking.

The verb 'vietare' takes 'di' before an infinitive.

Quali sono le tariffe vigenti per il treno?

What are the current rates for the train?

Interrogative 'quali' for plural.

Il codice vigente è quello del 2020.

The current code is the one from 2020.

Codice is masculine singular.

Rispettiamo le disposizioni vigenti.

We respect the current provisions.

Disposizioni is feminine plural.

In base alla legge vigente, non puoi farlo.

Based on the current law, you cannot do it.

'In base a' is a common prepositional phrase.

Il governo vuole modificare la normativa vigente.

The government wants to modify the current regulations.

'Modificare' is a formal synonym for 'cambiare'.

Le condizioni vigenti sono scritte nel contratto.

The current conditions are written in the contract.

Condizioni is feminine plural.

Dobbiamo adattarci alle regole vigenti.

We must adapt to the current rules.

'Adattarsi a' requires the preposition 'a'.

Il prezzo vigente include l'IVA.

The current price includes VAT.

IVA is the Italian VAT.

Bisogna consultare il testo unico vigente.

It is necessary to consult the current consolidated text.

'Testo unico' is a legal term for a consolidated act.

Le procedure vigenti sono troppo lente.

The current procedures are too slow.

Procedure is feminine plural.

L'accordo vigente scadrà tra due anni.

The current agreement will expire in two years.

Future tense 'scadrà'.

L'azienda opera nel rispetto della legislazione vigente.

The company operates in compliance with current legislation.

'Nel rispetto di' means 'in compliance with'.

Le norme vigenti in materia di sicurezza sono rigide.

The current safety regulations are strict.

'In materia di' means 'regarding' or 'in the field of'.

Il regime fiscale vigente scoraggia gli investimenti.

The current tax regime discourages investments.

Regime is masculine singular.

Bisogna aggiornare il software secondo gli standard vigenti.

The software needs to be updated according to current standards.

Standard is an anglicism used in Italian, usually invariable.

Le tariffe vigenti non si applicano ai residenti.

The current rates do not apply to residents.

'Applicarsi a' is the reflexive form of the verb.

Il decreto vigente ha introdotto nuove restrizioni.

The current decree introduced new restrictions.

Decreto is a common legal term in Italy.

Le consuetudini vigenti variano da regione a regione.

Current customs vary from region to region.

Consuetudini means customs or habits.

Il quadro normativo vigente è in continua evoluzione.

The current regulatory framework is constantly evolving.

'Quadro normativo' is a high-level term for 'set of rules'.

L'abrogazione della legge ha rimosso il vincolo vigente.

The repeal of the law removed the existing constraint.

'Vincolo' refers to a legal tie or constraint.

È necessario un confronto tra il testo vigente e quello previgente.

A comparison between the current text and the previous one is necessary.

'Previgente' is the opposite of 'vigente' in legal terms.

La prassi vigente in tribunale non permette tali eccezioni.

The current practice in court does not allow such exceptions.

'Prassi' refers to established practice or procedure.

L'interpretazione della norma vigente spetta alla Cassazione.

The interpretation of the current rule is up to the Supreme Court.

'Spettare a' means 'to be the responsibility of'.

Il sistema di welfare vigente necessita di una riforma strutturale.

The current welfare system needs a structural reform.

Welfare is used as a loanword in Italian.

Le disposizioni vigenti in tema di privacy sono molto stringenti.

The current provisions on privacy are very stringent.

'In tema di' is a formal alternative to 'riguardo a'.

Si rimanda alla legislazione vigente per ulteriori dettagli.

Reference is made to current legislation for further details.

'Rimandare a' is often used in formal writing to refer to another source.

L'efficacia della misura vigente è stata messa in discussione.

The effectiveness of the current measure has been questioned.

'Mettere in discussione' is an idiom for 'to challenge' or 'to question'.

Il giurista ha analizzato le aporie insite nella normativa vigente.

The jurist analyzed the inherent contradictions in the current regulations.

'Aporia' is a philosophical/legal term for an insoluble contradiction.

La vigenza della norma è subordinata alla sua pubblicazione in Gazzetta.

The validity of the rule is subject to its publication in the Official Gazette.

'Vigenza' is the noun form of 'vigente'.

Si osserva una discrasia tra il dettato vigente e la realtà sociale.

A discrepancy is observed between the current wording and social reality.

'Dettato' here means the literal text or wording of a law.

L'assetto istituzionale vigente riflette gli equilibri del dopoguerra.

The current institutional framework reflects post-war balances.

'Assetto' refers to the layout or structure.

Non si può prescindere dal quadro regolamentare vigente.

One cannot disregard the current regulatory framework.

'Prescindere da' means 'to set aside' or 'to disregard'.

La metamorfosi del diritto vigente è accelerata dalla globalizzazione.

The metamorphosis of current law is accelerated by globalization.

Metamorfosi is feminine singular.

Il regime di prorogatio mantiene vigente l'organo oltre la scadenza.

The 'prorogatio' regime keeps the body active beyond the deadline.

'Prorogatio' is a Latin legal term used in Italian.

L'ordinamento vigente tutela i diritti fondamentali dell'individuo.

The current legal system protects the fundamental rights of the individual.

'Ordinamento' is the most comprehensive term for a legal system.

Common Collocations

normativa vigente

legge vigente

regolamento vigente

tariffe vigenti

testo vigente

sistema vigente

contratto vigente

disposizioni vigenti

prezzi vigenti

codice vigente

Common Phrases

Ai sensi della normativa vigente

— According to the current regulations. Used in very formal legal letters.

Ai sensi della normativa vigente, la sua richiesta è respinta.

Fino a nuova disposizione vigente

— Until a new regulation is in place. Used to indicate temporary rules.

L'ufficio resterà chiuso fino a nuova disposizione vigente.

Modificare lo status quo vigente

— To change the current state of affairs. Used in political analysis.

La riforma mira a modificare lo status quo vigente.

Secondo le leggi vigenti

— According to current laws. A standard disclaimer.

Il prodotto è garantito secondo le leggi vigenti.

In conformità con il regolamento vigente

— In compliance with current regulations.

Operiamo in conformità con il regolamento vigente.

Salvo modifiche alla normativa vigente

— Unless there are changes to current regulations.

L'evento si terrà, salvo modifiche alla normativa vigente.

Il quadro normativo vigente

— The current regulatory framework.

Il quadro normativo vigente è molto complesso.

Le tariffe vigenti al momento

— The rates current at the moment.

Si applicano le tariffe vigenti al momento dell'acquisto.

Rimanere vigente

— To remain in force.

La vecchia legge rimarrà vigente per altri sei mesi.

Rendere vigente

— To make something come into force (less common than 'far entrare in vigore').

Il decreto ha reso vigente la nuova tassa.

Often Confused With

vigente vs vivente

Means 'living' (biological). Use 'vigente' for laws, 'vivente' for people/animals.

vigente vs attuale

Means 'current' (general). 'Vigente' is specific to rules and laws.

vigente vs valido

Means 'valid.' A ticket is 'valido,' a law is 'vigente.'

Idioms & Expressions

"Vigente ma non applicata"

— Refers to a law that technically exists but is ignored by everyone. Common in Italian political critiques.

Quella è una legge vigente ma non applicata.

Formal/Critical

"Lettera morta"

— The opposite of vigente; a law that exists on paper but has no effect.

Senza sanzioni, la legge resta lettera morta.

Neutral

"Legge della giungla"

— Not 'vigente' in a legal sense, but used to describe a place without rules.

Qui vige la legge della giungla.

Informal

"Vige il silenzio"

— Used to say that silence is the rule in a certain place.

In biblioteca vige il silenzio assoluto.

Neutral

"Vige l'obbligo di..."

— It is mandatory to... (using the verb form).

Vige l'obbligo di indossare il casco.

Formal

"Forza vigente"

— The actual power or force of a current rule.

La forza vigente del decreto è immediata.

Legal

"Diritto vigente"

— Positive law; the law as it is actually practiced.

Studiamo il diritto vigente, non quello romano.

Academic

"Consuetudine vigente"

— A custom that is still active and followed.

È una consuetudine vigente in questa azienda.

Formal

"Regola vigente"

— The current rule.

La regola vigente è uguale per tutti.

Neutral

"Patti vigenti"

— Current agreements.

Dobbiamo rispettare i patti vigenti.

Formal

Easily Confused

vigente vs vivente

Similar sound and both come from participles.

Vivente refers to life; vigente refers to legal force. You say 'lingua vivente' (living language) but 'legge vigente' (current law).

L'autore è il più grande scrittore vivente.

vigente vs veggente

Similar sound.

Veggente means a 'seer' or 'clairvoyant.' It has nothing to do with laws.

La veggente ha predetto il futuro.

vigente vs urgente

Rhyming ending.

Urgente means 'urgent' or 'pressing.'

Ho bisogno di un aiuto urgente.

vigente vs agente

Rhyming ending.

Agente means 'agent' or 'officer.'

L'agente di polizia ha fermato l'auto.

vigente vs dirigente

Rhyming ending.

Dirigente means 'manager' or 'executive' (person).

Il dirigente ha firmato il documento.

Sentence Patterns

La [Noun] vigente è [Adjective].

La legge vigente è chiara.

Secondo la [Noun] vigente, [Clause].

Secondo la normativa vigente, non si può fumare.

Bisogna rispettare le [Noun Plural] vigenti.

Bisogna rispettare le norme vigenti.

Il/La [Noun] vigente scade il [Date].

Il contratto vigente scade il 31 dicembre.

In base al [Noun] vigente, [Clause].

In base al regolamento vigente, l'accesso è limitato.

L'analisi della [Noun] vigente rivela che [Clause].

L'analisi della normativa vigente rivela che ci sono delle lacune.

Si rimanda alla [Noun] vigente per [Noun].

Si rimanda alla legislazione vigente per ulteriori chiarimenti.

La vigenza della [Noun] è messa in crisi da [Noun].

La vigenza della norma è messa in crisi dalla nuova sentenza.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in formal/written Italian; Moderate in spoken Italian.

Common Mistakes

Il presidente vigente → Il presidente in carica
Vigente is for laws and rules, not for people holding a position.
Le leggi vigente → Le leggi vigenti
Adjectives ending in -e must change to -i in the plural.
La moda vigente → La moda attuale
Fashion is a trend, not a law, so 'attuale' is more appropriate than 'vigente.'
Un animale vigente → Un animale vivente
Confusing 'vigente' (in force) with 'vivente' (living).
Attualmente vigente → Vigente
While not strictly wrong, it is redundant and considered poor style in formal writing.

Tips

Adjective Agreement

Remember that 'vigente' changes to 'vigenti' in the plural, regardless of the gender of the noun. Don't say 'le leggi vigente'!

Vigente vs. Attuale

Use 'vigente' for laws and rules; use 'attuale' for everything else like situations, people, or fashion.

Sound Professional

Using 'vigente' in a formal email to an Italian company will instantly make your Italian sound more professional and high-level.

Bureaucracy Buddy

When you see 'vigente' on a form, it's telling you which rules apply to you right now. Pay close attention to the nouns next to it.

The 'V' Rule

Vigente = Valid. If it starts with V, it's about the law being active. Think of 'Vigorous Law'.

Stress it Right

Always stress the second-to-last syllable: vi-GEN-te. Pronouncing it correctly helps natives understand you better in formal settings.

News Keyword

Listen for this word during Italian news broadcasts about the 'Consiglio dei Ministri.' It's a key word for new laws.

Avoid Tautology

Don't write 'attualmente vigente.' It's redundant. Just 'vigente' is enough to mean 'currently in force.'

Italian Law

In Italy, laws are often updated. 'Vigente' helps you identify the most recent version of a law (the 'testo vigente').

Previgente

If you want to talk about the old law that was replaced, use the word 'previgente.' It's the perfect academic partner for 'vigente.'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Vigente' as 'Valid' + 'Gentle' (though laws aren't always gentle!). Or focus on the 'V' for 'Valid' and 'Force'.

Visual Association

Imagine a law book with a green 'ON' light glowing on the cover. That light is the 'vigente' status.

Word Web

Legge Norma Regolamento In vigore Attuale Valido Abrogato Vigenza

Challenge

Try to find one sign in an Italian public space (online or in person) that uses the word 'vigente'. Write down the full sentence.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'vigens, vigentis', which is the present participle of the verb 'vigere'.

Original meaning: To be lively, to thrive, to be strong, or to be in bloom.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it correctly shows respect for Italian administrative processes.

English speakers often just say 'current' or 'in force.' 'Vigente' is more common in Italian than 'vigente' is in English (where it's very rare outside of high-level legal contexts).

Gazzetta Ufficiale (The official journal where 'vigenza' begins). Codice Civile (The primary source of many 'norme vigenti'). Costituzione Italiana (The supreme 'legge vigente').

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal Documents

In conformità alla legge vigente
Salva la normativa vigente
Il testo vigente dell'articolo
Ai sensi delle disposizioni vigenti

Public Administration

Le tariffe vigenti
Il regolamento vigente
Le procedure vigenti
I moduli vigenti

Business/Contracts

Il contratto vigente
Le clausole vigenti
Il listino prezzi vigente
Gli accordi vigenti

News/Politics

Modificare la legge vigente
Confronto con la norma vigente
Il sistema fiscale vigente
Le restrizioni vigenti

Signs/Notices

Secondo la normativa vigente
Prezzi vigenti
Orari vigenti
Divieti vigenti

Conversation Starters

"Pensi che la legge vigente sulla privacy sia troppo severa?"

"Quali sono le tariffe vigenti per l'abbonamento dell'autobus?"

"Dobbiamo aggiornare il nostro contratto in base alla normativa vigente."

"Il regolamento vigente in questo ufficio è molto rigido, non trovi?"

"Sai se questo vecchio modulo è ancora vigente o se è cambiato?"

Journal Prompts

Descrivi una legge vigente nel tuo paese che vorresti cambiare e spiega il perché.

Rifletti su come le norme vigenti durante la pandemia hanno cambiato le tue abitudini quotidiane.

Pensi che il sistema educativo vigente sia adatto alle sfide del futuro? Scrivi le tue considerazioni.

Immagina di dover creare un nuovo regolamento vigente per una comunità ideale. Quali sarebbero le prime tre regole?

Hai mai avuto problemi con la burocrazia a causa di una norma vigente poco chiara? Racconta la tua esperienza.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'vigente' is only for laws, rules, and official rates. For the weather, use 'attuale' or 'di adesso.' Example: 'Il tempo attuale è piovoso.'

It is both! Adjectives ending in -e in Italian do not change for gender. 'Il decreto vigente' (masc) and 'la legge vigente' (fem) use the same form.

The plural is 'vigenti' for both masculine and feminine nouns. Example: 'I decreti vigenti' and 'le leggi vigenti.'

'In vigore' is a bit more common in spoken Italian and as a predicate (after the verb 'to be'). 'Vigente' is more common as an adjective directly after the noun in formal writing. Both are correct.

Not exactly. 'Valido' means a specific item (like a ticket) can be used. 'Vigente' means a general law is active for everyone. A law can be 'vigente' but your specific permit might not be 'valido' anymore.

Yes, very common on signs, in the news, and in any official document. You will see it everywhere in Italian cities.

No. For a person in office, use 'in carica.' Example: 'Il sindaco in carica' (the current mayor).

The most common legal opposite is 'abrogato' (repealed). You can also use 'superato' (outdated) or 'non più in vigore.'

Yes, because it belongs to a formal register and requires precise usage. However, even beginners should recognize it on signs.

Yes, 'prezzi vigenti' or 'tariffe vigenti' is the standard way to say 'current prices' in a formal context like a museum or a bus station.