A couple of years ago, we wrote about the famous Fat Thursday in Poland. But really, Fat Thursday only makes up a fraction of a larger holiday season: Ostatki. In this article, we’ll give you a more detailed look at the end-of-Carnival festivities in Poland, from Fat Thursday to the following Fat Tuesday. 

And yes, there are even more donuts involved. 😉

1. What is Ostatki?

The Polish celebration of Ostatki takes place during the final few days leading up to Środa Popielcowa (Ash Wednesday), which is the beginning of Lent. Because Lent is a forty-day post (fast) for practicing Catholics, the days of Ostatki are taken advantage of as a time to overeat, indulge, and just bawić się (have fun). That said, there is no official religion in Poland and the country is known for its secularism, despite having a large Catholic population. Even those not affiliated with the religion can—and do—participate whole-heartedly. 

Let’s clear the air on a topic of some confusion before diving in…

Fat Thursday vs. Fat Tuesday

Because these two holidays have such similar names, many people who are unfamiliar with the celebrations get the two confused. Both days are a part of Ostatki, and the traditions associated with them are very similar. 

Fat Thursday (often called Donut Day) marks the first day of Ostatki. The following week, Fat Tuesday (also called Shrove Tuesday or Śledzik) marks its final day. As you might imagine, these are the two most widely celebrated days of the Ostatki season. 

2. When is Ostatki This Year?

The dates of Ostatki change each year according to the dates of Lent and Easter. Here’s an overview of its start and end dates for the next ten years. 

• 2021: February 11 – February 16
• 2022: February 24 – March 1 
• 2023: February 16 – February 21
• 2024: February 8 – February 13
• 2025: February 27 – March 4
• 2026: February 12 – February 17
• 2027: February 4 – February 9
• 2028: February 24 – February 29
• 2029: February 8 – February 13
• 2030: February 28 – March 5

3. Ostatki: A Food-Lover’s Paradise

As mentioned, Ostatki begins on Fat Thursday and ends a few days later on Fat Tuesday. These two days have the most festive celebrations, though there are plenty of activities and much fun to be had in-between as well! 

Fat Thursday in Poland means one thing: donuts, and plenty of them! This is the first day of indulgence before the long period of Lenten wstrzemięźliwość (abstinence), so Poles make a point of enjoying their delightful pączki donuts while they still can. According to tradition, the donuts are not only a decadent treat to be savored, but also a way of warding off bad luck or ill fortune in the coming year. 

Starting from Fat Thursday, people all over Poland take advantage of the several days before Lent to really enjoy themselves. While most Poles still need to work or go to school on these days, it’s not uncommon for bosses, colleagues, teachers, or fellow students to bring pączki with them for others to enjoy. In addition to donuts, people tend to indulge in other fatty or sugary foods as well as alcohol. Another popular sweet on this day is angel wings. 

On Fat Tuesday, the celebrations reach their climax as this is the final day before Lent begins. Polish Shrove Tuesday traditions are similar to those of Fat Thursday, but in addition to gorging on donuts, many families enjoy a nice dinner together and celebrations outside the home are more lively. 

→ See our Culture Class lesson on Polish Sweets for more detailed information on some of the nation’s favorite treats.

Throughout Ostatki, many Poles enjoy events such as maskarady (masquerades) and may even attend a bal (ball). Events like these are popular even outside of Poland, in regions that have large Polish communities. Those attending will be dressed up in costumes, usually masquerade-style, and will have the opportunity to eat lots of good traditional foods and alcoholic beverages. 

4. A Brief Pączki History 

Unsurprisingly, one of the most iconic Polish foods is also one that’s been around for quite a while. The Polish began making and consuming pączki in the Middle Ages as a way of using up any remaining perishables (such as butter and eggs) before the Lent fast. In fact, Ostatki translates to “leftovers,” referring to the use of leftover food items. 

Do you know the origin of your favorite sweet treat? 

5. Vocabulary You Should Know for Ostatki in Poland

Here are a few words and phrases you should know before your first Ostatki celebration! 

• Karnawał (Carnival) – noun, masculine
• Środa Popielcowa (Ash Wednesday) – proper noun, feminine
• Wstrzemięźliwość (Abstinence) – noun, feminine
• Bawić się (Have fun) – verb
• Śledzik (Shrove Tuesday) – proper noun, masculine
• Huczny (Rollicking) – adjective
• Radość (Joy) – noun, feminine
• Post (Fast) – noun, maculine
• Maskarada (Masquerade) – noun, feminine
• Kultura ludowa (Folk culture) – proper noun, feminine
• Bal (Ball) – noun, masculine

If you want to practice your pronunciation, you can also visit our Ostatki vocabulary list which has audio recordings of each word’s pronunciation for you to practice along with. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you have a wicked sweet tooth, a penchant for alcohol consumption, or are simply enthralled with Polish culture, Ostatki is a can’t-miss event. We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new to motivate your further studies! 

If you would like to visit Poland in the near future or dive deeper into the culture for the sake of your language studies, you can visit the following pages on PolishPod101.com:

• Święto Trzech Króli: Celebrating Epiphany in Poland
• How to Celebrate Nicolaus Copernicus’ Birthday in Poland
• Barborka: Miner’s Day & St. Barbara’s Day in Poland
• Warsaw Uprising Day: Remembering the Warsaw Uprising
• PolishPod101’s Essential Polish Travel Phrase Guide

If you’re serious about your Polish studies and would like a fun yet effective approach to maximize your efforts, create your free lifetime account on PolishPod101.com today. We provide numerous audio and video lessons on a range of topics for learners at every level, in addition to free vocabulary lists, a Polish-English dictionary, and spaced repetition flashcards. Better still, you’ll always have the support of our native Polish-speaking teachers and your fellow students. 

Happy learning from the PolishPod101 team! Enjoy a donut for us. 😉

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Subscribe to Posted by PolishPod101.com in Feature Spotlight, Learn Polish, Polish Language, Polish Online, Site Features, Speak Polish, Team PolishPod101 | Comment

There’s no need to convince anyone that Poland has had a colorful history. For more than a thousand years, from its legendary beginnings to the most recent events, the fate of our country has been very diverse. There were times when Poland, united in a union with Lithuania, was a power that other countries had to reckon with. But, let’s be honest, that was a very long time ago. Newer history has been much less gracious to Poland, and as a result, the country ceased to exist for over 120 years!

In this article, you’ll learn some Polish Independence Day history, and how Poles today celebrate! At PolishPod101.com, we aim to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative!

1. What is Polish Independence Day?

1- The Regaining of Independence

From 1772 on, Poland fell victim to attacks from three countries—Russia, Prussia and Austria—which resulted in three partitions of Poland. The end result was the seizure of all Polish lands and the disappearance of Poland from the map of Europe for 123 years. Thanks to steadfastness, patriotism, and a never-ending battle, the Poles finally regained their independence, with the great contribution of Marshal Józef Piłsudski.

Regaining its independence at the beginning of the twentieth century after such a long time was a really big event; after all, all the people who remembered Poland from before servitude times were long dead. You must be thinking that in such circumstances, the Independence Regaining Holiday must be the most joyous day of the year for Polish? Nothing of the sort.

While the regaining of independence in itself is joyous, Poles can never forget all the lives that were lost in their fight for it.

2- Holiday History

Though Polish Independence Day was officially established in 1937, it was only celebrated twice before the outbreak of WWII.

From 1939 to 1944, during the war and Nazi occupation, everything that was Polish was destroyed, and any displays of Polish culture were also forbidden. Likewise, in the following years, when Poland was under the control of the USSR, all patriotic demonstrations were suppressed. Finally, after the fall of communism, this holiday was restored in 1989 and is celebrated to this day.

2. When is Independence Day in Poland?

Each year, Poland celebrates its independence on November 11. While the regaining of Poland’s independence obviously took much longer a day, Józef Pilsudski chose this date as the day of celebration.

3. Polish Independence Day Celebrations

For Polish Independence Day, Warsaw has some of the biggest celebrations, mostly on Pilsudski Square and by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a ceremonial changing of the guard always takes place. On Polish Independence Day, November 11, Polish flags are hung up everywhere; on buildings, and on special flag poles.

In Warsaw and other major cities, marches, parades, and political speeches are organized. For those who are not interested in lofty speeches or assemblies, other events are also organized, which aim at uniting Poles.

One of the most interesting Polish Independence Day traditions is the Warsaw Independence Run, which in 2012 registered a record number of participants, over 7,000. Each participant receives a medal and a certificate to say they completed the race. At the start, all the runners make the formation of a living Polish flag, which is an amazing sight.

4. Curl the Mustache?

What does the Warsaw marathon code phrase “Run straight, curl the mustache,” mean?

This is a playful form of respect and affection for Polish history, in which Józef Pilsudski played a big part, greatly contributing to Polish’s victory in restoring its independence, among other things. Marathon participants, who follow in Pilsudski’s footsteps by growing or sticking on a fake distinctive mustache, get a chance to win great prizes.

5. Essential Vocabulary for Polish Independence Day

Here’s some vocabulary you need to know for Independence Day in Poland!

• I Wojna Światowa — World War I
• Odzyskać niepodległość — Regain independence
• Uroczyste obchody — Celebration
• Hymn — Anthem
• Godło — Emblem
• Okupacja — Occupation
• Suwerenność — Sovereignty
• Rozbiór — Partition
• Zabór — Annexation
• Państwo — State
• Stolica — Capital

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to visit our Polish Independence Day vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed learning about Polish Independence Day with us. Did you learn any new Polish Independence Day facts? How does your country celebrate its Independence Day? We look forward to hearing from you!

Learning about a country’s culture and history may be the most rewarding and enriching aspect of trying to master its language. If more Polish cultural information is what you’re after, you may find the following pages interesting:

• Warsaw Uprising Day: Remembering the Warsaw Uprising
• Tłusty Czwartek in Poland: How to Celebrate Polish Donut Day
• Top 20 Words You’ll Need for the Internet
• Tourist Attractions in Poland
• Should You Study Polish at Home or Abroad?

We know that learning a new language is a monumental task, but you can do it! And PolishPod101.com will be here with constant support and tons of essential learning materials, every step of the way. Create a free lifetime account today, and learn Polish effectively!

Happy Polish Independence Day!

When learning a foreign language, familiarizing yourself with the key vocabulary and grammar points is important. But there’s more to communication than speaking! 

Body language is equally important.

In this article, you’ll learn the most popular ways to express yourself nonverbally in Polish society. We’ll introduce you to several Polish gestures and facial expressions you should remember for your upcoming visit or move.

1. Body Postures
2. Hand Gestures
3. Facial Expressions
4. The Air Kiss
5. Final Thoughts

1. Body Postures 

In general, body language in Polish culture is similar to that of other European cultures. For instance, Poles and other Europeans express things like agreeing and disagreeing using the same head gestures. That said, there are certain postures and gestures that are quite specific to Poland. 

A- Expressing Impatience

Polish people occasionally express impatience or say “I told you so,” by putting their hands on their hips. This body posture exists in other countries too, but sometimes it expresses other feelings. 

B- Slavic Squat

A Slavic or Slav squat isn’t an exclusively Polish body posture. In fact, it’s known in all of Eastern Europe. Polish people sometimes squat when waiting for something or having a cigarette. 

C- Ladies First

In Poland, it’s still common to see a man bowing slightly and showing a woman with a hand gesture that she should go first. It’s worth mentioning that some people consider “ladies first” to be chivalrous, but other people don’t like it and consider it sexist.

Speaking of, do you know what good Polish manners are? Click on the link to find out!

2. Hand Gestures

Poles use a lot of internationally known gestures such as “okay” or “thumbs-up.” There are also many Polish hand gestures that are specific to this culture. 

A- The Kozakiewicz Gesture

Information and visuals about bras d’honneur

The Kozakiewicz gesture is one of the most offensive Polish gestures, and at the same time, one of the most well-known ones. It’s known as bras d’honneur in other countries, and it’s equivalent to the middle finger gesture. Be careful about using it, because people will very likely get angry with you!

The origins of its Polish name are quite interesting. The gesture was named after a Polish athlete, Władysław Kozakiewicz, who won in pole-vaulting during the Olympics in Moscow. He and other athletes from outside of the Soviet Union were booed by the audience due to political tensions. When he won the competition, he showed them this exact gesture in triumph.

You can learn more about Polish icons, including sports icons, in one of our lessons. 

B- The Middle Finger

Another popular offensive Polish gesture is the middle finger. Polish people watch international TV and that’s how the hand gesture made its way into Polish culture. Initially, it was mostly young people who used it.

When someone shows someone the middle finger, we refer to it in Polish as pokazać faka. It’s definitely just as rude and offensive in Poland as it is anywhere else in the world. 

C- Respect!

Tapping one’s chest with a fist is a gesture of respect and is often used to express a feeling of having bonded with someone. This gesture is mostly used by young people. It can sometimes be meant jokingly or ironically. 

D- Fist Bumping

Young Poles often bump fists to say hello or to agree on something. They call it przybić żółwika, which loosely translates as “to seal a turtle.” Click on the link to learn more about Polish greetings among young people. 

E- Counting

Like other Europeans, Poles count on their fingers starting with their thumb. 

F- As Improbable as a Cactus on My Palm

When Polish people think something is improbable or difficult to believe, they say: Prędzej mi kaktus na dłoni wyrośnie. (It’s more probable that a cactus will grow on my hand.) Sometimes when they say it, they also point with one hand to an open, upward-facing hand to show where a cactus could potentially grow.

By the way, do you know the names of other important plants in Polish?

G- The Carrot Peeling Gesture

When Polish people want to mock or tease someone, they make the carrot peeling gesture. It’s also used to show someone that you’re the person who’s right about something.

The gesture looks exactly like peeling a carrot—the index finger of one hand is meant to be the carrot and the index finger of the other hand is like the peeler. 

This one is used very often by children, who say zyg, zyg, marchewka (zyg zyg carrot) as they do the gesture.  

H- Raising Your Hand

In Polish schools, children and teenagers raise their hands to get attention or to ask a teacher something. Polish people often put their index and middle fingers together when they do it. Later in life, they also use this gesture to indicate that they want to say something.  

Our school years are an important part of life. How are your marks in Polish school? Check out this lesson to learn about Polish plurals.  

I- Head Tapping

Poles tap their forehead with their index finger and say: Stuknij się w głowę! (Tap yourself on the head!) They use this slightly offensive Polish gesture when something or someone is particularly stupid or outragous. 

J- Neck Tapping

Another one of the most typical Polish gestures is that of tapping one’s neck. This gesture refers to being drunk, wanting to get drunk, or commenting on someone who’s drunk.

Do you know how to say “I like beer,” in Polish? Learn how to talk about your likes and dislikes before your first drinking escapade in Poland. 

K- The Fig Gesture

It’s time for the last hand gesture on our list. This is considered one of the more offensive Polish gestures, though whether it’s really offensive or not depends on the context. This gesture is called figa (fig) or figa z makiem (fig with poppyseed).

When Polish people insert their thumb between their index and middle finger in this gesture, it usually means that they don’t want to do something. Another situation in which it’s used is when someone is being clever, but what he hoped would happen didn’t. 

3. Facial Expressions

In general, Poles express emotions such as happiness, unhappiness, disappointment, and anger with internationally understood facial expressions. However, there are a few Polish facial expressions that are more particular to this country. 

A- Sticking Your Tongue Out

Making a funny face and sticking one’s tongue out can be used to show someone disrespect, as a joke, or to prove one’s point. This gesture is common in other countries, too.

The Polish twist is that children often reply to this facial expression by saying: Nie wystawiaj języka, bo Ci krowa nasika! (Don’t stick your tongue out or a cow will pee on it!)

If you don’t know other farm animal names, head over to our lesson on farm animals. They’re often mentioned in various sayings and proverbs. 

B- Cocking a Snook

(Photo by ‘michael ely’)

Another common facial expression in Poland is cocking a snook. It’s often used as a sign of mockery and is particularly popular among children. It can be accompanied by sticking one’s tongue out or by adding the other hand to make the “trumpet” longer. 

C- The Eyelid Pull

The eyelid pull is another facial expression that’s known in many places. In Poland, people also say the following phrase while doing it: Czy jedzie mi tu czołg? (Can you see a tank there?) Today, of course, tanks are just a part of Polish history.

This facial expression is used to show disbelief—and sometimes even annoyance—at the idea that someone thought we could believe something. It’s similar in meaning to one of the Polish hand gestures we mentioned earlier: the cactus on one’s palm gesture. 

4. The Air Kiss

There’s one last thing we should mention: the Polish air kiss. 

This greeting gesture is done when saying hello or goodbye to someone. To do this gesture, simply perform an air kiss next to someone’s cheek. Friends usually do one such “air kiss,” while family members more often do two.

You know what to do now, but do you know what to say when greeting people in Poland? Don’t forget to consult our lesson on basic Polish greetings.

5. Final Thoughts 

In this blog post, you’ve learned a lot about body postures and gestures in Poland. With this information, you’ll be able to understand Polish people better and communicate more like a native Pole.

Naturally, knowing the body language of Polish people isn’t enough to make you a fluent Polish speaker. You need to develop listening comprehension and speaking skills as well!

To see a difference in your Polish proficiency level, create an account on PolishPod101.com. You’ll get access to recordings and lessons that will increase your listening comprehension skills, while vocabulary and grammar lessons will help you speak and tell people what you want. Join us today! 

Learning a language is a long process, and achieving mastery requires a variety of resources and patience. While textbooks and other printed resources are a part of the process for many students, learning Polish this way can cause a person to sound overly formal.

If you want to speak the language like the locals do, it’s important to be able to use informal words and expressions too. In this article, PolishPod101 will introduce you to Polish internet slang words and phrases. Learning them will allow you to communicate with native speakers in a more relaxed and natural manner.

1. A Few Notes on Polish Internet Slang
2. Polish Internet Slang Phrases of English Origin
3. Abbreviations
4. How to Use Polish Internet Slang Phrases
5. Places to Study and Practice Polish Internet Slang
6. Final Thoughts

1. A Few Notes on Polish Internet Slang

Polish speakers, like speakers of any other language, are quite fond of their slang expressions. While many of these terms have not yet found their way into dictionaries, people use them all the same. As a learner of the language, you’ll find that studying Polish slang terms is an important step in better understanding Polish people and culture. 

Because the internet and social media have become such a large part of our lives, you’ll greatly benefit from picking up some Polish internet slang. The good news is that some of these expressions are similar (if not identical) to the ones you’d use in English! 

Slang of English origin is particularly popular in texting and when using other communications technologies. Polish people use a lot of slang when sending private text messages or commenting on internet forums, for example.

2. Polish Internet Slang Phrases of English Origin

As we’ve already mentioned, there are many English abbreviations and slang words that are used in Polish. This makes your job much easier! You simply need to brush up on the words you already know and work on memorizing the ones you don’t. 

Here’s a list of popular abbreviations used in Polish text slang and other terms for internet use. 

• Fanpage
  
  This one is occasionally spelled in a more Polish way as fanpejdż.

• LOL
  
  In Poland, we often pronounce this as “el-o-el.”

• Lol content
  
  This phrase is often spelled as lol kontent.
  
  Speaking of funny things…have you checked out our lesson on popular and funny idioms yet?

• Meme(s)
  
  This is often spelled and pronounced as mem(y).

• Troll
  
  The “r” is rolled when pronouncing this word in Polish.

• BTW
  
  
• Hater
  
  In Polish, it’s often spelled as hejter.

• LMAO
  
  Laughing is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Here are some idioms using the Polish verb “to laugh” (śmiać się)!
  
  
• IDK
  
  
• Afk
  
  
• OMG
  
  
• WTF
  
  
• ASAP
  
  This is a slang term, but it’s used in workplaces very often. Can you follow Polish instructions on the job?
  
  
• Thx 
  
  This is also spelled dzienx, from the Polish word dziękuje meaning “thank you.”
  
  Of course, there are other common ways of saying thank you in Polish.

• IMO
  
  It’s important to be able to talk about your likes and dislikes in Polish.
  
  
  
• Bae
  
  
• Selfie
  
  
• Hashtag
  
  
• Post
  
  
• xD

You can learn more about these abbreviations in the Wikipedia entry about Polish internet slang (“polski slang internetowy“).

Poles use emoticons in texting and internet communication the same way that English speakers do. The older generation is less inclined to use emoticons overall, and Polish people tend to use certain emoticons (such as hugs and kisses) less often than is typical of English speakers. Of course, these are only guidelines. A lot depends on the way a particular person likes to express themself.

It’s also worth remembering that many young Polish people are fluent in English. This group is more likely to use additional English abbreviations that are not necessarily used by all Poles. In this article, we’re focusing only on Polish slang expressions used by the general population.

3. Abbreviations

Polish slang, just like that of English, thrives on abbreviations. There are many frequently used Polish slang expressions that take the form of abbreviations, so you should definitely learn them. Here are the most common ones:

• Nw 
  • Nie wiem. (I don’t know.)
    
• Zw 
  • Zaraz wracam. (I’ll be right back.)
    
• Gz 
  • Gratz. / Gratki. (Congrats.)
    
• Ocb 
  • O co biega? (What’s up? / What’s this about?)
    
• Nmzc 
  • Nie ma za co. (You’re welcome.)
    
• Priv 
  • prywatna wiadomość (private message) – the English DM is also used
    
• Jj 
  • Już jestem. (I’m here.)

• Dzienx
  • Dziękuję. (Thanks.)

• Kc 
  • Kocham Cię. (I love you.)

There are at least three ways to say “I love you” in Polish. If you don’t know them, check out our article to find out what they are!

• Pzdr 
  • pozdrawiam (best / regards / cheers)
    
• K/kk
  • Okay
    

4. How to Use Polish Internet Slang Phrases

Knowing these Polish internet slang words is just half the battle. It’s great for you to be able to understand them, but you should also be able to use them yourself. You may be tempted to immediately start including them in your daily conversations, but it’s important that you know how to do it right.

For example, while younger people prefer emoticons and abbreviations over more ordinary words, this isn’t something that looks natural. If not used sparingly, such expressions can make you sound more—not less—artificial. Here are some tips you should keep in mind to avoid this problem: 

• Observe native speakers.
  
  Observing native speakers is the best way to study Polish internet slang. How do they communicate in the text messages they send you? What kind of expressions do you see? Make notes and try using them in the same way.
  
• Make sure you understand the meaning.

• While you may have seen an expression used in a certain way, it doesn’t mean that you know exactly when it’s appropriate to use. Don’t risk being misunderstood—or even offending someone—just because your interpretation of an expression or abbreviation is incorrect.

It’s always wise to verify the meaning of an expression with a native speaker, your PolishPod101 teacher, or even Google. You can also use a Polish internet slang dictionary (currently, the one we linked to here is only available in Polish).  

• Don’t force it.
  

If you don’t feel comfortable using slang expressions in Polish, don’t use them. Wait until they feel right. Don’t try to be cool if you’re not yet confident about your language skills.

5. Places to Study and Practice Polish Internet Slang

When you’re trying to learn about Polish text and internet slang, you should remember that such expressions become outdated quickly. That’s why you should keep communicating with Polish people and continue reading different forms of media where you’re likely to encounter slang. Here are some places you should visit:

• Facebook and social media
  
  Posts on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are a great place to learn the language as it’s spoken and written every day. You can follow celebrities, people you know, or influencers. You’ll definitely learn new internet slang terms in Polish this way.
  

Easy Polish videos

Easy Polish is a YouTube channel that allows you to listen to Polish people being interviewed on the streets of Poland. They speak in a natural way as their answers are not scripted and they don’t know what the questions are going to be beforehand. 

• Internet forums
  
  We all have different interests, but the internet is a place where everyone can find their own platform or community. Whether you’re a film geek, an avid reader, or a heavy metal fan, there’s a Polish-language forum for you. This would be a great place to practice your language skills and learn more about Polish internet slang.  

New technologies have definitely made life much easier for language learners. Do you know how to talk about technology in Polish, though? If not, don’t forget to visit the Polish internet cafe, too!

6. Final Thoughts

In this blog post, you’ve learned the most important Polish slang expressions used on the internet and in texting. You also know now which English abbreviations you can successfully use with Polish people as well as the meanings of some Polish abbreviations you may have already encountered. Last but not least, you’ve found out where you can learn about Polish internet slang to keep yourself up-to-date with this type of vocabulary. 

Do you feel better prepared for a texting or chat room conversation with Polish friends? How many of these phrases and abbreviations were new to you? We look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments!

As great as it is for you to learn about Polish text slang, this knowledge is not enough to help you actually speak the language. You’ll need a structured approach if you want to become truly fluent in the Polish language—and this is exactly what you can find with PolishPod101!

PolishPod101 is an innovative language learning tool that gives you access to hundreds upon hundreds of audio recordings and videos. You learn by listening to native speakers and studying the vocabulary discussed in each lesson. We can help you reach your goals regardless of your current proficiency level, thanks to our personalized pathways. 
Are you ready to improve your Polish? Create your free lifetime account today! 

Every language has certain words that are impossible to translate. Such words lack direct equivalents, which sometimes makes it difficult to explain all that they entail. Fortunately, it’s usually possible to express the same idea in a different language by using many words.  

As a Polish learner, you’ll receive a number of benefits from studying the most common untranslatable Polish words and phrases. Because many of these terms have idiomatic meanings related to Polish culture, learning them will help you sound more like a native speaker and broaden your view of the world.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to several Polish words that have no equivalents in English. Let us know which one is your favorite! 

Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

1. Byle Jak
2. Kolega / Koleżanka
3. Załatwić
4. Doba
5. Kombinować
6. Kilkanaście
7. Pogodnie
8. Smacznego
9. Kamienica
10. Popita
11. Final Thoughts

1. Byle Jak

Our list of Polish words with no English equivalent starts with the expression byle jak, which scores quite high when it comes to untranslatability. Here’s all you need to know about it: 

Knowing how to talk about your well-being is an important skill. Check out our lesson Are You Feeling Okay in Poland? to get a headstart! 

2. Kolega / Koleżanka

Two more essential untranslatable words in the Polish language are kolega (masculine) and koleżanka (feminine). 

All kinds of relationships are important in life, though defining friendship in Poland may prove difficult at times. You can gain more cultural insight by checking out our lesson Visiting a Polish Friend.

3. Załatwić

4. Doba

5. Kombinować

This is another Polish word with no English equivalent that dates back to Communist Poland. Take a look: 

6. Kilkanaście

While this untranslatable Polish word is certainly useful for guesstimating a number, it’s also important to learn how to count in this language. We recommend checking out the following lessons on PolishPod101.com:

• Counting 1-10 in Polish
• Counting 10-100 in Polish
• Counting 100-100,000 in Polish

7. Pogodnie

While this distinctive Polish word has no English equivalent, it’s rather similar to “a sunny disposition” or “pleasant weather,” depending on the context. 

The weather can really make or break your plans in Poland. Head over to our lesson What is the Polish Forecast Saying? to learn some weather-related terms and how to use the future tense. 

8. Smacznego

This beautiful untranslatable word in Polish is similar in meaning to expressions used in other languages, but it does have its own special nuance. 

Polish food can be very delicious. Do you know the top 5 Polish dishes?

9. Kamienica

Kamienica is another untranslatable word in Polish that has a lot to do with Polish culture and history. 

10. Popita

Now, let’s look at a word directly related to Polish drinking culture! 

There are many Polish alcoholic beverages you should try. Here’s a list of eight must-try Polish regional alcoholic drinks. 

11. Final Thoughts

There are many more untranslatable Polish phrases and words not covered in this article, as we just focused on the most important and common ones. Remembering the words from this list will help you understand Polish people better and give you the confidence you need to handle daily conversations while in Poland. Just imagine: You won’t have to ask your Polish friends or family for a lengthy explanation every time one of these words comes up! 

While it’s good to know untranslatable words, there is a lot more to language learning! If your goal is to be able to express yourself and understand others in Polish on any occasion, you have much more learning ahead of you.

Fortunately, there’s PolishPod101. It’s our goal to help you achieve your Polish learning goals in the fastest, easiest, and most fun way possible! With the help of our countless lessons, recordings, videos, and personalized functionalities, you’ll notice your Polish improving in no time. 

Don’t hesitate. 

Create your free lifetime account today!

Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

Watching Polish movies is a great way to supplement your language studies. This entertaining activity allows you to improve your listening skills, work on your vocabulary, and learn more about Polish culture. That said, not every movie will help you in the same way. 

In this blog post, we’ll enumerate ten Polish movies worth watching as a learner of the language. These are films that will both expose you to rich vocabulary and introduce you to the culture and society of Poland. Are you ready to learn Polish in a fun and relaxing way? Without further ado, here’s our Polish movies list for you!

1. Sexmission
2. A Short Movie About Love
3. The Killer
4. Gods
5. The Last Family
6. The Wedding
7. The Hater
8. How I Unleashed World War II
9. Teddy Bear
10. Day of the Wacko
11. Final Thoughts

1. Sexmission 

Sexmission (or Seksmisja) is a cult Polish comedy. This film, made in 1984, is about two men who decide to sacrifice for science and become the first hibernated humans. They wake up in a world ruled by women, and it turns out that they are the last two men left on the planet.  

This movie features a number of Polish stars, including Jerzy Stuhr, Olgierd Łukaszewicz, and Beata Tyszkiewicz. Watching this film will allow you to familiarize yourself with popular Polish faces as well as famous quotes that have made their way into mainstream conversations. Here are some examples: 

• Ciemność! Widzę ciemność. Ciemność widzę. – “Darkness! I see darkness. Darkness I see.”
• Dzień dobry, zastałem Jolkę? – “Good morning. Is Jolka here?”
• Nas? Bohaterów? Prądem?! – “Us? Heroes? With electric shocks?”

The movie also has some useful vocabulary for you. Here are a few of the words that are used often throughout the film:

• samiec – “male”
• płeć – “gender”
• hibernować – “to hibernate”
• zamrozić – “to freeze”
• eksperyment – “experiment”
• pigułka – “pill”

By the way, if you’d like to study more vocabulary related to natural science fields, PolishPod101 has you covered. 

2. A Short Movie About Love

A Short Movie About Love (Krótki film o miłości) is a full-length drama directed by famous Polish director Krzysztof Kieślowski.

A shorter version of this movie is part of a miniseries entitled The Decalogue, all of which is worth watching due to its use of everyday vocabulary as well as vocabulary related to various social issues. You can find many of these Polish movies online for free through legal channels.

A Short Movie About Love is a story about a young, inexperienced man who falls in love with an older woman. It features famous actress Grażyna Szapołowska and actor/director Olaf Lubaszenko. A lot of vocabulary in the movie is commonly used and relates to love and relationships: 

• kochać kogoś – “to love somebody”
• zakochać się – “to fall in love” 
• mieć obsesję – “to be obsessed”
  

Remember that as useful as it may be, watching movies alone won’t help you master a language. Discover other learning strategies with our lesson Romance and Love in Polish. 

3. The Killer 

The Killer (Kiler) is another Polish cult comedy. It was made in the late nineties but the person responsible for its success is the same man behind Sexmission, Juliusz Machulski. It also features famous Polish movie stars Cezary Pazura (dubbed as the Polish Jim Carrey), Jerzy Struhr (also in Sexmission), and Katarzyna Figura. 

The movie is about a taxi driver mistaken for an assassin. It’s full of funny misunderstandings and quotes that have made it to the mainstream. For example: 

300 dolarów? Co ja sobie za to kupię? Waciki? – “300 USD? What can I buy for it? Cotton pads?”

The Killer will teach you a lot of vocabulary about crime (and innocence) as well as vocabulary related to justice: 

• zabić – “to kill”
• niewinny – “innocent”
• nieporozumienie – “misunderstanding”
• policja – “police”
• więzienie – “prison”
• przestępca – “criminal”
  

Knowing vocabulary related to crime can be useful in emergency situations. Click on the link to learn how to say Help! and call the police in Polish.

4. Gods

Gods (Bogowie) tells the story of a world-famous cardiologist named Zbigniew Religa. The prominent doctor is played by Tomasz Kot, known for his role in the Polish Oscar-nominated movie Cold War. Gods became popular very quickly and there are many remarkable quotes from this movie, such as:

Polak Polakowi nawet porażki pozazdrości. – “A Pole may even be jealous of another Pole’s failure.”

The movie is very interesting on its own, but as a learner of the Polish language, you’ll also benefit from the medicine- and health-related vocabulary it introduces. The fact that it’s so relevant to everyday life makes it one of the best movies for learning the Polish language.

• lekarz – “doctor”
• pielęgniarka – “nurse”
• Panie doktorze! – the way to address a male doctor
• serce – “heart”
• operacja – “surgery”

Do you need to see a Polish doctor? Here are some useful phrases for calling the Polish doctor’s office. 

5. The Last Family

The Last Family (Ostatnia rodzina) tells the story of a famous Polish artist named Zdzisław Beksiński and his eccentric family. It features the famous actor Andrzej Seweryn and a young generation star, Dawid Ogrodnik.

The movie is very well-made and engaging. It also uses a lot of everyday vocabulary that you, as a learner, should know:

• rodzina – “family”
• syn – “son”
• mama – “mom”
• malarz – “painter”
• artysta – “artist”
   

Before you watch the movie, you may want to learn some other must-know terms for family members in Polish and some more phrases for when you’re in Poland at a family reunion. 

6. The Wedding

The Wedding (Wesele) is about a wedding that a rich small-town businessman organizes for his daughter. The film is directed by Wojciech Smarzowski, a director famous for not being scared of dealing with the weaknesses of Polish society. It features Maciej Struhr (the son of Jerzy Stuhr you know from Sexmission and The Killer) and Marian Dziędziel.

The film is interesting, as it shows what a Polish wedding looks like and the social significance of this event. It’s not your typical Polish wedding movie as it also reminds the viewer that such occasions are often far from perfect. Here’s one of the most famous quotes from the movie: 

I bardzo dobrze, bardzo dobrze! Jakby nikt nikogo nie nastukał, to wesele by się nie udało. – “Very good, very good! If no one had been beaten up, the wedding would have been a failure.”

The expressions and phrases used in the movie are related to family and marriage. You’ll learn how to say: 

• ślub – “marriage”
• wesele – “wedding”
• panna młoda – “bride”
• pan młody – “groom”
• młodzi – “bride and groom”

To find some other important expressions related to Polish weddings, just click on the link! 

7. The Hater

The Hater (Hejter) is one of the best Polish movies on Netflix. It’s about a young boy from a small town who’s trying to make it in Warsaw. This film was actually directed by the same person (Jan Komasa) who directed Corpus Christi, which was nominated for an Oscar.

The movie shows the difficulties that coming from a low-income household can cause, and it comments on the corporate culture in Warsaw. In terms of vocabulary, you’ll hear many slang expressions throughout the film as well as social media vocabulary:

• moderować – “to moderate”
• dodać na Facebooku – “to add on Facebook”
• internetowy troll – “troll”
• wiocha – “small city” (pejorative) 
• bydło – “cattle” (pejorative about people)
  

8. How I Unleashed World War II

The Polish title of this movie is Jak rozpętałem drugą wojnę światową. This humorous Polish movie about war is another comedy, this one about a Polish soldier who allegedly started the Second World War by mistake. While humorous, the movie also introduces the viewer to some important events in Polish history. One of the most famous quotes from this movie is: 

Melduję posłusznie, panie pułkowniku, ja tę wojnę zupełnie niechcący wywołałem. – “I humbly report, officer, that I have started this war with absolutely no intent of doing so.”

What’s more, the movie features some Polish dialects. Most importantly, it uses a lot of vocabulary that you’ll likely hear in other Polish movies. The Second World War is a popular subject in some of the best Polish movies due to its cultural significance. Here are some examples of words you’ll hear and learn in this movie: 

• wojna – “war”
• żołnierz – “soldier”
• karabin – “rifle”
• pokój – “peace”
• wojsko – “army”
• czołg – “tank”
• obóz – “camp”

Speaking of World War II, do you know why Warsaw is called the Phoenix City of Poland?

9. Teddy Bear

Teddy Bear (Miś) is definitely among the best Polish movies. It’s another comedy, this time with a sense of humor that could be described as absurd. It was a very popular genre during the communist rule, when censorship made artistic expression difficult.

The movie is the source of many famous quotes. One of the most loved ones is: 

Z twarzy podobny do nikogo. – “When it comes to his face, he doesn’t look like anyone.” 

What is it about? It’s difficult to explain, so let’s just say where it starts. A manager of a sports club is detained on the border as he finds out that a few pages disappeared from his passport… 

Important words and phrases in this movie include: 

• paszport – “passport”
• za granicą – “abroad”
• rozmowa telefoniczna – “phone call”
• drużyna sportowa – “sports team”
• kierownik – “director” / “manager”

10. Day of the Wacko

Day of the Wacko (Dzień Świra) is a movie that’s both very funny and very sad. It’s a narrative about a day in the life of a frustrated, lonely, and underpaid Polish teacher. The protagonist is played by famous Polish actor Marek Kondrat. The cult status of the movie means it’s a source of many memorable quotes, such as: 

Co za ponury absurd… Żeby o życiu decydować za młodu, kiedy jest się kretynem? – “What a sad and absurd thing to decide about one’s life in one’s youth when one’s an idiot?”

The movie will introduce you to some realities of a teacher’s life in Poland. You’ll also learn a bit about the Polish school system and other frustrations of Polish people. The words and phrases you’ll hear include:

• nauczyciel – “teacher”
• szkoła – “school”
• uczeń – “student”
• Mamo! – “Mom!”
• życie – “life”
• zmarnować sobie życie – “to waste one’s life”
• marzenie – “dream”

Do you know how to talk about your favorite school subjects from back in the day in Polish?

11. Final Thoughts

Today, we’ve introduced you to some of the best movies you can watch to learn the Polish language. Whether you want to watch an atypical Polish wedding movie or check out some Polish movies on Netflix, you’ll find something on our list with your name on it!

You can look for Polish movies online, as many of them are available for rent or (in the case of older films) even for free. Which movie are you most looking forward to? Have you seen any of them yet? Let us know in the comments section.

Watching Polish movies is a lot of fun, but unfortunately, you can’t rely on this method alone to learn the language. If you really want to make progress, you need a proper, structured learning program.  

On PolishPod101.com, you’ll find plenty of resources and recordings by native speakers. You’ll get a chance to learn a lot of vocabulary and get language exposure thanks to our learning pathways. Don’t hesitate—create your free lifetime account today!

You’ve probably heard that watching movies and TV shows is a great way to learn Polish. It’s true! You can watch a lot of Polish TV online, and particularly in countries with a large Polish community, it’s easy to find movies and series in this language. Polish TV in the USA isn’t too difficult to find, as confirmed by people looking for Polish TV on Roku and other similar services.

Are you wondering which Polish TV company produces the best programs and series for your purposes? It’s best not to limit yourself to such terms. You should rather have a look at our list of suggestions of the best Polish TV shows created by many different people and production companies.

Table of Contents

1. 07 Zgłoś się
2. Dancing with the Stars: Taniec z gwiazdami
3. Belfer
4. Alternatywy 4
5. Tajemnica Sagali
6. Rozmowy w toku
7. 13 Posterunek
8. Kuchenne Rewolucje
9. Sensacje XX wieku
10. Milionerzy
11. Miś uszatek
12. Final Thoughts

1. 07 Zgłoś się

07 Zgłoś się (“07 Come In” ) is one of the most popular series ever aired on Polish TV. The adventures of Porucznik Borewicz (“Lieutenant Borewicz” ) entertained Poles for as long as twelve years. Part of this series’ appeal is the protagonist’s dry sense of humor and his relentlessness in the pursuit of criminals and wrongdoers.

1- Language Focus

This is a police procedural series with elements of action and crime series. You’ll learn vocabulary related to crime as well as everyday vocabulary.

2- Cultural Context

You can gain a better understanding of the Polish justice system of a particular period in Polish history: the PRL or Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa (“The Polish People’s Republic“). This Polish crime TV show’s setting also includes visible propaganda typical for that period of Polish history.

Would you like to know more about Poland? Here are the top five things you need to know about Polish society.

2. Dancing with the Stars: Taniec z gwiazdami

Dancing with the Stars: Taniec z gwiazdami is a Polish TV show based on the well-known international format Dancing with the Stars/Strictly Come Dancing. Just like in other versions of this franchise, Polish stars and celebrities are paired up with professional dancers to learn how to dance. This show’s had an unbelievable twenty-two editions so far, which gives you a lot to watch to practice your Polish.

1- Language Focus

This show focuses on the lives of celebrities who talk about their struggles with the new challenge. You can learn vocabulary related to showbusiness, physical activity, injuries, and personal problems. Listening to the judges will help you learn how to express opinions in Polish and will expand your knowledge by introducing new adjectives.

2- Cultural Context

This TV show will introduce you to the world of Polish stars and celebrities, increasing your understanding of modern Polish culture. It’s also a very entertaining show for people who love good music. Speaking of, have you ever been to a Polish music festival?

3. Belfer

The recent Polish TV series The Teach (Belfer) is about a teacher who solves crime mysteries. There have been two seasons of this series so far.

1- Language Focus

This Polish TV series is full of modern vocabulary, including slang used by young people. You’ll learn how people in Poland speak nowadays, giving you a competitive advantage over Polish learners who primarily study with books that were often written long ago.

Before you find this series or other Polish TV shows on Roku, you may want to check out PolishPod101’s lesson on school subjects.

2- Cultural Context

The action takes place in a Polish school. You’ll gain a better understanding of the Polish education system as well as problems that young people experience today. The series features a number of famous actors, including Maciej Stuhr, Magdalena Cielecka, and Grzegorz Damięcki.

4. Alternatywy 4

Alternatywy 4 (“4 Alternative Street” ) is a cult Polish TV show which focuses on the everyday lives of residents of a block of flats on 4 Alternative Street.

1- Language Focus

Alternatywy 4 shows the everyday lives of Polish people, which means that a lot of vocabulary relates to everyday life: conversations about apartments, weather, and family. There’s also a lot of humor in this series, so you’ll need to work to understand all the jokes.

If you’d like to improve your TV- and cinema-related vocabulary, check out our lesson “Which Polish Movie Should We Watch?”

2- Cultural Context

The series was directed by a cult movie director, Stanisław Bareja. It shows paradoxes of PRL, in contrast to, for instance, 07 Zgłoś się mentioned above. It’s an example of people’s resourcefulness and creativity when freedom of art is restricted.

5. Tajemnica Sagali

Tajemnica Sagali (“The Secret of Sagal” ) is a Polish adventure series for children and adolescents. The main characters of the TV show are brothers who need to find parts of a powerful magical stone, Sagala. This coproduction with Germany became one of the most beloved Polish children’s TV shows.

1- Language Focus

The series gives you a nice mixture of vocabulary related to the everyday lives of the characters, and to the adventure they’ve embarked on. The target audience is children and adolescents, so the dialogue is easier to follow than in series aimed at adults.

2- Cultural Context

This Polish TV series is a good example of what Polish people—who are today in their thirties—grew up with. You can compare it to the series of your own childhood. Are they similar or different? Let us know in the comments section.

6. Rozmowy w toku

Rozmowy w toku (“Conversations Underway” ) is a Polish TV program that was on air for sixteen years. Its host, Ewa Drzyzga, became famous thanks to the show’s popularity, and won a number of awards.

Each episode focuses on a particular social issue, which the host discusses with guests who are dealing with it. Experts such as psychologists, sociologists, and other social science experts, also take part in the discussion.

1- Language Focus

This Polish television series will provide you with a lot of new vocabulary on various social topics. Guests come from many different backgrounds and regions of Poland. This allows you to hear spoken Polish of different registers and variations of Polish, as well as get acquainted with different accents.

2- Cultural Context

Watching Rozmowy w toku allows you to better understand the Polish way of thinking. You’ll also notice how social acceptance of certain issues has been changing over the years.

Are you looking for Polish TV in the USA or in another country far away from Poland? Check out the official websites of channels such as TVN, TVP, and Polsat, and they may be able to help you. There are also many Polish TV shows on Netflix.

7. 13 Posterunek

13 Posterunek (“Precinct no. 13” ) is another one of the best Polish comedy TV shows. This sitcom was produced in the late 90s and is entirely shot at a police station, Precinct number 13. Speaking of the police, do you know how to call for help in Polish?

1- Language Focus

You’ll certainly learn some vocabulary regarding Polish police procedures as well as the judicial system. Due to the comedic nature of the series, the characters talk a lot about their personal lives while on duty. It’s a less challenging series to watch than the above mentioned Alternatywy 4 as a lot of the humor is situational.

2- Cultural Context

This series is directed by the famous Polish movie director, Maciej Ślesicki. It features a number of popular Polish actors as main characters, including one of the most popular comedians, Cezary Pazura. Many famous actors also have their cameos in this series. By the way, do you think you know the top five Polish pop culture icons? Go to the lesson and check your knowledge.

8. Kuchenne Rewolucje

Kuchenne Rewolucje (“Kitchen Revolutions” ) features the famous Polish chef, Magda Gessler. In each episode, she visits a restaurant that’s struggling financially and helps its owners save it.

Do you feel like you have to brush up on your Polish vocabulary related to utensils and tableware before you start watching the show? Click on the link and start studying!

1- Language Focus

The main focus of this series is cooking and food, so you can expect a lot of vocabulary related to these topics. What’s more, the restaurants are often in financial trouble, so you’ll likely hear about the everyday problems of its owners and staff.

2- Cultural Context

Magda Gessler is a TV personality whose name you’ll hear mentioned in conversations. The series itself is quite popular, so knowing what it’s about will give you a topic to chat about when you’re asked about your favorite Polish TV programs.

9. Sensacje XX wieku

Sensacje XX wieku (“Sensational Stories of the XXth Century” ) is a Polish TV show with historical reenactments of mysterious stories from the XXth century.

1- Language Focus

This history TV show will help you expand your vocabulary on the topics of history, politics, and social issues. The narration is led in a mixture of the past and present tense, which will help you pick up on some Polish grammar!

2- Cultural Context

Many of the episodes present unknown or little-known stories about Poland or the surrounding region that are of historical importance. Watching this series will help you not only speak Polish better, but will also help you learn your Polish history.

10. Milionerzy

Milionerzy ( “Millionaires” ) is a Polish TV game show based on the British TV version Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Participants can win a million PLN by choosing the correct answer to a number of questions. Sounds easy? Maybe, but very few people manage to win the main prize. The show has been produced by not one Polish TV company, but three.

1- Language Focus

This show is in an easy-to-follow format. Questions and answers are shown on the screen, which makes it simple for you to check the words you don’t know in the dictionary and participate in the show from your couch. There’s also a lot of banter, which will give you a lot of exposure to typical Polish conversations. The most famous question in this show is certainly: Czy to jest twoja ostateczna odpowiedź? (“Is this your final answer?” )

2- Cultural Context

Many questions are related to Poland as well as Polish culture (including pop culture), language, and history. Thanks to this show, you may learn a lot about these things and increase your general knowledge.

11. Miś uszatek

Miś uszatek (“Floppy Bear” ) is a show for children, and certainly one of the top Polish TV shows. The protagonist of this stop-motion animated series is a teddy bear with a floppy ear. The show has over 100 episodes and has been a massive success, both in Poland and abroad. It has been bought by over twenty countries.

1- Language Focus

Miś uszatek is a kiddies’ show which makes it particularly easy to understand. The characters speak slower and more clearly than what you can usually hear on TV. With elocution being one of the show’s characteristics, it’s perfect for beginners—even absolute beginners.

2- Cultural Context

The teddy bear is a cult figure of Polish pop culture. There’s a statue of the protagonist in Łódź on Piotrkowska Street.

12. Final Thoughts

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of Polish TV shows. There’s no single best Polish TV company producing the best TV shows to learn the Polish language. It’s always good to have some variety, so we recommend that you start with our list. When you’re done with it, your Polish level will be much higher. Are you going to start with a game show, a cult Polish comedy series, or a crime mystery? Let us know in the comments section.

Where can you watch Polish TV shows online? There’s a lot of Polish TV on Roku and on similar servers. Remember that Polish TV in the USA, and other countries with a large Polish community, is relatively easy to access.

Watching Polish television can help you tremendously with your listening comprehension, but you need more to truly learn Polish. PolishPod101 offers you countless lessons and learning materials to help you polish your Polish. Don’t wait any longer—start your free lifetime account today.

Poland has grown into an attractive market, which is why many people want to get jobs in Poland. Some of them have additional reasons for wanting to work here, such as their heritage, family ties, or positive feelings towards the country.

Of course, finding jobs here is much easier for people who speak Polish. Fortunately, it’s possible to find work without Polish language skills in some professions. Education jobs in Poland for language teachers are a great example.

With our tips, you should be able to find the right place to look for job vacancies in Poland that align with your skills. We’ll also give you some useful information on the Polish job market for foreigners.

1. Where in Poland Should You Look for Work?
2. Language Teaching Jobs in Poland
3. Blue-Collar Jobs in Poland
4. Office Jobs
5. Health-, Science-, and Technology-Related Jobs
6. Poland: Job Vacancy Tips
7. Final Thoughts

1. Where in Poland Should You Look for Work?

In Poland, like in other countries, you have better chances of finding a good job in a city. The bigger the city, the greater your chances are of encountering opportunities for foreigners. Here are some places you should consider in your search for a new life in Poland: 

A- Warsaw

The capital of Poland is home to many foreign companies. It’s also a popular city for foreign students. It’s not as cosmopolitan as some other European capitals, but every year there are more and more job openings for foreigners here. The city is home to many migrants, so it’s easier to make friends here than in other places.

Warsaw is also a beautiful city. Staying here, you could definitely enjoy its monuments and learn more about Polish history. 

B- Cracow   

Cracow is another large Polish city where many foreigners live. While Warsaw is situated in central Poland, Cracow is close to the mountains. If you find work here, you’ll be able to appreciate the natural beauty of Poland.

Are you afraid of Polish dragons? If there’s one place in Poland where you might meet them, it’s Cracow. Check out our lesson to hear the famous Polish legend about this creature.  

C- Tri-city

Tri-city really consists of three coastal cities: Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot. Due to their close proximity to each other, you can easily live in one and work in another. There are many foreign jobs in Poland in this area. 

D- Wrocław

When considering where to live and work in Poland, you should definitely look into Wrocław. Many people living here praise the open-mindedness and friendliness of its inhabitants. 

…

This is not an extensive list of Polish cities. We have simply included those where finding work for foreigners is easiest.

The reason why big cities are a better place for foreigners to live and work in Poland is that more people will speak English there. Still, there are certain areas where you may encounter communication issues with people. While you can live in Poland knowing only English, you’ll be much better off if you learn at least a little Polish.

If you don’t speak Polish, being native or fluent in English is a must. The only exceptions are when applying for manual labor jobs or teaching jobs. These positions might include, for instance, a customer service agent in a foreign language or a language teacher. 

All that said, who can work in Poland?

Remember that work visas aren’t easy to obtain, save for specialized employees. Polish employers prefer to hire foreigners who are already allowed to work due to their visa status. Another group of people who are allowed to work in Poland are holders of EU passports. 

2. Language Teaching Jobs in Poland  

Language teaching jobs are probably the most common jobs in Poland available for foreigners. 

Native speakers of English, French, Spanish, or other European languages can find jobs in this sector pretty easily. Schools prefer people with teaching certificates or experience, but it’s possible to find jobs without them. For non-native speakers, teaching certificates and experience are usually a must.

There’s a number of places where you can look for education jobs. Poland offers many of them, so check back often: 

• LinkedIn
• Glassdoor
• Praca.pl

You should keep an eye on your social networks and join online expat communities. There are also portals that focus specifically on looking for jobs abroad, such as GoOverseas. Last but not least, some certificate and course centers have their own databases for job seekers.

3. Blue-Collar Jobs in Poland

Poland isn’t a good place to look for blue-collar jobs. Many blue-collar workers leave Poland to look for work in other countries. Some migrants from post-Soviet countries find employment in this sector, but they often learn Polish quickly and are therefore preferred in the workforce.

Wondering how to get a job in Poland as a blue-collar professional? It will be challenging without at least basic knowledge of Polish. Other European countries may offer better conditions. After all, there are many Polish blue-collar workers who work in other EU countries.

For people set on finding a blue-collar job, investing in Polish skills seems like a no-brainer. You can find job postings for this sector in regular online portals. Polish people use websites such as: 

• Praca.pl
• Pracuj.pl

4. Office Jobs  

There are many office jobs available in Poland for English speakers, as it’s an EU country. Numerous organizations and private companies are looking for English-speaking office staff. 

These positions are often in language support, including call center jobs and various other communication jobs. For PA’s and administrative support, knowing Polish at an advanced level is usually a must. Keep in mind that even when it’s not a requirement, it’s good to learn some Polish for the workplace.

Such jobs are best secured before arriving in the country. This will allow you to make sure that you’re happy with the salary and other conditions of your employment. For the same reasons, you may want to use recruitment agencies to find office jobs. Here’s a list of the 45 best ones operating in various sectors. You should also check job postings on LinkedIn or a Polish service similar to LinkedIn called Goldenline.

5. Health-, Science-, and Technology-Related Jobs

There’s a shortage of health specialists in Poland. However, due to working conditions and salaries, it isn’t an attractive market when compared with the rest of Europe. Language fluency is also typically required. You may still have some luck, but you’ll need to put in some extra effort. 

People with technical skills, such as software developers and graphic designers, will find a much better market for themselves. Many companies cooperate with foreign clients and that’s why the working language in some of them is English. This creates a great opportunity for people wondering how to get a job in Poland. 

➜ Before applying for one of these positions, you might want to brush up on your vocabulary related to technology, health, and science!

6. Poland: Job Vacancy Tips

A good way for people outside the European Union to get access to the Polish job market is to study in Poland. Students are allowed to work part-time and studies are a great opportunity to work on your Polish skills.

If you want to start working right away, you may have to settle for the most common jobs in Poland for foreigners. When you’re already allowed to work in this Eastern European country, you should consider communications and education jobs. Poland may have more to offer you as you improve your Polish language skills and gain some local work experience. 

Also, you shouldn’t underestimate the value of connections. If you know people or have family in Poland, tell them that you’re looking for a job. They may know of an opening or of a company that would be interested in having you.

Last but not least, learn some Polish job vocabulary, get the right skills for reading Polish job postings, and get prepared for your Polish job interview.

7. Final Thoughts

In this article, you learned some practical information on how to get a job in Poland. 

As you can see, the process is not always straightforward. Your options and success depend on a number of factors, such as whether you already have the right to work in Poland and the sector you work in. However, it’s easier to start your career in Poland if you’re a student there or want to do one of the most common jobs in Poland for foreigners. 

Learning Polish isn’t necessary for all jobs available in Poland. However, speaking the language well or fluently can make many more job opportunities available to you. What’s more, speaking the language will definitely make your life in Poland easier and nicer. 

The best way to learn Polish is by getting access to a platform that will offer you a personalized learning path. PolishPod101.com is such a platform.

We offer countless resources recorded by native speakers. You’ll improve your vocabulary on various topics as well as your listening comprehension skills. What’s more, our teachers can help you work on your business Polish, specifically. 

Don’t dilly-dally. Start your account with us today!

By the way, let us know in the comments if you have any questions we didn’t cover in this article—or if you’ve had success landing a job in Poland already! We look forward to hearing from you.

Your Learning, Streamlined – The New Lesson Interface

Your learning is about to get a whole lot easier.

More than ever, learners are choosing mobile as the platform to study Polish. Mobile has always been a part of our DNA. We began our life on your iPod, and have remained by your side ever since.

In our 11th year, we’re returning to our roots as a way to learn Polish on-the-go. How? With a brand-new lesson interface just for you.

Hint: It will launch in beta later this month!

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(example taken from japanesepod101.com)

It’s built from the ground-up to be a great experience on your phone, tablet, and computer.

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Take the whole lesson experience with you wherever you go.

Our lessons are the heart of our learning system and now they’re the heart of the interface as well. Just tap the big play button to start learning right away.

(example taken from japanesepod101.com)

As you scroll through the lesson contents, the player sticks with you at the bottom of your screen.

Pause, rewind or adjust your speed and volume without losing your place.

(example taken from japanesepod101.com)

Navigation is also just a tap away.

Quickly jump to the dialogue, vocabulary, or lesson notes with our new lesson navigation bar. Available at the top of your screen wherever you are.

(example taken from japanesepod101.com)

And for the first time ever, you don’t need to download a PDF or jump between tabs to read the lesson notes and transcript. Read it all on your mobile browser as you listen.

(example taken from japanesepod101.com)

There are many more small improvements but the end result is this: a drastically improved lesson experience on mobile and desktop.

Spend less time squinting at your screen and more time reaching your Polish goals.

The new lesson interface will launch in beta this month.

We can’t wait to hear what you think. Keep on studying!

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