The Warsaw Uprising of 1944 is known to be one of the largest, most ambitious attempts at conquering the Germans during WWII, and each year Poles remember those who lost their lives as well as the overall bravery of those involved. This is one of the most significant remembrance days in Poland, and one that you’ll do well to learn about as you seek to master the Polish language and understand its culture.
At PolishPod101.com, we hope to make this learning journey both fun and informative!
1. What is Warsaw Uprising Day?
On Warsaw Uprising Day, Poland remembers the Warsaw Uprising and those who lost their lives as part of the resistance against the Germans who occupied Warsaw. But what was the Warsaw Uprising, exactly?
1- The Warsaw Uprising 1944
The Polish Underground State organized this movement in 1944 during WWII, and it lasted for about two months before ultimately failing. Essentially, the Polish Underground State started the Warsaw Uprising to resist the German occupation of their land, which composed the majority of Poland.
The Polish Warsaw Uprising was part of the larger operation against Nazis, called Operation Tempest. It was one of the most ambitious attempts in Poland, or the world, to rise against the Nazis and German occupation during WWII.
However, despite temporary victories with the help of the Russian Army at Vilnyus, Lublin, and Lvov, they faced far less favorable circumstances once in Warsaw. In short:
The Polish troops were outnumbered (as Warsaw had become a German fortress city)
The Russian troops who had helped previously didn’t arrive on time to Warsaw
Aside from the Russians, Poland had no real support from other countries
As August wore on, the Poles and Germans found themselves at a stalemate. When Russian troops still hadn’t arrived by September, the two sides decided to begin negotiation talks, which ended upon word of the Russians being near. Negotiations started and ended a few times until October 2, when an agreement was signed, promising humane treatment of the Poles in German-occupied territory.
Despite the overall failure of the Polish to overcome the Germans in Warsaw, no one can question their bravery, courage, or determination to help their country.
2. When is Warsaw Uprising Day?
Each year on August 1 (the Warsaw Uprising date), the Polish commemorate the Warsaw Uprising.
3. How Do Poles Commemorate Warsaw Uprising Day?
Seeing as Warsaw Uprising Day is a relatively new holiday, established in 2010, there are no set-in-stone traditions or celebrations. This is considered a memorial day, so many Poles reflect on the Uprising, those who lost their lives, and the bravery it all entails on the part of their countrymen.
4. The Warsaw Uprising Museum
Sixty years following the Uprising (2004), Poland built the Warsaw Uprising Museum in Warsaw (though in 1983, it was actually established). Its founders and sponsors aim to provide the people of Poland, and of the world, with a big-picture view of the Warsaw Uprising, most especially the Poles involved in it.
At the Warsaw Uprising Museum, Poland visitors can find many artifacts and other bits of preserved history associated with the Uprising.
5. Important Vocabulary for Warsaw Uprising Day
Here’s some vocabulary you should know for Warsaw Uprising Day in Poland!
Walczyć — Fight
Alarm — Alarm
Wystąpienie zbrojne — Occurrence of an armed attack
Polskie Państwo Podziemne — Polish underground state
Ewakuacja — Evacuation
Godzina policyjna — Curfew
Siły polskie — Polish forces
Zdobyć — Conquer
Bohaterstwo — Heroism
To hear each of these Warsaw Uprising Day vocabulary words pronounced, check out our relevant vocabulary list.
Conclusion: How PolishPod101 Can Help You Master Polish
We hope you enjoyed learning about Warsaw Uprising Day with us, and that you gained some valuable insight into Polish history. What are your thoughts on this holiday, and the event behind it? Let us know in the comments!
Learning any new language is a challenge, and Polish is no exception. But you’re already in the right place, doing the right thing—and with enough determination, you can master Polish! PolishPod101.com will be here with you each step of your way there.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The time has come to talk about Poland’s second most popular holiday: Easter. Easter Monday in Poland is not only a religious celebration, but a secular holiday enjoyed by the whole population! The Monday after Easter, called Easter Monday (or Smigus Dyngus Day in Poland), is full of Polish culture for you to discover with us.
At PolishPod101.com, we hope to make learning about Poland and the Polish language both fun and informative! And trust us: in Poland, Wet Monday is certainly fun!
1. What is Easter Monday in Poland?
On Wet Monday, Poland enjoys both a religious holiday and a day of fun!
The Easter Monday holiday in Poland is a family celebration; it is a joyful and colorful time of year, when people in Poland look forward to the upcoming spring. Further, it’s a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus; for those who are less religious, it’s a time to meet with their family, eat Easter breakfast together, have fun decorating eggs, and prepare special dishes.
2. When is Easter Monday?
The date of Easter Monday in Poland varies each year. For your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date for the next ten years.
2019: April 22
2020: April 13
2021: April 5
2022: April 18
2023: April 10
2024: April 1
2025: April 21
2026: April 6
2027: March 29
2028: April 17
3. Reading Practice: How is Easter Celebrated in Poland?
What do Easter Monday Polish traditions look like? Read the Polish text below to find out, and learn why it’s often called Wet Monday (and find the English translation directly below it).
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Jedną z wielu tradycji jest przygotowanie święconki, czyli koszyczka, zwykle wiklinowego, z chlebem, jajkami, kiełbasą i chrzanem czy musztardą, przyozdobionego wiosennymi kwiatami i bukszpanem. Taki oto koszyczek niesiemy, w przeddzień Wielkanocy, do kościoła, gdzie zostaje on poświęcony przez księdza. W Niedzielę Wielkanocną zanim zasiądziemy do świątecznego śniadania wszyscy domownicy dzielą się święconką, życząc sobie szczęścia i pomyślności.
Czymś, co ściśle wiąże się z Wielkanocą, są pisanki. W Polsce istnieje wiele tradycyjnych metod ozdabiania czy też farbowania jajek, które przetrwały do dziś. Pisanki to dokładnie jajka, na których rysuje się wzory za pomocą rozgrzanego wosku i następnie zanurza w barwnikach. Kraszanki natomiast, to jajka gotowane w roślinnych wywarach. Niegdyś Kościół zabraniał spożywania jajek w Wielkanoc, jako, że było ono pogańskim symbolem nowego życia.
Tym, czego nie może zabraknąc na wielkanocnym stole, poza pisankami, są wszelkiego rodzaju potrawy wykorzystujące jajka, żurek, biała kiełbasa, pasztet, najlepiej jeśli domowej roboty, oraz pascha, mazurek i babka. Sam stół jest zawsze przyozdobiony zajączkami, kurczaczkami, baziami, narcyzami, tulipanami i innymi wiosennymi kwiatami.
W Polsce kolorowe jajka nie służą tylko do ozdoby, ale również do zabawy. Prawdopodobnie najpopularniejsza gra polega na stuknięciu jednym z końców jajka o koniec jajka przeciwnika. Ten, którego jajko nie pęknie jest zwycięzcą i zabiera jajko przegranego. Walka trwa aż oba końce jajka pękną. Każde wygrane jajko należy zjeść na szczęście.
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One of the many traditions is to prepare the swieconka, which is a basket usually made of wicker, filled with bread, eggs, sausage, and horseradish or mustard, and decorated with spring flowers and boxwood. On the day before Easter, we carry these baskets to the church, where they are blessed by the priest. On Easter Sunday, before we sit down to a festive breakfast, all household members share the blessed food and wish each other happiness and prosperity.
One thing that is closely associated with Easter is pisanki (“Easter eggs”). In Poland, many traditional methods of decorating and dyeing eggs have survived to this day. Pisanki are eggs that have patterns drawn on them with molten wax and are then immersed in dye. Kraszanki, on the other hand, are eggs that are boiled in a dye made from plants. In the past, the Church forbade the eating of eggs during Easter, as they were a pagan symbol of a new life.
One thing that can’t be missing from the Easter table, besides Easter eggs, are a few different kinds of dishes, which include eggs, sour rye soup, white sausage, pate (which is best if homemade), as well as pascha, mazurek and babka (which are both cakes). The table itself is always decorated with bunnies, chicks, catkins, narcissus, tulips, and other spring flowers.
In Poland, colored eggs are not just used for decoration, but also in games. Probably the most popular game is to tap one end of your egg against the end of an egg belonging to the opponent. The person whose egg does not break is the winner and takes the egg of the loser. The fight continues until both ends of the egg break. Each egg that has been won needs to be eaten for good luck.
4. Additional Information: Onion Skins
What is the most popular, traditional way of coloring eggs for Easter these days?
The most popular natural dye that eggs are boiled in to achieve the desired color, is one made of onion skin, which usually needs to be collected a long time before Easter. This dye gives the egg shells a beautiful golden-brown color.
5. Must-know Vocab
Here’s some vocabulary you should know for Easter Monday in Poland!
To hear each word pronounced, check out our Polish Easter Monday vocabulary list. Here, you’ll find each word accompanied by an audio of its pronunciation.
Conclusion
What do you think about Wet Monday in Poland? Does your country have similar (or different) Easter celebrations? Let us know in the comments!
To learn more about Polish culture and the language, visit us at PolishPod101.com. We offer an array of insightful blog posts, free vocabulary lists, and an online community where you can discuss lessons with fellow Polish learners. By creating a Premium Plus account, you can also take advantage of our MyTeacher program, and learn Polish one-on-one with your own personal Polish teacher!
With enough hard work and determination, know that your Polish skills will improve tremendously. And PolishPod101.com will be here with you every step of the way!
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
In Poland, Women’s Day began to be celebrated on a large scale until after the Second World War. It has been skilfully used by the socialist governments to promote the image of a woman, as the leading lady of work, who through effort and dedication supports her country.
In those years, it was a mandatory day of celebration in workplaces and schools. Women would receive carnations and other products that were generally difficult to find back then, such as tights, towels, or coffee.
As you can see, International Women’s Day is an important holiday steeped in the country’s culture. Learn even more about this holiday with PolishPod101.com!
1. What is International Women’s Day in Poland?
Taking place on 8 March, Women’s Day in Poland is essentially a day to celebrate and honor women for their achievements. International Women’s Day in Poland is both a day of gift-giving and of prompting greater respect for women in general, and is a holiday taken fairly seriously in Poland.
In Poland, International Women’s Day has historical and social implications that make it a widely observed holiday. Learn more about Women’s Day in Poland below.
2. When is it?
Each year in Poland, International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8.
3. How is International Women’s Day Celebrated in Poland?
Read the Polish text below to find out how Women’s Day in Poland is celebrated. You can find the English translation directly below it.
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Tradycja obdarowywania kobiet drobnymi upominkami czy kwiatami zachowała się do dziś. Obecnie najpopularniejszym prezentem jest tulipan. Kiedy kobiety spotykają mężczyzn w ten dzień, niezależnie od tego czy jest to szef, współpracownik, kolega czy tata, zwykle mogą liczyć na symbolicznego tulipana. Jest to bardzo miły gest, nie praktykowany jednak przez wszystkich. Niektórzy uważają bowiem Dzień Kobiet za socjalistyczny przeżytek i nie obchodzą go.
W miastach co roku organizowane są specjalne imprezy z myślą o kobietach. Można więc spędzić ten dzień trochę inaczej niż zwykle i wybrać się na jeden z licznych koncertów czy spektakli wystawianych tylko dzień 8 marca. Wiele centrów handlowych organizuje warsztaty, przeróżne pokazy, np. makijażu, kąciki z poradami od stylistów czy ekspertów w dziedzinach zdrowia i urody, królują również konkursy i szansy na wygranie bonów towarowych.
Często w większych miastach można spotkać młodych mężczyzn z naręczami tulipanów wręczajacych je nieznajomym kobietom na ulicach. Nierzadko takie akcje organizowane są również przez telewizje lub stacje radiowe.
—–
The tradition of giving women little gifts or flowers has survived to this day. Today, the most popular gift is the tulip. When women meet men on this day, regardless of whether it is their boss, colleague, friend, or father, they can usually count on receiving a symbolic tulip. It is a very nice gesture, but not practiced by all. Some people think that Women’s Day is a socialist hangover so they do not celebrate it.
Each year, in the cities, special events are organized with women in mind. So you can spend this day a little differently than usual and go to one of the many concerts or performances held only on March 8. Many shopping centers organize workshops and a variety of shows, such as make-up shows, booths with tips from stylists, or advice from experts in the fields of health and beauty. There are also plenty of contests and chances to win shopping vouchers.
Often in larger cities, you can find young men with bunches of tulips, handing them out to women on the streets. It’s fairly common for these events to be organized by television or radio stations as well.
4. Additional Information
Women’s Day was a public holiday in Poland during the Polish People’s Republic (PRL), but since 1993 it has not been. However, this doesn’t change the fact that this is an opportunity to spend the day a little differently than usual.
5. Must-know Vocab
Here’s some vocabulary you should know for International Women’s Day in Poland!
We hope you enjoyed learning about Polish International Women’s Day with us. Does your country celebrate International Women’s Day or another holiday celebrating and respecting women? Let us know in the comments!
To learn more about Polish culture and the language, visit us at PolishPod101.com! We offer an array of insightful blog posts, free vocabulary lists, and an online community to discuss lessons with fellow Polish learners. You can also check out our MyTeacher program if you’re interested in a one-on-one learning experience with your own personal Polish teacher.
Until next time, we wish you success as you continue in your studies. Know this: Your hard work and practice will pay off big and you’ll be speaking Polish like a native before you know it!
It really is fascinating how a single holiday celebrated across different countries can vary so much, and how a country’s culture influences these nuances. For instance, Fat Thursday (or Tłusty Czwartek) could also be called Polish Donut Day in Poland while in Greece it’s more of a meat fest. Polish Americans often celebrate the day on Tuesday instead of Thursday though.
At PolishPod101.com, our goal is to help you grasp the Polish culture and master its language all while having fun. In this article, we’ll be going over Fat Thursday’s Polish history as well as
what Fat Thursday Polish traditions look like. By learning about this holiday, you’ll be getting a better understanding of Poland and its customs, thus enabling you to more effectively learn the language.
Let’s get started!
1. What is Fat Thursday in Poland?
In Poland, Fat Thursday is not a national holiday, but that doesn’t prevent people from celebrating, and once again they do so with food! If you were to give this day another name, it would be Donut Day, or dzień pączka.
Fat Thursday is the Thursday before Lent, which a period of fasting and abstinence. It’s a common habit in many countries to hold gluttonous and entertaining holidays before Lent like this, and in Poland this means eating Polish donuts and other sweets until you’re stuffed! (Best to get your fill while you can!)
2. When is Fat Thursday?
The date of Fat Thursday varies by year, and is considered a “moveable feast,” as it depends on the dates of Easter and Lent. Fat Thursday takes place the Thursday before Lent begins. For your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date for the next ten years:
2019: February 28
2020: February 20
2021: February 11
2022: February 24
2023: February 16
2024: February 8
2025: February 27
2026: February 12
2027: February 4
2028: February 17
3. How is Poland’s Fat Thursday Celebrated?
In short: Donuts, donuts, and more Polish donuts!
Fat Thursday ends the Carnival or karnawał—a time when masquerade balls take place in Poland, for both adults and children. This is the last day before Easter that people can take the liberty of stuffing themselves. Immediately after Fat Thursday, Lent begins.
As you may have guessed, Fat Thursday is a day of gluttony, or obżarstwo, but not just any kind of gluttony! This day is defined by donuts, called pączki. Donuts are made in cake shops in much, much greater amounts than usual. Supermarket shelves bend under the weight of different types of donuts, of which the Polish version don’t have holes in the middle. The most common type of donut is covered with icing sugar and has a strawberry or rose jam filling.
Besides eating them, Polish people also like to give them to other people. For example, the boss at work usually buys donuts for his or her employees, while the employees buy donuts for their colleagues. If you’re going to meet your friends on this day, buy a donut for everyone, because you’ll surely be getting one somewhere along the way!
4. Reading Practice: Polish Donuts
When we said “gluttony” earlier, we weren’t kidding. Read the Polish text below to find out how many donuts are consumed in Poland on Fat Thursday, and about the unique Polish pastry called angel wings (you can find the English translation just below it).
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Drugim bardzo popularnym elementem, tym razem domowej roboty, są faworki. Jest to jedyny dzień w roku, kiedy smażymy faworki, bo wymagają dużo pracy, a zjada się je w mgnieniu oka!
W Polsce uważamy, że każdy, ale to każdy, bez wyjątku musi zjeść przynajmniej jednego pączka. Statystyki mówią, że w Tłusty Czwartek zjadamy ponad 10 milionów pączków, co daje nam średnio 2,5 pączka na osobę.
—–
Another very popular element—homemade this time—are angel wings. This is the only day of the year that we make angel wings because they require a lot of work, and we eat them in the blink of an eye!
We believe in Poland that everyone, literally everyone, without exception, must eat at least one donut. Statistics show that we eat more than ten million donuts on Fat Thursday, which averages out to 2.5 donuts per person.
5. Must-know Vocab for Tłusty Czwartek
In order to celebrate Fat Thursday in Poland, there’s some basic vocabulary you should know. Be sure to study this list as much as you need to!
Tłusty Czwartek — Fat Thursday
cukiernia — confectionary store
cukier puder — castor sugar
faworki — Angel wings
lukier — icing
objadać się — stuff oneself
pączek — doughnut
pączek z dżemem różanym — doughnut with rose jam
święto ruchome — moveable feast
smażyć na głębokim tłuszczu — deep fry
kaloria — calorie
Wielki Post — Lent
smakołyk — goody
To hear the pronunciation of each word, check out our Polish Fat Thursday vocabulary list. Here, you’ll find each word accompanied by an audio of its pronunciation.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about how people in Poland celebrate Fat Thursday, let us know what you think about this holiday. Is there a similar holiday in your own country?
To learn more about Polish culture and the language, visit us at PolishPod101.com. We offer an array of insightful blog posts, free vocabulary lists, and an online community where you can discuss lessons with fellow Polish learners. You can even download our MyTeacher app for a one-on-one learning experience with your own personal Polish teacher.
We hope you enjoyed learning about Fat Thursday. Continue brushing up on your vocabulary and stay tuned for more Polish holiday articles. You’ll be a master at the Polish language before you know it! (And treat yourself to a doughnut or two to celebrate!)
Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in Polish could be just what you need to find it.
Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your Polish partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At PolishPod101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your Polish lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra material available to make Polish dating easy for you.
Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)
1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date
So, you have met your Polish love interest. Congratulations! Who knows where this could take you…?! However, the two of you have just met and you’re not ready to say the Polish word for love just yet. Great, it is better to get to know him/her first. Wow your prospective love by using these Polish date phrases to set up a spectacular first date.
Would you like to go out to dinner with me?
Pójdziesz ze mną na kolację?
The important question! In most cultures, this phrase indicates: ‘I’m romantically interested in you’. Flirting in Polish is no different, so don’t take your date to Mcdonald’s!
Are you free this weekend?
Jesteś wolna w ten weekend?
This is a preamble to asking your love interest on a date. If you get an immediate ‘Yes’, that’s good news!
Would you like to hang out with me?
Chciałabyś coś razem porobić?
You like her/him, but you’re not sure if there’s chemistry. Ask them to hang out first to see if a dinner date is next.
What time shall we meet tomorrow?
O której się jutro spotykamy?
Set a time, and be sure to arrive early! Nothing spoils a potential relationship more than a tardy date.
Where shall we meet?
Gdzie się spotkamy?
You can ask this, but also suggest a place.
You look great.
Wyglądasz świetnie.
A wonderful ice breaker! This phrase will help them relax a bit – they probably took great care to look their best just for you.
You are so cute.
Jesteś taka śliczna.
If the two of you are getting on really well, this is a fun, flirtatious phrase to use.
So the date went really well – don’t waste time! Make sure you will see each other again.
Shall we go somewhere else?
Chcesz iść gdzieś indziej?
If the place you meet at is not great, you can suggest going elsewhere. It is also a good question to follow the previous one. Variety is the spice of life!
I know a good place.
Znam dobre miejsce.
Use this with the previous question. However, don’t say if you don’t know a good place!
I will drive you home.
Będę jechać do domu.
If your date doesn’t have transport, this is a polite, considerate offer. However, don’t be offended if she/he turns you down on the first date. Especially a woman might not feel comfortable letting you drive her home when the two of you are still basically strangers.
That was a great evening.
To był wspaniały wieczór.
This is a good phrase to end the evening with.
When can I see you again?
Kiedy mogę cię znów zobaczyć?
If he/she replied ‘Yes’ to ‘Can I see you again?’, this is the next important question.
I’ll call you.
Zadzwonię do ciebie.
Say this only if you really mean to do it. In many cultures, this could imply that you’re keeping the proverbial backdoor open.
You learned all the Polish phrases to make a date – congratulations! Now you have to decide where to meet, which can be tricky. Discuss these options with your lover to gauge whether you like the same things. Check out romantic date ideas in Polish below!
museum
muzeum
If you’re looking for unique date ideas that are fun but won’t break the bank, museums are the perfect spot! You won’t be running out of things to say in the conversations.
candlelit dinner
kolacja przy świecach
A candlelit dinner is perhaps best to reserve for when the relationship is getting serious. It’s very intimate, and says: “Romance!” It’s a fantastic choice if you’re sure you and your date are in love with each other!
go to the zoo
iść do zoo
This is a good choice for shy lovers who want to get the conversation going. Just make sure your date likes zoos, as some people dislike them. Maybe not for the first date, but this is also a great choice if your lover has children – you’ll win his/her adoration for inviting them along!
go for a long walk
pójść na długi spacer
Need to talk about serious stuff, or just want to relax with your date? Walking together is soothing, and a habit you can keep up together always! Just make sure it’s a beautiful walk that’s not too strenuous.
go to the opera
iść do opery
This type of date should only be attempted if both of you love the opera. It can be a special treat, followed by a candlelit dinner!
go to the aquarium
iść do akwarium
Going to the aquarium is another good idea if you need topics for conversation, or if you need to impress your lover’s kids! Make sure your date doesn’t have a problem with aquariums.
walk on the beach
spacerować po plaży
This can be a very romantic stroll, especially at night! The sea is often associated with romance and beauty.
have a picnic
urządzić piknik
If you and your date need to get more comfortable together, this can be a fantastic date. Spending time in nature is soothing and calms the nerves.
cook a meal together
ugotować posiłek
If you want to get an idea of your date’s true character in one go, this is an excellent date! You will quickly see if the two of you can work together in a confined space. If it works, it will be fantastic for the relationship and create a sense of intimacy. If not, you will probably part ways!
have dinner and see a movie
zjeść kolację i obejrzeć film
This is traditional date choice works perfectly well. Just make sure you and your date like the same kind of movies!
3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
Expressing your feelings honestly is very important in any relationship all year round. Yet, on Valentine’s Day you really want to shine. Impress your lover this Valentine’s with your excellent vocabulary, and make his/her day! We teach you, in fun, effective ways, the meanings of the words and how to pronounce them. You can also copy the characters and learn how to write ‘I love you’ in Polish – think how impressed your date will be!
4. Polish Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
So, you now have the basic Valentine’s Day vocabulary under your belt. Well done! But, do you know how to say ‘I love you’ in Polish yet? Or perhaps you are still only friends. So, do you know how to say ‘I like you’ or ‘I have a crush on you’ in Polish? No? Don’t worry, here are all the love phrases you need to bowl over your Polish love on this special day!
I love you.
Kocham cię.
Saying ‘I love you’ in Polish carries the same weight as in all languages. Use this only if you’re sure and sincere about your feelings for your partner/friend.
You mean so much to me.
Znaczysz dla mnie tak wiele.
This is a beautiful expression of gratitude that will enhance any relationship! It makes the receiver feel appreciated and their efforts recognized.
Will you be my Valentine?
Będziesz moją Walentynką?
With these words, you are taking your relationship to the next level! Or, if you have been a couple for a while, it shows that you still feel the romance. So, go for it!
You’re so beautiful.
Jesteś taka piękna.
If you don’t know how to say ‘You’re pretty’ in Polish, this is a good substitute, gentlemen!
I think of you as more than a friend.
Jesteś dla mnie kimś więcej niż tylko przyjacielem.
Say this if you are not yet sure that your romantic feelings are reciprocated. It is also a safe go-to if you’re unsure about the Polish dating culture.
A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.
Sto serc to zbyt mało, żeby pomieścić całą miłość, jaką do ciebie czuję.
You romantic you…! When your heart overflows with love, this would be the best phrase to use.
Love is just love. It can never be explained.
Miłość to po prostu miłość, nie można jej wytłumaczyć.
If you fell in love unexpectedly or inexplicably, this one’s for you.
You’re so handsome.
Jesteś taki przystojny.
Ladies, this phrase lets your Polish love know how much you appreciate his looks! Don’t be shy to use it; men like compliments too.
I’ve got a crush on you.
Podobasz mi się.
If you like someone, but you’re unsure about starting a relationship, it would be prudent to say this. It simply means that you like someone very, very much and think they’re amazing.
You make me want to be a better man.
Sprawiasz, że chcę być lepszym człowiekiem.
Gentlemen, don’t claim this phrase as your own! It hails from the movie ‘As Good as it Gets’, but it is sure to make your Polish girlfriend feel very special. Let her know that she inspires you!
Let all that you do be done in love.
Niech wszystko co robisz, będzie robione w miłości.
We hope.
You are my sunshine, my love.
Jesteś moim słońcem, moją miłością.
A compliment that lets your lover know they bring a special quality to your life. Really nice!
Words can’t describe my love for you.
Mojej miłości do ciebie nie da się wyrazić słowami.
Better say this when you’re feeling serious about the relationship! It means that your feelings are very intense.
We were meant to be together.
Jesteśmy sobie przeznaczeni.
This is a loving affirmation that shows you see a future together, and that you feel a special bond with your partner.
If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you’re definitely in love.
Jeśli myślałeś o kimś, gdy to czytałeś, to bez wątpienia jesteś zakochany.
Here’s something fun to tease your lover with. And hope he/she was thinking of you!
5. Polish Quotes about Love
You’re a love champ! You and your Polish lover are getting along fantastically, your dates are awesome, your Valentine’s Day together was spectacular, and you’re very much in love. Good for you! Here are some beautiful phrases of endearment in Polish that will remind him/her who is in your thoughts all the time.
6. Marriage Proposal Lines
Wow. Your Polish lover is indeed the love of your life – congratulations! And may only happiness follow the two of you! In most traditions, the man asks the woman to marry; this is also the Polish custom. Here are a few sincere and romantic lines that will help you to ask your lady-love for her hand in marriage.
7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
Instead of moving towards marriage or a long-term relationship, you find that the spark is not there for you. That is a pity! But even though breaking up is never easy, continuing a bad or unfulfilling relationship would be even harder. Remember to be kind to the person you are going to say goodbye to; respect and sensitivity cost nothing. Here are some phrases to help you break up gently.
We need to talk.
Musimy porozmawiać.
This is not really a break-up line, but it is a good conversation opener with a serious tone.
It’s not you. It’s me.
To nie ty. To ja.
As long as you mean it, this can be a kind thing to say. It means that there’s nothing wrong with your Polish lover as a person, but that you need something different from a relationship.
I’m just not ready for this kind of relationship.
Ja po prostu nie jestem gotowy na tego rodzaju związek.
Things moved a bit fast and got too intense, too soon? Painful as it is, honesty is often the best way to break up with somebody.
Let’s just be friends.
Pozostańmy tylko przyjaciółmi.
If the relationship was very intense, and you have sent many ‘i love u’ texts in Polish, this would not be a good breakup line. Feelings need to calm down before you can be friends, if ever. If the relationship has not really developed yet, a friendship would be possible.
I think we need a break.
Myślę, że musimy sobie zrobić przerwę.
This is again honest, and to the point. No need to play with someone’s emotions by not letting them know how you feel. However, this could imply that you may fall in love with him/her again after a period of time, so use with discretion.
You deserve better.
Zasługujesz na coś lepszego.
Yes, he/she probably deserves a better relationship if your own feelings have cooled down.
We should start seeing other people.
Powinniśmy zacząć spotykać się z innymi ludźmi.
This is probably the least gentle break-up phrase, so reserve it for a lover that doesn’t get the message!
I need my space.
Potrzebuję trochę przestrzeni.
When a person is too clingy or demanding, this would be an suitable break-up phrase. It is another good go-to for that lover who doesn’t get the message!
I think we’re moving too fast.
Myślę, że to się dzieje za szybko.
Say this if you want to keep the relationship, but need to slow down its progress a bit. It is also good if you feel things are getting too intense for your liking. However, it is not really a break-up line, so be careful not to mislead.
I need to focus on my career.
Muszę się skupić na mojej karierze.
If you feel that you will not be able to give 100% in a relationship due to career demands, this is the phrase to use. It’s also good if you are unwilling to give up your career for a relationship.
I’m not good enough for you.
Nie jestem wystarczająco dobry dla Ciebie.
Say this only if you really believe it, or you’ll end up sounding false. Break-ups are usually hard for the receiving party, so don’t insult him/her with an insincere comment.
I just don’t love you anymore.
Ja po prostu cię już nie kocham.
This harsh line is sometimes the best one to use if you are struggling to get through to a stubborn, clingy lover who won’t accept your break up. Use it as a last resort. Then switch your phone off and block their emails!
We’re just not right for each other.
My po prostu nie jesteśmy dla siebie stworzeni.
If this is how you truly feel, you need to say it. Be kind, gentle and polite.
It’s for the best.
Tak będzie lepiej.
This phrase is called for if circumstances are difficult and the relationship is not progressing well. Love should enhance one’s life, not burden it!
We’ve grown apart.
Oddaliliśmy się od siebie.
Cross-cultural relationships are often long-distance ones, and it is easy to grow apart over time.
8. Will Falling in Love help you Learn Polish faster?
Most people will agree that the above statement is a no-brainer – of course it will! Your body will be flooded with feel-good hormones, which are superb motivators for anything. PolishPod101 is one of the best portals to help help make this a reality, so don’t hesitate to enroll now! Let’s quickly look at the reasons why falling in love will speed up your learning of the Polish language.
Three Reasons Why Having a Lover will Help you Learn Polish Faster!
1- Being in a love relationship with your Polish speaking partner will immerse you in the culture PolishPod101 uses immersive methods and tools to teach you Polish, but having a relationship with a native speaker will be a very valuable addition to your learning experience! You will gain exposure to their world, realtime and vividly, which will make the language come alive even more for you. The experience is likely to expand your world-view, which should motivate you to learn Polish even faster.
2- Having your Polish romantic partner will mean more opportunity to practice speaking
Nothing beats continuous practice when learning a new language. Your partner will probably be very willing to assist you in this, as your enhanced Polish language skills will enhance the relationship. Communication is, after all, one of the most important pillars of a good partnership. Also, you will get to impress your lover with the knowledge gained through your studies – a win/win situation!
3- A supportive Polish lover is likely to make a gentle, patient teacher and study aid!
With his/her heart filled with love and goodwill for you, your Polish partner is likely to patiently and gently correct your mistakes when you speak. This goes not only for grammar, but also for accent and meaning. With his/her help, you could sound like a native in no time!
Three Reasons Why PolishPod101 helps you learn Polish Even Faster when you’re In Love
Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)
1- All the Resources and Materials Will Help Both of You
Falling in love with a man or woman speaking Polish is an opportunity for both of you to learn a new language! For this reason, every lesson, transcript, vocabulary list, and resource at PolishPod101 is translated into both English and Polish. So, while your partner can help you learn Polish faster, you can potentially also help him/her learn and master English!
2- Lessons Are Designed to Help You Understand and Engage with Polish Culture
At PolishPod101, our focus is to help our students learn practical vocabulary and phrases used by everyday people in Poland. This means that, from your very first lesson, you can apply what you learn immediately! So, when your Polish partner wants to go out to a restaurant, play Pokemon Go, or attend just about any social function, you have the vocabulary and phrases necessary to have a great time!
3- Access to Special Resources Dedicated to Romantic Polish Phrases
You now have access to PolishPod101’s specially-developed sections and tools to teach you love words, phrases, and cultural insights to help you find and attract your Polish soul mate. A personal tutor will assist you to master these brilliantly – remember to invite him/her to your wedding!
Most everyone is familiar with this day, as it is celebrated nearly everywhere the world. Yet, when exactly is April Fools’ Day? And where did April Fools come from? April Fools’ Day is observed on April 1st every year. This day of jokes and pranks is believed to have stemmed from the 16th-century calendar change in France, when New Year’s Day was moved from April 1 to January 1. This action was taken due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.
However, a few people were resistant to the calendar change, so they continued to observe New Year’s Day on April 1st, rather than the new date. They were referred to as the “April Fools”, and others started playing mocking tricks on them. This custom endured, and is practiced to this day around the world!
1. Top One Million Words You Need to Know for April Fools’ Day
Do you want to know how to say April Fools’ Day in Polish? Well, there are millions of ways and words, but here are the top one million Polish words you really need to know! Simply click this link. Here are some of them you will find useful:
joke – dowcip
funny – zabawny
fool – głupiec
April 1st – pierwszy kwietnia
deceptive – złudny
surprise – zaskakiwać
sneaky – podstępny
play a joke – zażartować
lie – kłamać
humor – humor
prank – psikus
prankster – dowcipniś
2. Polish Phrases You Can Use on April Fools’ Day
Don’t limit yourself to practical jokes – use these April Fools’ phrases in Polish to prank your favorite Polish friend or colleague!
All classes for today got canceled.
Dzisiaj odwołano wszystkie zajęcia.
I’m sorry, but I’ve just broken your favorite pair of glasses.
Przepraszam, ale właśnie stłukłem twoją ulubioną parę okularów.
Someone has just hit your car.
Ktoś właśnie uderzył w twój samochód.
You won a free ticket.
Wygrałeś darmowy bilet.
I saw your car being towed.
Widziałem jak twój samochód był holowany.
They’re giving away free gift cards in front of the building.
Przed budynkiem rozdają darmowe karty upominkowe.
A handsome guy is waiting for you outside.
Przystojny mężczyzna czeka na ciebie na zewnątrz.
A beautiful lady asked me to give this phone number to you.
Piękna kobieta poprosiła mnie, żebym dał tobie ten numer telefonu.
Can you come downstairs? I have something special for you.
Możesz zejść na dół? Mam coś dla ciebie.
Thank you for your love letter this morning. I never could have guessed your feelings.
Dziękuję za ten list miłosny, który dałaś mi rano. Nigdy nie przypuszczałem, że coś do mnie czujesz.
I’m getting married.
Wychodzę za mąż.
I learned Polish in 1 month.
Nauczyłem się polskiego w 1 miesiąc.
Choose your victims carefully, though; the idea is to get them to laugh with you, not to hurt their feelings or humiliate them in front of others. Be extra careful if you choose to play a prank on your boss – you don’t want to antagonize them with an inappropriate joke.
3. Some of the Coolest April Fools’ Pranks To Play on Anybody
Right, now that you know the top million April Fools’ words in Polish, let’s look at some super pranks and tricks to play on friends, colleagues and family. Some April Fools ideas never grow old, while new ones are born every year.
Never joke in such a way that it hurts anyone, or humiliates them badly in front of others – the idea is for everybody to laugh and enjoy the fun! Respect is still key, no matter what day of the year it is.
1- Infestation
This trick is so simple, yet so creepy, it’s almost unbelievable. Take black paper, cut out the silhouette of a giant cockroach, a spider or another insect, and stick it inside the lampshade of a table lamp. When the lamp is switched on, it will look like a monstrous insect is sitting inside the lampshade. Or, get a whole lot of realistic-looking plastic insects, and spread them over a colleague’s desk and chair, or, at home, over the kids’ beds etc. Creep-factor: stellar.
2- Which One Doesn’t Fit?
Put the photo of a celebrity or a notorious politician in a frame, and take it to work on April Fools’ Day. Hang the photo on the staff picture wall, and wait. You’ll be surprised how long it can take for people to notice that one picture doesn’t fit.
3- Something Weird in the Restroom
At work, replace the air freshener in the restroom with something noxious like insect killer, oven cleaner or your own odious mixture in a spray bottle. Be sure to cover the bottle’s body so no one suspects a swap.
Or paint a bar of soap with clear nail polish, and leave it at the hand wash basin. It will not lather.
Or, if your workplace’s restroom has partitioned toilets with short doors, arrange jeans or trousers and shoes on all but one of the toilet covers, so it looks like every stall is occupied. Now wait for complaints, and see how long it takes for someone to figure out the April Fools’ Day prank. You’ll probably wish you had a camera inside the restroom. But, unless you don’t mind getting fired, don’t put your own recording device in there!
4- Call Me Funny
Prepare and print out a few posters with the following instructions: Lion Roar Challenge! Call this number – 123-456-7890 – and leave your best lion’s roar as voicemail! Best roarer will be announced April 10 in the cafeteria. Prize: $100. (Lion’s roar is just an example; you can use any animal call, or even a movie character’s unique sound, such as Chewbacca from Star Wars. The weirder, the funnier. Obviously!) Put the posters up in the office where most of the staff is likely to see them. Now wait for the owner of the number to visit you with murderous intent. Have a conciliatory gift ready that’s not a prank.
5- Minty Cookies
This is another simple but hugely effective prank – simply separate iced cookies, scrape off the icing, and replace it with toothpaste. Serve during lunch or tea break at work, or put in your family’s lunch boxes. Be sure to take photos of your victim’s faces when they first bite into your April Fools’ cookies.
6- Wild Shopping
At your local grocer, place a realistic-looking plastic snake or spider among the fresh vegetables. Now wait around the corner for the first yell.
7- The Oldest Trick in the Book
Don’t forget probably the oldest, yet very effective April Fools’ joke in the book – smearing hand cream or Vaseline on a door handle that most staff, family or friends are likely to use. Yuck to the max!
8- Sneeze On Me
Another golden oldie is also gross, yet harmless and utterly satisfying as a prank. Fill a small spray bottle that you can easily conceal with water. Walk past a friend, colleague or one of your kids, and fake a sneeze while simultaneously spraying them with a bit of water. Expect to be called a totally disgusting person. Add a drop of lovely smelling essential oil to the water for extra confusion.
9- Word Play Repairs
Put a fresh leek in the hand wash basin at home or work, and then tell your housemates or colleagues this: “There’s a huge leak in the restroom/bathroom basin, it’s really serious. Please can someone go have a look?!” Expect exasperation and smiles all around. Note that this prank is only likely to work where people understand English well.
10- Scary Face
Print out a very scary face on an A4 sheet of paper, and place it in a colleague’s, or one of your kid’s drawers, so it’s the first thing they see when they open the drawer. You may not be very popular for a while.
11- Wake Up To Madness
Put foamy shaving cream, or real whipped cream on your hand, and wake your kid up by tickling their nose with it. As long as they get the joke, this could be a wonderful and fun way to start April Fools’ Day.
12- Computer Prank
This one’s fabulous, if you have a bit of time to fiddle with a colleague, friend or your kid’s computer. It is most effective on a computer where most of the icons they use are on the desktop background itself (as opposed to on the bottom task bar).
Take and save a screenshot of their desktop with the icons. Set this screenshot as their background image. Now delete all the working icons. When they return to their computer, wait for the curses when no amount of clicking on the icons works.
13- Monster Under the Cup
This one will also work well anywhere people meet. Take a paper cup, and write the following on it in black pen: “Danger! Don’t lift, big spider underneath.” Place it upside-down on prominent flat surface, such as a kitchen counter, a colleague’s desk or a restaurant table. Expect some truly interesting responses.
14- Prank Door
Write in large letters on a large and noticeable piece of paper: PUSH. Tape this notice on a door that should be pulled to open, and watch the hilarious struggle of those clever souls who actually read signs.
4. How Can PolishPod101 Make Your April Fools’ Day Special?
If you happen to visit Poland, or if you work for any Polish company, knowing the above Polish prankster phrases can really lighten up your day. Showing you have a sense of humor can go a long way to cement good relationships in any situation. These phrases are at your disposal for free, as well as are these 100 core Polish words, which you will learn how to pronounce perfectly.
Also, don’t stop at learning April Fools’ phrases in Polish – bone up your Polish language skills with these FREE key phrases. Yes, PolishPod101 doesn’t joke when it comes to effective, fun and easy learning.
Now, as a bonus, test our super-learning technology, and learn the Top 1000 most useful phrases in Polish below! But that’s not all. Read on to learn how you can be eligible for large enrollment discounts at PolishPod101.
5. Top 1000 Most Useful Phrases in Polish – testing new technology
Help us by being a language guinea pig! Listen to this video above with embedded cutting-edge, frequency-based learning technology that enables you to learn large amounts of data in record time.
Note: This technology is in beta-phase of development, and we invite your input for fine-tuning.
To participate: Watch the video for instructions, and leave a comment to rate it. Your comment will make you eligible for large enrollment-fee discounts. To watch the video, please click the play button.
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Learn all the Polish New Year wishes online, in your own time, on any device! Join PolishPod101 for a special Polish New Year celebration!
Can you relate to the year passing something like this: “January, February, March – December!”? Many people do! Quantum physics teaches us that time is relative, and few experiences illustrate this principle as perfectly as when we reach the end of a year. To most of us, it feels like the old one has passed in the blink of an eye, while the new year lies ahead like a very long journey! However, New Year is also a time to celebrate beginnings, and to say goodbye to what has passed. This is true in every culture, no matter when New Year is celebrated.
So, how do you say Happy New Year in Polish? Let a native teach you! At PolishPod101, you will learn how to correctly greet your friends over New Year, and wish them well with these Polish New Year wishes!
Like in many other countries, in Poland the New Year starts on the first day of January. But for Poles, the night preceding this day is the more important one. This is because it’s New Year’s Eve! Across the country, people host loud parties and banquets, which include lots of good food and drinks shared with a group of friends and family, of course.
Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-
What do Polish people call the night before the first day of the New Year in Polish?
If you don’t already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep reading.
Poles always celebrate New Year’s Eve quite noisily. There’s a legend explaining why this is so. According to an ancient prophecy, at midnight on the night of the turn of the 10th century the Leviathan, or Lewiatan, imprisoned by Pope Sylvester, was to wake up and destroy the world, spewing sulfur and fire. But, when the deciding moment came, the Leviathan didn’t break free, and, filled with joy, the people poured out into the streets, dancing, singing and drinking wine. Thus began the tradition of noisy, happy celebrations.
Just as in the legend, today Poles continue to celebrate the occasion with much grandeur. Throughout the evening on New Year’s Eve, also called wigilia Nowego Roku, Poles organized dance parties, gala dinners, house parties, and outdoor events in cities where people can enjoy free music played by the biggest stars in Polish music and cabaret.
The largest events are held on the Constitution Square in Warsaw, or Plac Konstytucji w Warszawie, and in the Cracow Main Market Square, or Rynek Główny w Krakowie, where the number of participants can reach as many as 20,000.
And at exactly midnight, or północ, the whole nation lights up as bright as day. People welcome the New Year with champagne and fireworks, setting them off not only at outdoor events organized by the city, but also in the streets in front of their houses. All across Poland people come outside to admire the fireworks, called fajerwerki, shimmering all around. Phones are constantly ringing, because everyone wants to call all their friends and family and be the first one to wish them a Happy New Year.
Did you know that Poles love offering good wishes to each other at every opportunity? If you go outside to watch fireworks, don’t be surprised if strangers hug you and tell you “Happy New Year!”, which in Polish is Szczęśliwego nowego roku!
Now it’s time to answer our quiz question-
What do Polish people call the night before the first day of the New Year in Polish?
They call it Sylwester. Do you remember the story about Leviathan the evil monster?
The pope named Sylvester I was the one who imprisoned the monster, and thus this day was named after him.
Happy New Year!
Szczęśliwego nowego roku!
2. Must-Know Polish Words & Phrases for the New Year!
1- Year
rok
This is pretty self-explanatory. Most countries follow a Gregorian calendar, which has approximately 365 days in a year, while in some cultures, other year designations are also honored. Therefore, New Year’s day in Poland could fall on a different day than in your country. When do you celebrate New Year?
2- Midnight
północ
The point in time when a day ends and a new one starts. Many New Year celebrants prefer to stay awake till midnight, and greet the new annum as it breaks with fanfare and fireworks!
3- New Year’s Day
Nowy Rok
In most countries, the new year is celebrated for one whole day. On the Gregorian calendar, this falls on January 1st. On this day, different cultures engage in festive activities, like parties, parades, big meals with families and many more.
4- Party
impreza
A party is most people’s favorite way to end the old year, and charge festively into the new one! We celebrate all we accomplished in the old year, and joyfully anticipate what lies ahead.
5- Dancing
taniec
Usually, when the clock strikes midnight and the New Year officially begins, people break out in dance! It is a jolly way to express a celebratory mood with good expectations for the year ahead. Also, perhaps, that the old year with its problems has finally passed! Dance parties are also a popular way to spend New Year’s Eve in many places.
6- Champagne
szampan
Originating in France, champagne is a bubbly, alcoholic drink that is often used to toast something or someone during celebrations.
7- Fireworks
fajerwerk
These are explosives that cause spectacular effects when ignited. They are popular for announcing the start of the new year with loud noises and colorful displays! In some countries, fireworks are set off to scare away evil spirits. In others, the use of fireworks is forbidden in urban areas due to their harmful effect on pets. Most animals’ hearing is much more sensitive than humans’, so this noisy display can be very frightful and traumatising to them.
8- Countdown
odliczanie
This countdown refers to New Year celebrants counting the seconds, usually backward, till midnight, when New Year starts – a great group activity that doesn’t scare animals, and involves a lot of joyful shouting when the clock strikes midnight!
9- New Year’s Holiday
przerwa noworoczna
In many countries, New Year’s Day is a public holiday – to recuperate from the party the previous night, perhaps! Families also like to meet on this day to enjoy a meal and spend time together.
10- Confetti
Konfetti
In most Western countries, confetti is traditionally associated with weddings, but often it is used as a party decoration. Some prefer to throw it in the air at the strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve.
11- New Year’s Eve
Sylwester
This is the evening before New Year breaks at midnight! Often, friends and family meet for a party or meal the evening before, sometimes engaging in year-end rituals. How are you planning to give your New Year greetings in 2018?
12- Toast
toast
A toast is a type of group-salutation that involves raising your glass to drink with others in honor of something or someone. A toast to the new year is definitely in order!
13- Resolution
postanowienie
Those goals or intentions you hope to, but seldom keep in the new year! Many people consider the start of a new year to be the opportune time for making changes or plans. Resolutions are those intentions to change, or the plans. It’s best to keep your resolutions realistic so as not to disappoint yourself!
14- Parade
parada
New Year celebrations are a huge deal in some countries! Parades are held in the streets, often to celebratory music, with colorful costumes and lots of dancing. Parades are like marches, only less formal and way more fun. At PolishPod101, you can engage in forums with natives who can tell you what Polish New Year celebrations are like!
3. Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions
So, you learned the Polish word for ‘resolution’. Fabulous! Resolutions are those goals and intentions that we hope to manifest in the year that lies ahead. The beginning of a new year serves as a good marker in time to formalise these. Some like to do it in writing, others only hold these resolutions in their hearts. Here are our Top 10 New Year’s resolutions at PolishPod101 – what are yours?
Learn these phrases and impress your Polish friends with your vocabulary.
1- Read more
Więcej czytać.
Reading is a fantastic skill that everyone can benefit from. You’re a business person? Apparently, successful business men and women read up to 60 books a year. This probably excludes fiction, so better scan your library or Amazon for the top business reads if you plan to follow in the footsteps of the successful! Otherwise, why not make it your resolution to read more Polish in the new year? You will be surprised by how much this will improve your Polish language skills!
2- Spend more time with family
Spędzać więcej czasu z rodziną.
Former US President George Bush’s wife, Barbara Bush, was quoted as having said this: “At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, a parent.” This is very true! Relationships are often what gives life meaning, so this is a worthy resolution for any year.
3- Lose weight
Schudnąć.
Hands up, how many of you made this new year’s resolution last year too…?! This is a notoriously difficult goal to keep, as it takes a lot of self discipline not to eat unhealthily. Good luck with this one, and avoid unhealthy fad diets!
4- Save money
Oszczędzaj pieniądze.
Another common and difficult resolution! However, no one has ever been sorry when they saved towards reaching a goal. Make it your resolution to save money to upgrade your subscription to PolishPod101’s Premium PLUS option in the new year – it will be money well spent!
5- Quit smoking
Rzucić palenie.
This is a resolution that you should definitely keep, or your body could punish you severely later! Smoking is a harmful habit with many hazardous effects on your health. Do everything in your power to make this resolution come true in the new year, as your health is your most precious asset.
6- Learn something new
Nauczyć się czegoś nowego.
Science has proven that learning new skills can help keep brain diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s at bay! It can even slow down the progression of the disease. So, keep your brain healthy by learning to speak a new language, studying towards a qualification, learning how to sew, or how to play chess – no matter how old you are, the possibilities are infinite!
7- Drink less
Mniej pić.
This is another health resolution that is good to heed any time of the year. Excessive drinking is associated with many diseases, and its effect can be very detrimental to good relationships too. Alcohol is a poison and harmful for the body in large quantities!
8- Exercise regularly
Regularnie ćwiczyć.
This resolution goes hand-in-hand with ‘Lose weight’! An inactive body is an unhealthy and often overweight one, so give this resolution priority in the new year.
9- Eat healthy
Zdrowo jeść.
If you stick with this resolution, you will lose weight and feel better in general. It is a very worthy goal to have!
10- Study Polish with PolishPod101
Uczyć się języka polskiego z PolishPod101.com
Of course! You can only benefit from learning Polish, especially with us! Learning how to speak Polish can keep your brain healthy, it can widen your circle of friends, and improve your chances to land a dream job anywhere in the world. PolishPod101 makes it easy and enjoyable for you to stick to this resolution.
4. Inspirational New Year Quotes
Everyone knows that it is sometimes very hard to stick to resolutions, and not only over New Year. The reasons for this vary from person to person, but all of us need inspiration every now and then! A good way to remain motivated is to keep inspirational quotes near as reminders that it’s up to us to reach our goals.
Make decorative notes of these in Polish, and keep them close! Perhaps you could stick them above your bathroom mirror, or on your study’s wall. This way you not only get to read Polish incidentally, but also remain inspired to reach your goals! Imagine feeling like giving up on a goal, but reading this quote when you go to the bathroom: “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” What a positive affirmation!
5. Inspirational Language Learning Quotes
Still undecided whether you should enroll with PolishPod101 to learn a new language? There’s no time like the present to decide! Let the following Language Learning Quotes inspire you with their wisdom.
As legendary President Nelson Mandela once said: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” So, learning how to say Happy New Year in Polish could well be a way into someone special’s heart for you! Let this year be the one where you to learn how to say Happy New Year, and much more, in Polish – it could open many and unexpected doors for you.
6. How To Say Happy New Year in 31 Languages
Here’s a lovely bonus for you! Why stop with Polish – learn how to say Happy New Year in 31 other languages too! Watch this video and learn how to pronounce these New Year’s wishes like a native in under two minutes.
7. Why Enrolling with PolishPod101 Would Be the Perfect New Year’s Gift to Yourself!
If you are unsure how to celebrate the New Year, why not give yourself a huge gift, and enroll to learn Polish! With more than 12 years of experience behind us, we know that PolishPod101 would be the perfect fit for you. There are so many reasons for this!
Custom-tailored Learning Paths: Start learning Polish at the level that you are. We have numerous Learning Pathways, and we tailor them just for you based on your goals and interests! What a boon!
Marked Progress and Fresh Learning Material Every Week: We make new lessons available every week, with an option to track your progress. Topics are culturally appropriate and useful, such as “Learning how to deliver negative answers politely to a business partner.” Our aim is to equip you with Polish that makes sense!
Multiple Learning Tools: Learn in fun, easy ways with resources such 1,000+ video and audio lessons, flashcards, detailed PDF downloads, and mobile apps suitable for multiple devices!
Fast Track Learning Option: If you’re serious about fast-tracking your learning, Premium Plus would be the perfect way to go! Enjoy perks such as personalised lessons with ongoing guidance from your own, native-speaking teacher, and one-on-one learning on your mobile app! You will not be alone in your learning. Weekly assignments with non-stop feedback, answers and corrections will ensure speedy progress.
Fun and Easy: Keeping the lessons fun and easy-to-learn is our aim, so you will stay motivated by your progress!
Do you know any ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Polish? PolishPod101 brings you easy-to-learn translations and the correct pronunciation of Polish Christmas phrases!
Christmas is the annual commemorative festival of Christ’s birth in the Western Christian Church. It takes place on December 25th and is usually celebrated with much food and fanfare! However, not all cultures celebrate Christmas. In some countries, Christmas is not even a public holiday! However, many countries have adapted Christmas and its religious meaning to tally with their own beliefs, or simply in acknowledgment of the festival’s importance to other cultures. If you want to impress native Polish speakers with culturally-appropriate Christmas phrases and vocabulary, PolishPod101 will teach you the most important ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Polish!
Let’s talk about the greatest and most important holiday in Poland: Christmas Eve. For this occasion, Poles typically return to their parents’ homes, and have a sit-down dinner with their families, gorging on various dishes prepared specially for this occasion. People also frequently decorate Christmas trees, called choinka, and exchange presents.
Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-
In some regions of Poland people receive presents from someone other than Santa Claus. Who is it?
If you don’t know already, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep reading.
Christmas Eve has always been a special day in Poland when extraordinary things are known happen. In the past many superstitions existed, for example some believed that on this day the spirits of the dead, or dusze zmarłych, would visit their families, that the water in local wells might turn into honey or wine, and that animals would speak with human voices. It was also recommended to have a bath in the river on the morning of Christmas Eve to ensure one’s health and vitality for the following year.
Today, Christmas Eve is still a special and magical day in a way, and is celebrated by most people, not just those who are religious. There are many traditions that have survived to this day, and one of the most important is to prepare at least twelve different dishes for Christmas Eve dinner. Fish, or ryba, is the most common, prepared in various forms, such as baked, stewed, and jellied, and other common dishes including groats and cereals, salads and nuts. If you spend Christmas in Poland, other than fish dishes you must try borscht or barszcz and dumplings with cabbage and mushrooms called pierogi z kapustą i grzybami. Another famous dish is poppy seeds with honey and boiled grain, called kutia, or if you use bread instead of grains, makówka. And let’s not forget about other sweets like gingerbread or poppy-seed cake.
Another tradition is to share the Christmas wafer, or opłatek, before dinner. Each guest gets a piece of this beautifully decorated wafer and submits wishes to the other guests, one by one, breaking the wafer piece by piece. It is a very beautiful tradition because people don’t wish anything for themselves, but only for others.
Listeners who are familiar with Christmas will most likely know the story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the Three Wise Men, who followed a star to arrive at Jesus’s manger. Based on the events of this story, if the sky is clear on the evening of Christmas Eve, in many Polish homes people will sit down to dinner only after the first star appears in the night sky.
Now it’s time to answer our quiz question-
In some regions of Poland, people receive presents from someone other than Santa Claus. Who is it?
In several regions of Poland, like Kaszuby, Kujawy and Greater Poland, the one who brings gifts for well-behaved children is Father Christmas, called Gwiazdor. But if someone was naughty, both of them—Santa Claus and Father Christmas—leave a wooden stick under the Christmas tree instead of a gift.
2. Holiday Greetings and Wishes for the Holiday Season
1- Merry Christmas!
Wesołych Świąt!
Do you know how to say ‘Merry Christmas’ in Polish? Learn here how to pronounce it perfectly! ‘Merry’ means to be joyful, to celebrate and generally be in good spirits. So, with this phrase you are wishing someone a joyful, celebratory remembrance of Christ’s birth!
2- Happy Kwanzaa!
Szczęśliwego Kwanzaa!
Surprise your African-American, or West African native friends with this phrase over the Christmas holidays! Kwanzaa is a seven-day, non-religious celebration, starting on Dec 26th each year. It has its roots in African American modern history, and many people celebrate both Kwanzaa and Christmas!
3- Have a happy New Year!
Szczęśliwego nowego roku!
In countries where Christmas is not officially celebrated, but a Gregorian calendar is observed, this would be a friendly festive-season wish over New Year.
4- Happy Hanukkah!
Szczęśliwej Chanuki!
Hanukkah is the beautiful Hebrew festival over November or December each year. It is also called the ‘Festival of Lights’ and is celebrated to commemorate the Jewish freedom of religion.
5- Have a great winter vacation!
Udanych ferii!
This is a good phrase to keep handy if someone doesn’t observe any religious festival over the Christmas holidays! However, this will only be applicable in the Northern hemisphere, where it is winter over Christmas.
6- See you next year!
Do zobaczenia w przyszłym roku!
Going away on holiday over Christmas season, or saying goodbye to someone about to leave on vacation? This would be a good way to say goodbye to your friends and family.
7- Warm wishes!
Gorące życzenia!
An informal, friendly phrase to write in Polish Christmas cards, especially for secular friends who prefer to observe Christmas celebrations without the religious symbolism. It conveys the warmth of friendship and friendly wishes associated with this time of year.
8- Happy holidays!
Wesołych świąt!
If you forget how to say ‘Merry Christmas!’ in Polish, this is a safe, generic phrase to use instead.
9- Enjoy the holidays!
Cieszyć się wakacjami!
After saying ‘Merry Christmas’ in Polish, this would be a good phrase with which to wish Christmas holiday-goers well! It is also good to use for secular friends who don’t celebrate Christmas but take a holiday at this time of the year.
10- Best wishes for the New Year!
Wszystkiego najlepszego w nowym roku!
This is another way of wishing someone well in the New Year if they observe a Gregorian calendar. New Year’s day would then fall on January 1st.
3. Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary
Christmas is associated with many traditions and religious symbols in multiple countries across the world. It originated centuries ago in the West with the birth of Christianity, and the celebrations are often embedded with rich cultural significance. So, by now you know how to say Merry Christmas in Polish! Next, learn pertinent vocabulary and phrases pertaining to Christmas, as well as how to pronounce them correctly. At PolishPod101, we make sure you sound like a native speaker!
1- Christmas
Boże Narodzenie
This is the Polish word for ‘Christmas’. Most happy Christmas wishes in Polish will include this word!
2- Snow
śnieg
In most Northern-hemisphere countries, Christmas is synonymous with snow, and for Christmas, the snowman is often dressed as Santa Claus.
3- Snowflake
płatek śniegu
Snowflakes collectively make up snow. A single snowflake is small, white, light like a feather and icy cold! When put under a microscope, the snowflake reveals itself to have the most beautiful, symmetrical patterns. These patterns have become popular Christmas decorations, especially in Western countries.
4- Snowman
bałwan
As you guessed – a snowman is only possible to build if it is snowing! What a fun way to spend Christmas day outside.
5- Turkey
indyk
Roast turkey is the traditional main dish on thousands of lunch tables on Christmas day, mainly in Western countries. What is your favorite Christmas dish?
6- Wreath
wieniec świąteczny
Another traditional Western decoration for Christmas, the wreath is an arrangement of flowers, leaves, or stems fastened in a ring. Many families like to hang a Christmas wreath outside on their houses’ front doors.
7- Reindeer
renifer
Reindeer are the animals commonly fabled to pull Santa Claus’ sled across the sky! Western Christmas folklore tells of Father Christmas or Santa Claus doing the rounds with his sled, carrying Christmas presents for children, and dropping them into houses through the chimney. But who is Santa Claus?
8- Santa Claus
Święty Mikołaj
Santa Claus is a legendary and jolly figure originating in the Western Christian culture. He is known by many names, but is traditionally depicted as a rotund man wearing a red costume with a pointy hat, and sporting a long, snow-white beard!
9- Elf
elf
An elf is a supernatural creature of folklore with pointy ears, a dainty, humanoid body and a capricious nature. Elves are said to help Santa Claus distribute presents to children over Christmas!
10- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolf czerwononosy renifer
‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ is a Christmas song based on an American children’s story book with the same name. Rudolph is one of Santa’s reindeer. The song became more famous than the book, and can still be heard playing in many shopping malls over Christmas time across the globe!
11- North Pole
Biegun Północny
The cold North Pole is where Santa Claus is reputed to live with his reindeer!
12- Sled
sanki
A sled is a non-motorised land vehicle used to travel over snow in countries where it snows a lot, and is usually pulled by animals such as horses, dogs or reindeer. This one obviously refers to Santa’s sled! Another word for sled is sleigh or sledge.
13- Present
prezent
Gift or present giving is synonymous with Christmas Eve and the greatest source of joy for children over this festive time! This tradition signifies that Christ’s birth was a gift to mankind, but not all people who hand out presents over Christmas observe the religious meaning.
14- Bell
dzwon
On Christmas Day, or Christmas Eve, many religious celebrants enjoy going to church for a special sermon and Christmas rituals. The start of the sermon is often announced with bells or a bell, if the church has one. For this reason, the sound of ringing bells is often associated with Christmas Day.
15- Chimney
komin
The chimney is the entrance Santa Claus uses to deliver children’s presents on Christmas Day, according to folklore! Wonder how the chubby man and his elves stay clean…?!
16- Fireplace
kominek
In most countries where it snows, Christmas is synonymous with a fire or burning embers in houses’ fireplaces. Families huddle around its warmth while opening Christmas presents. Also, this is where Santa Claus is reputed to pop out after his journey down the chimney!
17- Christmas Day
Boże Narodzenie
This is the official day of commemorative celebration of Christ’s birth, and falls each year on December 25.
18- Decoration
dekarocja
Decorations are the colourful trinkets and posters that make their appearance in shops and homes during the Christmas holiday season in many countries! They give the places a celebratory atmosphere in anticipation of the big Christmas celebration. Typical Christmas decorations include colorful photographs and posters, strings of lights, figurines of Santa Claus and the nativity scene, poinsettia flowers, snowflakes and many more.
19- Stocking
skarpetka
According to legend, Santa Claus places children’s presents in a red stocking hanging over the fireplace. This has also become a popular decoration, signifying Christmas.
20- Holly
ostrokrzew
Holly is a shrub native to the UK, and parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. It is characterised by glossy, spiny-toothed leaves, small, whitish flowers, and red berries. Ironically, its significance for Christmas relates to Christ’s crucifixion and suffering rather than his birth. However, the leaves’ distinctive shape and image have become popular Christmas decorations.
21- Gingerbread house
domek z piernika
According to legend, the gingerbread house synonymous with Christmas is related to Christ’s birth place, Bethlehem. Bethlehem literally means ‘House of Bread’. Over centuries, it has become a popular treat over Christmas time in many non-religious households as well.
22- Candy cane
laska świąteczna
According to folklore, Christmas candy canes made their appearance first in Germany in the 16th century. A choir master gave children the candy canes to suck on in church in order to keep them quiet during the Christmas sermon! Apparently, the candy is shaped like a cane in remembrance of the shepherds who were the first to visit the baby Jesus. Today, like gingerbread houses, they are still a popular sweet over the festive season!
23- Mistletoe
jemioła
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on certain trees. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the mistletoe has magical powers, and could protect a household from evil if hung above a door during December. The belief didn’t last but the habit did, and the mistletoe is another popular Christmas decoration!
4. Twelve Days of Christmas
Wow, you’re doing extremely well! You know how to wish someone a Merry Christmas in Polish, and you learned pertinent vocabulary too! The Twelve Days of Christmas is not very well known in modern times, so, you’re on your way to becoming an expert in Christmas traditions and rituals. Well done!
The Twelve Days of Christmas, also known as Twelvetide, is a traditional festive period of 12 days dedicated to celebrate the nativity of Christ. Christmas Day is, for many who observe Twelvetide, the first day of this period.
‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is also a popular Christmas song about a series of gifts given on each day of Twelvetide. According to experts, these gifts were created as a coded reference to important symbols in the Christian church. Here is a list of those gifts mentioned in the song! Do you recognise them?
5. Top 10 Christmas Characters in American Culture
This is fantastic, you know how to explain almost everything about Christmas in Polish! However, do you know the most popular Christmas characters in American culture? Your knowledge will not be complete without this list.
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So, this Christmas, why don’t you give yourself a present and enroll in PolishPod101? Or give an enrollment as a present to a loved one. It will be a gift with benefits for a whole lifetime, not just over Christmas!
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