There are many myths surrounding the Polish language and how difficult it is to learn for foreigners, especially non-Slavic speakers. And while it’s true that learning Polish is not without its challenges, our students prove every day that it’s not only possible to learn Polish, but it can also be a very rewarding and fun experience!
At Polka Dot, we work with students at different proficiency levels. That is why we understand very well the difference in expectations between those who are at the beginning of their language-learning journey and those who want to hone their already existing language skills. If you’re considering learning Polish or preparing to start a Polish course, we’ve compiled a list of 9 useful tips for beginner Polish language learners to help you reach your desired language level.
9 Tips on How to Learn Polish Effectively
Build Solid Foundations
A popular rule of thumb states that before you start running, you should learn to walk. But what does it mean in the context of language learning? It means that you should start with the basics rather than throwing yourself headlong into complicated grammatical constructions and advanced vocabulary. So what are the things you should learn first?
- Get familiar with the Polish alphabet, spelling rules and pronunciation. This knowledge will give you the tools to learn Polish phrases and vocabulary on your own later on.
- Start learning Polish grammar with the most commonly used concepts and rules that will help you express yourself clearly. Waiting with more advanced topics until you have a better grasp of the basics will make them easier to understand and learn.
Learn Common Polish Words and Phrases
Grammar can only take you so far when it comes to speaking a foreign language. To speak Polish this knowledge has to be supplemented by a solid vocabulary base. Memorise common Polish words and phrases useful in everyday conversations. Remember that even simple greeting exchanges can be great language practice as they help you build up your confidence and get familiar with Polish pronunciation.
- Look for Polish vocabulary lists, e.g., basic Polish words, Polish phrases for beginners, Polish greetings, common Polish verbs, etc. You can find such lists online, and many of them are also available on our blog.
- Create your own Polish word lists, e.g. thematic ones, related to your interests or with work-related words you need to know.
Start Speaking Polish as Soon as Possible
Starting a conversation in a foreign language can be stressful, especially for beginners. Students are often so worried about making mistakes or not being able to express themselves clearly that they avoid speaking altogether. But if you want to learn how to speak Polish, speaking is the only truly effective way! That’s why our classes are taught by teachers who are native speakers and in small groups to provide you with a comfortable and stress-free environment to learn and practice.
- The best way to learn Polish for beginners, especially if you care more about gaining practical language skills than theoretical knowledge, is to practise and actually use what you learn during Polish lessons. Don’t wait until you know every grammar rule and every word you might come across – start speaking Polish right away!
Don’t Get Discouraged by Difficulties and Mistakes
The most important thing you should know about language learning is that becoming fluent in a language is not something that can happen overnight. Don’t expect to be perfect right from the beginning! It takes time, effort and motivation to master a foreign language. Instead of treating mistakes as failures, treat them as challenges and valuable lessons that will help you understand the subject even better!
- As a beginner Polish learner, you need to realise that even native speakers don’t know everything and make mistakes! Think about how you use your own native language: how often do you have trouble remembering a particular word or its spelling, and how many times do you use a wrong phrase or saying? Mistakes are a natural part of not only learning a foreign language but of speaking any language in general, so don’t let them stop you from learning and practising your Polish skills.
Learn Polish Grammar Through Practical Examples
Don’t bury yourself in grammar textbooks and theoretical knowledge! Not only is trying to learn too much too quickly an easy way to get discouraged, but memorising different rules does not automatically result in the ability to apply them in practice. Focusing mainly on theory and underestimating the value of real-life language practice is a common mistake made by language learners. Luckily, there’s an easy way to avoid falling into such habits!
- For each grammar rule you learn, learn the actual phrases and sentences that use that rule. Seeing the practical application of grammar concepts makes them easier to understand while also increasing the number of words and expressions you have at your disposal when speaking Polish.
Look for Opportunities to Practice Your Language Skills
Even if you have enough knowledge to understand what someone is saying to you, you may still find it difficult to actually speak Polish yourself. This is a common problem among language learners. And it’s also a clear sign that you need more practice when it comes to speaking. It’s important because it is impossible to learn to speak a language from theory alone. If your goal is to become fluent in Polish, you need to speak as much as possible as soon as possible.
- If you have Polish-speaking friends, try talking to them in their native language. You can also look for a pen pal to write and chat with online. Even something as simple as chatting with people at your local Polish grocery store can help you develop useful habits and practice your pronunciation.
Learn From Polish Native Speakers
Classes with a native Polish speaker are a great solution if you want to actually understand the language instead of simply learning it by heart. Native speakers can teach you proper grammar, vocabulary, verb conjugation and all the other important language skills. But they can also introduce you to Polish culture, explain common phrases and teach you not only textbook Polish but also the colloquial language you can hear on the streets in Poland. That’s why, at Polka Dot, we offer online classes taught by native Polish teachers.
Immerse Yourself in the Polish Language
Don’t limit your learning to classes, but try to immerse yourself in a Polish-speaking environment outside your language course as well! This will help you practice and learn Polish in a way that’s fun and interesting instead of being focused on monotonous repetitions. Find the methods that work best for you to make your learning experience not only effective but also enjoyable!
- How can you immerse yourself in Polish culture without actually travelling to Poland? Read Polish books, watch Polish films, and listen to Polish music and Polish audiobooks. There are many free resources online, e.g., Polish videos on YouTube. You can also switch the language on your phone to Polish, follow Polish news sites or use Polish apps, e.g. for cooking or exercising.
Learn and Practice Polish Regularly
Language acquisition relies heavily on repetition. You simply won’t remember all the new words and information related to grammar, sentence structure or verb conjugation after just reading it once. Learning smaller portions of knowledge regularly, e.g., every day, with frequent repetitions of previous lessons, is a much more effective learning method than going through huge portions of material every once in a while.
- Learn Polish with short but regular lessons. Remember that each lesson can be treated as a repetition of things you’ve already learnt, e.g., once you learn the Polish alphabet, every time you learn new Polish words, you get to repeat Polish letters and their pronunciation.
Answers to Common Questions From Beginner Learners
Is Polish Hard to Learn?
The Internet is full of opinions on the difficulties foreigners face when learning Polish. But how hard is Polish to learn in reality? It’s definitely not the easiest language to learn, but comments about it being too difficult to achieve a satisfactory level of fluency are significantly exaggerated. While speakers of other Slavic languages will find the task easier due to many similarities, other students can successfully learn Polish as well with enough motivation and effort, just as with any other language!
Language Classes or Self-Study – Which Option Is Better?
Self-studying can be a great option for advanced language students with solid grammar foundations. However, beginners can easily develop bad habits without the supervision of a teacher, who will notice mistakes and help eliminate them. Both methods have their own advantages, so combining them may be a good idea if you want to learn to speak Polish quickly and effectively.
Where Do I Start Learning Polish?
There are many options available, from language learning apps and self-studying to attending language classes, both on-site and online. Our recommendation for beginner Polish language learners is to start with a language course. There are many things you can gain by learning with a teacher that are impossible or difficult to achieve on your own.
How Can I Choose the Right Polish Course for Me?
It can be difficult to correctly assess your language proficiency level. We understand this. That’s why, at Polka Dot, we offer placement tests to tell you exactly where your Polish skills fall on the CEFR scale.
Conclusion
So what is the best way to learn Polish? There are as many opinions as there are foreign language students. Our advice: try different things and combine various methods! There are no one-size-fits-all solutions to becoming fluent in Polish or any other language. A lot will depend on your personal goals, e.g. whether you want to speak fluently or simply be able to communicate during your next trip to Poland. Knowing your own expectations will help you decide when and what to learn. When starting a Polish course at a language school, you may want to discuss this topic with your teacher to determine your priorities.
