Discover the best tips for learning Polish and find out how mastering the language can open doors to amazing job opportunities in Poland. Start your journey today!
JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN POLAND
Poland offers a wide range of career opportunities for foreigners. If you don’t speak Polish yet, you will most easily find employment in sectors such as warehouses, production, or seasonal work. Many employers in these industries hire international teams and do not require knowledge of Polish at the start.
On the other hand, industries such as customer service, office work, marketing, PR, or sales usually require at least a basic understanding of the language. In the IT sector, the situation varies—many tech companies use English as their working language, but knowing Polish gives you an advantage and opens doors to collaboration with local clients.
WHAT LEVEL OF POLISH DO YOU NEED?
Basic Level (A1-A2)
This level is sufficient if you work in a warehouse, production, hospitality, or cleaning. It allows for basic workplace communication, shopping, and handling simple administrative matters. At this stage, you will learn how to introduce yourself, ask for directions, order food, and understand simple instructions from supervisors.
Intermediate Level (B1-B2)
If you plan to work in customer service, an office, a restaurant, or a store, you will need an intermediate language level. It enables smooth communication in most professional situations, solving customer problems, and understanding work-related documentation. At this stage, you will be able to make phone calls and participate in team meetings.
Advanced Level (C1-C2)
Jobs in administration, education, PR, or marketing typically require an advanced level of Polish. You must be fluent in both spoken and written language and understand complex industry-specific texts. At this level, you can confidently negotiate, give presentations, and create professional documents in Polish.
DO YOU NEED A LANGUAGE CERTIFICATE?
Most companies do not require formal language certificates—they will assess your skills during the recruitment process. However, certificates are essential for some professions, such as teachers, translators, or public administration employees.
It is also worth knowing that if you plan to apply for Polish citizenship in the future, you will need a language certificate at a minimum of B1 level.
HOW TO LEARN POLISH IN POLAND?
Classroom Courses
In every major Polish city, you can find language schools offering Polish courses for foreigners. Classes usually take place 1-3 times a week and are taught by qualified teachers. The advantage of this method is direct interaction with the teacher and other students, which significantly speeds up learning. Group course prices start at around 1,000 PLN per semester.
Online Learning
If you have a busy schedule or prefer to learn at your own pace, consider online courses. Platforms like Duolingo, Babbel, and Memrise offer interactive Polish lessons that you can complete anytime. Many of these apps have free basic levels, while full access requires a monthly fee of 30-100 PLN.
Private Lessons
The fastest, but also the most expensive, way to learn is through private lessons with a tutor. This approach allows you to tailor the lessons to your professional needs. The cost of an individual lesson ranges from 60 to 150 PLN per hour, depending on the teacher’s experience and location.
PRACTICAL WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR LANGUAGE SKILLS
To accelerate your Polish learning, integrate the language into your daily life:
- Watch Polish movies and TV series with subtitles in your native language, then switch to Polish subtitles. Streaming platforms offer many Polish productions with different subtitle options.
- Listen to Polish podcasts that match your level. Start with those designed for language learners and gradually move to content for native speakers.
- Take every opportunity to talk to Poles—at the store, bus stop, or work. Even simple conversations build confidence and help you get used to spoken language.
- Use flashcards and apps for vocabulary practice. Anki and Quizlet allow you to create custom word sets related to your industry.
- Surround yourself with the Polish language—change your phone’s language to Polish, listen to Polish radio, and read simple news articles.
CHALLENGES YOU MAY FACE
Polish is considered one of the more difficult languages to learn, but don’t be discouraged! Here are some key challenges and how to overcome them:
- Pronunciation can be tricky at first, especially sounds like “ą”, “ę”, “ś”, “ć”, and “ż.” Practice regularly by recording yourself and comparing with native speakers.
- The case system (seven different noun and adjective forms) is complex. Don’t try to learn everything at once—start with nominative, accusative, and genitive cases, which are the most commonly used.
- Grammatical gender (masculine, feminine, neuter) affects word endings. Learn new nouns along with their gender.
- Past tense changes based on gender. Focus first on the form that applies to your gender and expand your knowledge gradually.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN POLISH?
Your learning speed depends on factors like your native language, study intensity, and natural language abilities. Rough estimates:
- A1-A2 level can be reached in 3-6 months with regular study (2-3 times a week).
- B1-B2 level typically takes 1-2 years of systematic practice.
- C1-C2 level is a long-term goal, achievable in 2-3 years of intensive study.
Even a basic understanding of Polish will make your life in Poland significantly easier and can be a key factor in career advancement or job changes.
HOW TO TRACK YOUR PROGRESS?
Regularly assessing your skills will help you stay motivated. You can:
- Take online language tests from language schools.
- Record yourself speaking and compare it with previous recordings.
- Check how much you understand from Polish TV programs or radio.
- Use progress-tracking features in language-learning apps.
Celebrate every small success—whether it’s understanding a complex sentence or having a full conversation in Polish!
CULTURAL ASPECTS
Learning Polish also means getting to know Polish culture. Poles appreciate when foreigners try to speak their language, even if they make mistakes. Polish workplace communication is often direct and to the point, while in private life, Poles are known for their hospitality.
Learn basic polite phrases like “dzień dobry” (good day), “dziękuję” (thank you), and “przepraszam” (sorry)—using them will be appreciated and help you integrate into your new environment.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
To support your learning, take advantage of these opportunities:
- Public libraries often provide free Polish learning materials and organize conversation meetups for foreigners.
- Facebook groups for expats in your city can help you connect with other learners and practice Polish in a social setting.
- YouTube channels with free Polish lessons can be a great supplement to your studies.
By making Polish a part of your daily routine, you will quickly notice progress and feel more comfortable in Poland. Good luck with your learning!
