Polish For Dummies

Everything you need to speak Polish quickly and confidently

Polish For Dummies gets you started with Polish language basics, so you can communicate with friends and loved ones, work and travel in Poland, or just enjoy the excitement of learning a new language. You'll learn the foundations of Polish grammar and how to engage in basic conversations. With the tried-and-true Dummies language learning method, you'll start speaking authentically right away, so you can interact in everyday situations. You'll also learn about social and cultural references that will help you keep up in Polish conversations. With access to audio files for dialogs in the book, you can improve your listening and pronunciation, too. This book makes it easy and practical to become a Polish speaker.

• Learn tips and tricks for improving your Polish language skills
• Access helpful verb conjugation tables, essential vocabulary lists, and straightforward pronunciation guides
• Master everyday words and phrases
• Discover Polish history, culture, and common colloquial expressions

Polish For Dummies is perfect for anyone who wants to learn the basics of the Polish language or brush up on what they already know—no previous experience needed.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Polish 7

Chapter 1: Introducing Polish 9

Chapter 2: Getting Down to Essential Polish Grammar 23

Part 2: Polish in Action 49

Chapter 3: Dzień dobry! Cześć! Greetings and Introductions 51

Chapter 4: Getting to Know You: Making Small Talk 73

Chapter 5: Dining Out and Going to the Market 89

Chapter 6: Shopping and Servicing Made Easy 119

Chapter 7: Going Out on the Town 139

Chapter 8: Enjoying Yourself: Recreation 159

Chapter 9: Talking on the Phone 177

Part 3: Polish on the Go 189

Chapter 10: Money, Money, Money 191

Chapter 11: Planning a Trip 201

Chapter 12: Checking into a Hotel or Renting an Apartment 213

Chapter 13: Getting Around: Planes, Trains, Taxis, and More 229

Chapter 14: Asking Directions 245

Chapter 15: Help! Handling Emergencies 263

Part 4: Polish in the Modern World 283

Chapter 16: Using Polish in the Office 285

Chapter 17: Polish for Professionals and Public Servants 303

Chapter 18: Polish on the Worksite 323

Chapter 19: Polishing the New Polish 337

Part 5: The Part of Tens 355

Chapter 20: Ten Everyday Polish Expressions 357

Chapter 21: Ten Phrases That Make You Sound Fluent in Polish 361

Part 6: Appendixes 365

Appendix A: Mini-Dictionaries 367

Appendix B: Verb Tables 389

Appendix C: Answer Key 401

Index 405

Daria Gabryanczyk is the Founder and CEO of polish-lessons.com, an online Polish Language Centre. She is a lecturer, writer, examiner, and entrepreneur with over two decades of teaching experience in UK universities, government institutions and private organizations.

A fun, one-stop resource for Polish language beginners

Get started with Polish the fun and easy way with Polish For Dummies, an engaging guide to one of the most fascinating languages in the world. In this book, you’ll learn the foundations of Polish grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, discover new social and cultural references, and even get complimentary access to audio dialog files with real examples of Polish speakers having conversations. Don’t wait another minute. Use the tried-and-true Dummies language-learning method to start mastering Polish today!

Inside…

• Start with basic phrases and words
• Learn travel-ready phrases
• Understand Polish grammar
• Access audio files of real conversations
• Discover cultural and social references
• Understand idioms and colloquial expressions
• Conjugate verbs and learn vocabulary
• Find useful language hacks, tips, and tricks