How to Learn Polish for Communication and Work: 5 Effective Life Hacks

Switch your device language to Polish Install a Polish language learning app Watch videos and listen to audio in Polish Keep your own vocabulary notebook Read a lot

For many Ukrainians in Poland, learning the language is an urgent matter. Our compatriots are among the most frequent attendees of language schools and courses, persistently searching for "the right" tutor who will help them master Polish doskonale.

Sometimes not knowing the language prevents you from landing your dream position. For example, some Gremi Personal job offers require at least a basic understanding of Polish. But if you don't speak the language at all — don't worry, there's work for you too.

In general, we offer our workers positions that require different language levels:

• jobs where you can work without knowing the language
• positions where understanding Polish is required
• positions for candidates with a basic knowledge of the language
• positions where you need to be able to speak and read Polish — for example, to understand instructions or diagrams

As a rule, positions requiring language skills pay better. Moreover, knowing Polish makes it easier to find professional development courses, and ultimately to qualify for higher wages.

Language skills will also come in handy for important everyday tasks — for instance, knowing Polish makes it easier to find accommodation or communicate with your child's teachers at a Polish school.

How do you learn a language — easily and for good? No one can give you a universal answer, but there are life hacks that significantly speed up the process. They focus on creating a language environment that helps you absorb vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation naturally but effectively.

And no, you won't find advice like "get a tutor or join a group class" in this article — that's obvious, just like the recommendation to regularly talk with native speakers.

Switch your device language to Polish

Smartphones and tablets have a magical hold on our attention.

Screen time is filled with various activities — messaging, scrolling through social media, paying for purchases, browsing websites. Surprisingly, these seemingly mechanical actions can actually help you learn Polish online.

If you want to learn the language and haven't yet switched the interface of your smartphone, laptop, or tablet to Polish — do it now.

This simple step will help you quietly but firmly absorb new everyday words, as well as some technical terms, including their correct spelling.

Install a Polish language learning app

Since we're already talking about devices, we can't ignore the special apps that make learning a foreign language easier.

There is one small problem though — apps for learning Polish are installed on almost every smartphone, yet many people forget about them. And the persistent notifications reminding you to complete at least one lesson are simply ignored. But it's so convenient that you can learn a language anywhere and anytime — for example, during a work break, on public transport, at bus stops, before bed, or right after waking up.

There are many apps available — for every taste and level: Polska – Learn Polish, Drops, FunEasyLearn, Mondly, Duolingo, Nemo, iTalk, and more. Most are free or conditionally free (you can study for a limited time each day, or certain features require payment).

It usually takes some time to find the Polish learning services that suit you best. Just remember the key rule — you need to practice every day, and only then will you see results.

Watch videos and listen to audio in Polish

In school foreign language classes, students did listening comprehension exercises: the teacher would read aloud or play a recording, and we'd write down what we heard. This is a very important exercise that improves auditory perception — that is, understanding by ear. Now you can create a similar experience for yourself, but in a more enjoyable way. Watch Polish-dubbed content on TV or YouTube: movies, series, TV shows, interviews. Listen to Polish radio or podcasts. Only choose content you actually like and find interesting. That way you'll have more motivation to follow dialogues, stories, jokes, and other details. By the way, this is a great way to pick up new set phrases and common slang that aren't usually covered in courses.

Keep your own vocabulary notebook

In school, teachers asked us to keep foreign language vocabulary notebooks. And for good reason — it's a convenient way to memorize new words and easily recall them when needed. Now is the perfect time to start a new vocabulary list in whatever format works for you — a paper notebook, phone notes, or a dedicated app (such as Multilang). Set yourself a goal — start by learning 5 (7, or 10) words a day. Here, as with apps, consistency is key. Choose words from different areas — for example, today you might learn how orange (pomarańcza), train (pociąg), hospital (szpital), to rejoice (radować się), and soft (miękki) are written and pronounced in Polish. If you happen to come across an interesting word or simply like the sound of one — write it down so you don't forget it.

Read a lot

You can read all kinds of things — not just books. But reading is essential when you're learning a foreign language. If you're not a bookworm — follow Polish-language news, entertainment, and educational channels on Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, and other platforms. Browse these texts for half an hour a day — and you'll notice a positive effect! If you love books — buy printed or e-books in Polish. You could start with your favourite titles. Then move on — for example, try reading Wisława Szymborska or Olga Tokarczuk in the original (both, by the way, are Polish Nobel Prize laureates in literature).

That's all for today — we wish you success in learning Polish! Stay persistent in pursuing your goal, and wszystko będzie dobrze (everything will be fine)!

Remember that Gremi Personal will help you find a job in Poland, regardless of your Polish language level.

Gremi Personal prepares articles and videos about life and work in Poland. Read, watch, and learn more useful things.

Looking for a job in Poland? Browse our job catalogue. If you haven't found the right offer — call us:

+38 (050) 334-93-51 or +48 525 275 003