Learn Polish grammar on-the-go with the Babbel app
Polish is a Slavic language spoken by over 45 million native speakers around the world. It follows the Latin alphabet and also has an additional 9 symbols. When it comes to grammar, it is a relatively free form type of language with flexible word order, though the standard "subject - verb - object" format applies much of the time. Any search for polish grammar online will provide guidance around the basic polish grammar topics, but the best way to learn it is through regular, daily practice and review of the rules that apply to this language.
What are the basic principles of Polish Grammar?
Conjugated = verbs
Declined = nouns, adjectives, numbers, pronouns
Cases = nominative, genitive, dative, accusative, instrumental, locative, vocative
Tenses = past, present, future
Verb aspects = whether the action is completed
Verb moods = indicative, imperative, conditional
Polish Grammar Rules
Polish language grammar follows rules relating to verbs and tenses, as well as cases which apply to nouns, pronouns, adjectives and numbers. There are seven cases in Polish grammar - anyone who has made an attempt to familiarise themselves with German language and grammar cases will know that seven really is a lot. Other Polish grammar topics include singular and plural forms, and gendered nouns (masculine, feminine and neutral). Prepositions, conjunctions and particles also feature in Turkish.
Test first lesson of every course for freePolish Grammar Cases
With seven cases to unravel, the study of Polish grammar cases really can take some time and requires regular practice to grasp, especially for natives speakers of languages that do not use as many cases. The seven grammatical cases in Polish are as follows:
Nominative - standard, basic case used in most simple sentences
Accusative - generally used after a verb for a direct object
Dative - used when referring to indirect objects
Genitive - implies possession and measurement
Instrumental - often used after passive verbs for a direct object
Locative - a case used to address people, it is indicated with a preposition rather than a verb
Vocative - used in greetings or farewells
Polish Grammar Tables
Thankfully, in order to understand and learn all of the Polish cases and grammar points, there are Polish grammar tables available. Tables that cover nouns endings, cases or pronouns can be very handy for reference, and are a great tool for anyone that is wondering how to learn Polish grammar. However, the best way to learn these topics and commit them to memory is to frequently complete grammar exercises. The Babbel app lets you do this quickly and easily on your smartphone so, rather than scrolling Instagram for ten or twenty minutes, you can slot a mini Polish grammar practise into your day instead.
Polish Phonetics
Although it may look like a string of consonants, Polish pronunciation is not as complicated as other languages. It is quite a phonetic language and words are generally pronounced as they are written. Some consonant sounds are spelled with a combination of two letters. Once you understand each of these, Polish spelling and phonetics make a lot of sense. Combined with strong grammar skills, solid pronunciation is key to speaking and understanding a new language. A great way to learn Polish and really become familiar with new grammatical structures, plus enhance your pronunciation skills, is by listening to polish podcasts.
Learn Polish Grammar
Daily study is a great way to learn Polish grammar. The Babbel app gives you easy access to course materials and lets you study anytime, and at your own pace. The Polish grammar topics covered for beginners learning Polish include nominative case nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs, word order, and four of the seven Polish cases. Whether you need Polish skills for university, work, travel, or you just want to understand what Antoni from Queer Eye is saying when he speaks Polish in interviews, it is a unique and rewarding language to study. It offers a great insight into Slavic languages in general, plus, Polish grammar has a lot of interesting quirks and features to explore.