For Labor Day, Poland consistently gets a whopping three-day weekend to relax, celebrate, and protest for more workers’ rights. But this holiday doesn’t resonate well with everyone! In this article, you’ll learn about Labor Day traditions and history in Poland, and pick up some useful vocabulary words along the way. Let’s get started. 1. What is Labor Day? International Labor Day is a public holiday in Poland, and is also part of the Majówka (May holidays). Because May 3 is another major holiday in the country, many people take not one day off, but at least three. In Poland, Labor Day is a day for workers to odpoczywać ("rest" ) from their normal day-to-day duties. Some people take advantage of this day to... Show more

What is the most defining moment you will face this year? From memories that you immortalize in a million photographs, to days you never wish to remember, one thing's for certain: big life events change you. The great poet, Bukowski, said, "We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well, that death will tremble to take us." The older I get, the more I agree with him! Talking about significant events in our lives is part of every person's journey, regardless of creed or culture. If you're planning to stay in for more than a quick visit, you're sure to need at least a few 'life events' phrases that you can use. After all, many of these are shared experiences, and it's generally expected that we will show up with good manners... Show more

Nicolaus Copernicus. You’ve probably heard that name before in school. But do you remember who he was exactly, and what he did? What world-changing ideas was Nicolaus Copernicus famous for? In this article, you’ll learn about Nicolaus Copernicus’ greatest achievements, more interesting facts about him, and how Poland commemorates Nicolaus Copernicus’ birthday. Are you ready? Let’s get started. 1. Who was Nicolaus Copernicus? Poles celebrate the astronomer Mikołaj Kopernik ( "Nicolaus Copernicus" ) each year on his birthday. Copernicus is most well-known for his heliocentryzm ( "heliocentrism" ) theory, which revolutionized astronomy. This is the theory that the sun is at the center of our galaxy, and that the planets... Show more

The Feast of the Epiphany in Poland is an essential Christian holiday with a variety of fun traditions! In this article, you’ll learn about how Poles celebrate Epiphany as well as the story behind the holiday. At PolishPod101.com, it’s our goal to ensure that every aspect of your language-learning journey is both fun and informative—starting with this article! Are you ready? Let’s dive in. 1. What is Epiphany Day in Poland? Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day, is called Święto Trzech Króli in Polish. This is a Christian feast that takes place in numerous countries around the world. In Poland, it’s a national public holiday, meaning that most businesses, workplaces, and schools are closed. Epiphany Day in Poland is usually... Show more

Did you know there are many different types of calendars? As you probably know - a calendar is a system of organizing days in weeks and months for specific purposes, according to Wikipedia. Worldwide, most countries use the Gregorian calendar. Some just work on the same framework, meaning that time is divided into units based on the earth's movement around the sun - the "solar calendar". Other calendars keep time by observing the moon's movements, a combination of the moon and the sun's movements, and seasons. Through PolishPod101, you can learn all about this and so much more! Our themed, culturally relevant lessons are skillfully designed so you can do your planning perfectly for a holiday or a date. Having a good plan for a visit... Show more

Did you know that only some reptiles and birds don't parent their offspring? Except for crocodiles, all reptiles (and one family of bird species called megapodes) hatch from eggs and grow up alone, without any family. The rest of us need family if we are to survive and thrive - humans and animals alike! At PolishPod101, we know how important family is. Therefore, we take care to teach you all the important vocabulary and phrases pertaining to family. Table of Contents Why Is It Important to Know Polish Vocabulary about Family? Learn a New Culture? Learn its Family Vocab first How PolishPod101 Can Help You Learn Polish Family Terms 1. Why Is It Important to Know Polish Vocabulary about Family? Well, if you're serious... Show more

On Saint Barbara’s Day, Poles celebrate faithfulness, feminine beauty, and miners. In fact, this holiday is also referred to as Miners’ Day! In this article, you’ll learn a little bit about Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners. You’ll also delve into the most popular Polish traditions for this holiday and learn some relevant Polish vocabulary. At PolishPod101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative. Let’s get started! 1. What is Saint Barbara’s Day? Saint Barbara’s Day (Barborka/Miner’s Day) is both the feast day of St. Barbara and the name day for girls with this common name. Considering Barbara’s role as the patron saint of miners, Poles also celebrate this... Show more

There's no need to convince anyone that Poland has had a colorful history. For more than a thousand years, from its legendary beginnings to the most recent events, the fate of our country has been very diverse. There were times when Poland, united in a union with Lithuania, was a power that other countries had to reckon with. But, let's be honest, that was a very long time ago. Newer history has been much less gracious to Poland, and as a result, the country ceased to exist for over 120 years! In this article, you’ll learn some Polish Independence Day history, and how Poles today celebrate! At PolishPod101.com, we aim to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative! 1. What is Polish Independence... Show more

You're learning to speak Polish, and it's going well. Your confidence is growing! So much so that you feel ready to share your experiences on social media—in Polish. At Learn Polish, we make this easy for you to get it right the first time. Post like a boss with these phrases and guidelines, and get to practice your Polish in the process. 1. Talking about Your Restaurant Visit in Polish Eating out is fun, and often an experience you'd like to share. Take a pic, and start a conversation on social media in Polish. Your friend will be amazed by your language skills...and perhaps your taste in restaurants! Maciek eats at a restaurant with his friends, posts an image of his food, and leaves this comment: POST Let's break down... Show more

Learning a language is a long process, and achieving mastery requires a variety of resources and patience. While textbooks and other printed resources are a part of the process for many students, learning Polish this way can cause a person to sound overly formal.If you want to speak the language like the locals do, it’s important to be able to use informal words and expressions too. In this article, PolishPod101 will introduce you to Polish internet slang words and phrases. Learning them will allow you to communicate with native speakers in a more relaxed and natural manner. Table of Contents A Few Notes on Polish Internet Slang Polish Internet Slang Phrases of English Origin Abbreviations How to Use Polish Internet Slang... Show more