How to start learning Polish

Szczęście. Chrząszcz. Przepraszam. Polish words look like a keyboard fell over, until you learn that every letter cluster has one sound and stays loyal to it. Crack the spelling in your first week and the rest of the language stops looking like a wall.

Sounds first, phrases second, grammar in small doses, then apps to learn Polish. If you need Polish for a residence card or citizenship, the official exam has its own rules. Check them with the certifying body, and see the exam guide below.

Polish learning apps rising by visits and sponsorship on Censuus

A younger app worth a look:

Ranked by visit traffic and sponsorship on Censuus, not editorial opinion. The list changes as new apps appear and gain traffic.

Learn the sounds

Polish spelling is consistent. Once you know that sz, cz and rz are single sounds, that ł sounds like the English w and that ą and ę are nasal, you can read signs and menus aloud. Compare apps in apps to learn Polish.

Phrases before grammar

Learn to greet, order, ask for directions and say sorry before you open a grammar table. Turn new words into cards; see how to make flashcards that work.

Take the cases slowly

Polish has seven cases, and word endings change with each. Learn them one at a time, with the phrases you already use, instead of memorising the whole table at once.

Aim for the exam if you need it

For residence or citizenship, see how to pass the Polish B1 exam and Polish B1 exam apps. For free ways to keep going, see how to learn a language for free.

Compared from each developer’s own store description.
Step	What you do	Why
1. Alphabet	sz, cz, rz, ł, ą, ę	read any word aloud
2. Phrases	greetings, shop, transport	useful from day one
3. Cases	one at a time	grammar without panic
4. Listen daily	radio, series, podcasts	an ear for the rhythm
5. Speak early	with a tutor or a friend	confidence

Frequently asked questions

Is Polish hard to learn?

The spelling looks hard at first but is consistent. The cases take the longest, so learn them gradually.

How many cases does Polish have?

Seven.

What should I learn first in Polish?

The alphabet and its sounds, then everyday phrases.