How to Communicate with Polish People When Visiting Poland

Learn some basic Polish phrases

Learning just a few basic Polish phrases can go a long way in helping you communicate better during your visit to Poland. Here are some of the most useful phrases to know:

Hello - Dzień dobry (jen dobry)
Goodbye - Do widzenia (do veedzenya)
Please - Proszę (prosheh)
Thank you - Dziękuję (jenkooeyeh)
Excuse me - Przepraszam (pshepraaham)
Do you speak English? - Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku? (chi moovih pan/panih po angyeelskoo?)

Start off interactions with a friendly Dzień dobry and remember to say Proszę and Dziękuję whenever making requests or receiving help. Use Przepraszam to politely get someone's attention or say excuse me. And if you need help communicating, ask Czy mówi Pan/Pani po angielsku? to see if they speak English.

Knowing these basic words and phrases shows respect for the local language and will help you make a good impression and have more positive interactions during your time in Poland.

Understand cultural communication norms

Communication styles can vary greatly between cultures. When visiting Poland, be aware of some key differences in nonverbal communication compared to other countries:

Eye Contact

Maintaining strong eye contact is important in Polish communication. This shows you are engaged and paying attention.
Avoid looking away or breaking eye contact too often, as this can be seen as rude or suspicious.
Staring for a prolonged time is still not advised. Use natural eye contact as you would in a focused conversation.

Physical Touch

Polish people generally have a more reserved attitude toward touching, even among close friends.
Limit physical contact to handshakes when meeting someone. Back pats, hugging, or kissing on the cheek is not common with acquaintances.
Keep public displays of affection to a minimum. Holding hands or a quick kiss may be acceptable, but avoid being overly tactile.

Facial Expressions

Facial expressions in Poland are more controlled than in some other cultures. Don't expect people to be smiling constantly or to be overly animated.
A serious demeanor is commonly seen as professional and respectable. Exaggerated excitement or laughter can be viewed as strange.
That said, do smile and nod normally in conversations to avoid seeming angry or unfriendly. Just tone down extremely energetic facial gestures.

Tone of Voice

Polish communication tends to be more formal and reserved. Avoid speaking loudly or getting overly emotional.
Don't interrupt or talk over people. Let others finish their thoughts before responding.
Respect personal space and privacy. Don't ask overly personal questions, especially of strangers or new acquaintances.

Know when to speak formally or informally

In Poland, speaking formally or informally depends on the situation and your relationship with the person. Here are some tips on when to use first names, titles, and formal language:

Use first names when speaking to friends, family members, and children. Polish people generally use first names among close relationships.
Use professional titles (Pan/Pani - Mr./Ms.) when speaking to strangers, acquaintances, elders, and in professional settings. Continue using titles until invited to use first names.
Use formal grammar and language, including Pan/Pani, when speaking to older individuals or in professional situations. Use the formal "you" form (Pan/Pani) instead of the informal "you" (ty).
With colleagues and peers, observe whether they use formal or informal language. It's safest to start formal and adjust based on their lead. Those in authority usually expect formality.
When in doubt, err on the side of formality. It's easy to switch to informal speech later once the relationship becomes more casual. But starting too informal can be seen as rude or presumptuous.

The key is recognizing when to use formal titles, grammar, and speech in Polish culture based on the situation, social status, and relationship. Ask locals for guidance to avoid inadvertent offense through overly informal communication.

Adjust your communication style

When communicating in Poland, it's important to adjust your communication style to align with local cultural norms. Polish culture tends to be more reserved than some other cultures, with less emphasis on smiling constantly and more value placed on seriousness in many contexts.

As an outsider visiting Poland, resist the urge to be overly enthusiastic, smiley, or bubbly if it doesn't come naturally. While these traits are seen as friendly and engaging in some cultures, they may be viewed as insincere, intrusive, or strange in Poland. A more reserved demeanor is appreciated.

In conversation, don't feel like you need to fill every silence with chatter. Poles are comfortable with pauses in dialogue and don't find silence awkward in the way some others might. Let conversations unfold in a more relaxed way.

Avoid being overly casual with people you don't know well. Address people by their honorific title and surname until invited to use their first name. Wait for Polish people to initiate more casual interactions.

While Americans may be used to constant smiles and an upbeat tone as a social norm, this can seem excessive or fake to Poles. Keep your facial expressions neutral instead of grinning continually. Save your smiles for genuine moments of happiness, amusement or connection.

With a more reserved style that avoids over-the-top enthusiasm or casualness, you'll communicate in a way that feels natural for Polish culture. Adjusting your approach shows your desire to connect authentically.

Respect personal space

Poles generally maintain more personal space than Americans when conversing or interacting. The average personal space “bubble” for Poles tends to be larger than what Americans are accustomed to.

When communicating with Poles, be careful not to stand too close when conversing. Maintain an arm's length distance or more when interacting. Avoid crowding into a Pole's personal space, as this can make them feel uncomfortable.

If a Pole takes a step back from you, take it as a sign that you may be standing too close. Give them a bit more space rather than moving closer. This shows respect for their personal boundaries.

It is especially important to keep extra distance when addressing superiors or elders in Poland, as close proximity may be seen as impolite or aggressive. Err on the side of allowing more personal space than you normally would.

With some awareness and minor adjustments, Americans can avoid offending Poles with overly close interpersonal contact. Simply being cognizant of providing a comfortable distance shows regard and sensitivity.

Ask for clarification

Don't be afraid to ask for repetition or explanation if you don't understand something. Many Poles speak some English, especially in the cities, but they will appreciate your effort to communicate in Polish.

If you are struggling to understand what someone is saying, you can say "Przepraszam, nie rozumiem" (excuse me, I don't understand) or "Czy możesz powtórzyć?" (can you repeat that?). If you need clarification on a specific word or phrase, you can say "Co to znaczy ____?" (what does ___ mean?).

Asking for clarification shows you are making an effort and interested in communicating effectively. Don't just nod and smile if you are confused. It is better to admit you need some help. Even saying "Mówię tylko trochę po polsku" (I only speak a little Polish) can help set the expectation.

Most Poles will be impressed you attempted to learn any Polish at all and happy to help you understand. Repeating, rephrasing, writing it down, gesturing, or using a translation app can help bridge the comprehension gap. Overcoming language barriers leads to rewarding cultural connections.

Write things down if needed

To clarify or remember key Polish words and phrases, it can be helpful to write them down. Carry a small notebook and pen with you. When you learn a new Polish word or phrase, jot it down. That way you can reference it later if you forget.

Also write down any words or phrases you have trouble understanding or pronouncing. Ask the Polish person to spell it and write down the spelling. You can then look up the word later and practice the pronunciation.

If someone gives you multi-step directions or instructions in Polish, don't rely on just trying to remember. Ask them to slow down and repeat if needed. But also write down notes to help you remember the key details.

Writing things down takes the pressure off trying to memorize long Polish words or complex instructions. It also shows the Polish person you are making an effort and want to learn. Revisit your notebook later and review what you wrote to reinforce the phrases and vocabulary.

Have patience and smile

When visiting Poland, you may find yourself in situations where there are language or cultural barriers to communication. Don't let frustration set in. Poles will appreciate you making an effort to interact in their language and customs. If you hit a roadblock, take a deep breath and try using simpler words, hand gestures, or pointing to items. Pull out a notepad and pen to draw or write key words. If needed, ask the person to speak slowly and repeat themselves. Show that you are listening closely.

Throughout any misunderstandings or miscommunications, keep a smile on your face to put others at ease. Having a sense of humor and patience will go a long way. The Polish people will see that you are trying your best to bridge the gap. Don't be afraid to laugh at yourself and admit what you don't know. Stay positive and be willing to clarify. With some perseverance, you can find ways to communicate successfully during your stay in Poland.

Learn Polish with TalkPolish

Before your trip, we highly encourage you to take a crash course in Polish. It will make you feel more comfortable while visiting Poland. Enroll in the fully online course to help you Master the Polish Basics.