Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]

Although I think Polish is difficult, I would argue it is the "HARDEST LANGUAGE" in the world. As a native English speaker, when I started learning Polish, I discovered just how strange some of the things are in English, and I take it for granted that I just know what to say. Think of all the tenses and helper verbs :P.

I've spent far too much time studying Polish grammar, and although I understand it, I can't think fast enough when I'm speaking. I'm guessing that I need to just be happy that I can get my point across in Polish without being grammatically perfect. After all, I only want to communicate, not write a novel.

I'm fairly sure if I said "piec uszy" I would be understood, even if it is grammatically incorrect. When I need to think about grammar all the time, my speech becomes so slow and full of long pauses and "errrrrrrrrrmmm", that it isn't worth it, until I get more practice and start to get used to what sounds right. But on the plus side, things I used to have to think hard about are starting to come naturally.

Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]

I know a few Poles who would completely disagree with this statement. English is difficult because of the many different tenses, amongst other things. Things we take for granted. I'm sure it's exactly the same case with Polish.

At first, I was surprised how Polish people could speak so fast and get all the cases correct, but whenever I ask a Pole a question about "Why did you say that?", they don't know. It's exactly the same case with most English people, who can't answer grammar questions.

I only know one person who could speak English perfectly and he was a highly qualified English teacher.

Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]

Ha ha, I don't think even Polish could beat this below beauty:

Take the incorrect sentence:
James while John had had had had had had had had had had had a better effect on the teacher

Adding commas, make this valid English.

James, while John had had "had", had had "had had"; "had had" had had a better effect on the teacher. which means "It was the case that while John used 'had,' James used 'had had.' The teacher preferred 'had had.'"

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_while_John_had_had_had_had_had_had_had_had_had_had_had_a_better_effect_on_the_teacher

Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]

Chinese has my vote as the most difficult, at least for an European ;-)

Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]


I didn't conceive this sentence and I would certainly never use it. It's an example of the somewhat chaotic verb system in English. I know from experience, i.e. being round lots of Poles learning English, that lots of them cannot grasp the different tenses, especially not in normal speech. If you're Polish and you can then congratulations :-)

Also, I'm certainly not a teacher, and I'm definitely not qualified to comment on English grammar. If anything, I know more about Polish grammar because I've studied it, I rarely think about the grammar in my own language unless my g/f asks me a question.

Law / Polish EU Drivers Licence - can I get one the easy way (by paying for it)? [185]

WTF people, if you want a driving license then go and do the test and pass. I had to, and I'm sure most other people did. I guess it's your problem if you crash and kill yourself, but it certainly isn't fair on the other person you decide to kill.

Language / Polish was chosen the HARDEST LANGUAGE in the world to learn... :D [1558]


Shouldn't that be "ten kierowca" and "ten dentysta"?

Law / Opening a Polish Bank Account by a foreigner in Poland. Recommendations. [299]

Try mBank.pl. They let you open a bank account using your passport and they speak English. Although you will need to be present in Poland at the time as they will send a courier to your home to sign some documents.

Food / Poles prefer pizza & kebab? [73]

The only kebab I got which was served by a Turkish person was in the train station in Krakow. It was nice as well :-)

Food / Your all time favourite Polish Dishes! [108]


Pierogi covered with Pudliszki's spicy tomato sauce. Delicious :P, yum yum *drool*

UK, Ireland / Moving from Ireland to Poland [39]

All I can say is, it ain't all it's cut up to be. I did the same thing, and after the honeymoon period is over, you will begin to face reality and understand why lots leave. When you first move there it will feel like you are still on holiday, but once settled down, you will begin to experience the reality.

Firstly, good luck finding work, especially one which pays you as well as you get in Ireland. Here, the most important thing is to Learn Polish!!!!. Don't rely on your wife to do everything for you. Learning the language, and speaking it with your wife is extremely important. Especially if you value your own independence.

You will be shocked at how hard some things are compared to Ireland. Bureaucracy is often a frustrating process especially if you don't speak Polish or don't know somebody who can help you with everything. Also be prepared for a culture shock when you experience customer service here, a smile is a rarity (Unlike in Ireland).

As for the average cost of living, it all depends on where you want to go. I believe you could live comfortably of 3-4000zl a month. If you move out of town, then the costs will be less (But then you have less chance of finding work).

Buying land and a house is cheaper than it is in Ireland, and I would highly recommend you stay in Poland whilst the home is being built (To checkup, etc..). Once done, I would recommend you go back to Ireland to pay of your mortgage. (At least then you will have something to look forward to).

I'm only being frank with you, but unless you have something really good to offer on the Polish job market, you are much better off staying in Ireland. Also, ask yourself, why did your wife leave Poland in the first place?

Sorry if I sound like a killjoy, but I'm only sharing my experience. Others may have a very different experience than I have. Good luck

Language / Do Poles prefer US American or UK English language? [147]

What is British English anyway? There are so many different English accents in such a small area that to me it doesn't really matter anymore. Is it the way the queen speaks? Because I don't know anyone (Personally), apart from the royal family and politicians who speak like that, and that accent is awful.

I'm guessing it wont be long before International English becomes LOLZspeak "I can has cheeze burger" :P. I frequently seen non-native English people write like this now. It won't be long before people actually speak like that too.

Language / Do Poles prefer US American or UK English language? [147]

I'm curious, when you teach English, do your students pick up your accent? (That is, assuming you have one ;-))

Life / Are Poles typically nasty people? [42]

I wouldn't say they were nasty, but some can come across like that to English/Americans who are used to over-the-top customer service, and political correctness.

I have found that Polish, and Germans/French for that matter.. are more to the point, and don't use long phrases such as "Sorry for bothering you, but would you mind doing this for me, as long as it's ok?"

And anyway, you can't judge an entire country based on what a few angry people post on an Internet forum.

Law / UK driving license mess in Poland [72]

I was in the same boat. I phoned the DVLA, explained the situation to them, and they posted me out the D1 form to Poland, which I sent back with a photograph, a cheque. I used my dad's address on the license and was told this wouldn't be a problem. They posted the license back to Poland.

Law / UK driving license mess in Poland [72]

Yes, I work for an British company and still pay tax and NI in the UK, but I don't have a home address, so I used my Dad's. I was honest, and they were fine with this. I told them I had no intention of swapping it for a Polish license.

However in your case, I can see it's much more complex because technically you live and work in Poland. I believe, they will send you a license out, but only if you have the intention of returning to the UK. It might be worth phoning them and saying that you will be returning to the UK within the next few months and you need to renew your license.

Good Luck :-)

Law / UK driving license mess in Poland [72]


But can you use an expired photocard license?

Law / UK driving license mess in Poland [72]

The photocard license clearly has an expiry date and one can easily see the license has expired. The paper part of the license has a different expiry date (Mine is when I reach 70). So technically the paper part of the license still proves the entitlement of a license in the UK.

The photocard license must be renewed once every 10 years, and it is illegal to drive without it.