Oświęcim
The Polish name for the town known internationally as Auschwitz is Oświęcim.
This term refers to the town in Poland where the Auschwitz concentration camp was located.
Which one should you use?
While the international name is Auschwitz, the actual Polish name for the town is Oświęcim.
Did you know?
- The name Oświęcim is derived from the Polish word święty, meaning 'holy' or 'saint'.
- In modern Poland, the name Oświęcim refers to both the historic town and the site of the former camp, but the town itself continues to exist as a living residential community.
- The name Oświęcim first appeared in historical records as Ospenchin in a Latin text.
Examples in context
- Oświęcim leży w południowej Polsce.Oświęcim is located in southern Poland.
- Czy jedziemy dzisiaj do Oświęcimia?Are we going to Oświęcim today?
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Katarzyna are planning a trip.
- KrzysztofKatarzyno, czy chcesz odwiedzić Oświęcim?Katarzyna, do you want to visit Oświęcim?
- KatarzynaTak, Krzysztofie, bardzo chcę tam pojechać.Yes, Krzysztof, I really want to go there.
- KrzysztofOświęcim jest trudnym miejscem na wycieczkę.Oświęcim is a difficult place for a trip.
- KatarzynaWiem, ale to bardzo ważne miejsce.I know, but it is a very important place.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Oświęcim, CC BY-SA 4.0.
