Polnisch
[ˈpɔlnɪʃ]
The English phrase "polish language" is translated into German as Polnisch.
Polnisch is used to refer to the Polish language. It can also function as an adjective meaning "Polish."
Which one should you use?
Polnisch (capitalized) is the noun referring to the language itself, whereas polnisch (lowercase) is the adjective used to describe things of Polish origin.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the phrase die polnische Sprache to mean "the Polish language", the word polnische is the inflected adjective form. As an adjective describing something related to Poland, the word is written with a lowercase letter unless it is at the beginning of a sentence.
Did you know?
- The word Polnisch is used in German idioms to describe something completely incomprehensible, such as das ist für mich Chinesisch oder Polnisch, meaning 'that is Greek to me'.
- In German, if you are talking about 'polish' as in 'to polish' a shoe, you would use the verb polieren instead of any form of Polnisch.
- When describing a 'Polish person' as a noun, you use Pole for a man and Polin for a woman, rather than using the adjective polnisch'.
Examples in context
- Die polnische Sprache ist interessant.The Polish language is interesting.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the form Polnisch in a description of the language.Tatoeba #11625217 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3085312 by sundown
- In meiner akademischen Laufbahn möchte ich mich auf die polnische Sprache spezialisieren.In my academic career, I want to specialize in the Polish Language.
- Hast du schon Polnisch gelernt?Have you already learned Polish?
- Ich finde die polnische Sprache sehr faszinierend.I find the Polish Language very fascinating.
- Ich lerne gerade Polnisch.I am currently learning Polish.
- Sprichst du Polnisch?Do you speak Polish?
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are talking about their language classes.
- LukasWelche Sprache lernst du gerade, Julia?Which language are you learning right now, Julia?
- JuliaIch besuche einen Kurs für Polnisch.I am taking a course for Polish.
- LukasIst Polnisch sehr schwierig zu lernen?Is Polish very difficult to learn?
- JuliaJa, aber es macht viel Spaß.Yes, but it is a lot of fun.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Polnisch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
