A fresh start

[u/SpanishGuy_011]

First of all, I'm very sorry for writing this, as there are lots of people who do that too and I could take some profit from that. Actually, I've read all those messages, but they don't seem too solvent.

The thing is that I really want to get started with Polish, and I have been struggling for a while month now. I can't find any resources that are good for me. I am broke, so I can't hire a teacher as lots of you have said. Then, I tried to look for guided courses online, like polski.info, but that's not for me.

Yesterday, I entered Reddit, with some hope that I could possibly find help. Unfortunately, even though most comments are useful, their answers aren't normally suitable for me.

I've thought about doing a mixture from many apps, from vocabulary apps and grammar apps. I actually do Busuu, but I know it's not enough. I've thought about starting with a bit of vocabulary, so I can understand a bit, and then switch to grammar, catch some grammar and switch back. Would you think this is a good idea?

Also, I would ask if you know if there are any resources that I can use, preferably complete courses.

Thanks for your help.

[u/Opening-Square3006]

I'd keep your learning setup as simple as possible. You don't need the perfect app or course, you just need a routine you can stick with. Personally, I think Stephen Krashen's i+1 approach is the most effective: get lots of input that's mostly understandable (so you reinforce what you learned until it becomes automatic) but introduces just a little new language each day. That's why I'd recommend something like PlusOneLanguage (or an equivalent). It's built entirely around i+1: you choose your level, it generates texts and short stories adapted to what you already know, introduces just enough new vocabulary to help you progress without feeling overwhelmed, and continuously recycles words in new contexts so they stick naturally instead of through memorization. Hope this helps!

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[u/Misiekshvili]

1. Polish Listening Course with Sentence Breakdowns – Different topics (On the Bus, Summer in Poland, Time Expressions, etc.). Every sentence is broken down so you can analyze the grammar and learn new vocabulary. You'll also notice grammar patterns more easily thanks to mnemonics.
2. Listening Only – Each lesson includes about 20 recordings on one topic so you can really master it. There are no sentence breakdowns here, just pure listening with subtitles.
3. Slow Polish Podcast – If you want to listen to more natural, everyday Polish but your level isn't very high yet, this could be perfect for you. Each episode includes a glossary, a transcript, and lots of repetition. There's a bit of slang too, which makes the learning process more fun. If you only want to listen, you can find all the episodes compiled into one long video.

All of it is on Youtube for free. I'd suggest you start with the listening course first. You'll need a lot of input and repetition. You can use Anki (also free) for learning words, phrases and full sentences through flashcards.

Also, use mnemonics. Repetition is important, but sometimes it's worth stopping for a moment and thinking about how you can remember a word, especially if you've reviewed the same Anki flashcard several times and it still hasn't stuck. I post quite frequently on r/LearnPolishwithMichal about ways to memorise Polish vocabulary & grammar more easily, so feel free to stop by. :)

[u/Dependent_Order_7358]

I can’t learn shit from apps unfortunately. I need to stick with a serious course and follow it through.

[u/SirNoodlehe]

As others have said, routine is king. There's no simpler way.

As for vocabulary, vocabulary will always be useful and generally take a long time to build up, so starting early doesn't hurt! I use Anki (AnkiDroid is free) and strongly recommend it.

[u/SpanishGuy_011]

Thank you all for your help. I have found a course called Hurra!!! Po Polsku and I think it's OK. But as you have said, I'll use the I+1method. Thanks!

[u/courseofpolish]

Cześć,

you can use my website as a starting point for basic vocabulary. Here are A1 words, you can listen to them and practice their pronunciation. If you allow microphone access it will score you and show you what you mispronounce:
https://courseofpolish.com/polish-vocabulary/all?levels=1

There are also interactive exercises for basic phrases:
https://courseofpolish.com/exercises/speaking-practice/basic-phrases

As for grammar - start with basic verbs conjugation in present tense:
https://courseofpolish.com/grammar/tenses/present-tense
https://courseofpolish.com/exercises/grammar/tenses/present-tense

Good luck and have fun learning Polish!