Lesson 10 – Verb Conjugation

Welcome back! In this lesson, we’re diving deeper into Polish verb conjugation. You’ve already learned some basics, but now we’ll explore all major conjugation groups in the present tense. By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to conjugate a wide variety of Polish verbs with confidence. Let’s get started!

Why Learn Verb Conjugation Groups?

Polish verbs are grouped based on their endings in the infinitive form (e.g., -ać, -ić, -eć). Each group follows a specific conjugation pattern, making it easier to predict how a verb will change depending on the subject. Mastering these patterns will help you conjugate new verbs you encounter and build sentences more fluently.

Overview of Polish Verb Groups

Polish verbs can be divided into four main groups based on their infinitive endings:

1. Group 1: Verbs Ending in -ać
2. Group 2: Verbs Ending in -eć / -yć
3. Group 3: Verbs Ending in -ić
4. Group 4: Irregular Verbs

Let’s break each group down with examples.

Group 1: Verbs Ending in -ać

These verbs follow a straightforward conjugation pattern. Here’s how to conjugate czytać (to read):

Other Examples of -ać Verbs:

• pisać (to write): piszę, piszesz, pisze, piszemy, piszecie, piszą
• pływać (to swim): pływam, pływasz, pływa, pływamy, pływacie, pływają

Group 2: Verbs Ending in -eć / -yć

These verbs often undergo slight spelling changes in the stem. Here’s how to conjugate mieć (to have):

Other Examples of -eć / -yć Verbs:

• widzieć (to see): widzę, widzisz, widzi, widzimy, widzicie, widzą
• umieć (to know how to): umiem, umiesz, umie, umiemy, umiecie, umieją

Group 3: Verbs Ending in -ić

These verbs are conjugated similarly to -eć verbs but with slight differences. Here’s how to conjugate robić (to do/make):

Other Examples of -ić Verbs:

• mówić (to speak): mówię, mówisz, mówi, mówimy, mówicie, mówią
• lubić (to like): lubię, lubisz, lubi, lubimy, lubicie, lubią

Group 4: Irregular Verbs

Some verbs don’t follow the standard patterns and must be memorized. Here’s how to conjugate być (to be):

Other Examples of Irregular Verbs:

• iść (to go): idę, idziesz, idzie, idziemy, idziecie, idą
• chcieć (to want): chcę, chcesz, chce, chcemy, chcecie, chcą

Practice Tasks

1. Conjugate These Verbs:
   • Group 1: pływać (to swim)
   • Group 2: widzieć (to see)
   • Group 3: mówić (to speak)
   • Group 4: iść (to go)
2. Translate These Sentences:
   • I am reading a book.
   • She wants to go to the park.
   • We are making dinner.
   • They know how to swim.
3. Create Your Own Sentences:
   Write 5 sentences using verbs from each group. For example:
   • Ja pływam w basenie. – I swim in the pool.
   • Oni robią zadanie domowe. – They are doing homework.

Grammar Notes

1. Spelling Changes in Stems:
   • Some verbs undergo spelling changes in the stem when conjugated. For example:
     • mieć → mam (the -ie- changes to -a-).
     • widzieć → widzę (the -ie- changes to -i-).
2. Verb Endings:
   • Each group has specific endings. Pay attention to the patterns:
     • -am, -asz, -a, -amy, -acie, -ają (Group 1).
     • -ę, -esz, -e, -emy, -ecie, -ą (Groups 2 and 3).

Cultural Tip: Polish Verbs in Everyday Life

Polish people often use verbs to describe their daily routines, hobbies, and plans. For example:

• Co robisz? – What are you doing?
• Lubię czytać książki. – I like reading books.
• Idziemy na spacer. – We’re going for a walk.

These phrases are great for starting conversations and practicing your verb skills!

Homework

1. Write 10 sentences using verbs from each group. Mix and match subjects and objects.
2. Practice conjugating 5 new verbs from each group out loud.
3. Bonus: Look up 5 irregular verbs and practice conjugating them.

That’s it for Lesson 10! You’ve now mastered the major Polish verb conjugation groups. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be conjugating verbs like a pro. Do zobaczenia! 😊