Lesson 3 – Numbers I

Numbers are the building blocks of everyday communication. Whether you’re shopping, telling time, or sharing your phone number, knowing how to count in Polish is essential. In this lesson, we’ll focus on mastering numbers from 1 to 100, practicing their use in real-life situations, and reinforcing your memory with fun exercises. Let’s dive in!

1. Counting from 1 to 100

Let’s start with the basics. Polish numbers follow a logical pattern, but there are a few unique twists that make them interesting. Here’s a breakdown:

1-10:
These are the foundation. Memorize them first, as they’ll help you build larger numbers.
1 – jeden
2 – dwa
3 – trzy
4 – cztery
5 – pięć
6 – sześć
7 – siedem
8 – osiem
9 – dziewięć
10 – dziesięć

11-19:
These numbers are formed by adding “-naście” to the base number.
11 – jedenaście
12 – dwanaście
13 – trzynaście
14 – czternaście
15 – piętnaście
16 – szesnaście
17 – siedemnaście
18 – osiemnaście
19 – dziewiętnaście

20-100:
The tens are straightforward, and the pattern repeats for numbers in between.
20 – dwadzieścia
30 – trzydzieści
40 – czterdzieści
50 – pięćdziesiąt
60 – sześćdziesiąt
70 – siedemdziesiąt
80 – osiemdziesiąt
90 – dziewięćdziesiąt
100 – sto

Forming Numbers in Between:
For numbers like 21, 34, or 67, you combine the tens and the units. For example:
21 – dwadzieścia jeden
34 – trzydzieści cztery
67 – sześćdziesiąt siedem

2. Practical Applications of Numbers

Now that you know how to count, let’s practice using numbers in real-life contexts. This will help you internalize them and make them feel more natural.

a. Phone Numbers:
In Polish, phone numbers are typically read digit by digit. For example:

• 505 123 456 would be read as “pięć zero pięć, jeden dwa trzy, cztery pięć sześć.”
  Practice by writing down your own phone number and reading it aloud in Polish.

b. Prices:
When shopping, prices are often said in full. For example:

• 25 złotych (dwadzieścia pięć złotych)
• 7.50 złotych (siedem złotych pięćdziesiąt groszy)
  Try reading these prices aloud:
• 12.30 zł
• 45.99 zł
• 100.00 zł

c. Dates:
Dates in Polish use ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third). For now, focus on the numbers themselves. For example:

• 15th July – piętnasty lipca
• 3rd November – trzeci listopada

3. Memory Reinforcement Techniques

To help you remember Polish numbers, try these fun and effective methods:

a. Flashcards:
Create flashcards with the Polish number on one side and the English translation on the other. Shuffle them and test yourself daily. You can also use apps like Anki or Quizlet for digital flashcards.

b. Daily Practice:
Incorporate Polish numbers into your daily routine. For example:

• Count your steps in Polish while walking.
• Say the time out loud in Polish (e.g., “Jest ósma trzydzieści” – It’s 8:30).
• Read house numbers or license plates in Polish as you pass by.

c. Games and Quizzes:

• Play a matching game where you match Polish numbers to their English equivalents.
• Ask a friend to quiz you on random numbers between 1 and 100.

4. Practice Tasks

Let’s put your knowledge to the test! Complete the following exercises to reinforce what you’ve learned.

Task 1: Write the Following Numbers in Polish

1. 14
2. 27
3. 42
4. 58
5. 73
6. 89
7. 100

Task 2: Translate These Phone Numbers into Polish

1. 601 555 123
2. 22 987 654
3. 888 321 007

Task 3: Read These Prices Aloud

1. 19.99 zł
2. 34.50 zł
3. 100.00 zł

Task 4: Create Your Own Flashcards
Make flashcards for numbers 1-20, then add 10 random numbers between 21 and 100. Test yourself daily until you feel confident.

5. Tips for Success

• Consistency is Key: Practice a little every day rather than cramming. Even 5-10 minutes of daily practice will yield great results.
• Use Mnemonics: Create funny or memorable associations for tricky numbers. For example, “cztery” (four) sounds like “chair-tay” – imagine sitting on four chairs.
• Immerse Yourself: Listen to Polish podcasts, songs, or videos that mention numbers. This will help you get used to hearing them in context.

6. Wrap-Up and Homework

Great job! You’ve taken a big step toward mastering Polish numbers. For homework:

1. Write out the numbers 1-100 in Polish three times.
2. Practice saying your phone number and the date in Polish.
3. Create a short dialogue where you ask for and give prices (e.g., at a store or market).

In the next lesson, we’ll dive into telling time and using numbers in more complex sentences. Keep practicing, and soon numbers will feel like second nature!