Lesson 34 – Instrumental

Welcome back! In this lesson, we’re diving into the Instrumental Case (Narzędnik) in Polish. This case is used to describe professions, roles, and identities after verbs like być (to be). By the end of this lesson, you’ll understand how to form and use the instrumental case, and you’ll be able to confidently talk about who you are and what you do. Let’s get started!

What Is the Instrumental Case?

The instrumental case is used:

1. To describe professions and roles after być (to be).
   • Jestem nauczycielem. – I am a teacher. (male speaker)
   • Jestem nauczycielką. – I am a teacher. (female speaker)
2. To indicate the means or tool used to do something.
   • Piszę długopisem. – I am writing with a pen.

Instrumental Endings

Here’s how nouns change in the instrumental case based on gender and number:

Using the Instrumental Case in Sentences

Let’s see how the instrumental case works in real-life sentences:

1. Describing Professions:
   • Jestem lekarzem. – I am a doctor. (male speaker)
   • Jestem lekarką. – I am a doctor. (female speaker)
   • On będzie inżynierem. – He will be an engineer.
   • Ona będzie artystką. – She will be an artist.
2. Describing Roles or Identities:
   • Jestem uczniem. – I am a student. (male speaker)
   • Jestem mamą. – I am a mom.
   • Jesteśmy przyjaciółmi. – We are friends.
3. Indicating Means or Tools:
   • Piszę długopisem. – I am writing with a pen.
   • Jedziemy samochodem. – We are going by car.

Grammar Notes

1. Verb być (to be):
   • The instrumental case is used after być to describe professions, roles, or identities.
2. Gender Agreement:
   • The endings change based on the gender and number of the noun.
   • For example:
     • Masculine: -em (e.g., lekarzem).
     • Feminine: -ą (e.g., lekarką).
     • Neuter: -em (e.g., dzieckiem).
     • Plural: -ami (e.g., lekarzami).

Practice Tasks

1. Fill in the Blanks:
   Complete the sentences with the correct instrumental form:
   • Jestem ___ (student – male).
   • Ona jest ___ (teacher – female).
   • Będę ___ (engineer – male).
   • Jesteśmy ___ (doctors).
2. Translate These Sentences:
   • I am a writer. (male speaker)
   • She is an artist.
   • We are students.
   • He will be a policeman.
3. Create Your Own Sentences:
   Write 5 sentences using the instrumental case. For example:
   • Jestem kierowcą. – I am a driver. (male speaker)
   • Ona będzie nauczycielką. – She will be a teacher.

Cultural Tip: Professions in Poland

In Poland, professions like doctors, teachers, and engineers are highly respected. When introducing yourself, it’s common to use the instrumental case to describe your job. For example:

• Jestem lekarzem. – I am a doctor. (male speaker)
• Jestem lekarką. – I am a doctor. (female speaker)

Homework

1. Write 10 sentences using the instrumental case. Include examples of professions, roles, and identities.
2. Practice saying these sentences out loud. Focus on pronunciation and fluency.
3. Bonus: Look up 5 new nouns and practice using them in the instrumental case.

That’s it for Lesson 34! You’ve now mastered the instrumental case in Polish. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be describing who you are and what you do like a pro. Do zobaczenia! 😊