Bedeutung
to know many people
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Poland, 'znajomości' were historically a form of currency during the communist era. Today, while it's more about professional networking, the ability to 'załatwić' (fix/arrange) something through a friend of a friend is still highly respected as a sign of life-smartness. In the US, this is often called 'networking'. It is very transactional and open. People are encouraged to 'build their network' on platforms like LinkedIn. In Poland, 'szerokie znajomości' can feel slightly more private or organic. The concept of 'Kao ga hiroi' (wide face) is similar but emphasizes being well-known and respected. Having a 'wide face' means you have social obligations to many people, which is a key part of Japanese social harmony (Wa). The concept of 'Wasta' is much stronger than 'szerokie znajomości'. It is an essential part of business and social life, where who you know is often more important than what you know or what the law says.
Use it in Job Interviews
If you want to impress a Polish employer, mention your 'szerokie znajomości w branży'. It shows you are proactive and well-positioned.
Grammar Trap
Don't forget that when you say 'I don't have...', the phrase changes to 'Nie mam szerokich znajomości'. This is a classic C1 exam trap.
Bedeutung
to know many people
Use it in Job Interviews
If you want to impress a Polish employer, mention your 'szerokie znajomości w branży'. It shows you are proactive and well-positioned.
Grammar Trap
Don't forget that when you say 'I don't have...', the phrase changes to 'Nie mam szerokich znajomości'. This is a classic C1 exam trap.
Nuance of 'Znajomości'
While 'znajomości' is neutral, 'układy' is negative. Never use 'układy' to describe your own network unless you want to sound like a criminal!
Teste dich selbst
Wypełnij lukę odpowiednią formą przymiotnika 'szeroki'.
Nie martw się o pracę, twój ojciec ma przecież ________ znajomości w tej firmie.
The noun 'znajomości' is plural accusative, so the adjective must be 'szerokie'.
Wybierz poprawne zaprzeczenie zdania: 'On ma szerokie znajomości'.
Jak powiesz, że on nie zna wielu ludzi?
Negation changes the Accusative to Genitive: 'szerokich znajomości'.
Dopasuj sytuację do użycia frazy.
Kiedy najlepiej użyć frazy 'mieć szerokie znajomości'?
The phrase refers to a network of useful contacts, not just friends or family size.
Uzupełnij dialog.
A: Jak on dostał ten kontrakt tak szybko? B: To proste, on od lat buduje ________ ________ w tej branży.
The context of getting a contract quickly through networking fits 'szerokie znajomości' perfectly.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Connections vs. Friends
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenNie martw się o pracę, twój ojciec ma przecież ________ znajomości w tej firmie.
The noun 'znajomości' is plural accusative, so the adjective must be 'szerokie'.
Jak powiesz, że on nie zna wielu ludzi?
Negation changes the Accusative to Genitive: 'szerokich znajomości'.
Kiedy najlepiej użyć frazy 'mieć szerokie znajomości'?
The phrase refers to a network of useful contacts, not just friends or family size.
A: Jak on dostał ten kontrakt tak szybko? B: To proste, on od lat buduje ________ ________ w tej branży.
The context of getting a contract quickly through networking fits 'szerokie znajomości' perfectly.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenAlmost. 'Networking' is the activity of building the network, while 'szerokie znajomości' is the result—the state of having that network.
Not really. It implies a network that has some value or diversity. Having 500 random Facebook friends isn't usually described as 'szerokie znajomości'.
It's neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a business meeting or a newspaper article.
You could say 'brak znajomości' (lack of connections) or 'wąski krąg znajomych' (a narrow circle of friends).
No, not by itself. However, in a cynical context, it can hint that someone got something through 'favors' rather than merit.
No, that sounds unnatural. Always use 'szerokie'.
You can say 'nawiązywać znajomości' or 'budować sieć kontaktów'.
It's used in both, but it's particularly common when discussing career, politics, and 'getting things done'.
It's better to say 'mam szerokie znajomości wśród lekarzy' (among doctors).
Yes, very. Even with LinkedIn, the traditional concept of 'znajomości' remains a staple of Polish life.
Verwandte Redewendungen
mieć plecy
similarTo have someone powerful backing you up.
mieć dojścia
similarTo have 'ins' or ways to get to influential people.
znać kogoś przelotnie
contrastTo know someone only briefly/casually.
rozległe kontakty
synonymExtensive contacts.
obracać się w towarzystwie
builds onTo move in certain social circles.
