Bedeutung
To be broke.
Kultureller Hintergrund
There is a cultural phenomenon called 'narzekanie' (complaining). Saying 'nie mam pieniędzy' is often a way to fit in socially and avoid making others feel bad about their own financial situation. The transition from Communism to Capitalism in 1989 changed how people talk about money. Before, everyone 'didn't have money' because goods were scarce. Now, it's more about personal budgeting. Tipping culture: If you say 'nie mam pieniędzy' in a restaurant to avoid tipping, it is considered quite rude. It's better to just tip a small amount. The phrase 'Zastaw się, a postaw się' describes a cultural tendency to spend money one doesn't have (e.g., on a big wedding) just to impress others.
The 'Na' Rule
When you don't have money *for* something, always use the preposition 'na' + Accusative. E.g., 'Nie mam pieniędzy na kawę'.
Genitive Case
Never say 'Nie mam pieniądze'. It's the most obvious sign of a beginner. Always 'pieniędzy'.
Bedeutung
To be broke.
The 'Na' Rule
When you don't have money *for* something, always use the preposition 'na' + Accusative. E.g., 'Nie mam pieniędzy na kawę'.
Genitive Case
Never say 'Nie mam pieniądze'. It's the most obvious sign of a beginner. Always 'pieniędzy'.
Polite Refusal
If you want to be more polite when someone asks for money, say 'Niestety, nie mogę teraz pomóc' (Unfortunately, I can't help right now) instead of just 'Nie mam pieniędzy'.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the word 'pieniądze'.
Przepraszam, ale nie mam teraz ____.
After 'nie mam', you must use the Genitive case.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm broke' to a close friend?
Jak powiesz koledze, że nie masz pieniędzy?
'Jestem spłukany' is the common informal idiom for being broke.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Idziemy do kina? B: Chciałbym, ale ____.
This is the standard way to decline an invitation due to lack of funds.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a formal bank letter?
Banks use formal terminology like 'brak środków' (lack of means).
Put the verb 'mieć' in the correct past tense form (masculine).
Kiedy byłem studentem, często nie ____ pieniędzy.
The first person singular masculine past tense of 'mieć' is 'miałem'.
Match the idiom to its literal meaning.
Match the following:
These are all common variations of not having money.
🎉 Ergebnis: /6
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
6 AufgabenPrzepraszam, ale nie mam teraz ____.
After 'nie mam', you must use the Genitive case.
Jak powiesz koledze, że nie masz pieniędzy?
'Jestem spłukany' is the common informal idiom for being broke.
A: Idziemy do kina? B: Chciałbym, ale ____.
This is the standard way to decline an invitation due to lack of funds.
Which phrase fits a formal bank letter?
Banks use formal terminology like 'brak środków' (lack of means).
Kiedy byłem studentem, często nie ____ pieniędzy.
The first person singular masculine past tense of 'mieć' is 'miałem'.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
These are all common variations of not having money.
🎉 Ergebnis: /6
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it is a neutral, factual statement. However, in very formal settings, 'brak funduszy' is preferred.
'Kasa' is slang. Use 'pieniądze' in all situations, but 'kasa' only with people you know well.
Polish has irregular plural genitive endings. 'Pieniędzy' is an irregular form that you just have to memorize.
Yes, 'Nie mam pieniędzy na koncie' is the standard way to say your account is empty.
You can add 'w ogóle' (at all) or 'kompletnie': 'W ogóle nie mam pieniędzy'.
Yes, in the sense of 'money', it is a plurale tantum. The singular 'pieniądz' refers to a specific coin or the abstract concept of currency.
It's a funny idiom meaning someone is very poor. Literally: 'to not smell of a penny'.
Use 'Brakuje mi pieniędzy' or 'Jestem trochę spłukany'.
Only if explaining a past situation. Don't say it about your current state as it might sound desperate.
'Mieć dużo pieniędzy' or 'Być bogatym'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
być spłukanym
synonymto be broke
brakować pieniędzy
similarto be short of money
mieć dużo pieniędzy
contrastto have a lot of money
oszczędzać pieniądze
builds onto save money
nie śmierdzieć groszem
specialized formto not have a penny to one's name
