At the A1 level, 'godny' is a bit advanced, but you can learn it through fixed phrases. Think of it as a way to say someone is 'good' or 'reliable' in a very respectful way. You might see it in simple descriptions like 'godny zaufania' (trustworthy). At this stage, focus on the fact that 'godny' is an adjective and it changes its ending based on who or what you are talking about: 'godny' for a man, 'godna' for a woman, and 'godne' for a thing. You don't need to worry too much about the complicated grammar rules yet. Just remember that if you call someone 'godny zaufania', you are saying they are a very good, honest person that you can trust. It is like the English word 'worthy'. If you have a friend who always tells the truth, they are 'godny zaufania'. If you see a very beautiful and important museum, it might be 'godne uwagi' (worthy of attention). Keep it simple and use it as a set phrase to sound more polite and advanced in your basic Polish conversations. This word helps you move beyond just saying 'dobry' (good) all the time.
At the A2 level, you can start using 'godny' in more specific contexts. You should learn the three most common phrases: 'godny zaufania' (trustworthy), 'godny uwagi' (worthy of attention), and 'godny polecenia' (worthy of recommendation). These are very useful when you want to give your opinion. For example, if you liked a restaurant, you can say 'Ta restauracja jest godna polecenia'. This sounds much better than just saying 'Ta restauracja jest dobra'. At this level, you should also notice that 'godny' is followed by a noun that changes slightly. For example, 'uwaga' becomes 'uwagi'. This is the genitive case. You don't need to master all genitive forms yet, but try to remember these specific combinations. Also, remember that 'godny' must match the noun it describes. If you are talking about a movie (film - masculine), use 'godny'. If you are talking about a person (osoba - feminine), use 'godna'. If you are talking about a place (miejsce - neuter), use 'godne'. Using 'godny' correctly at A2 will make your Polish sound much more natural and professional.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'godny' more flexibly. You should understand that it primarily means 'worthy' and is a key word for expressing merit and dignity. You should be comfortable using it with various nouns in the genitive case, such as 'godny podziwu' (admirable), 'godny pożałowania' (pitiable), or 'godny naśladowania' (worthy of imitation). At this stage, you should also be aware of the opposite word, 'niegodny' (unworthy). For example, 'On jest niegodny Twojego czasu' (He is unworthy of your time). You should also be able to distinguish 'godny' from 'dogodny' (convenient), which is a very common mistake for B1 learners. 'Godny' is about value, while 'dogodny' is about logistics. In your writing, use 'godny' to provide more sophisticated evaluations of books, films, or people's behavior. Instead of using simple adjectives, 'godny' allows you to express that something has earned a certain status. For example, instead of saying 'On jest bardzo dobrym pracownikiem', you could say 'On jest pracownikiem godnym zaufania i naśladowania'. This shows a deeper understanding of Polish vocabulary and register.
At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'godny' and its many collocations. You should use it naturally in both formal and semi-formal contexts. You should be able to use it to discuss abstract concepts like 'godność' (dignity) and 'godne życie' (a dignified life). At this level, you can also use the comparative and superlative forms: 'godniejszy' and 'najgodniejszy'. For example, 'Nie mogliśmy znaleźć godniejszego kandydata' (We couldn't find a worthier candidate). You should also understand the nuances between 'godny' and synonyms like 'zasługujący' or 'wart'. Remember that 'godny' is often more static and formal. You should also be able to use 'godny' in more complex sentence structures, such as 'To zachowanie, godne najwyższej pochwały, zainspirowało nas wszystkich'. At B2, you should also start recognizing 'godny' in literature and more advanced news articles, where it might be used to describe historical events or complex political situations. Your goal is to use 'godny' to add weight and precision to your arguments, showing that you can handle the more formal and ethical dimensions of the Polish language.
At the C1 level, your use of 'godny' should be nuanced and sophisticated. You should be aware of its historical roots and how it relates to concepts of honor and social standing in Polish culture. You should be able to use 'godny' in highly formal or academic writing, as well as in professional negotiations. You should be comfortable with less common collocations like 'godny ubolewania' (regrettable) or 'godny wiary' (credible/trustworthy). At this level, you should also be able to use 'godny' ironically or rhetorically to make a point. You should understand the subtle difference between 'godny' and 'zacny' (noble), using the latter when you want to evoke a sense of traditional or moral excellence. Your grammar should be flawless, including the correct use of the genitive case and gender agreement in all situations. You should also be able to discuss the philosophical implications of 'godność' (human dignity) and how it is reflected in the use of 'godny'. At C1, 'godny' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for expressing complex values and making precise moral or qualitative judgments in high-level discourse.
At the C2 level, you should possess a near-native mastery of 'godny'. You can use it across all registers, from the most formal legal documents to poetic and literary texts. You should be familiar with archaic or rare uses of 'godny', such as those found in 19th-century Polish literature or religious texts. You can effortlessly navigate the subtle connotations it carries in different contexts—knowing exactly when 'godny' implies moral rectitude versus when it simply denotes high quality. You should be able to use 'godny' in complex rhetorical structures, perhaps using it to contrast with 'podły' (vile) or 'marny' (pitiful) to create a powerful stylistic effect. Your understanding of the word should include its relationship to the Polish concept of 'honor' and how this has evolved over time. At this level, you should also be able to analyze and translate 'godny' in a way that captures its full emotional and cultural weight, recognizing that it often carries more gravity than the English 'worthy'. You are capable of using 'godny' to discuss the most profound aspects of human existence, law, and ethics with the precision and elegance of a highly educated native speaker.

godny in 30 Sekunden

  • Godny means 'worthy' or 'deserving' in Polish, used to describe merit.
  • It requires the Genitive case for the noun that follows it (e.g., godny uwagi).
  • It is commonly used in formal, professional, and literary contexts.
  • It changes endings based on gender and number: godny, godna, godne, godni.
The Polish adjective godny is a versatile and essential word that primarily translates to 'worthy' or 'deserving' in English. At its core, it describes someone or something that possesses qualities making them suitable for a particular treatment, reaction, or status. While it is often associated with positive attributes, its meaning is determined by the noun that follows it, often in the genitive case. For instance, being 'godny zaufania' (worthy of trust) is a high compliment, whereas being 'godny pożałowania' (worthy of pity/pitiable) describes a negative or pathetic state.
Core Meaning
The state of having sufficient merit or value to receive something, whether it be respect, attention, or a specific consequence.

To jest przeciwnik godny mojego czasu i wysiłku.

In modern Polish, 'godny' appears frequently in professional and formal contexts. When evaluating a candidate for a job, one might look for someone 'godny polecenia' (worthy of recommendation). In historical or literary contexts, it often relates to 'godność' (dignity), suggesting a sense of honor or noble character. It is important to note that 'godny' is not just about merit but also about appropriateness. Historically, the word is linked to the concept of 'gody' (festivities or appropriate times), suggesting that something 'godny' is something that fits the occasion or the standard required. Understanding 'godny' requires recognizing that it elevates the noun it describes. To call a movie 'godny uwagi' is a stronger endorsement than simply saying it is 'ciekawy' (interesting). It implies that the movie has earned the right to be watched. Similarly, a 'godny' person is someone who carries themselves with a certain weight or importance. In daily life, you might hear it in phrases like 'godne życie' (a dignified life), which refers to living with basic human rights and respect. The word spans the spectrum from everyday practical recommendations to deep philosophical discussions about human worth.
Social Context
Using 'godny' often signals a level of seriousness and respect. It is less common in very slangy, informal speech but very common in news, literature, and formal evaluations.

Jego zachowanie było godne najwyższego uznania.

By mastering this word, you can express nuanced opinions about value and merit that go beyond simple adjectives like 'dobry' (good) or 'zły' (bad). It allows you to participate in more sophisticated Polish conversations about ethics, professional standards, and personal character.
Using godny correctly involves understanding its grammatical relationship with other words. Most commonly, 'godny' is followed by a noun in the Genitive case (Dopełniacz). This structure creates phrases like 'godny zaufania' (worthy of trust) or 'godny naśladowania' (worthy of imitation). If you want to say something is 'worthy of attention', you say 'godny uwagi'. Notice how 'uwaga' (attention) changes to 'uwagi' in the genitive.
Grammar Rule
Godny + Noun (Genitive Case). This is the most standard construction for expressing what someone or something is worthy of.

To jest projekt godny Twojej uwagi.

Another way 'godny' is used is as a standalone adjective describing a person's demeanor. To say someone is 'godny' can imply they are dignified or respectable. For example, 'starszy, godny pan' (an elderly, dignified gentleman). In this context, it doesn't necessarily need a genitive noun following it because the 'worthiness' is an inherent trait of their character. In negative sentences, you often use 'niegodny' (unworthy). For instance, 'Jestem niegodny Twojego przebaczenia' (I am unworthy of your forgiveness). This follows the same genitive rule. 'Godny' can also be used in the comparative and superlative degrees: 'godniejszy' (worthier) and 'najgodniejszy' (worthiest), though these are less common in casual speech and more frequent in formal or poetic Polish.
Comparison
Godny (Positive) -> Godniejszy (Comparative) -> Najgodniejszy (Superlative). Used to rank the level of merit.

Szukamy godnego następcy dla naszego dyrektora.

Furthermore, 'godny' can be used with infinitives, though this is slightly more archaic. For example, 'godny bycia zapamiętanym' (worthy of being remembered). However, modern speakers usually prefer the noun form: 'godny pamięci'. If you are writing a formal letter or a review, 'godny' is your best friend. It provides a level of precision that shows you have a high command of the language. Instead of saying 'To jest dobra książka', say 'To jest pozycja godna polecenia' (This is a position/item worthy of recommendation). This instantly makes your Polish sound more professional and mature. Finally, pay attention to the plural forms. 'Godni' is used for men or mixed groups (męskoosobowy), while 'godne' is used for women, animals, and objects (niemęskoosobowy). For example, 'Oni są godni zaufania' vs 'Te wysiłki są godne podziwu'.
You will encounter godny in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the evening news to workplace evaluations. One of the most common places is in journalism and criticism. Movie reviewers, book critics, and tech bloggers frequently use the phrase 'godny uwagi' to highlight something that stands out from the crowd. If a new smartphone has a revolutionary camera, a Polish tech site might title their article 'Smartfon godny uwagi w 2024 roku' (A smartphone worthy of attention in 2024).
Media Usage
Used to evaluate the quality of products, art, and political actions in professional reviews and news reports.

To zachowanie jest godne potępienia, powiedziała rzeczniczka rządu.

In the business world, 'godny' is a keyword in recruitment and networking. LinkedIn recommendations in Polish often use 'godny polecenia' to vouch for a former colleague's skills. If a manager is looking for a 'godny zaufania pracownik' (a trustworthy employee), they are looking for someone reliable and ethical. You will also hear it in formal speeches and ceremonies. At an awards gala, the presenter might describe the winner as a 'godny laureat' (a worthy laureate), emphasizing that their achievements justify the honor. Legal and political discourse also utilizes this word heavily. When discussing human rights, the phrase 'godne warunki życia' (dignified living conditions) is paramount. This refers to access to water, shelter, and healthcare. In courtrooms, a judge might determine if a defendant's actions were 'godne kary' (worthy of punishment). Even in sports, commentators use it to describe a match. 'To był godny finał' (It was a worthy final) means the quality of the game lived up to the importance of the championship.
Professional Discourse
Common in CVs, performance reviews, and business negotiations to establish credibility and value.

Znaleźliśmy godnego kandydata na to stanowisko.

Literature and history are also saturated with 'godny'. Polish romantic literature often speaks of 'godny czyn' (a worthy deed) in the context of patriotism and sacrifice. If you visit a museum or a historical site in Poland, the descriptions will likely use 'godny' to describe the importance of artifacts or the nobility of historical figures. In summary, 'godny' is a bridge between the mundane and the exceptional, used whenever a Pole wants to assign a specific value or merit to a person, action, or object.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning godny is confusing it with the word dogodny. While they look similar, their meanings are entirely different. 'Godny' means 'worthy' or 'deserving', whereas 'dogodny' means 'convenient' or 'favorable'. For example, if you want to say 'a convenient time', you must say 'dogodny termin'. Saying 'godny termin' would imply the time itself has some sort of moral merit or dignity, which sounds very strange to a native speaker.
Mistake #1: Confusion with 'Dogodny'
Using 'godny' when you mean 'convenient'. Remember: Godny = Worthy; Dogodny = Convenient.

Błędne: To jest godny czas na spotkanie. Poprawne: To jest dogodny czas.

Another common error involves the case of the noun following 'godny'. Many learners instinctively use the Accusative (Biernik) or Nominative (Mianownik) because they are thinking of the English 'worthy of...'. In Polish, 'godny' almost always requires the Genitive (Dopełniacz). Forgetting to decline the noun correctly is a tell-tale sign of a learner. For example, 'godny uwaga' is incorrect; it must be 'godny uwagi'. A third mistake is overusing 'godny' in very casual situations where 'wart' (worth) would be more appropriate. While 'godny' and 'wart' both mean 'worth', 'wart' is often used for price or simple value, while 'godny' is for merit and dignity. If you say a sandwich is 'godna zjedzenia', it sounds overly dramatic and formal, as if the sandwich has earned a great honor. In that case, 'warta zjedzenia' (worth eating) is more natural.
Mistake #2: Wrong Case
Using the Nominative after 'godny'. Incorrect: 'godny podziw'. Correct: 'godny podziwu'.

On nie jest godny moją pomoc. (Incorrect) -> On nie jest godny mojej pomocy. (Correct)

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the plural 'godni'. Remember that 'godni' is exclusively for groups that include at least one male person. For a group of women or objects, you must use 'godne'. Mistakenly using 'godni' for a group of books ('książki godni uwagi') is a grammatical error; it should be 'książki godne uwagi'. By paying attention to these nuances, you can avoid sounding like a beginner and start using 'godny' with the precision of a native speaker.
To truly master godny, it's helpful to compare it with similar words like wart, zasługujący, and zacny. Each has a specific nuance that makes it better suited for certain contexts.
Wart vs. Godny
'Wart' is more common in everyday speech and often relates to price or simple effort (e.g., 'To nie jest warte zachodu' - It's not worth the trouble). 'Godny' is more formal and relates to merit or dignity.

Ta książka jest warta przeczytania, ale ten autor jest godny najwyższego szacunku.

Another alternative is zasługujący, which is the present participle of 'zasługiwać' (to deserve). While 'godny' is an adjective describing a state, 'zasługujący' emphasizes the action of deserving. You might say someone is 'zasługujący na nagrodę' (deserving of a reward). In many cases, they are interchangeable, but 'godny' sounds slightly more elegant and static. For describing people of high moral character, you might use zacny (noble/worthy/respectable). This is a bit old-fashioned and carries a very positive, warm connotation. You might call an old family friend a 'zacny człowiek'. It focuses more on the person's inherent goodness rather than what they specifically deserve.
Synonym Comparison
Godny: Worthy/Dignified (Formal). Wart: Worth (Common). Zasługujący: Deserving (Active). Zacny: Noble/Good-hearted (Old-fashioned).

To był zacny gest ze strony twojego sąsiada.

In negative contexts, instead of 'niegodny', you might use podły (vile/mean) or marny (poor/pitiful). However, 'niegodny' specifically targets the lack of merit for a certain thing, like 'niegodny zaufania' (untrustworthy). Choosing between these words depends on whether you want to emphasize the person's character, the value of an object, or the act of deserving something. Using 'godny' shows you are aiming for a higher, more precise register of Polish.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

To jest godny człowiek.

This is a worthy/decent man.

Godny is the masculine singular nominative form.

2

Ona jest godna zaufania.

She is trustworthy.

Godna is the feminine singular nominative form.

3

To jest godne uwagi.

This is worthy of attention.

Godne is the neuter singular nominative form.

4

Oni są godni podziwu.

They are worthy of admiration.

Godni is the masculine personal plural form.

5

To nie jest godne.

This is not worthy/appropriate.

Used as a predicate adjective.

6

Szukam godnego przyjaciela.

I am looking for a worthy friend.

Godnego is the masculine singular accusative form.

7

To jest godna praca.

This is worthy/decent work.

Feminine singular nominative.

8

Mamy godne życie.

We have a dignified life.

Neuter singular accusative.

1

Ten film jest godny polecenia.

This movie is worth recommending.

Polecenia is the genitive form of polecenie.

2

Czy on jest godny zaufania?

Is he trustworthy?

Zaufania is the genitive form of zaufanie.

3

To jest oferta godna uwagi.

This is an offer worthy of attention.

Uwagi is the genitive form of uwaga.

4

Szukamy godnej osoby na to miejsce.

We are looking for a worthy person for this position.

Godnej is the feminine singular genitive form.

5

Jego zachowanie nie było godne.

His behavior was not worthy/appropriate.

Past tense with the neuter form of the adjective.

6

To są godne zaufania firmy.

These are trustworthy companies.

Godne is the non-masculine personal plural form.

7

On jest godnym następcą króla.

He is a worthy successor to the king.

Godnym is the masculine singular instrumental form.

8

To jest godna pochwały postawa.

This is a praiseworthy attitude.

Pochwały is the genitive form of pochwała.

1

To dzieło jest godne podziwu.

This work is admirable (worthy of admiration).

Podziwu is the genitive form of podziw.

2

Jego postawa jest godna naśladowania.

His attitude is worthy of imitation.

Naśladowania is the genitive form of naśladowanie.

3

To sytuacja godna pożałowania.

This is a pitiable situation.

Pożałowania is the genitive form of pożałowanie.

4

Czy czujesz się godny tej nagrody?

Do you feel worthy of this award?

Godny takes the genitive case 'tej nagrody'.

5

Nie jesteś godny mojego czasu.

You are not worthy of my time.

Niegodny is the negation of godny.

6

On zawsze zachowuje się w sposób godny.

He always behaves in a dignified manner.

Godny here functions as an adjective modifying 'sposób'.

7

To jest godny przeciwnik w szachach.

This is a worthy opponent in chess.

Godny implies equality in skill or merit.

8

Państwa pomoc jest godna najwyższego uznania.

Your (plural) help is worthy of the highest recognition.

Uznania is the genitive form of uznanie.

1

Każdy człowiek ma prawo do godnego życia.

Every human has the right to a dignified life.

Godnego is the neuter singular genitive form.

2

To był godny finał wielkiego turnieju.

It was a worthy final of a great tournament.

Implies the quality matched the importance of the event.

3

Szukamy najgodniejszego kandydata na to stanowisko.

We are looking for the worthiest candidate for this position.

Najgodniejszego is the superlative form.

4

Jego czyny są godne wiecznej pamięci.

His deeds are worthy of eternal memory.

Pamięci is the genitive form of pamięć.

5

To zachowanie, godne ubolewania, zniszczyło jego reputację.

This behavior, which is regrettable, destroyed his reputation.

Ubolewania is the genitive form of ubolewanie.

6

On jest godnym zaufania partnerem biznesowym.

He is a trustworthy business partner.

Godnym is the instrumental form used after 'jest'.

7

Czy te wysiłki okażą się godne rezultatu?

Will these efforts prove worthy of the result?

Rezultatu is the genitive form of rezultat.

8

Nie znalazłem nic godnego uwagi w tej gazecie.

I found nothing worthy of attention in this newspaper.

Godnego is the genitive form after 'nic'.

1

Jego postawa, pełna godności, była godna najwyższego szacunku.

His attitude, full of dignity, was worthy of the highest respect.

Uses both the noun godność and the adjective godna.

2

To jest postulat godny rozważenia przez zarząd.

This is a postulate worthy of consideration by the board.

Rozważenia is the genitive form of rozważenie.

3

Niegodny to postępek dla kogoś o takim nazwisku.

This is an unworthy act for someone with such a name.

Niegodny used at the beginning for emphasis.

4

Znalazł się w sytuacji godnej pióra samego Szekspira.

He found himself in a situation worthy of Shakespeare's own pen.

Pióra is the genitive form of pióro.

5

Czy ta strategia jest godna zaufania w dłuższej perspektywie?

Is this strategy trustworthy in the long term?

Zaufania is the genitive form of zaufanie.

6

Jego odpowiedź była godna dyplomaty.

His answer was worthy of a diplomat.

Dyplomaty is the genitive form of dyplomata.

7

To odkrycie jest godne nagrody Nobla.

This discovery is worthy of a Nobel Prize.

Nagrody is the genitive form of nagroda.

8

Bądź godny zaufania, którym Cię obdarzono.

Be worthy of the trust you have been given.

Imperative form of 'to be' with the adjective.

1

Jego życie było godną realizacją ideałów, które głosił.

His life was a worthy realization of the ideals he preached.

Realizacją is the instrumental form of realizacja.

2

To wyzwanie godne jedynie najtęższych umysłów naszej epoki.

This is a challenge worthy only of the sharpest minds of our era.

Umysłów is the genitive plural of umysł.

3

Postępował w sposób godny swojego wysokiego urzędu.

He acted in a manner worthy of his high office.

Urzędu is the genitive form of urząd.

4

Czyż nie jest to czyn godny wiecznego potępienia?

Is this not a deed worthy of eternal condemnation?

Potępienia is the genitive form of potępienie.

5

Był to człowiek godny, aczkolwiek nieco surowy w obejściu.

He was a dignified man, though somewhat stern in his manner.

Godny used as a character trait.

6

To dzieło literackie jest godne najwyższych laurów.

This literary work is worthy of the highest laurels.

Laurów is the genitive plural of laur.

7

Jego milczenie było godne podziwu, zważywszy na okoliczności.

His silence was admirable, considering the circumstances.

Uses a gerund phrase 'zważywszy na'.

8

To idea godna walki, niezależnie od ceny.

This is an idea worthy of a fight, regardless of the price.

Walki is the genitive form of walkka.

Häufige Kollokationen

godny zaufania
godny uwagi
godny polecenia
godny podziwu
godny naśladowania
godny pożałowania
godny ubolewania
godny przeciwnik
godny następca
godne życie

Häufige Phrasen

w sposób godny

— In a dignified manner.

Zachował się w sposób godny.

godny swej nazwy

— Worthy of its name; living up to its reputation.

Hotel był godny swej nazwy.

godny kary

— Deserving of punishment.

Ten czyn jest godny kary.

godny pochwały

— Praiseworthy.

To jest godna pochwały inicjatywa.

godny wiary

— Credible or trustworthy.

To świadek godny wiary.

niegodny uwagi

— Not worth mentioning or noticing.

To są szczegóły niegodne uwagi.

godny zapamiętania

— Memorable.

To był dzień godny zapamiętania.

godny wsparcia

— Worthy of support.

Ten projekt jest godny wsparcia.

godny zmilczenia

— Better left unsaid (literally: worthy of silence).

To zachowanie jest godne zmilczenia.

godny zaszczytów

— Worthy of honors.

Jest to człowiek godny zaszczytów.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"godny pożałowania"

— Used to describe something very unfortunate or poor quality.

Jego stan był godny pożałowania.

neutral
"godny uwagi"

— Used to highlight something exceptional.

To jest fakt godny uwagi.

neutral
"niegodny podania ręki"

— Describing someone so dishonorable you wouldn't shake their hand.

To człowiek niegodny podania ręki.

formal/strong
"godny pogardy"

— Despicable or contemptible.

To było kłamstwo godne pogardy.

formal
"godny litości"

— Pitiful.

Wyglądał w tym stroju godnie litości.

neutral
"godny potępienia"

— Deplorable; deserving strong criticism.

Przemoc jest zawsze godna potępienia.

formal
"godny zaufania"

— The standard way to say someone is reliable.

Mój pies jest godny zaufania.

neutral
"godny polecenia"

— The standard way to recommend something.

To miejsce jest godne polecenia.

neutral
"godny naśladowania"

— Describing a role model.

Jego pracowitość jest godna naśladowania.

neutral
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