Signification
Lacking information.
Contexte culturel
Poles are quite direct. Saying 'nie wiem' is not considered rude, but adding 'niestety' (unfortunately) or 'przepraszam' (sorry) is common in formal settings. In the Silesian dialect, you might hear 'nie wiym' instead of 'nie wiem'. The phrase 'Wiem, że nic nie wiem' (I know that I know nothing) is a common cultural touchstone, often used to show humility in the face of complex topics. The abbreviation 'nwm' is ubiquitous among Polish youth on platforms like Messenger, WhatsApp, and TikTok.
The 'Sorry' Sandwich
Always put 'Przepraszam' before 'nie wiem' when talking to strangers. It makes you sound much more polite.
The 'Znać' Trap
Never use 'wiedzieć' for people. It's the most common mistake for English speakers!
Signification
Lacking information.
The 'Sorry' Sandwich
Always put 'Przepraszam' before 'nie wiem' when talking to strangers. It makes you sound much more polite.
The 'Znać' Trap
Never use 'wiedzieć' for people. It's the most common mistake for English speakers!
Texting like a Pole
Use 'nwm' in texts to sound like a native teenager.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb for the sentence: 'I don't know Marek.'
Nie _______ Marka.
You must use 'znać' (znam) for people.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'nie wiedzieć'.
My _______, gdzie on jest.
The 'we' (my) form of 'wiedzieć' is 'wiemy'.
Match the response to the question.
Gdzie jest najbliższa apteka?
When asked for a location/fact, 'nie wiem' is the correct response.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Czy wiesz, która jest godzina? B: Przepraszam, _______.
The question asks 'Czy wiesz' (Do you know), so the answer is 'nie wiem'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Wiedzieć vs Znać
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNie _______ Marka.
You must use 'znać' (znam) for people.
My _______, gdzie on jest.
The 'we' (my) form of 'wiedzieć' is 'wiemy'.
Gdzie jest najbliższa apteka?
When asked for a location/fact, 'nie wiem' is the correct response.
A: Czy wiesz, która jest godzina? B: Przepraszam, _______.
The question asks 'Czy wiesz' (Do you know), so the answer is 'nie wiem'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, it is grammatically correct and very common, but adding 'przepraszam' is better for social etiquette.
'Nie wiem' is 'I don't know'. 'Nie mam pojęcia' is 'I have no idea' (more emphatic).
Use the past tense: 'Nie wiedziałem' (if you are male) or 'Nie wiedziałam' (if you are female).
Polish grammar requires a comma before most subordinating conjunctions like 'co', 'gdzie', 'kto'.
Expressions liées
nie znać
similarTo not be familiar with (people/places)
nie mam pojęcia
synonymI have no idea
nie orientować się
similarTo not be oriented/aware
nie rozumieć
similarTo not understand
dowiedzieć się
builds onTo find out
