Signification
The process of finding employment.
Contexte culturel
In Poland, it is common to look for work through 'znajomości' (connections), though this is changing in big cities. Being 'bezrobotny' (unemployed) still carries a slight social stigma for older generations. LinkedIn is the primary tool for 'szukanie pracy' in white-collar sectors. Having an English profile is common even for jobs in Poland. Many young Poles 'szukają pracy' abroad (e.g., in Germany or the Netherlands) during summer breaks to earn Euro, which has a higher purchasing power. During the PRL (communist) era, 'szukanie pracy' was often a formality as the state assigned roles, but 'szukanie lepszej pracy' required significant political or social maneuvering.
Case is King
Always remember the Genitive case. If you say 'szukam pracę', people will understand you, but they will know you are a beginner.
Robota vs Praca
Be careful with 'robota'. It's fine with friends, but using it in an interview might make you seem less professional.
Signification
The process of finding employment.
Case is King
Always remember the Genitive case. If you say 'szukam pracę', people will understand you, but they will know you are a beginner.
Robota vs Praca
Be careful with 'robota'. It's fine with friends, but using it in an interview might make you seem less professional.
Use 'Poszukiwać' on CVs
When writing your profile summary on a CV, use 'Poszukuję nowych wyzwań' to sound more sophisticated.
Networking
Don't be afraid to tell Polish friends you are 'szukam pracy'. Word of mouth is still very effective in Poland.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'praca'.
Mój brat od miesiąca szuka ______.
The verb 'szukać' requires the Genitive case, which for 'praca' is 'pracy'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural way to say 'I am looking for a job' in a neutral context.
Polish often drops the pronoun 'Ja' and uses the Genitive 'pracy' without prepositions.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Co robisz w te wakacje? B: ______ pracy sezonowej w Gdyni.
The speaker (B) is talking about themselves, so the first-person singular 'szukam' is correct.
Match the phrase to the register.
Match 'Poszukuję pracy' with its register.
'Poszukiwać' is the more formal version of 'szukać'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMój brat od miesiąca szuka ______.
The verb 'szukać' requires the Genitive case, which for 'praca' is 'pracy'.
Choose the most natural way to say 'I am looking for a job' in a neutral context.
Polish often drops the pronoun 'Ja' and uses the Genitive 'pracy' without prepositions.
A: Co robisz w te wakacje? B: ______ pracy sezonowej w Gdyni.
The speaker (B) is talking about themselves, so the first-person singular 'szukam' is correct.
Match 'Poszukuję pracy' with its register.
'Poszukiwać' is the more formal version of 'szukać'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIn very casual, non-standard speech, you might hear it, but in any exam or professional setting, it is considered a mistake. Always use 'szukać pracy'.
'Szukać' is neutral and common. 'Poszukiwać' is more formal, often used for long-term searches or in official contexts.
Yes, it applies to any type of employment. You can specify: 'szukać pracy na pół etatu'.
Use the preposition 'jako': 'Szukam pracy jako nauczyciel'.
Yes, it's a gerund (verbal noun) meaning 'the act of job hunting'.
Pracuj.pl, OLX.pl, and LinkedIn are the most popular.
Yes, whether you are looking for keys (kluczy), a job (pracy), or a person (Marka), it's always Genitive.
Use the perfective verb: 'Znalazłem pracę' (masculine) or 'Znalazłam pracę' (feminine).
It is 'szukam pracy'. 'Szukam za...' is an incorrect literal translation from English or German.
It means 'to look around for work', implying a less intensive or more casual search.
Expressions liées
Znaleźć pracę
builds onTo find work
Stracić pracę
contrastTo lose a job
Zmienić pracę
similarTo change jobs
Pracować na czarno
specialized formTo work illegally/under the table
Oferta pracy
similarJob offer/vacancy
