Meaning
Positive social connections.
Cultural Background
Poles value 'dobre relacje' as a form of social security. In the past, these connections were essential for obtaining scarce goods. Modern Polish companies invest heavily in 'integracja' (team building) to foster 'dobre relacje' among employees. Maintaining 'dobre relacje' with extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins) is a significant cultural expectation, even if you don't see them often. In Polish news, 'dobre relacje' is the standard term for friendly international cooperation, often replacing the more formal 'stosunki'.
The 'Z' Rule
Always remember that 'z' (with) triggers the Instrumental case. Practice: z bratem, z siostrą, z kolegami.
Avoid 'Stosunki' in Romance
Never use 'stosunki' to describe your romantic life unless you want to sound like a textbook or a politician.
Meaning
Positive social connections.
The 'Z' Rule
Always remember that 'z' (with) triggers the Instrumental case. Practice: z bratem, z siostrą, z kolegami.
Avoid 'Stosunki' in Romance
Never use 'stosunki' to describe your romantic life unless you want to sound like a textbook or a politician.
Use 'Dbać'
Combine 'dobre relacje' with the verb 'dbać o' (to care for) to sound more like a native speaker: 'Dbam o dobre relacje z rodziną'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Mam bardzo dobre ______ z moją siostrą.
The plural 'relacje' is the standard form for this collocation.
Choose the correct preposition and case.
On buduje dobre relacje ______.
We use 'z' + Instrumental case (szefem) to indicate who the relationship is with.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: Czy lubisz swoich sąsiadów? B: Tak, ______.
'Mamy' (we have) is natural here because it refers to the mutual relationship between 'us'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMam bardzo dobre ______ z moją siostrą.
The plural 'relacje' is the standard form for this collocation.
On buduje dobre relacje ______.
We use 'z' + Instrumental case (szefem) to indicate who the relationship is with.
A: Czy lubisz swoich sąsiadów? B: Tak, ______.
'Mamy' (we have) is natural here because it refers to the mutual relationship between 'us'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but 'związek' (relationship) is more common for the romantic bond itself. 'Dobre relacje' describes how you get along day-to-day.
Usually, yes. 'Dobra relacja' is grammatically correct but sounds more like a specific instance or a psychological term.
'Kontakty' is more about having someone's phone number or knowing them professionally. 'Relacje' implies an emotional or social bond.
Say 'Mamy dobre relacje' or 'Mamy ze sobą dobre relacje'.
Related Phrases
Dobre stosunki
similarGood relations (more formal/political)
Świetny kontakt
similarGreat contact/communication
Złe relacje
contrastBad relations
Budować mosty
builds onTo build bridges
