Meaning
Being given something for free.
Cultural Background
Name Days (Imieniny) are often more important than birthdays for older generations. You are expected to 'dostać prezent' on your saint's day. The 'Szlachetna Paczka' is a major charity event where families in need 'dostają prezenty' from anonymous donors during the holidays. When visiting someone for a 'parapetówka' (housewarming party), the host must 'dostać prezent' for the new home, usually something practical like a plant or a candle. On March 8th (Women's Day), it is a tradition that almost every woman in Poland 'dostaje prezent' (usually a flower) from men in her life.
The 'Od' Rule
Always use the preposition 'od' + Genitive to say who the gift is from (e.g., od mamy, od taty).
Don't forget the past tense gender
Men say 'dostałem', women say 'dostałam'. This is a common A2 mistake!
Meaning
Being given something for free.
The 'Od' Rule
Always use the preposition 'od' + Genitive to say who the gift is from (e.g., od mamy, od taty).
Don't forget the past tense gender
Men say 'dostałem', women say 'dostałam'. This is a common A2 mistake!
Use 'w prezencie'
If you want to sound more natural when naming the object, say 'Dostałem [object] w prezencie'.
Open it now!
If you 'dostać prezent' in Poland, open it immediately to show you are happy.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct past tense form of 'dostać' (masculine).
Wczoraj na urodziny ______ (dostać) nowy rower.
The subject is 'I' (masculine), so 'dostałem' is correct.
Which case follows 'dostać' in a positive sentence?
Dostałem (prezent / prezentu / prezencie).
'Dostać' takes the Accusative case. For 'prezent', it looks like the Nominative.
Match the situation to the phrase.
It is December 24th in Poland.
In Poland, gifts are traditionally placed under the Christmas tree (choinka).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Co ______ na imieniny? B: Dostałam piękną książkę.
The response is 'Dostałam' (feminine), so the question should be 'dostałaś'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWczoraj na urodziny ______ (dostać) nowy rower.
The subject is 'I' (masculine), so 'dostałem' is correct.
Dostałem (prezent / prezentu / prezencie).
'Dostać' takes the Accusative case. For 'prezent', it looks like the Nominative.
It is December 24th in Poland.
In Poland, gifts are traditionally placed under the Christmas tree (choinka).
A: Co ______ na imieniny? B: Dostałam piękną książkę.
The response is 'Dostałam' (feminine), so the question should be 'dostałaś'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. You can use it with friends, family, and even your boss. For very formal events, use 'otrzymać'.
Yes! 'Dostać stypendium' is the standard way to say you received a scholarship.
The plural is 'prezenty'. 'Dostałem prezenty' (I got gifts).
Use the Genitive case: 'Nie dostałem prezentu'.
Usually no, but sarcastically it can. 'Dostać prezent od sędziego' in sports often means a bad call that helped you.
Yes, but 'podarunek' is more old-fashioned and formal.
Say 'Dziękuję bardzo!' or 'Ojej, nie trzeba było!' (Oh, you shouldn't have!).
Yes, 'dostać maila' is very common.
'Dostać' is for one specific time. 'Dostawać' is for a repeating habit.
No, that means 'I received a gift for you (from someone else)'. To say 'I have a gift for you', say 'Mam dla ciebie prezent'.
Related Phrases
Dawać prezent
contrastTo give a gift
Otrzymać podarunek
synonymTo receive a gift (formal)
Dostać coś w prezencie
similarTo get something as a gift
Robić prezent
builds onTo make/give a gift
Prezent od losu
specialized formA gift from fate
