Meaning
Expressing job search status.
Cultural Background
In Poland, it is common to include a photo and your date of birth on a CV, which is different from the US or UK. When you say 'szukam pracy', be prepared to have these ready. The 'Umowa o pracę' (Employment Contract) is the gold standard of job hunting. Many people 'szukają pracy' specifically with this contract in mind because it offers the best legal protection. Poles can be quite direct about their employment status. It is not considered taboo to admit you are 'szukam pracy' even to acquaintances. Many students 'szukają pracy' during the summer months (lipiec-sierpień) in seaside resorts like Sopot or mountains like Zakopane.
Use 'jako'
Always use 'jako' to specify your profession. It makes you sound much more natural.
The Genitive Trap
Don't say 'Szukam pracĘ'. It's the most obvious sign of a beginner. Remember the 'Y'!
Meaning
Expressing job search status.
Use 'jako'
Always use 'jako' to specify your profession. It makes you sound much more natural.
The Genitive Trap
Don't say 'Szukam pracĘ'. It's the most obvious sign of a beginner. Remember the 'Y'!
LinkedIn Polish
If you're on Polish LinkedIn, use the phrase 'Otwarci na nowe wyzwania' (Open to new challenges) for a more professional vibe.
Ask Friends
In Poland, many jobs are 'ukryty rynek' (hidden market). Don't be afraid to tell everyone 'szukam pracy'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the word 'work' to complete the sentence.
Mój brat szuka _______.
The verb 'szukać' always takes the Genitive case, which for 'praca' is 'pracy'.
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form (I am looking).
Ja _______ pracy jako kucharz.
The first person singular form of 'szukać' is 'szukam'.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
A: Co robisz w te wakacje? B: _______ w kawiarni.
In the context of summer plans, 'Szukam pracy' (I'm looking for work) is the most logical answer.
Match the Polish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Matching the correct conjugation to the English pronoun.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal LinkedIn post?
You want to tell recruiters you are available.
'Poszukuję' is more formal and professional than 'szukam' or 'chcę'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs. Informal
Practice Bank
5 exercisesMój brat szuka _______.
The verb 'szukać' always takes the Genitive case, which for 'praca' is 'pracy'.
Ja _______ pracy jako kucharz.
The first person singular form of 'szukać' is 'szukam'.
A: Co robisz w te wakacje? B: _______ w kawiarni.
In the context of summer plans, 'Szukam pracy' (I'm looking for work) is the most logical answer.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching the correct conjugation to the English pronoun.
You want to tell recruiters you are available.
'Poszukuję' is more formal and professional than 'szukam' or 'chcę'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but only with friends. It's very informal and can sound a bit uneducated in a professional setting.
Because the verb 'szukać' requires the Genitive case. 'Praca' is Nominative, 'pracy' is Genitive.
You say 'Znalazłem pracę' (masculine) or 'Znalazłam pracę' (feminine). Note that 'znaleźć' takes the Accusative!
It's just more formal. Use 'poszukiwać' in writing and 'szukać' in speaking.
Szukam pracy na pół etatu.
The most common one is #szukampracy.
No, you would say 'szukam długopisu'. 'Szukam pracy' is specifically for employment.
It is always 'szukam pracy'. Never use 'za'.
Szukam mojej pierwszej pracy.
It means 'I am looking for a job to start immediately'.
Related Phrases
oferta pracy
similarjob offer
rozmowa o pracę
builds onjob interview
bezrobotny
contrastunemployed
zatrudnienie
synonymemployment
fucha
specialized formside job / gig
