Do you know your rights?

Understanding Your Rights in Polish

This lesson covers essential vocabulary and expressions related to rights and legal matters in Polish at the B2 level. You'll learn how to discuss your rights clearly and confidently, especially in contexts such as legal advice, workplace discussions, or civic engagement.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

• prawo – law or right
• mieć prawo do czegoś – to have the right to something
• obowiązek – obligation or duty
• umowa – agreement or contract
• skarżyć się – to complain or to sue
• zgoda – consent or approval
• prawa człowieka – human rights

Practical Expressions

Use these expressions to communicate your rights or legal obligations:

• „Mam prawo do zachowania tajemnicy.” (I have the right to confidentiality.)
• „Czy mogę prosić o kopię umowy?” (May I ask for a copy of the agreement?)
• „Nie jestem pewien, czy to jest zgodne z prawem.” (I'm not sure if this is legal.)

What This Lesson Teaches

You will gain the ability to understand and use complex legal terminology relevant to everyday situations involving rights, such as employment contracts, consumer rights, or civic responsibilities. The lesson emphasizes the use of modal verbs like musieć (must), mieć prawo (to have the right), and verbs expressing permission or prohibition.

Furthermore, you will practice forming polite inquiries and complaints, strengthening your communication skills in formal and informal contexts.

Differences Between English and Polish When Talking About Rights

In Polish, expressing rights often involves the phrase mieć prawo do czegoś (literally, “to have the right to something”), which differs from English where the modal verb may or can might also be used. Unlike English, Polish legal language frequently employs nouns derived from verbs, such as skarga (complaint) instead of simply using the verb to complain.

It’s also important to note that Polish sentences often include negations in slightly different positions, affecting the tone and formality. For example, „Nie wolno palić” means „It is not allowed to smoke” or „Smoking is prohibited.”

Additional Useful Phrases

• „Czy mogę uzyskać więcej informacji na ten temat?” – Can I get more information on this topic?
• „To narusza moje prawa.” – This violates my rights.
• „Zwróć uwagę na warunki umowy.” – Pay attention to the terms of the contract.