# Tatra trails and Polish basics

**Language:** Polish  
**CEFR Level:** A1  

> Join Katarzyna and Tomasz to learn Polish for hiking in the Tatra mountains, one short conversation at a time. Each lesson trains your ear until you can follow every word and answer back.

**Setting:** Katarzyna and Tomasz meet on the two-hour bus from Kraków to Zakopane and decide to tackle the Tatra mountain trails together. Throughout their journey, they share hiking tips, stop at rustic mountain shelters, and navigate the unpredictable high-altitude weather.

## Lessons

### 1. Talking about destinations and residence

Katarzyna and Tomasz establish that they are both traveling to Zakopane, and Katarzyna shares where she currently lives.

### 2. Inviting someone to do something

Tomasz asks Katarzyna about her work at the famous salt mine and suggests that they hike a trail together.

### 3. Discussing difficulty and duration

Katarzyna and Tomasz talk about the difficulty of different hiking trails and ask how long it takes to reach a specific destination.

### 4. Expressing desires and physical states

Katarzyna mentions a mountain shelter on the trail, prompting both her and Tomasz to express their desire for hot tea in the cold weather.

### 5. Introducing yourself and using first names

Tomasz suggests switching to first names, and he and Katarzyna introduce themselves using their nicknames, Kasia and Tomek, before continuing their hike.

### 6. Asking for and giving directions

Tomasz and Katarzyna discuss the steepness of the trail and look at a trail sign to decide whether to turn left or go straight.

### 7. Talking about language comprehension

Katarzyna confirms they are heading straight to the summit, while Tomasz shares his struggles with difficult Polish words.

### 8. Discussing communication and understanding

Tomasz is surprised by Katarzyna's grammar confession, and she reassures him that being understood is the most important part of communication.

### 9. Talking about the weather

Katarzyna and Tomasz notice incoming rain clouds and discuss how quickly the weather can change in the mountains.

### 10. Describing where places are

Tomasz and Katarzyna express relief at being close to a mountain shelter and point out its location behind the trees.

### 11. Suggesting what to eat

Katarzyna suggests trying the soup at the shelter, and she and Tomasz plan their route back down the mountain.

### 12. Asking about prices

Tomasz shares his love for local oscypek cheese, and he and Katarzyna discuss how many to buy and how much they cost.

### 13. Thanking someone for their help

Tomasz decides to buy two items at a good price and thanks Katarzyna for accompanying him as they confirm their plans for the day.

### 14. Responding to thanks

Katarzyna graciously accepts Tomasz's thanks and enthusiastically suggests that they keep moving along.