Basic Rules of Conjugating Simple Present Verbs

In Polish grammar, verbs are classified into two groups: Group I and Group II. The conjugation rules of the Simple Present Tense depend on the verb group, as well as the subject’s gender, number, and person.

Group I Verbs

Group I verbs are those with the infinitive form ending in -ać. To conjugate a Group I verb, remove the -ać suffix and add the appropriate endings, depending on the gender, number, and person:

• 1st person singular: -ę
• 2nd person singular (masculine): -asz
• 2nd person singular (feminine, neuter): -asz
• 3rd person singular (masculine): -a
• 3rd person singular (feminine, neuter): -a
• 1st person plural: -amy
• 2nd person plural: -acie
• 3rd person plural: -ają

Group II Verbs

Group II verbs have infinitive forms ending in -eć, -ić, -yć, or -ść. Conjugation patterns for Group II verbs are slightly different, with distinct endings for each person, number, and gender:

• 1st person singular: -ę
• 2nd person singular (masculine): -isz
• 2nd person singular (feminine, neuter): -isz
• 3rd person singular (masculine): -i
• 3rd person singular (feminine, neuter): -i
• 1st person plural: -imy
• 2nd person plural: -icie
• 3rd person plural: -ą

Conjugating Regular Verbs in the Simple Present Tense

Now that we have discussed the rules for conjugating verbs, below are examples of regular Group I and Group II verbs in the Simple Present Tense.

Group I Verb: uczyć się (to learn)

• Ja uczę się (I learn)
• Ty uczysz się (You learn, singular)
• On/Ona/Ono uczy się (He/She/It learns)
• My uczymy się (We learn)
• Wy uczycie się (You learn, plural)
• Oni/One uczą się (They learn)

Group II Verb: pić (to drink)

• Ja piję (I drink)
• Ty pijesz (You drink, singular)
• On/Ona/Ono pije (He/She/It drinks)
• My pijemy (We drink)
• Wy pijecie (You drink, plural)
• Oni/One piją (They drink)

Conclusion

The key to mastering the Simple Present Tense in Polish grammar lies in understanding the conjugation rules for Group I and Group II verbs. By following these rules and practicing frequently, a learner will soon become proficient in expressing their thoughts and engaging in Polish conversations using the Simple Present Tense.