zapoznanie

Zapoznanie is a Polish term that denotes the act or process of becoming acquainted with someone or something, as well as the act of introducing someone to information, rules, or a new environment. It is commonly used to describe the initial stage of familiarization, which may lead to further acquaintance, understanding, or integration. The concept appears in social, professional, and educational contexts, where it serves as a preparatory step for more substantive interaction or learning.

Etymology and usage notes: Zapoznanie is formed from the verb poznawać (to get to know) with the prefix za-, emphasizing completion or initiation of the knowledge process. The related verb zapoznać denotes the act of introducing someone to something, whereas zapoznanie się with something describes a person’s own process of becoming acquainted. In practice, the noun zapoznanie often appears in formal or semi-formal language, especially in onboarding, training, or procedural contexts.

Contexts and examples: In the workplace, companies use zapoznanie to describe onboarding tasks such as zapoznanie pracowników z polityką firmy (familiarizing employees with company policy) or zapoznanie z procedurami bezpieczeństwa. In education, it can refer to zapoznanie uczniów z programem nauczania at the start of a term. In social settings, one might talk about zapoznanie się z nowymi kolegami during a welcome event. The term thus covers both external introductions and internal processes of learning and acclimation.