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  What it means

  When January is harshest, the year will be most fruitful. A harsh winter is seen as a sign of a good harvest.

  Vocabulary

  • styczeń — January
  • najostrzejszy — harshest, sharpest (superlative of ostry)
  • roczek — little year, the year (diminutive of rok)
  • najpłodniejszy — most fruitful, most fertile (superlative of płodny)

  Grammar note

  Both adjectives are in the superlative degree: 'najostrzejszy' and 'najpłodniejszy'. The diminutive 'roczek' adds a folksy, affectionate tone.

  Cultural context

  A farming proverb: a hard frost kills pests and diseases, leading to better crops. The diminutive 'roczek' is typical of Polish folk speech.

  Intermediate

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