Czterdzieści lat minęło, jak jeden dzień…Krótki zarys historii Mainzer Polonicum

The Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) offers numerous opportunities to learn additional skills. One of them is the Mainzer Polonicum. It is a course at the JGU on which basic knowledge of the Polish language and culture can be acquired. Participation is open to students in all faculties and designed for beginners with no prior knowledge. It includes intensive phases in Mainz and Warsaw (course from March to September) or in Wrocław (course from September to April) during lecture-free periods. This paper describes briefly a nearly 40-year history of this unique academic institution in Germany and presents cooperation with the Centre of Polish Language and Culture for Foreigners “Polonicum” at Warsaw University.