• Listen

  What it means

  Literally “without objection” or “without fault,” where zarzut means a reproach, accusation, or objection. Figuratively it means flawlessly, impeccably, beyond criticism. When a Pole says that something or someone is bez zarzutu, they are giving the highest possible praise — nothing whatsoever can be faulted. It is commonly used to compliment work quality, behavior, or appearance.

  Vocabulary

  • bez — without (governs genitive)
  • zarzut — reproach, accusation, objection
  • zarzutu — genitive singular of zarzut

  Grammar note

  Again, bez + genitive forms the adverbial phrase. Zarzutu is the genitive singular of the masculine inanimate noun zarzut. The phrase functions predicatively (jego praca jest bez zarzutu — his work is impeccable) or adverbially (wykonał zadanie bez zarzutu — he carried out the task flawlessly).

  Cultural context

  Bez zarzutu belongs to a neutral-to-formal register and is widely used in professional contexts — job references, reviews, and quality assessments. It is equivalent to the English 'above reproach' or 'without fault' and signals unqualified approval. It is not ironic or sarcastic in standard use.

  Beginner

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