Aim. The purpose of this study is to explore and present the role of Polish language courses implemented in Opole Silesia during the period of its belonging to the German state in the interwar years, and after the end of World War II until 1948. Their purpose was to compensate for the lack of opportunities to study in a school with Polish language instruction until 1945, and to oppose the Germanization of the Silesian population and awaken a sense of belonging to the Polish nation. Methods. Analysis of archival materials. Conclusions. Analysing the available archival materials, it can be concluded that in the interwar years Polish language courses were organised by Polish social and educational organisations functioning in the region. This form of educational work was addressed to children, young people, and adults. Only a handful of the Silesian population took part in them. The reason was the fear of economic harassment from German employers. In the post-war years, the Opole region became part of the Polish state, whose authorities strove to ensure that the local population mastered the Polish language as quickly as possible in terms of reading, writing, and communication. These were the basic conditions for participation in social and economic life in the new reality. This form of filling educational gaps, however, was not appreciated by the native population, as evidenced by the low attendance.