Learn Hardcore Polish: Galeria sztuki jest otwarta codziennie oprócz poniedziałku. - The art gallery is open every day except Monday.

In Polish, when one noun describes another in the sense of “X of Y,” the second noun goes into the genitive case. Here sztuki is the genitive singular of sztuka, so Galeria sztuki literally means “gallery of art.”

What case is required after oprócz, and why is it poniedziałku?

The preposition oprócz (“except”) always takes the genitive case. The nominative poniedziałek becomes poniedziałku in the genitive singular.

Could I say Galeria sztuki jest otwarta codziennie poza poniedziałkiem instead?

Yes. poza + instrumental (poniedziałkiem) also means “except.” Slight nuance: oprócz + genitive is more neutral and common in schedules; poza + instrumental can feel a bit more colloquial or emphatic.

Why do we say jest otwarta rather than just otwarta?

Jest otwarta uses the verb być (“to be”) plus the adjective otwarta (“open”) to form a full sentence. On signs, you might see OTWARTA codziennie (without jest) as a shortened headline, but in standard sentences you include jest.

What’s the difference between codziennie and każdego dnia?

Both mean “every day.” Codziennie is an adverb formed from the adjective codzienny. Każdego dnia is a phrase using każdego (each) plus dnia, the genitive singular of dzień.

Can I change the word order, for example Codziennie galeria sztuki jest otwarta oprócz poniedziałku?

Polish word order is flexible. Starting with Codziennie emphasizes the frequency. The meaning stays the same, though the neutral order is Galeria sztuki jest otwarta codziennie oprócz poniedziałku.

Is there any nuance between oprócz poniedziałku and z wyjątkiem poniedziałku?

Both mean “except Monday.” z wyjątkiem (“with the exception of”) is a bit longer and more formal; oprócz is shorter and very common in timetables and announcements.