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Premium PLUS: The Golden Ticket for Language-Learning

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Do you remember the moment you fell in love with languages?

Do you desire to learn or advance in Czech quickly and effectively?

Then you need a Czech tutor.

A common question that first-time language-learners ask is “Where do I begin?” The answer? Guidance.

For native English-speakers who want to learn Asian languages, for example, timelines provided by the U.S. Foreign Service Institute can appear discouraging. However, defeating these odds is not unheard of. If you want to beat the odds yourself, one of the best learning options is a subscription to Premium PLUS from Innovative Language.

As an active Premium PLUS member of JapanesePod101.com and KoreanClass101.com myself, I have an enjoyable experience learning at an accelerated pace with at least thirty minutes of study daily. The following Premium PLUS features contribute to my success:

  • Access to thousands of lessons
  • A voice recorder 
  • Spaced-repetition system (SRS) flashcards
  • Weekly homework assignments
  • A personal language instructor

As someone who decided to make Japanese her second language one year ago, I am extremely grateful for Premium PLUS.

Allow me to emphasize on how these Premium PLUS features strengthen my language studies.

Gain Unlimited Access to Audio and Video Lessons!

Woman learning a language with Premium PLUS on a tablet

As a Premium PLUS member, I have full access to the lesson library and other Premium features. Best of all, I’m not limited to one level; I can learn to my heart’s content with upper-level courses.

There are lessons on various topics that tackle crucial language-learning elements, such as:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Listening
  • Speaking
  • Conversation

Specifically, there are pathways. Pathways are collections of lessons that center on a specific topic. Some Innovative Language sites, like JapanesePod101.com, even have pathways geared toward proficiency tests. For example, the JLPT N3 Master Course pathway.

Because of the abundance of lessons, I’ve found pathways in the lesson library to help me prepare for certain events. Thanks to the “Speaking Perfect Japanese at a Restaurant” pathway, I spoke fully in Japanese while dining in Japan. Additionally, I participated in conversations at language exchange meetups in South Korea after completing the “Top 25 Korean Questions You Need to Know” pathway.

Each lesson has lesson notes, which I read while simultaneously listening to the audio lesson. This strategy enables me to follow along on key points. Lesson notes generally contain the following:

  • Dialogue
  • Vocabulary
  • Grammar points
  • Cultural insights

As someone who’s constantly on-the-go, I heavily benefit from mobile access to lessons. Podcasts and lesson notes are available on the Innovative Language app and/or Podcasts app for iOS.

All lessons and their contents are downloadable. Prior to my flights to Japan and South Korea, I downloaded lessons on my iPhone. The apps make learning more convenient for me during my commutes.

Practice Speaking with the Voice Recording Tool!

a young man practicing his pronunciation with a microphone headset

Pronunciation is an essential ingredient in language-learning. Proper pronunciation prompts clear understanding during conversations with native speakers.

Prior to learning full Korean sentences, my online Korean language tutor assigned the “Hana Hana Hangul” pathway to me. It demonstrated the writing and pronunciation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Throughout this pathway, I submitted recordings of my Hangul character pronunciations to my language teacher for review.

I was given a similar task on JapanesePod101.com with the “Ultimate Japanese Pronunciation Guide” pathway. My Japanese language teacher tested my pronunciation of the Japanese characters kana. My completion of the two pathways boosted my confidence in speaking.

Speaking is one of the more challenging components of learning a language. The voice recording tool in particular was a great way for me to improve my speaking skills. Further, because the lesson dialogues are spoken by native speakers, I’m able to practice speaking naturally.

This feature is also available for vocabulary words and sample sentences. Being able to hear these recordings improves my pronunciation skills for languages like Japanese, where intonation can change the meaning of a word entirely. The voice recorder examines my speed and tone. I also follow up by sending a recording to my online language tutor for feedback.

A great way to boost one’s speaking confidence is to shadow native speakers. During the vocabulary reviews, it’s helpful for me to hear the breakdown of each word; doing so makes a word that was originally difficult to even read a breeze to say!

Some lessons create opportunities to speak your own sentences. For example, the “Top 25 Korean Questions You Need to Know” pathway presents opportunities to answer questions personally. This helps you gain the ability to give answers as the unique individual you are.

Example Scenario:

The host asks the following question:

어디에 살고 있습니까?

eodieseo salgo isseumnikka

“Where do you live?”

If you live in Tokyo, you would readily say the following:

도쿄에 살고 있습니다.

Tokyo-e salgo isseumnida.

“I live in Tokyo.”

Increase Your Vocab with Spaced-Repetition Flashcards and More!

A child learning words with flashcards

Imagine having a conversation with a native speaker and hesitating because you lack a solid vocabulary base.

Premium PLUS offers various features to expand learners’ vocabulary, including Free Gifts of the Month. CzechClass101’s free gifts for April 2020 included an e-book with “400 Everyday Phrases for Beginners,” and the content is updated every month. When I download free resources like this, I find opportunities to use them with co-teachers, friends, or my language tutors.

An effective way to learn vocabulary is with SRS flashcards. SRS is a system designed for learning a new word and reviewing it in varying time intervals.

You can create and study flashcard decks, whether it’s your Word Bank or a certain vocabulary list. For example, if you need to visit a post office, the “Post Office” vocabulary list for your target language would be beneficial to study prior to your visit.

In addition to the SRS flashcards, each lesson has a vocabulary slideshow and quiz to review the lesson’s vocabulary.

There’s also the 2000 Core Word List, which includes the most commonly used words in your target language. Starting from the 100 Core Word List, you’ll gradually build up your knowledge of useful vocabulary. These lists can be studied with SRS flashcards, too.

With the SRS flashcards, you can change the settings to your liking. The settings range from different card types to number of new cards per deck. Personally, I give myself vocabulary tests by changing the settings.

After studying a number of flashcards, I change the card types to listening comprehension and/or production. Then I test myself by writing the translation of the word or the spoken word or phrase.

The change in settings allow me to remember vocabulary and learn how to identify the words. This is especially helpful with Japanese kanji!

Complete Homework Assignments!

A woman studying at home

Homework assignments are advantageous to my language studies. There are homework assignments auto-generated weekly. They range from multiple-choice quizzes to writing assignments.

Language tutors are readily available for homework help. Some writing assignments, for instance, require use of unfamiliar vocabulary. In such cases, my language teachers assist me by forwarding related lessons or vocabulary lists.

In addition to these auto-generated homework tasks, language tutors customize daily assignments. My daily homework assignments include submitting three written sentences that apply the target grammar point of that lesson, and then blindly audio-recording those sentences. My personal language tutor follows up with feedback and corrections, if needed.

Your language tutors also provide assignments upon requests. When I wanted to review grammar, my Korean teacher sent related quizzes and assignments. Thus, you are not only limited to the auto-generated assignments.

Every weekend, I review by re-reading those written sentences. It helps me remember sentence structures, grammar points, and vocabulary to apply in real-world contexts.

Furthermore, I can track my progress with language portfolios every trimester. It’s like a midterm exam that tests my listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Get Your Own Personal Language Teacher!

A woman teaching pronunciation in a classroom

My language teachers cater to my goals with personalized and achievable learning programs. The tangible support of my online language teachers makes it evident that we share common goals.

Once I share a short-term or long-term goal with my teacher, we establish a plan or pathway that will ultimately result in success. I coordinate with my teachers regularly to ensure the personalized learning programs are prosperous. For example, during my JLPT studies, my Japanese language tutor assigned me practice tests.

Your language tutor is available for outside help as well. When I bought drama CDs in Japan, I had difficulty transliterating the dialogue. My Japanese teacher forwarded me the script to read along as I listened.

Additionally, I often practice Korean and Japanese with music. I memorize one line of the lyrics daily. Every time, I learn a new grammar point and new vocabulary. I add the vocabulary to my SRS flashcards, locate the grammar in the Grammar Bank, and study the associated lessons online.

I send my teachers the name of the songs, making them aware of my new goal. One time, my song for Korean was “If You Do” by GOT7. My Korean teacher revealed that she was a huge fan of GOT7 like me! For Japanese, it was “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA,” also known as the Dragonball Z theme song. My Japanese teacher excitedly told me that she sang the song a lot as a kid!

A remarkable thing happened to me in South Korea. I was stressed about opening a bank account with limited Korean. I sought help from my Korean teacher. She forwarded me a script of a bank conversation.

After two days, I visited the local bank. It all started with my opening sentence:

은행 계좌를 만들고 싶어요

eunhaeng gyejwaleul mandeulgo sip-eoyo.

I want to open a bank account.

Everything went smoothly, and I exited the bank with a new account!

The MyTeacher Messenger allows me to share visuals with my teachers for regular interaction, including videos to critique my pronunciation mechanisms. I improve my listening and speaking skills by exchanging audio with my teachers. In addition to my written homework assignments, I exchange messages with my language teachers in my target language. This connection with my teachers enables me to experience the culture as well as the language.

Why You Should Subscribe to Premium PLUS

It’s impossible for me to imagine my continuous progress with Japanese and Korean without Premium PLUS. Everything—from the SRS flashcards to my language teachers—makes learning languages enjoyable and clear-cut.

You’re assured to undergo the same experience with Premium PLUS. You’ll gain access to the aforementioned features as well as all of the Premium features.

Complete lessons and assignments to advance in your target language. Increase your vocabulary with the “2000 Core Word List” for that language and SRS flashcards. Learn on-the-go with the Innovative Language app and/or Podcasts app for iOS users.

Learning a new language takes dedication and commitment. The Premium PLUS features make learning irresistibly exciting. You’ll look forward to learning daily with your language tutor.

As of right now, your challenge is to subscribe to Premium PLUS! Complete your assessment, and meet your new Czech teacher.

Have fun learning your target language in the fastest and easiest way!

Subscribe to Posted by CzechClass101.com in Czech Language, Czech Online, Feature Spotlight, Learn Czech, Site Features, Speak Czech, Team CzechClass101

Saints Cyril & Methodius Day in the Czech Republic



What do you think your daily life would look like without a working written language? I don’t know about you, but my life would be a lot more difficult!

Well, the Czech Republic (and a number of other Slavic countries) have the Saints Cyril and Methodius to thank for their written language.

In this article, you’ll learn about Saints Cyril and Methodius Day in the Czech Republic, and what these two brothers are most known for. Let’s get started!

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1. Who Were St. Cyril and Methodius?



Statues of Saints Cyril and Methodius

Saint Methodius and Saint Cyril were missionaries from Greece who visited the Slavic people to učit (“teach”) them the Christian gospel. The two brothers were sent in 863 by the Byzantine Emperor, who received a letter from the Moravian people’s ruler requesting missionaries to achieve the misie (“mission”) of evangelizing to the Moravians.

To effectively evangelize, Saints Cyril and Methodius created a new written jazyk (“language”), using the Glagolitic alphabet. Because they were able to teach the Moravians in their own language, the Moravians were more receptive to what they had to say. St. Cyril and Methodius also translated parts of the Bible into this new language, though no one knows for sure which parts of the Bible they were able to translate.

Some believe that the Glagolitic alphabet eventually led to the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet, named after St. Cyril. The Cyrillic alphabet is still used in many Slavic languages, including Russian and Bulgarian.

Because of the saints’ great achievements, people consider them equal to the first Christian apostles. Each year, Christians in the Czech Republic celebrate St. Cyril and Methodius Day to honor the work and lasting legacy of the two saints in the region.



2. When is St. Cyril and Methodius Day?



A Woman and Her Son Posing for a Photo During Summer

Each year, Saints Cyril and Methodius Day in the Czech Republic falls on July 5.

The date for this holiday used to be March 9, but Pope Pius IX changed the date because July 5 is when St. Cyril and St. Methodius arrived in the Moravia region.

3. Celebrations for St. Cyril and St. Methodius



A Church

St. Cyril and Methodius Day celebrations tend to be solemn, with a large focus on the kostel (“church”). Throughout the nation, Czechs gather for masses in honor of the two saints. Prominent religious and political leaders, believers, and other citizens attend these masses.

The largest mass in the Czech Republic for the St. Cyril and Methodius festival is held in Velehrad, which used to be the heart of Great Moravia. This mass is held in the ancient basilica here, and the procession is televised so people can watch from home.

Because the day after St. Cyril and Methodius Day is another national holiday (The Day of Burning Jan Hus), most Czechs get two days off of work or school. After attending mass and other festivities, people can prepare for the rest of their vacation!



4. The Church of Saint Cyril and Methodius in Prague



Did you know there’s a church of St. Cyril and St. Methodius in Prague?

While this isn’t the only church or public building named after the two saints—in Slavic countries or abroad—this cathedral has a fascinating history.

The Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral played a curious role in WWII. This is where a handful of Czechoslovaks took a final stand against a group of German Nazis in 1942. Two of the Czechoslovaks died, and the others committed suicide.

Today, these Czechoslovaks are considered national heroes.

5. Essential Czech Vocabulary for this Holiday



Someone Writing in Cursive Using a Fountain Pen

Ready to review some of the vocabulary words from this article? Here’s a quick list for you to study!

  • “Brother” — Bratr [n. masc]
  • “Teach” — Učit [v.]
  • “Church” — Kostel [n. masc]
  • “Language” — Jazyk [n. masc]
  • “Saints Cyril and Methodius Day” — Den slovanských věrozvěstů Cyrila a Metoděje [masc]
  • “Slavonic” — Staroslověnština [n. fem]
  • “Slav” — Slovan [n. masc]
  • “Monk” — Mnich [n. masc]
  • “Monastery” — Klášter [n. masc]
  • “Missionary” — Misionář [n. masc]
  • “Mission” — Misie [n. fem]
  • “Handwriting” — Písmo [n. neut]
  • “Apostle” — Apoštol [n. Masc]


To hear the pronunciation of each word and phrase, visit our Czech St. Cyril and Methodius vocabulary list with audio recordings!

Final Thoughts



The significance of St. Cyril’s and Methodius’s role in Great Moravia can’t be overstated. They not only influenced the region’s religion long term, but also provided the Moravians with their own written language that would later be used to shape modern languages.

Who are the most important figures in your country’s history, and why? Let us know in the comments!

To continue learning about Czech culture and the language, visit CzechClass101.com and read some more free articles:



Before you go, know this: We applaud you for taking the time—and the plunge!—to learn about another culture and its language. We know it’s not always easy, but consider St. Cyril and Methodius: They took a similar plunge and forever influenced an entire region!

Stay safe out there, and happy learning! 🙂

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The Czech Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day

On the Czech Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day, the Czech Republic commemorates two of the most important events in its recent history, both of which helped to set in motion the end of communist rule. This is something that many Czechs, particularly students, fought for; some lost their lives, and many faced arrest, to help the country gain its freedom and democracy. Thus, this has become one of the most important holidays in the Czech Republic today.

In this article, you’ll learn about the history surrounding this holiday, how Czechs observe it today, and what it means to them. At CzechClass101.com, we aim to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative!

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1. What is Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day?

The Day of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy is connected with two events:

The latter of these events marked the beginning of the so-called Velvet Revolution and started the downfall of socialism in Czechoslovakia.

1- The History

On 17th November, 1989, students held a protest in Czechoslovakia in opposition to the Communist Party. Riot police stepped in and responded violently to what began as a peaceful protest.

Following this, students and actors united and agreed to go on strike. Non-violent protests continued for several days after this. Since the media was controlled by the Communist government, protestors spread the word by posting homemade signs in public places.

On November 24, 1989, all of the top leaders of the Communist Party resigned, including party chairman Milos Jakes. The revolution ended on December 29, 1989, and Czechoslovakia became a parliamentary republic, ending forty-one years of Communist rule.

The revolution succeeded so quickly—in just a few weeks—that supporters of the revolution had to step in to take control of the government and run things. On December 29, Vaclav Havel was elected the first president of the republic.

Due to the huge role students played in this revolution, this is also celebrated as International Students’ Day.

2. When is Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day?

A Wreath

Each year, the Czech people observe Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day on 17th November.

3. Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day Events

People Going on Strike

The atmosphere of the holiday matches the gravity of the historical events being commemorated. Celebrations most often have the character of official memorials. On Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day, Prague’s National Avenue holds special memorials, as do other locations where events related to the holiday took place. The National Avenue is where the 1989 intervention of security forces against students occurred.

People also light candles and lay wreaths at locations associated with the tragic events of 1939. Close to Wenceslas Square, where the demonstrators were shot, and in the former Ruzyne barracks, where the leaders of the student revolt were executed. Nazi repression resulted in the executions of student leaders, the arrests of hundreds of other students, internment in the concentration camps, and the closing of Czech universities.

The celebrations also include social events that are organized by state officials for public figures and broadcast by the media. Those also present viewers and listeners with personal memories of the demonstrators mainly from the 1989 period, and they voice opinions on the transformation of Czech society since 1989.

And, of course, considering the political nature of Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day, Czech Republic citizens often organize political demonstrations on an array of topics.

4. Who was Václav Havel?

Václav Havel was the last Czechoslovak president and the first president of the Czech Republic, from 1989 to 2003. Havel was also a dramatic, essayist, and poet. He wrote more than twenty plays and novels, and some of them were internationally translated.

In 2005, he was ranked fourth in the TOP 100 of leading intellectuals, according to Prospect Magazine. He also received a Medal of Freedom from the U.S. President, as well as Mahatma Gandhi’s Peace Award.

Further, Havel served as director of the Human Rights Foundation in New York, where he lived until his death in 2011.

5. Essential Vocabulary for this Czech Holiday

A Student

Here’s some Czech vocabulary you need to know for International Students’ Day/Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day!

  • Klíč — “Key”
  • Student — “Student
  • Policista — “Policeman”
  • Den boje za svobodu a demokracii — “Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day”
  • Stávka — “Strike”
  • Svoboda — “Freedom”
  • Demokracie — “Democracy”
  • Komunismus — “Communism”
  • Václavské náměstí — “Wenceslas Square”
  • Zvonit klíčemi — “Jingle with keys”
  • Bít — “Beat”

To hear each of the vocabulary words pronounced, and read them alongside a relevant image, be sure to check out our Czech Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day is a holiday of great importance in the Czech Republic, and the events behind it hold massive weight. We hope you learned something interesting today, and that you gained something valuable from this lesson.

Does your country have a similar holiday? If so, how do you celebrate or commemorate it? Tell us about it in the comments; we look forward to hearing from you!

Learning about a country’s culture is one of the most fascinating and enriching aspects of trying to master its language. If more Czech Republic cultural information is what you’re after, we think you’ll enjoy the following pages on CzechClass101.com:

CzechClass101.com also has numerous other learning tools in store for you. All you have to do is take a couple of minutes to create your free lifetime account today!

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Czech Republic National Day: Celebrating Statehood Day

The Czech Republic celebrates its founding each year during a holiday called Czech Statehood Day (more commonly known as St. Wenceslas Day). It’s two holidays in one, but each holiday focuses on the same things: the creation of the Czech state and the patron saint behind it.

In this article, you’ll learn a little bit about St. Wenceslas and his place in history, as well as the Czech Statehood in general and how it’s celebrated.

At CzechClass101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your learning journey both fun and informative! So let’s get started, and delve into this most significant of Czech holidays and celebrations.

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1. What is Statehood Day?

On Statehood Day, better known as St. Wenceslas Day, the Czech Republic commemorates the saint after which the holiday is named. The Czech people consider St. Wenceslas to be the national patron saint and the founder of the state, hence the double celebration.

St. Wenceslas was such an important figure that his name lives on today. The name Vaclav (Wenceslas) has always been, up to the present day, one of the most popular and most frequently given Czech male names.

2. When is Czech Statehood Day?

St. Wenceslas Statue

Each year on September 28, Czechs celebrate St. Wenceslas Day and the Day of Czech Statehood.

3. How is it Celebrated?

Person Singing in Choir

St. Wenceslas is a widely revered national patron and his feast day is observed by the vast majority of Czechs. Considering that he is a saint, celebrations tend to take the form of solemn services in churches across the country. The biggest celebrations take place in locations that are historically associated with his life and in places that are symbols of national history.

The culmination of the celebrations of St. Wenceslas is a solemn Mass in the church of St. Wenceslas in Stará Boleslav, or the St. Wenceslas Cathedral. During this Mass, the relics of St. Wenceslas are exhibited, including the skull, on which rests a royal crown, a sign that he’s the perpetual hereditary prince of the Czech lands.

People repeatedly ask the saint in prayer for the intercession and protection of the Czech nation. Prayers can be summarized in the credo: “Saint Wenceslas, do not let us and our descendants perish.” Further, Czechs sing the hymn of St. Wenceslas, one of the oldest Czech songs at a thousand years old.

As for other St. Wenceslas Day Prague events, people may gather around the St. Wenceslas statue that rests there.

4. The Murder of Wenceslas

In which Bohemian city did the murder of Wenceslas occur in 935?

St. Wenceslas was murdered in 935 by the closed door of the church of St. Cosmas and Damian in Stará Boleslav, where he arrived at the invitation of his brother. Immediately afterwards, he began to be worshiped as a saint and as the patron of the Czech nation.

5. Must-Know Vocabulary for St. Wenceslas Day

Symbol of Czech Statehood

Here’s some vocabulary you need to know for these two Czech holidays!

  • Sv. Václav — “St. Wenceslas”
  • Pouť — “Pilgrimage”
  • Bohoslužba — “Divine worship”
  • Stará Boleslav — “Stará Boleslav”
  • Vražda — “Murder”
  • Česká státnost — “Czech statehood”
  • Křesťanství — “Christianity”
  • Patron světec — “Patron saint”
  • Kníže — “Duke”
  • Ostatek — “Relic”
  • Svatováclavský chorál — “St. Wenceslas chorale “
  • Národ — “Nation”
  • Přemyslovci — “Premyslid dynasty

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, check out our Day of Czech Statehood & St. Wenceslas Day vocabulary list!

How CzechClass101 Can Help You Master Czech

We hope you enjoyed learning about Czech Statehood Day & St. Wenceslas Day with us. Did you learn any new facts about the Czech Republic? Let us know in the comments!

To continue learning about Czech culture and the language, explore CzechClass101.com. We provide an array of fun and effective learning tools for every learner, at every level:

If you want to really get the most out of your Czech learning experience, we suggest that you upgrade to Premium Plus. Doing so will give you access to your own Czech teacher who will help you develop a personalized learning plan based on your needs and goals. Yes, really!

Learning Czech is no easy feat, but know that your hard work and determination will pay off! You’ll be speaking, writing, and reading Czech like a native before you know it. And CzechClass101.com will be here with comprehensive lessons and support every step of your way there.

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Let Your Body Talk: Czech Body Language and Gestures

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What’s the most important thing you focus on in your language studies? Is it grammar? Are you drilling in dozens of rules until your head hurts? Or do you prefer a more relaxed, “organic” approach, and base your learning sessions on fun videos, smart apps, and podcasts? Both methods work, but the latter might yield better results…in a much shorter time.

Many people think that in order to learn a foregin language (Czech in this case), you must master the grammar and memorize vocabulary, which is true in a way—but things like Czech gestures and body language are important too. 

The essence of any language lies in details that many students and teachers (even the seasoned ones) tend to dismiss as unimportant. Yet, when you’re talking to someone in your first language, these little factors—like the tone of your voice and your gestures—matter almost as much as the words you’re saying. Am I right?

Here’s an example: 

A couple of months ago, during a not-so-pleasant FaceTime conversation with my boyfriend, he said something, and I shrugged in response. He was baffled. 

“Oh, so you don’t care.” 

Truth is, I did care, I just didn’t know what to say, and that’s exactly what my shrug was supposed to express––”I have no idea what to do or say.” 

His American brain read the gentle raise of my Czech shoulders as, “I couldn’t care less.”

Being able to read people’s movements and gestures correctly will not only prevent misunderstandings. It will also help you “read minds,” understand your partners’ perspective, and (I’m almost ashamed to share this because it works like magic) it will help you get what you want. There, I said it. If you’re interested in this modern era witchery, read The Art of Reading Minds and the good old classic How to Win Friends and Influence People. It might change your life.

Let’s learn how to translate Czech body language, gestures, and their real meaning. Have fun!

Someone Pointing with a Finger

How can you use your fingers to communicate without words? You’ll find out in this article.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Czech Table of Contents
  1. How to Become a Mindreader: Body Gestures in the Czech Republic
  2. Don’t You Point at Me, or Else: Hand Gestures and Etiquette in the Czech Republic
  3. How CzechClass101.com Can Help You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

1. How to Become a Mindreader: Body Gestures in the Czech Republic

First things first: Your mamma was right when she kept bugging you about the importance of a strong stance. 

    The way you’re standing or sitting says a lot about your mood and personality. It’s a very prominent and important nonverbal signal that’s an integral part of our communication.

You probably know this, but I’m going to run through the basics, just to make sure we’re on the same page.

  • Crossed arms: This closed-off position indicates defensiveness or self-protectiveness, like you’re trying to build a wall between yourself and others.
  • Crossed legs: Pretty much the same as crossed arms, this posture can also indicate unfriendliness or even hostility and anxiety.
  • Hands on your hips: You’re ready to conquer the world and jump into action (though it might indicate aggressiveness as well).
  • Knees apart while sitting: You’re in a great mood, aren’t you? You feel good, you’re open, and you’re willing to communicate.

A Guy Sitting on the Couch with Knees Apart, Holding a Phone and Remote

“I am willing to communicate with you, but I have other plans. Bye.”

Body language matters, but it won’t hurt to learn how to express your feelings in words as well.

Typical Czech Body Language Gestures

I’ve mentioned this many times and I’m going to say it again: Czechs are very reserved.

We don’t appear super-friendly (nor is it our intention to), and when you come to the Czech Republic, you’ll encounter a lot of:

  • Crossed arms and legs.
  • Personal distance like there’s a pandemic going on—standing close to one another is a sign of trust and intimacy, so don’t try to get closer than five feet.
  • Hip pats as a sign of defeat or helplessness (“I don’t know what to do”). We raise our arms and pat our hips—the more desperate the situation, the louder the pat.
  • Shoulder raises (a.k.a the confusing shrug). This might indicate “I don’t care” (we use a different hand gesture in such situations, but we’ll get to that later), but for us it’s mostly a sign of confusion, helplessness, or even defeat. When in doubt, always assume it’s “I have no clue” rather than “I don’t give a damn.”

Other than that, we move, slouch, and stand tall just like any other nation in the Western world.

Here’s a little something-something that textbooks won’t mention, a few words of wisdom from your Czech writer:

    Nehrb se! – “Stop slouching!”
    Narovnej se! – “Straighten your back!”
    Jdi ode mě! – “Get away from me!”

If you struggle with the Czech words for body parts, this reading lesson might help.

2. Don’t You Point at Me, or Else: Hand Gestures and Etiquette in the Czech Republic

This part is going to be crucial if you really want to understand the Czech clues and hints without saying (or hearing) a single word.

There are certain peculiarities about gestures and body language in the Czech Republic that might confuse an inexperienced foreigner. Let’s start with those.

A- Order a Beer Like a Czech (or German, or Frenchman, or…): Counting

Have you seen Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds? Remember what happened to the poor guy who was pretending to be a German soldier and gave away his secret by holding up his fingers the wrong way when ordering drinks?

I’m not saying you’d get hurt if you held up your index finger while telling your friend you’ve only been to Disney World once. However, this is an important component of Czech gestures you should learn before visiting the country: 

  • If you hold up your index finger (the English signal for “one” or “once”), an average Czech will read this as: “Now listen to me, I have something important to say.” Or: “Wait a minute, I want to say something but I’m too polite to cut you off.”
  • “One” is very often indicated by the “thumbs-up” sign––the same gesture we use for “Everything is great.” Important detail: Don’t point your fist directly at your partner; your palm should be facing your chest, so that the other person sees only the heel of your hand and your thumb.
  • “Two”: You hold up your thumb and index finger. Again, your palm is facing your chest. Just don’t point at anyone with your fingers like that. THAT sign is universal.
  • “Three”: Stretch out your thumb, index finger, and middle finger. You already know the rule about the palm, don’t you?
  • The rest is the same as in English nonverbal communication.

Can you count in Czech? Great! You can’t? Here, problem solved.

Someone Giving the Thumbs-up Sign

“Just one. Also, everything is great, thanks for asking.”

B- I Don’t Wanna Fight, I’m Wishing You Good Luck: Czech Hand Gestures

  • “You’re dumb.” If you want to tell someone that you’re questioning their intelligence, just point to your temple or forehead and tap it lightly. They’ll know. Then… Maybe run. If you’re on a date, prepare to pay for both of you and leaving the restaurant alone.
  • “You’re being a bad boy/girl.” This gesture is sort of “parental,” but you might see it occasionally––like if you’re comfortably seated on a crowded train, intending to keep your cozy position, and an old-but-fierce lady gets on. She would wag her index finger, give you a scolding look that would make your blood run cold, and complain about ta dnešní mládež (“kids these days”).
A Mother Scolding Her Son

Remember that bad boys don’t get a dessert. Is it still worth it?

  • “Good luck!” We don’t cross our fingers. We prefer to scare you with a closed fist with the thumb neatly tucked inside. Držím ti pěsti or Držím ti palce, the Czech expression for “fingers crossed,” literally means “I’m holding my fists for you,” or “I’m holding my thumbs for you.”
  • “I don’t want to jinx it!” Fingers crossed your wish still comes true even though you just told your bestie. If you happen to see an older person knocking on the wood/their forehead/YOUR forehead, they’re performing this superstitious mini ritual as well. 
  • The obscene gesture. If you care about the meaning of gestures and etiquette, just don’t use this one. Ever. If you ever see someone slapping their closed fists with their palm, remember that not all people are as sophisticated as you. 
  • “I’m begging you, don’t make me see your grandma ever again.” If you’re not a big fan of your significant other’s family member or if you’re in real trouble, rub your palms together (like in a prayer).
A woman Holding Her Palms Together in Front of Her with a Pleading Look on Her Face

Please don’t make me do stuff.

  • “I’m a malicious monster and your bad luck just made me very happy.” A.k.a kyš-kyš (an untranslatable sound rather than a word) shows the world that you love when someone fails. Rub the top of your index finger with your other index finger, sort of like if you were mimicking a grating motion—and don’t forget to stick out the tip of your tongue for that extra oomph. Speaking of which, can you describe your personality in Czech?
  • “That? That was nothing.” We wave things off a lot. We like to act like they’re just tiny little flies that disappear when we swing our powerful palms nonchalantly, almost like a little kitty playing with an invisible toy on a string. Just a single wave though, you’re not waving that insignificant triviality goodbye, you’re trying to make it go away.
  • “Hmmm, let me think about that.” If you hold up your index finger and touch it lightly to your lips or chin, everyone in the room will know you’re in deep thought. Pro-tip: Do this if you need to buy some time because you’re not sure what to say. It’s been working for me for over 30 years, so you might find it useful as well.

A Woman with Her Index Finger Near Her Mouth in Thought

“Can’t you see that I’m thinking?”

Okay guys, this is it, I think you can roam the Czech Republic without making a faux pas or staring at a flustered native in disbelief and utter confusion. It might be a good idea to learn a little more about the Czech culture, traditions, and trends as well.

Go explore, I’m holding my thumbs for you!

3. How CzechClass101.com Can Help You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

Stop trying to learn Czech. Learn Czech. Get smarter tools, study smarter, and believe in yourself. The sky’s the limit!

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new! In case this wasn’t enough for you, please check out our Basic Bootcamp, which covers the very basic grammar and vocab in five compact lessons. 

If you’re taking learning Czech seriously, you might grab a Czech grammar book or learn online (the latter of which is way more convenient). Learning a new skill has never been easier. Just grab your phone and get to work!

CzechClass101.com makes learning Czech easy, exciting, and fun. With us, it’s not about endless memorizing or thick textbooks. Learn Czech the better way—with us, you’ll make progress faster than you could imagine! 

What can you find here?

Sign up now, it’s free!

Let us know if you liked this article and share your fun stories about gestures and body language in the Czech Republic. We’d love to hear from you!

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Czech Internet Slang Phrases

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In recent years, we communicate through technology more than we do in person. While this modern way of human interaction certainly has many perks, it can sometimes cause a lot of confusion or misunderstandings. Why? It’s very difficult to express emotions because not everyone is a Dickens, you know? Another thing: There’s not always enough time to explain everything in great detail. Did you know that you’re able to say 100 – 160 words, but you can only type around 40 words? 

Luckily, us humans are smart—we figure things out. 

Today, you’ll learn about Czech internet slang so you can keep up with this fast-paced technological world. Internet slang has been around since the early days of the internet, of course, but it has evolved and grown over the years. You could even say it’s a language of its own.

Another point to note is that in Czech, we use a lot of English phrases, which we often type phonetically to add a little more authenticity…no, just because it’s more fun. 🙂

Let’s explore Czech internet and text slang together!

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Czech Table of Contents
  1. Czech Text Slang
  2. Czech Internet and Computer Slang Phrases and Words
  3. How CzechClass101.com Can Help You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

1. Czech Text Slang

It’s a little surprising, but “Czech text slang” isn’t really a thing. Young Czechs use a lot of English abbreviations and phrases. However, you probably won’t be able to tell because we pronounce them “the Czech way,” which makes them unrecognizable to an untrained ear.

The Czech text vocab is very laconic, and since BRB is long gone (honestly, who doesn’t check their phone at least a few times an hour, right?) and LOL was pushed away by many cute emojis, I don’t have any sparkly Czech surprises for you.

You might want to start with this short list of Czech texting vocabulary first, and when you’re ready, study the Czech text slang.

Let’s look at the most common Czech texting phrases:

CzechEnglish
Jak se vede? / Jak je?How are you?
Co děláš? / Co provádíš?What have you been up to?
Mám se dobře.I’m doing okay.
Normálka. / Normálně.I’m doing normal.
Fajn. / V pohodě.Fine.
Nudím se. / Nuda.I’m bored.
Nechceš něco podniknout?Wanna do something? / Wanna hang out?
Jdeme ven?Let’s go out?
Nechceš někam vyrazit?Wanna go someplace?
Máš čas?Do you have time?
Co děláš?What are you doing? (as in: What’s up?)
Děláš něco?Are you doing anything?
Co ty? / A ty?And you?
Tak jo!OK! (“So yeah!”)

As you can see, the Czech slang expressions (with a few exceptions) are just shorter versions of regular phrases that you would use in face-to-face conversation. What might confuse you is the lack of personal pronouns. That is actually correct because in Czech, we use them mostly for emphasis and in questions. Check out our vocabulary list Most Useful Czech Pronouns, where you’ll find 32 Czech pronouns along with an audio recording of their pronunciation.

A Guy Texting at the Bus Stop

Máš čas? – “Do you have time?”

A- Numbers and Time in Texts

I want to mention this because I recently found out that it’s a little confusing to foreigners.

We use the 24-hour clock, meaning there’s no AM/PM for us. Timetables, movie theater programs, and schedules use the thing that you might only know from the Arrivals/Departures screens at the airport.

BUT! There’s a but.

We only use the 24-hour clock in written conversations. In other words, your friend will tell you that she’ll pick you up ve dvě (“at two”) if everything goes well, and later you’ll get a text from her that reads “everything okay, I’ll pick you up at 14:00 as planned.”

  • In verbal form, we’d add ráno or dopoledne (“in the morning”), odpoledne (“in the afternoon”), večer (“in the evening”), or v noci (“at night”) to clarify what time we actually mean—if needed.

A Clock Pointing to 9:30

9:30 or 21:30?

Please keep this in mind, and don’t be discouraged if you get confused. I sometimes forget about it too, even though I’m a native Czech living in the Czech Republic. The lady who called me about my scheduled Christmas tree delivery was pretty surprised when I blurted out: “Oh, you mean at ten in the morning, right?”

B- Czech Text, Gaming, and Internet Abbreviations and Vocab

CzechEnglish
JJ / jj (short for jo jo)Yeah yeah
NN / nn (short for ne ne)No no
TVL / TWL (ty vole)Dude! / Jeez!
DPČMy *ss (just a lot ruder, beware)
ASAPASAP
FYIFYI
OMGOMG
NJN / njn (short for no jo no)Oh well, yeah
hhhHa ha ha
Napsat SMSTo text
NapsatTo text / send a message
Napíšu ti pozdějiI’ll send you a message later (“I’ll write to you”)
ZavolatTo make a phone call
Zavolám ti pozdějiI’ll call you later
Kdo ti píše?Who’s texting you?
O5 (opět – pět means “5” in Czech)again
Ď /ď /d (short for děkuji)thanks
Houby! (“Mushrooms!”)You’re kidding!
Fakt? / Fakt, jo?Really?
Kecáš!You’re kidding!
Nekecej!You must be kidding! / No way!
okOK

As you can see, Czech slang phrases are pretty straightforward, nothing too exciting or sophisticated. 

There’s one thing you need to know about ty vole: it means “you ox,” but we don’t use it in an offensive way. It’s a fluff phrase that’s used to express a very, very casual way of communication.

Your boss wouldn’t be impressed if you called them vole, and you definitely don’t want to use it at family gatherings either.

How do native Czechs actually use this intriguing phrase?

C- Example Text Conversation

A: Čau, jaké bylo včera rande? (“Hey, how was your date last night?”)
B: Ty vole, byla to hrůza! (“You ox, it was awful!”)
A: Kecáš! (“You’re kidding!”)
B: Fakt. Opila se a pořád mluvila o svým ex. (“Really. She got drunk and talked about her ex nonstop.”)
A: Houby! (“You’re kidding!”)
B: JJ, fakt hrůza. (“Yep, awful.”)

When you want to ask someone out/hang out with a friend.

A: Čau, jak je? (“Hey, how are you doing??”)
B: Fajn, co ty? (“Fine, and you?”)
A: Normálka. Děláš něco? (“Normal. Are you doing anything?”)
B: Ani ne. (“Not really.”)
A: Nechceš někam vyrazit? (“Wanna hang out?”)B: Tak jo! (“OK!”)

English Slang Terms in Colorful Thought and Speech Bubbles

Czechs use most of the English internet slang words.

2. Czech Internet and Computer Slang Phrases and Words

Czech Text Slang

CzechEnglish
follower / followeřifollower / followers
views / shlédnutíviews
influencer / influenceřiinfluencer / influencers
odběrysubscriptions
kanálychannels
Instáč / InstaInstagram
brouzdatto browse
jít na net / jít na internetto go on the internet (to look up something)
skrolovat / scrolovatto scroll
surfovatto surf the internet
četovat / chatovatto chat
fleškaflash drive
gamesa / gameskavideo game
googlovat / googlitto Google
heknout / hacknoutto hack
komp / komplcomputer
pařangamer
písíčkoPC
founphone
úesbéčkoUSB
wifinawi-fi
pařit / zapařitto play a video game
Vyhazuje to hláškuIt’s showing a pop-up window or notification 
netinternet

As you can see, Czechs use a lot of English words and often type them out phonetically, decline or conjugate them, and pronounce them phonetically.

I highly recommend strengthening your listening skills in order to get ready for this. Other than that, just go with the flow.

A Man Looking at His Cell Phone while Talking on the House Phone

Nefunguje mi wifina. – “My wifi isn’t working.”

A- Example Conversation 

A: Čau, nechceš dneska zapařit? (“Hey, wanna play a video game today?”)
B: Nemůžu, vyhazuje to hlášku, že mi nefunguje wifina. (“I can’t, a message keeps popping up that my wifi isn’t working.”)
A: Vygoogli si to a oprav to. (“Google it and fix it.”)
B: Tak jo, jdu na net na telefonu. (“Okay, I’m going on the internet on my phone.”)

B- How to Master Czech Internet Slang Expressions

We do text a lot and we like to use abbreviations. There are only a few Czech abbreviations that are not derived from English (yay, less things that you’ll need to memorize).

    One thing you need to know (and I admit it might make your life harder): Colloquial Czech is nothing like the polished stuff you see in textbooks. The spelling is different (a.k.a. more relaxed), which might be very confusing.
    Also, many people don’t use diacritics when texting/typing emails on their phones. You’ll get used to it eventually, but I strongly suggest you focus on slang and the “real” Czech early on. This article sums it up very well, so grab a cup of coffee and read on!

My personal recommendations: 

  • Don’t underestimate the power of slang, colloquial phrases, and expressions, especially if you’re planning to live in the Czech Republic or want to be friends with native Czech speakers. 
  • Make sure your vocabulary base is strong and reasonably wide. (These awesome vocab lists will help you a ton. They’re organized and divided into various topics, and you’ll actually use these words in real life).
  • If you struggle with this, try to make learning as much fun as possible. You could watch Czech TV shows with subtitles, for example. You need to hear and see the words you’re trying to remember.
  • Download an app that you can use while commuting or waiting in line, reward yourself, know your whys, and keep things fresh.  
  • Do not avoid slang words. Read them often and use them in your daily texts (if appropriate, of course).

3. How CzechClass101.com Can Help You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

That’s it, guys! I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new! Have fun texting in Czech!

In case this wasn’t enough for you, please check out our Basic Bootcamp series—it presents the very basic grammar and vocab in five compact lessons. 

If you’re taking your Czech studies seriously, and want to learn Czech fast, free, and online, you need to explore all that CzechClass101 has to offer. 

CzechClass101.com will make learning Czech easy, exciting, and fun. With us, it’s not about endless memorizing or thick textbooks. Learn Czech the better way—with us, you’ll make progress faster than you could imagine!

What can you find here?

Sign up now, it’s free!

One last thing: Let us know in the comments if this article helped you, and if you feel inspired to start (or continue) learning Czech now!

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Untranslatable Czech Words

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You know that old saying that goes: “How many languages you can speak, that many times you’re a human?” It’s a great piece of wisdom, but it doesn’t sound quite right, does it? And that brings us right to the topic of this article: untranslatable Czech phrases and Czech words with no English equivalent. 

What is the most important advice you get when you decide to take up a new language (which, by the way, is a great decision, congratulations)? Forget everything you think you know about sentence structure and word order, and ditch literal (aka word-for-word) translation. Trying to switch English words for Czech words just doesn’t work. However, it’s THE most common mistake all students do, and also THE most common reason why you can’t actually speak Czech, even though your vocabulary is great and your pronunciation impressive.

What you should do instead, is to learn chunks of words and phrases without trying to dissect them. I keep saying this, but I’ll say it again for your own good– it’s how little kids learn to speak. They don’t think about why this particular combination of words means this or that. They memorize them, associate them with specific objects, feelings or situations, and remember them for life. I’m sure you’ll agree that they’re instinctive technique works wonders. And that’s exactly what you should do too if you want to actually speak Czech. For some people it is helpful to remember the literal back translation into English though. Try what works best for you, learning a language is a creative process and there’s no one size fits all method.

Let’s look at some of the most frequently used quirky and beautiful untranslatable Czech words and phrases.

Did You Know that Some Czech Words Are Czech Words You Can't Translate into English?

Did you know that some Czech words are Czech words you can’t translate into English?

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Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Czech Table of Contents
  1. Těším se na to – I am looking forward to it
  2. S dovolením – Excuse Me
  3. To je jedno/Je mi to jedno – It Doesn’t Matter/I Don’t Care
  4. Otužilec – The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway
  5. Chatař – Someone Who Owns a Cottage
  6. Máte přání? – What Would You Like?
  7. Prozvonit – To Let the Phone Ring Only Once
  8. Fakt? – Really?
  9. Nekecej! – Don’t Lie!
  10. Mlsat – To Eat Treats
  11. Tykání and Vykání – To Use Informal and Formal Voice
  12. Odkoukat – To Learn Something by Watching
  13. Dám si… – I will have…
  14. English Phrases You Should Never Translate into Czech
  15. How CzechClass101.com Helps You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

1. Těším se na to – I am looking forward to it

Literal translation: I am pleasing myself ahead to it.

Meaning: Těšit means “to please”, and se makes it reflexive (like “myself”, “yourself”, etc. in English).

Example: You will hear this phrase a lot, for example when a friend invites you over for dinner or when your coworker tells you they’re going on vacation soon. Speaking of which, you might find this vocab useful if you’re going to grab a bite in the Czech Republic.

2. S dovolením – Excuse Me

Literal translation: With permission.

Meaning: You’re pretty much asking for permission, literally.

Example: This phrase is widely used as a very polite version of “get out of my way” or “give it to me right now”.

  • Are you running late, and the two ladies in front of you are taking a casual stroll while also blocking the entire sidewalk? Yell s dovolením
  • Is your mother-in-law playing with that old mug you’ve had since 1st grade? Smile, say s dovolením, grab it and put it back where it belongs.

S Dovolením! - Excuse Me!

S dovolením! – “Excuse me!”

3. To je jedno/Je mi to jedno – It Doesn’t Matter/I Don’t Care

Literal translation: It is one. We often say Je mi to jedno/fuk (“It is one for me.”)

Meaning: It doesn’t matter. I don’t care.

Example: This is a pretty relaxed phrase that is not used in official settings/papers. Fuk is one of the Czech words with no translation in other languages, it has no meaning and is not used in other contexts or phrases.

  • Co chceš k večeři? – To je fuk. (“What do you want for dinner?” – “I don’t care.”)
  • Vy jste se rozešli? – Jo, ale je mi to jedno. (“Did you guys break up?” – “Yeah, but it doesn’t matter.”)

4. Otužilec – The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway

Literal translation: This one is impossible to translate, otužilý is an adjective that is similar to “hardy” or “tough”. 

Meaning: Someone who is immune to cold weather or water.

Example: 

  • Tvůj táta nenosí kabát? – Ne, je to otužilec, zima mu nikdy nevadila. (“Does your dad not wear a coat?”
    – “No, he’s an otužilec, cold never bothered him.”)

5. Chatař – Someone Who Owns a Cottage

Literal translation: Chata means “a cottage” or “a cabin”.

Meaning: Chatař is an owner of a cottage or a cabin.

Example: Many Czechs have cottages by forests or lakes outside of cities. We just love leaving the city for the weekend, and spending some time in nature.

  • Ten chatař z Prahy si tu koupil další chatu. (“The chatař from Prague bought another cottage here.”)

By the way, do you know how to talk about weekend plans in Czech?

6. Máte přání? – What Would You Like?

Literal translation: Do you have a wish?

Meaning: This is a slightly old fashioned but commonly used way of saying “what would you like?” or “what can I do for you?” or “how can I help you?”.

Example: You might hear this in a restaurant or at a store.

  • Máte přání? – Chtěla bych si vyzkoušet ty červené boty. (“How can I help you?” – “I would like to try the red shoes on.”)

Make sure you know the basic vocab before you venture out to enjoy a shopping spree.

7. Prozvonit – To Let the Phone Ring Only Once

Literal translation: Pro means “for” and zvonit means “to ring”.

Meaning: To let the phone ring only once.

Example: This might sound crazy, but when I was a teenager, only the cool kids used to have a cell phone. It was expensive, most of us used prepaid cards (having a plan was ridiculously expensive back then), this was long before social media and messengers were a thing… And we would just “let the phone ring only once” as a way of saying “hey, wassup”.

These days, I use it for practical reasons–when I’m having something delivered and I don’t want to be disturbed. Many people use it as a signal, such as “I’m got home safe” or “I’m here”.

8. Fakt? – Really?

Literal translation: Fact.

Meaning: Really? Seriously?

Example: I never appreciated the charm of this little word until my American friend A. commented on how cute it is.

  • Příští týden se jdu očkovat. – Fakt? Ty máš ale štěstí! (“I am getting vaccinated next week.” – “Really? You’re so lucky!”)

Fakt Můžu Celý Den Mlsat? - Can I Really Eat Candy All Day?

Fakt můžu celý den mlsat? – “Can I really eat candy all day?”

9. Nekecej! – Don’t Lie!

Literal translation: Don’t lie!

Meaning: This is a very colloquial word that you only use with friends or family. Kecat is a slang word that means “to chat/babble”, and also “to not speak the truth”.

Example: It’s a very versatile word with lots of slightly different meanings. We used it mostly as a “no way” or “OMG really?”.

  • Požádal mě o ruku. – Nekecej! Tak brzo? (“He proposed.” – “No way! So soon?”)

10. Mlsat – To Eat Treats

Literal translation: Mls is an old-timey word for a treat.

Meaning: To eat treats.

Example: This adorable word has a delicious meaning. It is only used in reference to sweet treats.

  • Nejí žádnou zeleninu, celé dny mlsá. (“She doesn’t eat any vegetables, she eats treats all the time.”)

Všeho s Mírou. - Everything in Moderation.

Všeho s mírou. – “Everything in moderation.”

11. Tykání and Vykání – To Use Informal and Formal Voice

Literal translation: Ty means “you” (singular) and vy means “you” (plural).

Meaning: Tykat (verb) or tykání (noun)  means to address someone in the informal form (your friends, family, pretty much “first name terms”, but not really–you can call someone by their first name and still address them in the formal form). Vykat (verb) or vykání (noun) means to address in the formal form (teachers, officials, people you have just met, older people, etc.–anyone you would call “sir” or “madam” in English)..

Example: 

  • Máma mého přítele mi nabídla tykání. (“My boyfriend’s mom offered to call her by her first name.”)
  • Vykám všem lidem, které neznám, i když jsou stejně staří jako já. (“I address all people I don’t know in the formal form, even when they’re my age.”)

12. Odkoukat – To Learn Something by Watching

Literal translation: Koukat is the slang word that means “to look” or “to watch”. Od means “from”.

Meaning: To learn something simply by watching or to adopt a habit.

Example: It’s a colloquial way of saying someone learned a new thing, mostly when talking about abilities, manners or habits.

  • Odkoukal její způsoby, chová se teď úplně jinak. (“He adopted her manners, he’s acting differently now.”)
  • Kvalita jeho práce se poslední dobou zlepšila, protože odkoukal novou techniku od kolegy. (“The quality of his work has improved lately because he learned a new technique by watching his colleague.”)

13. Dám si… – I will have…

Literal translation: I will give myself.

Meaning: “I will have” or “I would like”.

Example: This is a typical restaurant/food related phrase. You “will give yourself” breakfast before going to work, she will “give herself” ice-cream, etc…

  • Mám obrovský hlad, dám si řízek. (“I am starving, I will have a schnitzel.”)
  • Dala si snídani a odešla do školy. (“She had breakfast and left for school.”)

Dám si Všechno, co Máte. - I'll Have Everything You Have.

Dám si všechno, co máte. – “I’ll have everything you have.”

14. English Phrases You Should Never Translate into Czech

Unless you like feeling embarrassed or particularly enjoy a blank/incredulous/terrified look on other people’s faces.

    ➢ We don’t “love” stuff. When we talk about things, we use a more subdued version: Líbí se mi… – “I like…”
    ➢ “I’ll do….” when you’re placing an order in a restaurant. Udělat means “to do/make”, and Udělám dort means that you’ll go and bake it. 

15. How CzechClass101.com Helps You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

That’s it, guys! I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new! In case this wasn’t enough for you, please check out our Basic Bootcamp – the very basic grammar and vocab in 5 compact lessons. 

If you’re taking learning Czech seriously, and want to learn Czech fast, free and online, you might grab a Czech grammar book or learn online (which is way more convenient). Seriously, learning a new skill has never been easier. Just grab your phone and get to work!

CzechClass101.com will make learning Czech easy, exciting, and fun. With us, it’s not about endless memorizing or thick textbooks. Learn Czech the better way – with us you’ll make progress faster than you could imagine!

What can you find here?

Sign up now, it’s free!

One last thing: Let us know in the comments if this article helped you, and if you feel inspired to start (or continue) learning Czech now! Which untranslatable words in Czech do you use the most?

Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Czech

The Top 10 Czech Movies

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Learning a foreign language is pretty easy and fun: you can use many different tools and apps, take online classes, hire a tutor…but what’s the most effective thing that will make your “textbook” Czech sound natural and teach you slang/colloquialisms? Czech movies! 

I honestly think that movies, shows, podcasts, and YouTube channels are THE best things to help someone learn another language more effectively. You catch a lot of phrases (pretty much effortlessly), improve your listening skills and pronunciation in a fun way…and let’s not forget that you learn a lot about the Czech culture and lifestyle along the way.

Czech and American cinematography are very different and if you’ve never seen a Czech movie, you’ll probably be intrigued by a lot of things. First of all, yes, Czech movies exist. It’s a thing. I have been asked SO many times if we make movies and TV shows, and foreigners always seem surprised that Hollywood isn’t the only source of motion pictures. 

Another “shocking” thing: Czech actors look like real people. Some of them are exceptionally attractive, yes. But most of them are just regular people (with pores and body fat). What else? The movies focus on the story. There are very little to no special effects. No Godzillas or zombies, explosions and superheros.

Are you interested? Then let’s dive right into this exciting topic. I’m honored to present to you ten of the most famous Czech movies!

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  1. Pelíšky – Cozy Dens (1998)
  2. Zahradnictví: Rodinný přítel, Dezertér, Nápadník – Family Friend, Deserter, Suitor (2017)
  3. S tebou mě baví svět (1983)
  4. Samotáři – Loners (2000)
  5. Kolja – Kolya (1996)
  6. Občanský průkaz – Identity Card (2010)
  7. Účastníci zájezdu – Holiday Makers (2006)
  8. Pane, vy jste vdova – You’re a Widow, Sir (1971)
  9. Čtyři vraždy stačí, drahoušku – Four Murders are Enough, Darling (1971)
  10. Obecná škola – The Elementary School (1991)
  11. Differences Between Czech and American Movies
  12. How CzechClass101.com Can Help You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

1. Pelíšky – Cozy Dens (1998)

This is a bittersweet (and FUNNY) story of two families. Sebkovi and Krausovi are celebrating Christmas, but things get a little messy. The teenage kids think their fathers are totally stupid, while the fathers (one of them is a RAF veteran, the other a high-ranking communist army officer) are sure their children are useless rebels.

Apart from being funny (in a quirky way), this movie offers some amazing insight into Czech family life, the communist era, and people’s values. It’s also one of the most watched Czech movies (especially around Christmas).

Quotes:

Učitelka a naprosto nepoučitelná!
“She’s a teacher, but she’ll never learn.”

Dávám bolševikovi rok. Maximálně dva.
“The bolsheviks won’t last more than a year. Maybe two years.”

Language:

There are a lot of words used in this film that a non-native wouldn’t know. Uncle Bolek Polívka (one of the most loved Czech actors) likes to call his brother, Miroslav Donutil (another Czech star), brašule, which is a play on words based on the Czech word bratr (“brother”) with a slight Russian flavor.

He also calls his niece and nephew mládežníci (“youngsters”), which is another made-up word.

Other than that, you’ll hear a lot of soudruhu/soudruzi (“comrade”/”comrades”). The pace is pretty brisk, so you might need to pause and rewind quite a few times—but it’s definitely worth it!

2. Zahradnictví: Rodinný přítel, Dezertér, Nápadník – Family Friend, Deserter, Suitor (2017)

Trailer:

This beautifully made prequel (by the same director, Jan Hřebejk) is a sweet melodrama set in the Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia. Though it takes place during the most difficult of times, it’s not super-depressing. If you like a good love story, look no further. 

With husbands “taken away,” the three sisters have to take care of themselves, their children, and their house. Luckily, they have a loyal family friend who helps them as much as he can. What happens when the war is over? Will all of the husbands return, and will they be greeted with joy? Will the family be able to reopen their business?

Quote:

Dávám bolševikovi dva roky. Maximálně tři.
“The bolsheviks won’t last two years. Maybe three years.”

Language:
This Czech drama is beautifully narrated and well acted, and it’s fairly easy to understand each character since they’re not “making little monkeys” (nedělají opičky – they’re not fooling around).

Top Verbs

3. S tebou mě baví svět (1983)

This funny and heart-warming story is another Christmas/New Year’s classic. Three middle-aged men take their children to a cabin in the mountains and learn to cope with their needs without their wives. It should be easy breezy, right? Well, it’s not. This is an amazing feel-good movie, plus it was awarded a title as the best Czech comedy ever made.

Quotes:

Tati, a prdí taky hadi?
“Daddy, do snakes fart?”

Večeři máš v kuchařce na straně 43.
“Your dinner is in the cookbook, page 43.”

Language:

This isn’t an easy one, folks, but I’m sure you’re up for a little challenge. Let’s get out of that comfort zone, shall we? The characters speak the most common colloquial Czech, which means the endings of the words are sometimes “wrong”: bílej instead of bílý (“white”), jo instead of “yes,” lots of excited shrieks. Get ready. On the other hand, the vocabulary is very simple.

4. Samotáři – Loners (2000)

This Prague-based film explores relationships among groups of friends, as well as the subcultures of partying, music, and drugs that began to dominate Prague. There’s a memorable scene where a Czech family is treated as an attraction for Japanese tourists. This is a movie about young people for young people. Slightly dark. Slightly indie (including the soundtrack). Ivan Trojan, who plays the strange, troubled doctor, became a huge star after this movie was released, as did his fellow weirdo, Jiří Macháček.

Quote:

Vy ten život nežijete, vy ho jen krájíte!
“You don’t live your life. You just cut it up.”

Language:

It’s not going to be easy if you haven’t been around many native speakers, but you’ll get into it fast. This is exactly what will help you improve your listening skills and expand your Czech slang knowledge.

5. Kolja – Kolya (1996)

This bittersweet comedy about an old man who marries a young Russian woman to help her get a visa has an unexpected twist. Zdeněk Svěrák is a bachelor and womanizer whose life changes dramatically when he has to look after his new stepson, Kolya. Even though the two companions don’t even speak the same language, a bond forms between them. This might be one of the sweetest movies you’ll ever see.

Quote:

František, speaking to his new Russian stepson: 

Čemodan. To je jediný, co umím. Protože mi ho v Moskvě na nádraží ukradli. Kradete kufry a cizí území.
“Čemodan. That’s the only Russian word I know because mine got stolen in Moscow. You guys steal suitcases and other people’s land.”

(This quote is a direct hint about the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.)

*Čemodan is a romanticized version of the Russian word чемодан, meaning “suitcase.”

Language:

This is a good movie to watch if you want to improve your listening skills. The vocabulary isn’t overly complicated, though the frequent Czech subtitles and Russian dialogues might make things a bit difficult.

6. Občanský průkaz – Identity Card (2010)

If you wonder what life before the Velvet Revolution was like, you should watch this Czech film. It tells the story of a group of fifteen-year-olds, their parents, and their hopes and plans for the future. Things are not always as they seem and people who appear coy are often the bravest. 

Quote:

Je sice blbá, ale nezaslouží si i ta blbá trochu lásky? Mojí lásky?
“She is dumb. But doesn’t even a dumb girl deserve a little bit of love? My love?”

Language:

Again, nothing difficult, although the teenagers do talk fast sometimes and you might need to rewind a few times. The dialogues are a great example of colloquial Czech, making this one of the best movies for learning the Czech language.

7. Účastníci zájezdu – Holiday Makers (2006)

This satirical comedy, based on a novel by Czech author Michal Viewegh (check out his books if you’re interested in contemporary Czech novels), makes fun of the typical Czech tourist in Croatia. It will walk you through all the quirky “holiday traditions”—bringing your own food to make the vacation as cheap as possible, judging other people, and trying to be as conventional as possible. Anna Polívková (the daughter of Bolek Polívka mentioned above) is amazing, just like her movie mom, Eva Holubová. Both are very famous in the Czech Republic.

Quote:

Víš, jaký to je, být ošklivá holka?
“Do you have any idea what it’s like to be an ugly girl?”

Language:

This is another film that does a great job of portraying how real Czechs talk. The vocabulary is very simple, the Prague dialect is quite prominent, and the mixed-up endings might be confusing. Your Czech will level up a few notches after watching this movie! 

8. Pane, vy jste vdova – You’re a Widow, Sir (1971)

This is an adorable, crazy, sci-fi comedy about the king’s cousin’s arm, artificial bodies, two gorgeous women, and one astrologist who is in love with one of them. A bunch of funny things happen in this movie, there are no blind spots, and it has a French feel to it. Iva Janžurová, who plays the lead character, is one of the most loved Czech actresses.

Quote:

Zavři oči, brouku!
“Close your eyes, babe!”

Language:

The vocabulary is fairly simple, and there’s no dialect or slang. That said, the pace and “little monkeys” are present, so…brace yourself and enjoy the ride!

9. Čtyři vraždy stačí, drahoušku – Four Murders are Enough, Darling (1971)

This is another great comedy from the 70s. The story takes place in a fictitious American town. George is a very shy literature professor whose students make fun of him and read comics during class. That night, a strange thing happens: A dead man knocks on George’s door…and the insecure teacher becomes a celebrity. This hilarious comedy isn’t as brutal and violent as it might sound. Give it a shot if you need a good laugh. Iva Janžurová and Jiřina Bohdalová are amazing, and Lubomír Lipský as “the beast” is adorable.

Quote:

Budete-li mít chuť někdy vraždit, jen přijďte, tady se vždycky někdo najde.
“If you ever feel like murdering someone, please visit us. There is always someone you can kill here.”

Language:

There’s no dialect and barely any slang. The vocabulary is pretty easy too. The gangster talk isn’t exactly beginner-friendly though, so you might need to pause or rewind throughout the film. 

10. Obecná škola – The Elementary School (1991)

This gem takes place just weeks after WWII. The main character Eda has a new teacher, Jan Tříska, who is strict and implements very “unconventional” teaching techniques—but the boys love him. His only weakness? Beautiful women…such as the boy’s mom, Libuška Šafránková. This is a beautiful tale of childhood and hopes for a better future.

Quotes:

Nebij ho do hlavy, bude hloupej.
“Don’t hit him in the head. He’ll be stupid.”

The school principal invites the students’ parents for the play The Idiot by Dostoyevsky: 

Kdo z rodičů chce vidět Idiota, nechť se dostaví do ředitelny.
“Should your parents want to see an idiot, they’re invited to come to the principal’s office.”

Language:

This movie is great for beginners. The language is clean, simple, and polished…almost elegant. There is a hint of Prague dialect, but I don’t think you’ll find it bothersome.

11. Differences Between Czech and American Movies

I put together a little list of things foreigners usually find surprising about Czech movies:

  • “Christmas movies” don’t take place at Christmas—they’re mostly old classics or fairy tales. Check out the gorgeous Czech Cinderella; it’s the ultimate Czech Christmas movie of all time.
  • There are a lot of Czech movies about communism and WWII focusing on regular people’s stories, the majority of which are comedies. If you like to cry, try Želary (“We need to help each other out”) or Musíme si pomáhat (Divided We Fall).
  • No action movies or special effects. CGI is just not our thing.
  • Fairy tales are well-loved by kids and adults alike.
  • There are no cartoons like Shrek or Frozen. Our cartoons are short and mostly made for Večerníček—”bedtime stories” for children that air every day around seven p.m.
  • You can find a lot of Czech movies and TV shows on Netflix and HBO (if you’re in the Czech Republic). If not, you can still watch A LOT of Czech movies on YouTube (without subtitles though).

Are you ready to make popcorn and enjoy a cozy night in? In case you prefer TV shows, don’t miss our list of the Top 10 TV Shows! And don’t forget that practice makes perfect: If your listening skills aren’t as good as you’d like, go back to the beginning and work on your Czech with our endless lessons for absolute beginners.

12. How CzechClass101.com Can Help You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

That’s it, guys! I hope you enjoyed this article on the best Czech movies for learning the language and learned something new! In case this wasn’t enough for you, please check out our Basic Bootcamp—all of the very basic grammar and vocab info you need in five compact lessons. 

If you’re taking your Czech studies seriously and want to learn Czech fast, free, and online, you could grab a Czech grammar book or learn online (the latter of which is way more convenient). Seriously, learning a new skill has never been easier. Just grab your phone and get to work!

CzechClass101.com will make learning Czech easy, exciting, and fun. With us, it’s not about endless memorizing or thick textbooks. Learn Czech the better way—with us, you’ll make progress faster than you could imagine!

What can you find here?

Sign up now. It’s free!

One last thing: Let us know in the comments which of these Czech movies you want to watch most, and why!

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Learn Czech the Fun Way: The Top 10 Czech TV Shows

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It should come as no surprise that learning another language in a fun way is WAY more effective than relying on textbooks. Trust me, even though watching TV shows might feel like (or lead to) procrastinating, it’s a great tool for broadening your vocab effortlessly and familiarizing yourself with idioms and the most common phrases. It’s also the best listening exercise, especially if you’re not ready to put yourself out there and talk to native speakers. Besides, you can pause and rewind a Czech TV show anytime, and write down new words.

When I first started actually speaking English (instead of just writing and reading it), YouTube and American TV shows were my best friends. It was hard and intimidating at first, but if you’re really into whatever you’re watching, you’ll likely stick to it and make progress fast.

The bad news is that the Czech TV show selection isn’t that great. The good news is that there are some good pieces you’ll love. In this article, we’ll cover ten Czech TV shows with English subtitles that are fun to watch. You can find them on Netflix, YouTube, and Czech satellite TV (HBOgo).

Make popcorn, it’s movie night!

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Table of Contents

  1. Ulice (The Street)
  2. Pustina (The Wasteland)
  3. Terapie (In Treatment)
  4. Bez vědomí (The Sleepers)
  5. Princip slasti (The Principle of Pleasure)
  6. Krkonošské pohádky (Fairy Tales of Krkonose Mountains)
  7. Arabela
  8. Dobrodružství kriminalistiky (The History of Criminology)
  9. Krajinou domova (Through the Nature of our Homeland)
  10. Soukromé století (Private Century)
  11. How CzechClass101.com Helps You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

1. Ulice (The Street)

This soap-opera (TV Nova) airs daily Monday through Friday, and you can also find all episodes online.

I admit it’s not the most exciting TV show ever (my American boyfriend once said: “So…this is about people…talking all the time?”). Yes, dear. Yes, it is.

This very slow-paced and not super-exciting show is about people who live in the Prague suburbs, their daily lives, problems, relationships, and affairs. Once you find your favorite characters, it can become quite entertaining, funny, pretty well-written, and addictive.

The number of episodes? Over 3,000. For real.

I know the number of stars (or the lack thereof) in the reviews is repelling. I promise Ulice is worth a shot if you’re looking for something light-hearted, simple, and Czech vocab-boosting.

The acting quality varies—there are several star actors in it (you know, people who do real theater, but also need to pay mortgages and child-support). Some of the characters are…well, less skilled.

Phrases and Vocabulary

The greatest advantage of this show is the use of common, colloquial Czech language with no heavy dialect. (However, I’m a born-and-raised Moravian and I can easily spot a few hints of Prague accent here and there.)

Also, it’s about “real people” and “everyday life,” which means your vocabulary will expand without you even noticing.

Ulice vocab:

  • Greetings: dobrý den (“good day”), ahoj (“hello”), Jak se máš? (“How are you?”), etc.
  • Formal and informal voice
  • Basic phrases and questions: Kolik je hodin? (“What time is it?”), Dáš si něco? (“Would you like something [to drink]?” )

Before you dive in, make sure to check out our Czech Key Phrases article and explore the Czech dialects.

2. Pustina (The Wasteland)

The Czech TV series Wasteland, my Czech-learning friend, is the exact opposite of my previous recommendation. Pustina (HBO Europe production) is a suspenseful thriller, and I’m guessing you might binge-watch it right away (and even cancel an outing because it’s SO good!).

The somber story takes place in a tiny, derelict village in Northern Czech Republic, where a young girl goes missing under suspicious circumstances. Is she dead? Did she run away from home? Did her weirdo father hurt her?

The acting is fabulous, thanks to famous Czech stars Jaroslav Dušek, Zuzana Stivínová, Eva Holubová, and Petra Špalková.

Phrases and Vocabulary

The vocabulary is pretty simple and there’s no confusing dialect.

  • Greetings
  • Occasional crime terms: únos (“abduction”), vražda (“murder” )
  • Un-bleeped bleepy words

3. Terapie (In Treatment)

Terapie is a great Czech television series for Czech learners who don’t like action. This amazing TV show (HBO Europe production) takes place only in the consulting room of psychologist Marek Posta (outstandingly played by Karel Roden, one of the most respected Czech actors).

The depth of each character is simply marvelous, and the acting is just first-class thanks to the great crew of the best Czech and Slovakian actors (the show is 100% in Czech, though).

You might know one of the foreign versions of Terapie, maybe the American one with Gabriel Byrne?

Phrases and Vocabulary

  • More complex sentence structure
  • No dialect
  • Great listening exercise—most characters enunciate properly and talk slowly

You might want to polish your Czech vocabulary before watching. We have two great lessons for you: Top 15 Questions You Should Know for Conversations and 25 Essential Czech Questions.

4. Bez vědomí (The Sleepers)

This HBO show takes place in 1989, a few months after the Velvet Revolution, which brought forty years of Russian dominance to an end. In this suspenseful drama, a young woman and her husband come back from exile, only for her husband to go missing. Marie is trapped between State Security and dissidents.

If you like secrets, suspense, and dark drama, this Czech TV series is for you. It’s not just a great show, but also a fantastic way to learn something new about Czech history.

Phrases and Vocabulary

  • More complex sentence structure
  • Basic colloquial Czech without dialect
  • Great listening exercise—most characters enunciate properly and talk slowly

5. Princip slasti (The Principle of Pleasure)

Three post-communist cities—Odessa, Warsaw, and Prague. Three young women murdered and parts of their bodies found. Who committed such a gruesome crime, and why? If you love chilling TV shows with a Scandinavian vibe, this one is a great choice for you.

This is one of the best Czech TV shows, with outstanding acting performances. The show is also very well produced and directed.

Phrases and Vocabulary

  • Basic and complex sentence structure
  • Basic common Czech with slight Prague dialect

6. Krkonošské pohádky (Fairy Tales of Krkonose Mountains)

This thing has been my guilty pleasure since I was five. It’s meant for children, but…oh, well. I do have to warn you, though—this masterpiece is nothing like Disney!

The main characters include a mystical person-protector of the mountains, Krakonoš, one rich and cocky landowner, and his three servants. One of the greatest Czech children’s TV shows ever, it’s sweet, it’s funny, and it’s heart-warming. And well-acted!

Phrases and Vocabulary

  • Basic vocabulary and sentence structure (remember, it’s for kids!)
  • No dialect

7. Arabela

Another evergreen from the 70s that adults love even more than kids! Princess Arabela from the fairyland travels to our world to help save her reign and several magical objects: a ring that makes all your wishes come true, a magical cloak that transports you between both worlds, and many more.

Oh, she also falls in love with an engineering student. Surprisingly enough, her father, the king, is very supportive of this relationship.

Phrases and Vocabulary

  • Basic vocabulary and sentence structure (remember, it’s for kids!)
  • No dialect
  • Fairytale vocabulary: princezna (“princess”), čaroděj (“wizard” )

8. Dobrodružství kriminalistiky (The History of Criminology)

Have you ever wondered when, how, and why fingerprints became a thing in criminal investigations? Watching this oldie-but-a-goodie from the 80s is a great way to practice your Czech listening skills, vocabulary, AND learn something about criminology in a fun way. Win-win, right?

One of the most fascinating TV shows in Czech, this series is very well-acted, and each episode recreates a true story from a century (or more) ago.

It’s slightly chilling, but not too much, and to me, this is a perfect old-fashioned binge-watch.

Phrases and Vocabulary

  • No dialect
  • Occasional crime terms: otisky prstů (“fingerprints”), obžalovaný (“defendant” )
  • Great enunciation

9. Krajinou domova (Through the Nature of our Homeland)

This is a documentary about Czech nature and architecture. If you want to work on your Czech AND learn something new about our lovely country, you shouldn’t miss this. It’s fun, informative, and gorgeous.

Phrases and Vocabulary

  • No dialect
  • Great professional enunciation
  • Architecture- and nature-related vocabulary

10. Soukromé století (Private Century)

This is another gem made by Czech Television. This documentary series is about Czech history, and each episode tells the story of one person or event in a unique way. Soukromé století introduces Czech history through personal stories. The acting is fabulous, and each and every minute is captivating—most of the footage is genuine, amateur home videos shot many years ago.

Another great way to learn new things about the Czech Republic!

Phrases and Vocabulary

  • No dialect
  • Great professional enunciation
  • Advanced vocabulary

11. How CzechClass101.com Helps You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

CzechClass101.com will make learning Czech easy, exciting, and fun. With us, it’s not about endless memorizing or thick textbooks. Learn Czech with us and make progress faster than you could imagine!

What can you find here?

  • English to Czech translation and pronunciation tips/tricks
  • Over 630 audio and video lessons
  • Vocabulary learning tools
  • Spaced repetition flashcards
  • Detailed PDF lesson notes

Sign up now, it’s free!

One last thing: Let us know in the comments if this article helped you, and which Czech TV series seems most interesting to you. Is there anything you want to know about learning Czech while watching TV shows? We’ll do our best to help!

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How to Find Jobs in the Czech Republic

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You have your bags (almost) packed, you’re working on your Czech vocabulary, you’re excited, you got a new passport case, a shiny new suitcase, you’ve rented an apartment in a charming Czech city…

What else do you need? A bottle of champagne to celebrate your courage and make a toast to your new adventures. 

Also: Money. You’re going to need money, and riches usually don’t just appear out of thin air. Which brings me to today’s topic––you’re going to need a job.

Finding jobs in the Czech Republic will be easy if you’re fine tending the bar or making coffee, and (believe it or not), it won’t be much more difficult if you really love huge offices, shiny coffee machines, and having hundreds of colleagues. If you’ve been dreaming about starting a career in the corporate world since you were five (and you happen to have a degree in engineering), even better. 

If having a boss has never been your thing and you’d prefer to reap the benefits of being self-employed, congratulations! That is definitely the least complicated choice for everyone involved. 

And by “everyone,” I mean you, your bank account (getting paid from abroad and living in a relatively cheap country is a delicious combination), and your friend Justine, who smirked and said you’d never get a visa because she knew someone who tried to get a visa without being employed in the Czech Republic, and “they’re turning 90 next month, and guess what, still nothing, why don’t you just stay here, I’d miss you.”

Here’s another piece of good news: The Czech Republic is expat-friendly––over half a million foreigners have relocated to this little green country in the heart of Europe. Under normal circumstances, the Czech job market is pretty healthy, with an unemployment rate staying below two percent. If you’re willing to learn a few Czech words (which I suppose you are), think outside the box, and just do it, it will be a breeze.

Now, for the annoying, yet necessary basics.

Paperwork. That word alone makes my skin break out and my hair turn gray. You’re not alone in this though. There are professional agencies that will assist you with preparing all necessary documents to make your visa process much smoother. 

If you’re a student, good for you! Your university will take care of that for you, and you don’t have to worry about work visas.

Stacks of papers with stamps are only the beginning of your journey. To succeed and find a job that will pay the bills/make your heart sing/make your grandma proud of you (preferably all of that, right?), you’ll need to do a lot more. 

Following is a useful guide on how to prepare for your big career move and find work in the Czech Republic!

People Dressed in Uniforms of Different Professions

You can be anything you want to be.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Business Words and Phrases in Czech Table of Contents
  1. You Won’t Need a Map, You’ll Need LinkedIn
  2. Find Your Calling or Grab What’s Available: The Job Market in the Czech Republic
  3. I Don’t Even Speak Czech: Does Your Language Level Matter?
  4. How CzechClass101.com Can Help You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

1. You Won’t Need a Map, You’ll Need LinkedIn

The Czech economy is export-oriented, based on services, manufacturing, and innovation.

The most developed and growing industries in the Czech Republic are:

  • Manufacturing (especially automotive—it plays an important role in both the European and global perspective—electronics, and machine-building) 
  • High-tech engineering

The promising upward trends in these business sectors (which tend to be multinational) result in interesting roles for specialists from all over the world––for specialists like you. If you have a degree, experience, or the motivation to start a career in one of these fields, you should have no problem landing a job in the Czech Republic.

The demand for international employees is growing. The most common positions for expats are:

  • Customer Service 
  • Sales
  • Marketing 
  • Hospitality 
  • Business Development
  • IT

Which one will you go for?

Two Businesswomen Shaking Hands

The demand for motivated foreign specialists is growing.

A- Where to look? 

Where are the best places to search for work in the Czech Republic for foreigners?


B- Blue-Collar Jobs in the Czech Republic

The most sought-after blue-collar positions are in production and logistics:

  • production line operators
  • forklift drivers
  • CNC operators
  • warehouse operators
  • forklift drivers

C- Language Teaching Jobs in the Czech Republic

If you’re a native English speaker, then finding English teaching jobs in the Czech Republic is your safest bet and the easiest choice. There are many language schools in the country; you can teach in schools or companies, get employed, freelance…whatever works best for you.

Other sought-after languages include:

  • German
  • Italian
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Russian

A Strict Teacher Sitting Behind Her Desk with a Ruler in Hand

Czechs love being taught by native speakers.

Freelance Jobs

If you want to spend your day in your PJs and still be able to pay your rent, look into freelance gigs:

  • IT sector and related professions
  • Digital marketing
  • Senior consulting, corporate training, business support
  • Graphic design
  • Creative and media professions (writing, content creation)
  • Language services (translating, transcription, interpreting)

Nursing and Other Medical Jobs in the Czech Republic

If you’re studying to be a doctor, nurse, dentist, physiotherapist, midwife, paramedic, or another healthcare professionaland if you speak fluent Englishyou might want to start by applying at Czech Hospital Placements.

Another great starting point is European Medical Mobility.

If you have a degree and are on the lookout for a full-time job, contact a recruitment agency, and check job listings at Czech hospitals:


2. Find Your Calling or Grab What’s Available: The Job Market in the Czech Republic

I’ve got some good news for you: The demand for international employees is growing. 

It comes as no surprise that the lowest unemployment rates and plentiful job opportunities are in the big cities: Praha, Brno, Ostrava.

In Prague and Central Bohemia in general, there are numerous logistics, production, and automotive factories and numerous companies looking for motivated foreigners. This is where you’ll find the highest salary levels in the industrial and logistics sector in the country. 

The South Moravian region with the second biggest city, Brno, attracts many production plants and companies as well.

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Love your job, and it will love you back.

3. I Don’t Even Speak Czech: Does Your Language Level Matter?

If you have a suitable professional degree, and if you’re motivated and willing to learn and grow, your knowledge of the Czech language (or lack thereof) won’t be an issue.

The other most wanted European language speakers are:
German, Slovak, Polish, Danish, Dutch, Nordic languages, French, Italian

It would be a great idea to get familiar with the basics. Make sure you know how to introduce yourself, can put together a few comprehensive sentences about your career, ask what time it is, and ask for directions.

Other than that, just focus on your job. You’ll pick up the language as you go (that’s how children learn, and we all know kids are amazing and fast learners). You’re probably busy getting settled in your new environment, your mind is buzzing, and the last thing you want to do after a long day at work is sit in a class. Besides, really good teachers are scarce, and you don’t want to waste your time looking for the right one—who is likely to be super-busy teaching students who booked their first-class service 10 years in advance (this is a slight exaggeration, I’m sure you know what I mean).

You’ll want to utilize your precious free time as best as you can: get a good app, learn Czech on your commute or online at home while sipping hot chocolate, and practice your pronunciation and vocabulary with your Czech colleagues, while ordering pizza, or on a fun date.

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4. How CzechClass101.com Can Help You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

Stop trying to learn Czech. Learn Czech. Get smarter tools, study smarter, and believe in yourself. The sky’s the limit!

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new! In case this wasn’t enough for you, please check out our Basic Bootcamp series, which introduces the very basic grammar and vocab in five compact lessons. 

If you’re taking your Czech studies seriously, you could grab a Czech grammar book or learn online (the latter of which is way more convenient). Learning a new skill has never been easier. Just grab your phone and get to work!

CzechClass101.com makes learning Czech easy, exciting, and fun. With us, it’s not about endless memorizing or thick textbooks. Learn Czech the better way—with us, you’ll make progress faster than you could imagine! 

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