No matter how good you are, there’s always room for improvement, especially when it comes to learning another language. If you’ve decided to step up the game and embellish your Czech vocabulary, this article will make it easier for you. In this article, I’ve listed 40+ useful advanced Czech phrases that you can use in various conversations, while polishing your resumé in Czech, while writing a paper, or while chatting with your Czech friends and colleagues.

Czech is a fun, colorful language: We love using idioms and slang, and you know by now that the loose word order allows for some strange Czech sentence structures (i.e., a full sentence can consist of just one word).

Remember that building vocabulary is much faster, more efficient, and lots more fun when you’re working with full sentences or phrases. Frankly, memorizing words one by one is quite ineffective and exhausting—especially when you’re past the beginner mark, and you want to actually talk and think in Czech.

Learning should be fun (otherwise, you won’t stick with it), and if you enjoy what you do, you’re more likely to keep doing it—and practice makes perfect. Trust me. I know what I’m talking about. I started learning Norwegian several months ago at the ripe old age of 35, and I find the process much easier and more enjoyable than back in the 90s when it was (supposedly) easier for me to learn new things (it wasn’t).

Here’s my recommendation: When you’re done reading this article, write down all the sentences you know you’ll need in the future and rewrite them so that they become “yours.” Use words and situations that speak to you, fit into your life, mesh with your personality, make you laugh, make you cringe, make you FEEL something. When words become feelings, it’s pretty much impossible to forget them.

I kept these examples pretty neat and simple. Feel free to work with my suggestions and make them your own.

Don’t you want to sound smart?

Table of Contents

1. Advanced Czech Phrases for Academic Writing
2. Czech Power Phrases for a Resumé: Get Hired Right Away
3. Smart Czech Phrases for Business and Meetings
4. Advanced Czech Idioms, Sayings, and Proverbs for Everyday Usage
5. How CzechClass101.com Helps You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

1. Advanced Czech Phrases for Academic Writing

Writing essays can be easier than we like to think. Use these advanced phrases in Czech and English as a cheat sheet. Remember: If you want to sound extra knowledgeable, write long (LONG) sentences with a lot of “smart stuffing”—words and phrases with very little meaning that sound smart and, if possible, take up a lot of space.

Czech	English
S ohledem na podmínky výzkumu jsou výsledky nesmírně působivé.	“In view of the research conditions, the results are immensely compelling.”
Ve světle událostí jsme změnili názor.	“In light of the situation, we changed our opinion.”
Jak autor opakovaně zdůraznil, experimenty mohou prokázat teorie.	“As the author often reiterated, experiments can prove theories.”
Jeho kniha byla vybrána pro ilustraci potenciálního dopadu studie.	“His book was selected to give an illustration of the potential impact.” (literally: “for illustration”)
Jeho metoda odkazuje na názory starověkých filozofů.	“His method refers to the views of ancient philosophers.”
Klíčovým faktem, který je třeba zvážit, je, že zdroj nezahrnuje ženy.	“A key fact to consider is that the source doesn’t include women.” (literally: “A key fact that needs to be considered”)
Přesvědčivé shrnutí demonstruje všechny jeho názory.	“The persuasive summary exemplifies all of his views.”
Tyto dva argumenty jsou stejně významné.	“These two arguments are of equal significance.” (literally: “are equally significant”)
Experti předpovídali, že ekonomika zkolabuje, ale ona naopak začala růst.	“Experts predicted the economy would collapse, but, to the contrary, it started to grow.”
Nový přístup by na druhou stranu mohl přinést větší zlepšení než tradiční metody.	“Alternatively, the new approach might bring bigger improvements than traditional methods.” (literally: “on the other side”)

Writing essays is impossible without the right vocab.

2. Czech Power Phrases for a Resumé: Get Hired Right Away

Do you want to land the job of your dreams? Remember that you want to be noticed before your future boss even reads your name on your resumé.

Here’s a little trick that has nothing to do with language or smooth-talking people into hiring you: Use a different background color. In the ocean of black letters on a white background, be “the one with the gray/yellow/ugly brown” resumé.

And don’t forget to get ready for your interview.

These advanced phrases in Czech sound rather professional and uptight (suitable for corporate jobs). If you want to work at a hip digital agency (from home), feel free to make things less official.

Be the one with the most compelling resumé.

Czech	English
Jsem kompetentní v mnoha oblastech.	“I demonstrate competence in many areas.”
Efektivně zvládám i výjimečné úkoly.	“I effectively handle special assignments.”
Flexibilně se adaptuji na nové podmínky.	“I am flexible in adapting to new conditions.” (literally: “I flexibly adapt to…”)
Umím se účinně vyrovnat s rychlými změnami.	“I can effectively cope with fast changes.”
Mám pestré pracovní zkušenosti.	“I have diverse professional experience.” (literally: “colorful”)
Jsem výjimečně mnohostranný/mnohostranná. (masculine/feminine)	“I am exceptionally versatile.”
Dbám na efektivní využívání času.	“I ensure time effectiveness.”
Zachovám klid i ve vypjatých situacích.	“I keep calm in tense situations.”
Umím přijmout zodpovědnost za svá vlastní rozhodnutí.	“I am able to accept responsibility for my own decisions.”
Jsem schopen/schopna přijmout větší míru odpovědnosti. (masculine/feminine)	“I am capable of assuming greater responsibility.”
Jsem proaktivní.	“I am proactive.”
Rychle a snadno se učím novým věcem.	“I learn new things quickly and easily.”
Navrhuji konstruktivní řešení.	“I offer constructive solutions.”

3. Smart Czech Phrases for Business and Meetings

You should know that Czech uses a lot of English words, such as byznys (“business”), challenge, meeting, etc.

Thank you for coming.

Czech	English
Odstartovali jsme ten projekt před pár měsíci. (professional)	“We got the project off the ground a few months ago.”
Mezi těmito dvěma projekty existuje jistá jednotnost. (professional)	“There is a certain amount of synergy between these two projects.”
Hlavním tématem dnešního meetingu je digitální transformace. (professional)	“The main topic of today’s meeting is digital transformation.”
Naše firma vyvíjí FinTech aplikace a software. (professional)	“Our company develops FinTech applications and software.”
Jsme tu všichni, takže zahájíme dnešní program. (professional)	“Now that everyone’s here, let’s get started with today’s agenda.” (literally: “we will start today’s agenda”)
Pustíme se do toho. (slang)	“We will get into it.” (literally: “We will let us into it.”)
Probereme to na Zoomu. (slang)	“We will talk about it/discuss it on Zoom.”
Musíme to probrat. (slang)	“We need to talk about it.”
První položkou na programu, kterou dnes potřebujeme probrat, je zvýšení prodeje, a jak ho dosáhneme na globální úrovni. (professional)	“The first item on the agenda that we need to discuss today is increasing our sales and how we achieve that on a global level.”
Děkuji všem za účast. (professional)	“Thank you all for attending.”

4. Advanced Czech Idioms, Sayings, and Proverbs for Everyday Usage

Czechs love idioms, and as an advanced learner, you need to navigate through their lovely dirt roads.

Hand on heart, I am in the seventh heaven.

Czech	English
Měl bys kápnout božskou.	“You should spill the beans.” (literally: “You should drip the godly.”)
Jde mi z toho hlava kolem.	“It makes my head go around.” (It’s confusing/too much.)
Nemaluj čerta na zeď.	“Don’t draw a devil on the wall.” (Don’t expect/talk about the worst outcome in advance.)
Má to své mouchy.	“It’s got its flies.” (It has some flaws.)
Vychytávat mouchy	“To catch the flies” (To make improvements; to polish the last details)
Nelámej to přes koleno.	“Do not break it over your knee.” (Do not force it.)
To je trochu přitažené za vlasy.	“It’s a bit pulled by the hair.” (It’s silly; it doesn’t make any sense.)
Je to velké sousto.	“It’s a big mouthful.” (It’s an overwhelming task.)
Je padlý na hlavu.	“He’s fallen on the head.” (Someone is silly or unreasonable.)
Být v sedmém nebi	“To be in the seventh heaven” (To be on cloud nine)
Být trnem v oku	“To be a thorn in the eye” (To be a nuisance; to be something bothersome)
Nevěřím svým očím.	“I can’t believe my eyes.”
Ruku na srdce. (Ruku na srdce, udělal/udělala bych totéž.)	“Hand on heart.” – “Honestly.” (as in: “Hand on heart, I would have done the same thing.”)
Kašlu na to (není to moje věc).	“I cough on it (it’s none of my business).” – (as in: “I don’t care.”)
Je mi to ukradené.	“It’s stolen from me.” (as in: “I don’t care about it.”)

5. 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! 

If you’re taking your Czech studies 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 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?

• English-to-Czech translation and pronunciation tips
• 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: Are there any advanced Czech phrases or certain situations we didn’t cover here? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll be glad to help. We love hearing from you!

Congratulations! You’ve worked your way up to an advanced level of the beautiful Czech language. 

You’ve mastered the past, present, and future tenses. You can have a pretty comprehensive conversation about almost anything and write long paragraphs. You can probably watch some movies and TV shows in Czech, and talk about various topics without getting sweaty. Your level is somewhere around B1, and your vocabulary comes up to a whopping 2500 words or so. 

In this article, you’ll expand your vocab even more with advanced Czech words. Beware though. It is very easy (and common) to get complacent, think you’ve “seen it all,” and stop working on your skills. I am a living example of how fast laziness can throw you back to “square intermediate,” a.k.a. using 1000 words over and over again. Please, don’t be like me. Maintenance is hard, but it pays off––this is just as true for gaining knowledge as it is for losing weight or any other difficult task. Five to fifteen minutes a day is enough, and you’ll be amazed by the results. (Have you seen our awesome Vocab Builder?)

Now, buckle up and get ready to learn over 200 advanced Czech words.

“What’s the best synonym for…?”

Table of Contents

1. Let’s Get Scholastic: Advanced Czech Academic Vocabulary
2. You Better Mean Business: Advanced Czech Business Vocabulary
3. When “Are You OK?” Isn’t Enough: Advanced Czech Medical Vocabulary
4. When Your Lawyer isn’t Picking Up: Advanced Czech Legal Vocabulary
5. When You Want to Sound Creative: Advanced Czech Synonyms
6. How CzechClass101.com Helps You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

1. Let’s Get Scholastic: Advanced Czech Academic Vocabulary

The first set of advanced Czech vocabulary we’ll cover comprises words you would hear or use in academic settings. These words will help you out if you plan to study in the Czech Republic, and they’ll give your conversations a sophisticated edge. 

Czech	English	Part of Speech	Example
hodnocení	evaluation	noun	To nebude předmětem finančního hodnocení.“ That won’t be a subject of financial evaluation.”
kontroverzní	controversial	adjective	Je to kontroverzní téma.  “That’s a controversial topic.”
ambivalentní	ambivalent	adjective	Jejich názory jsou dost ambivalentní.  “Their opinions are quite ambivalent.”
obskurní	obscure	adjective	Ten horor byl obskurní a děsivý.  “The horror movie was obscure and creepy.”
poučný	instructive/informative	adjective	Jeho přednáška byla velmi poučná.  “His talk was very informative.”
zkoumat	to study/to examine	verb	Vědci zkoumají vedlejší účinky vakcíny.  “Scientists are examining side effects of the vaccine.”
dodržet	to adhere/to comply with	verb	Nedodržel své závazky.  “He didn’t comply with his obligations.”
objevit	to discover	verb	Objevil temnou stránku svého daru.  “He discovered the dark side of his gift.”
dospět ke stanovisku	to conclude/to come to an opinion	verb	Parlament má dostatek času dospět k nějakému stanovisku.  “Parliament has enough time to come to an opinion.”
posoudit	to consider	verb	To je něco, co musíme v budoucnu posoudit.   “That is something that we need to consider in the future.”
vyhodnotit	to deduce	verb	Snažím se vyhodnotit funkčnost.  “I’m trying to deduce the functionality.”
optimální	optimal	adjective	Umožňuje optimální podmínky bezpečnosti.  “It allows optimal safety conditions.”
ohledně	regarding	adverb	Kontaktuji vás ohledně vaší dcery.  “I am getting in touch regarding your daughter.”
provést	to carry out	verb	Provedli operaci.  “They carried out a surgery.”
odhad	estimate	noun	Jeho odhad ceny byl správný.  “His price estimate was correct.”
názor	opinion	noun	Má divné názory.  “She has strange views.”
výsledek	result	noun	Výsledek testu najdete online.  “The test result can be found online.”
následek	consequence	noun	Následky si ponese sám.  “He will have to deal with the consequences himself.”
důsledek	consequence	noun	Většina lidí takové důsledky neunese.  “Most people can’t bear such consequences.”
studie	study	noun	Podle nejnovější studie jablka nejsou zdravá.  “According to the latest study, apples aren’t healthy.”
výzkum	research	noun	Kdy konečně dokončí výzkum?  “When will he finally wrap up his research?”
závěr	conclusion	noun	Jak jsi k tomu závěru dospěl?  “How did you come to that conclusion?”
abstrakt	abstract	noun	Měl moc dobře napsaný abstrakt.  “His abstract was very well written.”
anotace	annotation	noun	Potřeboval popis systému anotace stran.  “He needed a description of the system for the annotation of pages.”
vyplývat	to arise	verb	Pro naši skupinu z toho nemůže vyplývat dodatečné zvýhodnění.  “It’s not permissible for a supplementary advantage to arise for our group.”
obecně řečeno	generally speaking	adverb	Obecně řečeno, ženy mají menší nohy.  “Generally speaking, women have smaller feet.”
hierarchie	hierarchy	noun	Hierarchie zjišťování reálné hodnoty “Fair value hierarchy of assets”
pobyt	residency	noun	Má tu trvalý pobyt.  “He has residency here.” / “He’s a resident here.”

Jsem kontroverzní osobnost, všichni o mně šíří drby. – “I am a controversial person; everyone is gossiping about me.”

2. You Better Mean Business: Advanced Czech Business Vocabulary

If you’re planning to work in the Czech Republic or if you have business matters to attend to here, it’s crucial to learn advanced Czech terms related to business. You’ll find the basics here, but you can head over to our business phrases article or this vocab list to pick up even more essential vocabulary. 

Czech	English	Part of Speech	Example
organizovat	organize	verb	Organizovala mu život, jako by byl její dítě.  “She organized his life as if he were her child.”
fiskální	fiscal	adjective	Mají podivné fiskální zásady.  “Their fiscal principles are strange.”
strategie	strategy	noun	Má skvělou strategii prodeje. “He has an awesome sales strategy.”
rozšířit	to expand	verb	Rozšířili si povědomí.  “They expanded their consciousness.”
klauzule	clause/article	noun	Je to popsané v první klauzuli.  “It’s described in the first article.”
neplatný	null and void	adjective	Ta smlouva je od začátku neplatná, protože obžalovaný neměl povolení ji podepsat jejím jménem.  “The agreement is null and void because the defendant wasn’t authorized to sign it on her behalf.”
uzávěrka	deadline	noun	Tenhle týden mám dvě uzávěrky.  “I have two deadlines this week.”
konkurent	competitor	noun	Je to pěkně tvrdý konkurent.  “He is a tough competitor.”
faktura	invoice	noun	Jdu jim poslat novou fakturu. “I’m going to send them a new invoice.”
záloha	advance/deposit	noun	Požádali nás o zálohu.  “They asked us for a deposit.”
výplata	payout	noun	Výplata jeho dědictví proběhla včera.  “The payout of his inheritance was carried out yesterday.”
odepsat	to write off	verb	Koupím si telefon a odepíšu ho z daní.  “I’ll buy a phone and write it off.”
ochranná známka	trademark	noun	Na fotce je ochranná známka společnosti.  “There’s the company’s trademark in the picture.”
shoda	compliance	noun	Shoda s těmito požadavky je nezbytná.  “Compliance with these requirements is necessary.”
vztahy s veřejností/PR	Public Relations	noun	Vztahy s veřejností řídí jeho žena.  “His wife manages his PR.”
program/plán	schedule	noun	Máme nabitý program.  “Our schedule is jammed.”
vizuály	visuals	noun	Podle vizuálů jsme vybrali nový projekt.  “We picked a new project based on visuals.”
pobočka	branch	noun	Otevíráme další pobočku.  “We’re opening another branch.”
franšíza	franchise	noun	Ta franšíza je pro podnik důležitá.  “The franchise is very important for the company.”
povolení	authorization	noun	Raději byste měl mít oficiální povolení pro zatčení.  “You better have official authorization to make an arrest.”
dress code	dress code	noun	Máte v práci dress code?  “Do you have a dress code at work?”
záruka	warranty	noun	Na počítač se vztahuje záruka.  “There is a warranty on the computer.”
pověřený/autorizovaný	authorized	adjective	Kdo je pověřenou osobou?  “Who is the authorized personnel?”
pokuta	fine	noun	Dostal pokutu.  “He got a fine.”
penále	penalty	noun	Zaplatí vysoké penále.  “They are going to pay a huge penalty.”
propagace	promotion	noun	Propagace toho produktu selhala.  “The promotion of the product failed.”
dohoda/smlouva	agreement	noun	Podepíšeme smlouvu.  “We’ll sign an agreement.”
smlouva o mlčenlivosti	NDA	noun	Podepsal smlouvu o mlčenlivosti, aby tam mohl pracovat.  “He signed an NDA in order to work there.”
nabídka	offer	noun	To je lákavá pracovní nabídka.  “It is a great job offer.”
poptávka	demand	noun	Poptávku určuje vkus zákazníka.  “Demand is determined by the customer’s taste.”
protinabídka	counteroffer	noun	Jejich protinabídka byla nízká.  “Their counteroffer was too low.”

Podepíšeme smlouvu. – “We will sign an agreement.”

3. When “Are You OK?” Isn’t Enough: Advanced Czech Medical Vocabulary

Getting ready to study medicine or land a job in the medical field? Maybe you’re not so lucky, and you’re sitting in the ER waiting for a doctor. Whatever the case, these advanced Czech words will help you out in a pinch. 

Czech	English	Part of Speech	Example
biopsie	biopsy	noun	Výsledky biopsie byly abnormální.  “The biopsy results were abnormal.”
demence	dementia	noun	Jeho babička trpí demencí.  “His grandma has dementia.”
abnormální	abnormal	adjective	Jeho symptomy byly abnormální.  “His symptoms were abnormal.”
akutní	acute	adjective	Má akutní zánět.  “He has an acute infection.”
chronický	chronic	adjective	Jeho onemocnění je chronické.  “His condition is chronic.”
vzorek moči	urine sample	noun	Požádali pacienta o vzorek moči.  “They asked the patient for a urine sample.”
vyšetření	test	noun	Lékař provedl pár vyšetření.  “The doctor ran a few tests.”
zdravotní prohlídka	medical examination	compound noun	Objednal se na prohlídku.  “He made a medical examination appointment.”
být v bezvědomí	to be unconscious	verb	Po pádu byla v bezvědomí.  “She was unconscious after the fall.”
stabilní	stable	adjective	Jeho stav je stabilní.  “He is stable.”
ztráta paměti/amnézie	amnesia	noun	Po nehodě trpí amnézií.  “She suffers from amnesia after the accident.”
amputace	amputation	noun	Amputace jeho nohy byla nevyhnutelná.  “It was necessary to amputate his leg.”
anémie/chudokrevnost	anemia	noun	Chudé děti trpěly anémií.  “Poor children suffer from anemia.”
artritida/revma	arthritis	noun	Rakovina tě může zabít, ale když se podíváte na čísla, artritida ničí více životů.  “Cancer may kill you, but when you look at the numbers, arthritis ruins more lives.”
ultrazvuk	ultrasound	noun	Můžeš naplánovat další ultrazvuk na příští týden?  “Can you schedule another ultrasound for next week?”
astma	asthma	noun	Nekouří, má astma.  “He doesn’t smoke; he has asthma.”
pupeční šňůra	umbilical cord	compound noun	Tatínek přestřihl pupeční šňůru.  “The daddy cut the umbilical cord.”
bakterie	bacteria	noun	Akné způsobují bakterie.  “Acne is caused by bacteria.”
maligní	malignant	adjective	Jeho nádor byl maligní.  “His tumor was malignant.”
benigní	benign	adjective	Její nádor byl benigní.  “Her tumor was benign.”
proleženina	bedsore	noun	Podložky předchází tvorbě proleženin.  “Pads prevent the formation of bedsores.”
rentgen	x-ray	noun	Provedli rentgen plic.  “They did a chest x-ray.”
invalidní vozík	wheelchair	noun	Nemůže chodit, je na vozíku.  “He can’t walk; he’s in a wheelchair.”
oddělení	ward	noun	Na kterém leží oddělení?  “Which ward is he in?”
návštěvní doba	visiting hours	compound noun	Kdy jsou v nemocnici návštěvní hodiny?  “What are the visiting hours at the hospital?”
specialista/odborný lékař	specialist	noun	Je specialista na ORL.  “He is an ENT specialist.”
záchvat	seizure	noun	Má epilepsii, často mívá záchvaty.  “He has epilepsy; he often has seizures.”
JIP, Jednotka intenzivní péče	ICU	compound noun	Její stav se zhoršil, je na JIP.  “Her condition worsened; she’s in an ICU.”
rána	wound	noun	Uhodila ho lahví, rána hodně krvácela.  “She hit him with a bottle; the wound bled badly.”
řez	incision	noun	Po řezu použijeme rozpínač tkáně.  “After the incision, we use a tissue expander.”
vedlejší účinek	side effect	compound noun	Vakcína má minimální vedlejší účinky.  “The vaccine has minimal side effects.”

Don’t forget to memorize a few essential phrases in case you ever need medical assistance in the Czech Republic. Knowing what some of the most common conditions are called in Czech won’t hurt either.

Jaké máte příznaky? – “What are your symptoms?”

4. When Your Lawyer isn’t Picking Up: Advanced Czech Legal Vocabulary

Czech	English	Part of Speech	Example
odvolání	appeal	noun	Stanoví se vhodné postupy odvolání proti rozhodnutím.  “Appropriate appeals procedures against decisions shall be provided for.”
zatčení	arrest	noun	Po přiznání následovalo zatčení.  “The confession was followed by arrest.”
právník	lawyer	noun	Právník – advokát, státní zástupce nebo obhájce – je profesionál, který radí a zastupuje druhé v právních záležitostech.  “A lawyer—attorney, prosecutor, or counselor—is a licensed professional who advises and represents others in legal matters.”
advokát	attorney	noun
státní zástupce	prosecutor	noun
odpovědný	liable	adjective	Člověk odpovědný za škodu vstal a vyslechl verdikt.  “The person liable for the damage stood up and heard the verdict.”
verdikt	verdict	noun
zatykač	warrant	noun	Vydáme zatykač na oba zloděje.  “We will issue a warrant for both of the thieves.”
svědek	witness	noun	Stala se korunním svědkem v případu vraždy a nejspíš něco ví i o tom únosu.  “She became a material witness in the murder case, and she probably knows something about the kidnapping too.”
únos	kidnapping	noun
padělání	forgery	noun	Byl obviněn z finančního podvodu a taky mu hrozí dva roky za padělání peněz.  “He was convicted of fraud, plus he’s facing a two-year sentence for money forgery.”
podvod	fraud	noun
nedbalost	negligence	noun	Jeho nedbalost ho přivedla k bankrotu.  “His negligence led to bankruptcy.”
křivá přísaha	perjury	compound noun	Křivá přísaha je trestný čin.  “Perjury is a criminal offense.”
krádež v obchodě	shoplifting	noun	Majitel obchodu ji obvinil z krádeže.  “The owner of the store accused her of shoplifting.”
vandalismus	vandalism	noun	Byl zatčen za vloupání, rabování a vandalismus.  “He was arrested for breaking and entering, burglary, and vandalism.”
vstup bez povolení	trespassing	noun	Vstup bez povolení znamená vstup na cizí pozemek bez svolení majitele.  “To trespass means to enter someone’s property without the owner’s permission.”
advokát	advocate	noun	Tvůj advokát za tebe bude mluvit a reprezentovat tvé stanovisko, když to nezvládneš sám. “Your advocate can speak for you and represent your views when you are unable to do so by yourself.”
pokuta	fine	noun	Strážník vypsal pokutu za překročení rychlosti.  “The officer issued a fine for breaking the speed limit.”
obvinit	to accuse	verb	Manželka toho nevěrníka ho obvinila ze lži.  “The cheater’s wife accused him of lying.”
nelegální	illegal	adjective	Každý zločin je nelegální.  “Every crime is illegal.”
vinný	guilty	adjective	Přiznal, že je vinný a omluvil se.  “He pleaded guilty and apologized.”
doznání viny	confession/plead guilty	compound noun	Pachatel doznal vinu. “The perpetrator confessed.”
nevinný	innocent	adjective	Právník prokázal, že byl obžalovaný nevinný.  “The lawyer proved that the defendant was innocent.”
obžalovaný	defendant	noun
přestupek	misdemeanor	noun	Přestupek je zločin, který je obvykle trestán drobnou pokutou.  “Misdemeanor is a crime usually punishable upon conviction by a small fine.”
podmínka	parole	noun	Ten zločinec je v podmínce.  “The criminal is on parole.”
přísaha	plea	noun	Jeho právník vznáší námitku nepřípustnosti.  “His attorney raises a plea of inadmissibility.”
žalobce/prokurátor	prosecutor	noun	Předvolání je úřední žádost vydaná obvykle na žádost federálního prokurátora.  “A subpoena is an official request usually issued at the request of a prosecutor.”
předvolání/obsílka	subpoena	noun
soudní síň	courtroom	noun	Soudní síň je místo, kde soudce předsedá slyšením a přelíčením.  “A courtroom is where a judge presides over hearings and trials.”
soudce	judge	noun
žalovat	to sue	verb	Žalovala ho za porušení jejich smlouvy.  “She sued him for breaching their agreement.”
svědčit	to testify	verb	Měla proti němu vypovídat, ale změnila své svědectví.  “She was supposed to testify against him, but she changed her testimony.”
výpověď/svědectví	testimony	noun
trestní právo	criminal law	compound noun	Trest smrti je v souladu s trestním právem této země zrušen.  “The capital punishment is abolished according to the criminal law in this country.”
trest smrti	capital punishment	compound noun
obvinění	charge	noun	Ukradl jim auto a obvinili ho.  “He stole their car, and they pressed charges.”
Civilní ztráty	collateral damage	compound noun	Zbývající oběti jsou v této kauze civilními ztrátami.  “In this case, the remaining victims are collateral damage.”
kauza	case	noun
oběť	victim	noun
občanské právo	civil law	compound noun	Občanské právo není trestní právo.  “Civil law is a non-criminal law.”
usvědčení	conviction	noun	Počet trestních stíhání a usvědčení je nízký.  “The level of prosecutions and convictions is low.”
kauce	bail	noun	Zadržené osoby budou vyslyšeny bez práva na kauci nebo bez potřeby důkazů.  “Persons apprehended shall be given a hearing without right of bail, without the necessity of evidence.”
důkazy	evidence	noun
obhájce	barrister	noun	Obhájce jedná za obhajobu nebo na trestní stíhání.  “A barrister is acting for the defense or the prosecution.”
nájem	rent	noun	Nechci platit hypotéku a půjčku, nájem je levnější.  “I don’t want to pay a mortgage and loans; rent is cheaper.”
hypotéka	mortgage	noun
půjčka	loan	noun
pronajímatel	landlord	noun	Pronajímatel a nájemník podepsali nájemní smlouvu.  “The landlord and tenant signed a lease.”
nájemník	tenant/proprietor	noun
nájemní smlouva	rental agreement/lease	compound noun

Proces byl zahájen. – “The trial has begun.”

You’ll find the essential legal terms here.

5. When You Want to Sound Creative: Advanced Czech Synonyms

Here are some advanced Czech words you can use as alternatives to their weaker counterparts. You’re welcome! 

Czech	English	Part of Speech	Example
enormní	enormous	adjective	Měl o ni enormní zájem.  “His interest in her was enormous.”
tedy	therefore	adverb	Manželství je tedy rozvedeno.  “Therefore, the marriage is terminated.”
v podstatě	in essence	adverb	V podstatě je to samotář.  “He is in essence a very solitary person.”
lze	may be/can be	adverb	Lze říci…  “It can be concluded that…”
poněkud	somewhat	adverb	Možná to působí poněkud vágně.  “It may appear to be somewhat vague.”
vágně	vague	adverb
skrovně	scantily	adverb	Byla skrovně oděná a její styl byl ordinérní.  “She was scantily clad and her style was vulgar.”
nevalný	poor	adjective	Ona má nevalný vkus na muže, všichni její chlapci byli zlodějíčci, kteří chodili domů jen zřídka.  “She has a poor taste in men; all her boyfriends were infamous little thieves who rarely ever showed up at home.”
nechvalný	infamous	adjective
zřídka	rarely	adverb
nepatrně	slightly	adverb	Jeho zdraví se nepatrně zlepšilo.  “His health slightly improved.”
částečně	partially	adverb	Částečně s tím plánem souhlasím, ale příliš vysoké náklady mě znepokojují.  “I partially agree with the schedule, but I find the too high expenses considerably alarming.”
značně	considerably	adverb
příliš	too	adverb
náhle	suddenly	adverb	Náhle prodal bezmála všechen majetek a pozvolna snížil svůj příjem.  “Suddenly, he sold nearly all of his belongings, and he gradually decreased his income.”
bezmála	nearly	adverb
pozvolna	gradually	adverb
téměř	almost	adverb	Navzdory obavám zvýšil prodej a zanedlouho vydělával téměř třikrát tolik co loni.  “Despite his fear, he increased his sales, and before long, he was making almost triple as much as last year.”
zanedlouho	before long	adverb
navzdory	despite	adverb
záhy	soon/shortly	adverb
neprodleně	without delay	adverb	Neprodleně zaplatil všechny dluhy.  “He paid off all of his debt without delay.”
nicméně	nonetheless	adverb	Zbohatl, nicméně štěstí mu to nepřineslo.  “He got rich; nonetheless, it didn’t make him any happier.”
z toho důvodu	for this reason	adverb	Nechápala ho a z toho důvodu se rozhodla odejít.  “She didn’t understand him, and she left for this reason.”
neboť	for/because	adverb	Tvoje sklenice nebude nikdy prázdná, neboť já budu tvým vínem.  “Your cup will never be empty, for I will be your wine.”
opět	once again	adverb	Opět ji překvapil květinami.  “He surprised her with flowers once again.”
přesto	nevertheless	adverb	Jeho četné avantýry ji mrzely, přesto ho milovala.  “His frequent affairs were upsetting her; she loved him nevertheless.”
četný	frequent	adjective
početný	numerous/large	adjective	Měli početnou rodinu.  “They had a large family.”
mohutný	massive/mighty	adjective	Překvapila je mohutná vlna odporu.  “They were surprised by a massive wave of resistance.”
rozsáhlý	vast	adjective	Vlastní rozlehlý pozemek a ohromný dům.  “He owns a vast property and an immense mansion.”
rozlehlý	wide/vast	adjective
ohromný	immense	adjective
velkorysý	munificent	adjective	Je zámožný a výjimečně velkorysý.  “He is wealthy and exceptionally munificent.”
zámožný	wealthy/prosperous	adjective
závažný	severe/major	adjective	Důsledkem jejich opulentních večírků byly závažné finanční potíže.  “The consequence of their opulent parties were major financial problems.”
opulentní	opulent	adjective
značný	substantial	adjective	Jako politik má značný vliv na správu financí.  “As a politician, he has a substantial influence on the finance management.”
signifikantní	significant	adjective	Počet nakažených byl signifikantní.  “The number of infected people was significant.”
intenzivní	intense	adjective	Láska je intenzivní pocit.  “Love is an intense feeling.”
charakteristický	characteristic/distinctive/signature	adjective	Co je tvoje charakteristická vlastnost?  “What’s your distinctive trait?”
vedlejší	minor/subsidiary	adjective	Její starosti jsou pro nás vedlejší.  “Her worries are of a minor nature for us.”
extenzivní	extensive	adjective	Provedl extenzivní výzkum.  “He conducted extensive research.”
usilovný	strenuous/earnest	adjective	Jeho usilovná snaha ji obtěžovala.  “His earnest effort annoyed her.”
pronikavý	penetrating/piercing/pungent	adjective	Ona má velmi pronikavé oči.  “She has very piercing eyes.”
zanedbatelný	negligible	adjective	Riziko nákazy je zanedbatelné.  “The risk of infection is negligible.”
triviální	trivial	adjective	Je nudný, mluví jen o triviálních hloupostech.  “He’s boring; he talks about trivial nonsense.”
banální	banal/trite	adjective	Je to banální, ale taky mě to dojímá.  “It’s trite but I find it touching, too.”
ordinérní	obvious/vulgar	adjective	Má laciný a ordinérní vkus.  “He has an ordinary and cheap style.”
fádní	insipid	adjective	Ta barva je tak fádní, nenávidím zelené šaty.  “That color is so insipid; I hate green dresses.”
vydatný	hearty/square	adjective	Měla jsem vydatnou snídani.  “I had a hearty breakfast.”
nepatrný	minuscule	adjective	Je to nepatrná chyba.   “It is a minuscule error.”
irelevantní	irrelevant	adjective	Jeho stupidní poznámka je irelevantní.  “His stupid comment is irrelevant.”
okrajový	marginal	adjective	Efekt tohoto výběru je pouze okrajový.  “The effect of this selection is only marginal.”
převratný	groundbreaking	adjective	Dostal převratný nápad.  “He had a groundbreaking idea.”

6. How CzechClass101.com Helps 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—the very basic grammar and vocab in five compact lessons. 

If you’re taking your Czech studies 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 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?

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

Sign up now. It’s free!

Taking a Czech language test or exam is a decision that might change your entire life.

Let’s get a bit touchy-feely and personal, shall we? 

My long story short: “Oh, maybe I want to be a translator or something, what do I do? Okay, apparently I need a certificate…when’s the next exam date? In a few weeks? Cool! Erm… How am I supposed to learn all this stuff in three weeks?” -> Daily panic attacks and lots of crying in the shower (figuratively speaking). -> Passed the exam. -> Works as a freelance translator and writer, currently sitting on a couch thousands of miles away from home, and writing an article on how to pass a Czech language test.

See? It’s doable, even if you don’t have the time (or money) for a specialized prep course.

A language exam is not as bad as it might seem. First of all, it’s just a Czech test. You’re not putting your pet’s life at risk, the world won’t stop spinning, your mom will love you no matter what, and there will be lots of new Marvel movies—no matter the result.

Of course, you want to pass. And maybe your ambitions are even higher. Maybe you want to ROCK! You don’t need a magic pill or superpowers. You just need to study, keep positive, and believe in yourself.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know for smooth sailing: Where to apply, how to prepare for the Czech Language Certificate Exam (CCE), and how to ace your test without losing faith in life.

Nail your CCE with CzechClass101!

Table of Contents

1. Who Should Take it and How to Apply
2. A Closer Look at the Czech Language Certificate Exam
3. Top 10 Tips for Preparing for Your Czech Language Test
4. How CzechClass101.com Helps You Prepare for Your Czech Language Certificate Exam

1. Who Should Take it and How to Apply

The Czech Language Certificate Exam (CCE) was developed by the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies of Charles University in Prague. If you’re a non-EU citizen applying for a permanent residence, you’re going to have to go through this, friend. Thus, it’s sometimes called the “Czech citizenship test.”

To pass, your communication skills must reach the required B1 language proficiency level under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

You might want to consider getting the certificate even if you’re not after a permanent residence in the Czech Republic. Some employers might want to see proof of your language proficiency, too. Speaking from personal experience, Czech employers love certificates and diplomas the way that businesses in English-speaking countries adore references.

Last but not least: a CCE certificate might also help you with the university application process if you’re looking to study in the Czech Republic.

Not sure if you need to put yourself through this? Check out the Ministry of the Czech Republic website.

A- CCE Test Registration

Yay for modern technology! 

You can register online. Just fill out an application form on the ILPS CU website and submit.

It’s possible to take the CCE exam in the Czech Republic (Prague and Brno), and in more than fifteen other countries around the world. 

➢ You’ll need to enroll at least three weeks before the exam (or by the date set by the foreign examination center if you’re going to take the exam abroad).
➢ You’ll also need to pay the fee two weeks before your exam date.
➢ You can select your exam venue and date in the application form.

For a complete list of countries and fees, check out this section of the official website.

B- Exam Structure

The CCE exam tests your reading comprehension, listening comprehension, and writing skills. The oral part of the exam tests your speaking abilities.

The CCE exam has five parts:

1. Reading Comprehension 
2. Listening Comprehension
3. Grammar/Lexical Text
4. Writing
5. Speaking

You can find more info on the official website.

For the speaking part, you work in pairs. During the tests—you’re on your own, buddy.

C- Levels of Proficiency

The CCE has five levels of Czech proficiency, corresponding with those of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):

CCE–A1: Beginner. This exam tests your ability to understand and use basic expressions and phrases (you’re able to introduce yourself and interact in the Czech language at a slow pace).

CCE–A2: Lower-intermediate. At this level, you can understand more-complex sentences and frequently used expressions and phrases. You’re also able to communicate and describe things using simple terms.

CCE–B1: Intermediate level. You’re able to communicate, as well as describe events and experiences in Czech.

CCE–B2: Upper-intermediate. You’re a “confident Czech speaker.” You’re able to understand more-complex content related to your field and speak Czech without any huge effort or preparation.

CCE–C1: Advanced. Longer and complex interactions are a piece of cake for you. You’re able to use Czech for social, academic, or professional situations.

➢ The Czech CCE–B2 and CCE–C1 exams are recognized for demonstrating the language skills of individuals applying for employment in the Czech Republic.

➢ At each of the five proficiency levels, the Czech Language Certificate Exam tests candidates’ communicative proficiency with the criteria stated in the CEFR.

D- Results: Did I Pass?

The results for your CCE exam will be posted online within thirty days. The certificate will be mailed to you within seven weeks following your exam.

➢ In order to pass, you need to get a score of at least 60% overall AND at least 60% in each of the five parts.

2. A Closer Look at the Czech Language Certificate Exam

In the following sections, I’ll outline what you can expect to see in each part of this Czech language proficiency test. 

A- Introduction to the Listening Section

Proficiency	Time	Tasks
A1	20-25 minutes	4 tasks in totalMultiple-choiceMatching
A2	20-25 minutes	4 tasks in totalTrue/FalseMultiple-choiceMatching
B1	35-40 minutes	4 tasks in totalMatchingMultiple-choiceTrue/False
B2	40-45 minutes	4 tasks in totalMatchingMultiple-choiceTrue/False
C1	50-55 minutes	4 tasks in totalMatchingMultiple matchingMultiple-choiceTrue/False

➢ The audio is played twice.

Listening is often the most dreaded part of the Czech language test, and listening comprehension is considered the hardest skill to develop.

How can you be sure to pass this part of the test, then?

Practice active listening daily!

Nail It!

Before the Exam:

1. Prepare. People often recommend listening to or watching movies in your target language (with or without subtitles). However, passive listening isn’t enough, and it won’t get you anywhere. You need to LISTEN. Put a movie/podcast/YouTube video on, grab a piece of paper, and focus. Twenty minutes a day will make a huge difference.

2. Start with a topic that you’re interested in. This can be anything you like—watch make-up tutorials on YouTube if that’s your thing; watch fishing videos, cooking shows…you need to be engaged.

3. Start with audio/video that’s quite easy for you to understand. After a few days, move on to another level that’s a little bit above yours—this is very important. In order to make progress, you NEED to challenge yourself, regardless of whether you’re going to take the A1 or C1 Czech test level.

4. Another great option is talking to native speakers (I can’t recommend this enough).

5. Practice listening at slow, moderate, and fast speeds. Try this video for beginners (great for A1 and A2).

6. Write down words, phrases, and idioms you don’t understand and memorize them.

During the Exam:

1. Focus on the big picture and save details for later. Try to get a good grasp of the context and message the first time the audio is played. The second time, figure out the rest.

2. Be alert. Don’t forget that you can’t rewind.

3. Jot down notes. Write down the topic and core points (you can use your exam sheets for this).

B- Introduction to the Reading Section

Proficiency	Time	Tasks
A1	(+ Writing) 60 minutes	6 tasks in total (10-80 words)2 writing tasks (20 and 20-30 words)
A2	45 minutes	4 tasks in total (80-170 words)True/False and multiple-choice
B1	50 minutes	4 tasks in totalTrue/False
B2	50 minutes	4 tasks in totalTrue/FalseMatching
C1	60 minutes	4 tasks in totalTrue/FalseMatchingMultiple matching

Nail It!

Before the Exam:

1. Remember that this isn’t just about reading—it’s about comprehension. Don’t focus on individual words and literal meanings; try to find the core message and emotions.

2. Practice the timing. Your attention likely dwindles (or even disappears) after a certain amount of time. Try to push yourself by adding a couple of minutes every time you read.

3. Work on your vocabulary (I’m gonna say this a lot, for a good reason!). Write down words you don’t know, and memorize them. You can use our Vocab Builder.

4. Read articles, magazines, books, and subtitles. Try our Reading Lesson for Intermediate or Beginner Czech learners. We also have a great Reading Guide for ya.

During the Exam:

1. Read the text first. Focus.

2. After that, read the questions. 

3. If you get lost or confused, summarize what you’ve read so far. Skim through the text and look for the context.

4. For the A1 Czech language test, you should spend no more than 35 minutes on the reading. Then, move on to the writing part (25 minutes).

C- Introduction to the Writing Section

Proficiency	Time	Tasks
A1	Included in the Reading Comprehension part	–
A2	40 minutes	2 tasks
B1	60 minutes	2 tasks
B2	80 minutes	2 tasks
C1	90 minutes	2 tasks

Writing might be tricky for you. Trust me, at the time of my exam, I was a seasoned writer (with a degree in journalism), my English was okay, but the writing task was a pain for me. This is because I wasn’t used to writing by hand, and I didn’t spend enough time practicing.

Learn from my mistakes!

Nail It!

Before the Exam:

1. Practice the timing. This is very important, and I wish I hadn’t slacked on this. Find a topic, hit the Start button or your stopwatch, and get to work.

2. Read! This will help you get accustomed to various sentence structures, and improve your vocabulary and spelling.

3. Learn proper punctuation. The punctuation in Czech and English is very different. You don’t want to lose points on periods and commas, do you?

Start with simple, short pieces. When you feel comfortable enough, move up to more complex texts. We have a great guide on How to Write 1000 Czech Words in 5 Minutes a Day that will help you get started. Check it out:

During the Exam:

1. Read the instructions twice. I know way too many people who failed an exam just because they didn’t read (and follow) the guidelines.

2. Start with an outline.

3. Use as much vocabulary and grammar elements as you can. You want to show off—if you have it, flaunt it. But…

4. …if you get super-nervous, keep your pieces short and coherent.

5. Make sure you have enough time to review your work—five minutes should be enough. This is especially important if you’re taking the Czech B1 exam or higher.

D- Introduction to the Speaking Section

Proficiency	Time	Tasks
A1	5-8 minutes (per person)	2 tasksYour family, hobbies, where you’re fromAsking and giving information about institutions or events
A2	10-13 minutes (per pair)	2 tasksYour family, hobbies, where you’re fromAsking and giving information about institutions or events
B1	15-18 minutes (per pair)	3 tasksIntroduce yourself (2 minutes)The examiner asks questions (general topics, 3-4 minutes) + you’ll describe an imageThe candidates have to communicate and plan an event or trip
B2	18-21 minutes (per pair)	3 tasksIntroduce yourself (3 minutes)The examiner asks questions (general topics, 3-4 minutes) + you’ll describe an imageThe candidates have to communicate and plan an event or trip (3 minutes per candidate)
C1	23-27 minutes (per pair)	3 tasksDialogue on given sayings or quotes (the examiner asks questions, approx. 5 minutes per candidate)5-minute monologue (culture, sports, etc.)The candidates have to communicate and look for a solution to a situation (5-6 minutes per candidate)

This part will be easy and fun if you’re a talker! If you like to keep your mouth shut, practice even harder.

➢ You’ll be working in pairs, asking each other questions.

The topics usually include: 

• Work or school
• Where you learned Czech 
• How long you’ve been studying Czech
• Your hobbies
• Why you decided to study Czech
• How many languages you speak

Possible situations:

• Information about museums/galleries
• You’re at the hospital/restaurant/university/party/trip/etc.

Nail It!

Before the Exam:

1. Practice, practice, talk, talk, talk. Super-important. 

2. Practice the timing. Get an image and describe it. Prepare a short introduction including where you’re from, what you like to do, etc.

3. Practice asking questions.

4. Work on your pronunciation.

5. Check out our neat videos for conversation practice here and here.

During the Exam:

1. Talk. A lot. Do not stop talking—let the examiners stop you.

2. Use as much vocabulary and grammar elements as possible, especially if you’re taking the Czech B1 exam or higher.

3. Top 10 Tips for Preparing for Your Czech Language Test

1. Know your strengths and weaknesses. It doesn’t matter if you’ve spent years in the Czech Republic or just completed your first exercise at CzechClass101.com. Assess your skills and get clear on where you’re at.

2. Bring your strongest skills to the highest possible level. Do not slack off. Make sure you feel super-confident.

3. Work on your weaker points daily. Practice. Get out of your comfort zone, whatever that means for you. Strike up a conversation with a native speaker, learn ten new words a day, try reading magazine articles in Czech… Make progress.

4. Know the structure of the exam like the palm of your hand: the types of questions, topics, timing…gather as much info as you can.

5. Check past exam papers and materials. You need to get used to the format and patterns.

6. Buy textbooks prepared specifically for the exam candidates and use them.

7. Practice the tasks. Set a timer and try talking about specific topics mentioned in the textbooks and study materials. Read. Answer questions. Take a CCE mock test. Do this every single day.

8. Practice the timing and plan ahead. Figure out how much time you have to answer one question. You might need to save some time for a double-check—keep that in mind.

9. Learn from your mistakes. Seeing your most-frequent errors will help you see which skills you need to practice and develop the most.

10. For the sake of your Czech test results, try to get at least a tiny bit above your level of proficiency. Show off. Try to use as much vocabulary (including idioms) as possible. Practice daily! You need to get used to using new words and sentence structures.

Last but not least:

➢ Stay calm. If you get overly anxious, focus on your breathing for a few seconds. Think positive thoughts and don’t let any doubt creep in.

Good luck!

4. How CzechClass101.com Helps You Prepare for Your Czech Language Certificate Exam

In this guide, I did my best to help you understand the structure and requirements of the CCE.

CzechClass101.com is a modern, multi-device platform for Czech language-learners that makes learning Czech easy, exciting, and fun. Make sure you check out our video and audio lessons, and don’t forget to use our vocabulary learning tools!

What else can you find on our website?

• 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!

Before you go and create your account, let us know in the comments if you feel more prepared for your test now! Is there anything I haven’t covered that you still want to know?

What is the most defining moment you will face this year? From memories that you immortalize in a million photographs, to days you never wish to remember, one thing’s for certain: big life events change you. The great poet, Bukowski, said, “We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well, that death will tremble to take us.” The older I get, the more I agree with him!

Talking about significant events in our lives is part of every person’s journey, regardless of creed or culture. If you’re planning to stay in Czech Republic for more than a quick visit, you’re sure to need at least a few ‘life events’ phrases that you can use. After all, many of these are shared experiences, and it’s generally expected that we will show up with good manners and warm wishes.

Table of Contents

1. Life Events
2. Marriage Proposal Lines
3. Talking About Age
4. Conclusion

1. Life Events

Do you know how to say “Happy New Year” in Czech? Well, the New Year is a pretty big deal that the whole world is in on! We celebrate until midnight, make mindful resolutions, and fill the night sky with the same happy words in hundreds of languages. No doubt, then, that you’ll want to know how to say it like a local!

Big life events are not all about fun times, though. Real life happens even when you’re traveling, and certain terminology will be very helpful to know. From talking about your new job to wishing your neighbors “Merry Christmas” in Czech, here at CzechClass101, we’ve put together just the right vocabulary and phrases for you.

1- Birthday – narozeniny

If you’re like me, any excuse to bring out a pen and scribble a note is a good one. When there’s a birthday, even better: hello, handwriting!

Your Czech friend will love hearing you wish them a “Happy birthday” in Czech, but how much more will they appreciate a thoughtful written message? Whether you write it on their Facebook wall or buy a cute card, your effort in Czech is sure to get them smiling! Write it like this:

Všechno nejlepší

Now that you know the words, I challenge you to put them to music and sing your own “Happy birthday” song in Czech! It’s not impossible to figure out even more lyrics, once you start discovering the language from scratch.

2- Buy – nakupovat

If there’s a special occasion, you might want to buy somebody a gift. As long as you’ve checked out Czech etiquette on gift-giving (do a Google search for this!), it will be a lovely gesture. If you’re not sure what to buy, how about the awesome and universally-appealing gift of language? That’s a gift that won’t stop giving!

3- Retire – odejít do důchodu

If you’re planning to expand your mind and retire in Czech Republic, you can use this word to tell people why you seem to be on a perpetual vacation!

Retirement is also a great time to learn a new language, don’t you think? And you don’t have to do it alone! These days it’s possible to connect to a vibrant learning community at the click of a button. The added benefit of a Daily Dose of Language is that it keeps your brain cells alive and curious about the world. After all, it’s never too late to realize those long-ignored dreams of traveling the globe…

4- Graduation – promoce

When attending a graduation ceremony in Czech Republic, be prepared for a lot of formal language! It will be a great opportunity to listen carefully and see if you can pick up differences from the everyday Czech you hear.

5- Promotion – povýšení

Next to vacation time, receiving a promotion is the one career highlight almost everyone looks forward to. And why wouldn’t you? Sure, it means more responsibility, but it also means more money and benefits and – the part I love most – a change of scenery! Even something as simple as looking out a new office window would boost my mood.

6- Anniversary – výročí

Some anniversaries we anticipate with excitement, others with apprehension. They are days marking significant events in our lives that can be shared with just one person, or with a whole nation. Whether it’s a special day for you and a loved one, or for someone else you know, this word is crucial to know if you want to wish them a happy anniversary in Czech.

7- Funeral – pohřeb

We tend to be uncomfortable talking about funerals in the west, but it’s an important conversation for families to have. Around the world, there are many different customs and rituals for saying goodbye to deceased loved ones – some vastly different to our own. When traveling in Czech Republic, if you happen to find yourself the unwitting observer of a funeral, take a quiet moment to appreciate the cultural ethos; even this can be an enriching experience for you.

8- Travel – cestovat

Travel – my favorite thing to do! Everything about the experience is thrilling and the best cure for boredom, depression, and uncertainty about your future. You will surely be forever changed, fellow traveler! But you already know this, don’t you? Well, now that you’re on the road to total Czech immersion, I hope you’ve downloaded our IOS apps and have your Nook Book handy to keep yourself entertained on those long bus rides.

9- Graduate – promovat

If you have yet to graduate from university, will you be job-hunting in Czech Republic afterward? Forward-looking companies sometimes recruit talented students who are still in their final year. Of course, you could also do your final year abroad as an international student – an amazing experience if you’d love to be intellectually challenged and make a rainbow of foreign friends!

10- Wedding – svatba

One of the most-loved traditions that humans have thought up, which you’ll encounter anywhere in the world, is a wedding. With all that romance in the air and months spent on preparations, a wedding is typically a feel-good affair. Two people pledge their eternal love to each other, ladies cry, single men look around for potential partners, and everybody has a happy day of merrymaking.

Ah, but how diverse we are in our expression of love! You will find more wedding traditions around the world than you can possibly imagine. From reciting love quotes to marrying a tree, the options leave no excuse to be boring!

11- Move – stěhovat se

I love Czech Republic, but I’m a nomad and tend to move around a lot, even within one country. What are the biggest emotions you typically feel when moving house? The experts say moving is a highly stressful event, but I think that depends on the circumstances. Transitional periods in our lives are physically and mentally demanding, but changing your environment is also an exciting adventure that promises new tomorrows!

12- Be born – narodit se

I was not born in 1993, nor was I born in Asia. I was born in the same year as Aishwarya Rai, Akon, and Monica Lewinsky, and on the same continent as Freddy Mercury. When and where were you born? More importantly – can you say it in Czech?

13- Get a job – najít práci

The thought of looking for a job in a new country can be daunting, but English speakers are in great demand in Czech Republic – you just have to do some research, make a few friends and get out there! Also, arming yourself with a few Czech introductions that you can both say and write will give you a confidence boost. For example, can you write your name in Czech?

14- Die – zemřít

Death is a universal experience and the final curtain on all other life events. How important is it, then, to fully live before we die? If all you have is a passport, a bucket list, and a willingness to learn some lingo, you can manifest those dreams!

15- Home – domov

If home is where the heart is, then my home is on a jungle island completely surrounded by the turquoise ocean. Right now, though, home is an isolation room with a view of half a dry palm tree and a tangle of telephone wires.

If you’re traveling to Czech Republic for an extended stay, you’ll soon be moving into a new home quite unlike anything you’ve experienced before!

16- Job – zaměstnání

What job do you do? Does it allow you much time for travel, or for working on this fascinating language that has (so rightfully) grabbed your attention? Whatever your job, you are no doubt contributing to society in a unique way. If you’re doing what you love, you’re already on the road to your dream. If not, just remember that every single task is one more skill to add to your arsenal. With that attitude, your dream job is coming!

17- Birth – narození

Random question: do you know the birth rate of Czech Republic?

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to see a friend’s baby just after they are born, you’ll have all my respect and all my envy. There is nothing cuter! Depending on which part of the country you’re in, you may find yourself bearing witness to some pretty unexpected birth customs. Enjoy this privilege!

18- Engaged – zasnoubit se

EE Cummings said, “Lovers alone wear sunlight,” and I think that’s most true at the moment she says “yes.” Getting engaged is something young girls dream of with stars in their eyes, and it truly is a magical experience – from the proposal, to wearing an engagement ring, to the big reveal!

In the world of Instagram, there’s no end to the antics as imaginative couples try more and more outrageous ways to share their engagement with the world. I love an airport flashmob, myself, but I’d rather be proposed to on a secluded beach – salt, sand, and all!

Engagement customs around the world vary greatly, and Czech Republic is no exception when it comes to interesting traditions. Learning their unique romantic ways will inspire you for when your turn comes.

Speaking of romance, do you know how to say “Happy Valentine’s Day” in Czech?

19- Marry – brát se

The one you marry will be the gem on a shore full of pebbles. They will be the one who truly mirrors your affection, shares your visions for the future, and wants all of you – the good, the bad and the inexplicable.

From thinking up a one-of-a-kind wedding, to having children, to growing old together, finding a twin flame to share life with is quite an accomplishment! Speaking of which…

2. Marriage Proposal Lines

Ah, that heart-stopping moment when your true love gets down on one knee to ask for your hand in marriage, breathlessly hoping that you’ll say “Yes!” If you haven’t experienced that – well, it feels pretty darn good, is all I can say! If you’re the one doing the asking, though, you’ve probably had weeks of insomnia agonizing over the perfect time, location and words to use.

How much more care should be taken if your love is from a different culture to yours? Well, by now you know her so well, that most of it should be easy to figure out. As long as you’ve considered her personal commitment to tradition, all you really need is a few words from the heart. Are you brave enough to say them in Czech?

3. Talking About Age

Part of the wonder of learning a new language is having the ability to strike up simple conversations with strangers. Asking about age in this context feels natural, as your intention is to practice friendly phrases – just be mindful of their point of view!

When I was 22, I loved being asked my age. Nowadays, if someone asks, I say, “Well, I’ve just started my fifth cat life.” Let them ponder that for a while.

In Czech Republic, it’s generally not desirable to ask an older woman her age for no good reason, but chatting about age with your peers is perfectly normal. Besides, you have to mention your birthday if you want to be thrown a birthday party!

4. Conclusion

Well, there you have it! With so many great new Czech phrases to wish people with, can you think of someone who has a big event coming up? If you want to get even more creative, CzechClass101 has much to inspire you with – come and check it out! Here’s just some of what we have on offer at CzechClass101:

• Free Resources: Sharing is caring, and for this reason, we share many free resources with our students. For instance, start learning Czech with our basic online course by creating a lifetime account – for free! Also get free daily and iTunes lessons, free eBooks, free mobile apps, and free access to our blog and online community. Or how about free Vocabulary Lists? The Czech dictionary is for exclusive use by our students, also for free. There’s so much to love about CzechClass101…!
• Innovative Learning Tools and Apps: We make it our priority to offer you the best learning tools! These include apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Mac OSX; eBooks for Kindle, Nook, and iPad; audiobooks; Roku TV and so many more. This means that we took diverse lifestyles into account when we developed our courses, so you can learn anywhere, anytime on a device of your choice. How innovative!
• Live Hosts and One-on-One Learning: Knowledgeable, energetic hosts present recorded video lessons, and are available for live teaching experiences if you upgrade. This means that in the videos, you get to watch them pronounce those tongue-twisters, as if you’re learning live! Add octane to your learning by upgrading to Premium Plus, and learn two times faster. You can have your very own Czech teacher always with you, ensuring that you learn what you need, when you need to – what a wonderful opportunity to master a new language in record time!
• Start Where You Are: You don’t know a single Czech word? Not to worry, we’ve absolutely got this. Simply enroll in our Absolute Beginner Pathway and start speaking from Lesson 1! As your learning progresses, you can enroll in other pathways to match your Czech level, at your own pace, in your own time, in your own place!

Learning a new language can only enrich your life, and could even open doors towards great opportunities! So don’t wonder if you’ll regret enrolling in CzechClass101. It’s the most fun, easy way to learn Czech.