Get a 40% off forever discount with this pretty big deal. Ends Soon!
Get a 40% off forever discount with this pretty big deal. Ends Soon!
CzechClass101.com Blog
Learn Czech with Free Daily
Audio and Video Lessons!
Start Your Free Trial 6 FREE Features

Archive for the 'Czech Words' Category

How to Say Sorry in Czech

Thumbnail

Learn how to apologize in Czech – fast and accurately! CzechClass101 makes it easy for you to make amends. Start with a bonus, and download your FREE cheat sheet – How to Improve Your Czech Skills! (Logged-In Member Only)

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

Table of Contents

  1. Common Ways to Say Sorry in Czech
  2. How To Refuse Something Politely in Czech
  3. Audio Lesson – Survival Phrases “How to Say Sorry”
  4. Why You Will NOT Be Sorry For Learning Czech through CzechClass101

1. Common Ways to Say Sorry in Czech

3 Ways to Say Sorry

Nobody’s perfect, not anywhere in the world. Everybody makes mistakes, and does and says regrettable things. Then it’s time to apologize, as saying ‘I’m sorry’ is not in vain. It can be very healing! Did you know that hearing a sincerely-meant apology can have a noticeable effect on a person’s body? Research has shown that it slows down breathing and heart rate, and even causes a drop in blood pressure.

Sometimes we cannot fix what’s broken, but we can make the experience a bit easier for anyone who suffered on account of our thoughtless actions or words.

Here are a number of ways to say sorry in Czech. In any language, just make sure you really mean it! An insincere apology will not go down well with anyone.

Woman Apologizing

Promiňte
I’m sorry

These words should precede anything else you have to say. Use them sincerely and whenever you are clearly in the wrong. Acknowledging your guilt and apologizing for any wrongdoing will lift your spirits too! Often, remorse can eat away at us, and a simple ‘I’m sorry’, in Czech or any other language, can open the door for forgiveness and resolution of a bad situation. It can be a true gift!

Chtěl bych se omluvit.
I would like to apologize.

This is a slightly more formal way to say ‘I’m sorry’ in Czech. Use this phrase if you’re addressing your superiors and/or elders.

Upřímně se omlouvám.
I sincerely apologize.

If you feel strongly about your apology, this is another slightly more formal phrase to use. Keep it handy for graver errors, or you might come across as insincere!

Už to znovu neudělám.
I won’t do it again.

A promise you can only make if you intend to keep it! Few things feel as bad as having to hear repeated apologies from someone for the same behavior – it means the ‘sorry’ is not sincere. Don’t be that person!

Slibuji, že příště stejnou chybu neuděláme.
I’ll make sure not to make this mistake again.

A beautifully strong phrase! Again, say this only if you mean it – not just in the moment, but always! A bit more formal, this is an especially good phrase to use when apologizing to superiors and/or elders. It will make an especially good impression at the workplace, where accountability is an excellent quality to display!

To jsem nechtěl.
I didn’t mean that.

This is a tricky one… What did you mean, then?! Clear up any confusion with sincerity. Also, use this phrase only if the harm done or mistake made was due to an accident, and then admit to thoughtlessness on your part, if appropriate.

Je to moje chyba.
It’s my fault.

If the fault is really yours, own up to it. You will gain respect in the eyes of others! However, don’t take the blame when it’s not truly yours. It won’t be good for you, and ultimately you will not be respected much for it.

Omlouvám se za své sobectví.
I’m sorry for being selfish.

This is a good phrase to keep handy, especially for your close relationships. It is difficult to admit you’re selfish, isn’t it?! However, it’s good to know when to be honest. We get used to our loved ones, which often means we forget that they need our good manners and unselfish behavior just as much as strangers do.

Doufám, že mi odpustíte.
I hope you will forgive me.

This is a polite and gentle wish that can smooth over many harsh feelings. It also shows that the other person’s opinion and forgiveness are important to you.

Přebírám za to plnou odpovědnost.
I take full responsibility.

This strong statement is similar to admitting that an error or transgression was your fault. It speaks of courage and the willingness to take remedial action. Good one to use…if you mean it!

Neměl jsem to dělat.
I shouldn’t have done it.

This phrase is fine to use if you did or said something wrong. It shows, to an extent, your regret for having done or said what you did, and demonstrates that you understand your role in the mistake.

Omlouvám se, že jsem vám vrátil pozdě peníze.
Sorry for giving your money back late.

It’s rotten to have to loan money! Yet, it’s equally rotten to have to ask for the repayment of a loan. So, do your best not to pay late in the first place, but if it can’t be helped, this would be a good phrase to use!

Prosím, nezlob se na mě.
Please don’t be mad at me.

Well, this is not a very advisable phrase to use if you are clearly in the wrong. If someone is justifiably angry with you, asking them not to be mad at you would be an unfair expectation. However, if you did something wrong by accident, and if the consequences were not too serious, this request would be OK.

Promiň, mám zpoždění.
Sorry I’m late.

Punctuality is valued in most situations, but if you really cannot help being late, then apologize! This way you show respect for your host, and win their approval.

Omlouvám se, že jsem na vás byla protivná.
I apologize for being mean to you.

Acknowledging your own meanness towards someone is no small thing, so good for you! Use this apology only if your intention is to seriously address your mean tendencies, or these words could become meaningless over time.

2. How To Refuse Something Politely in Czech

Woman Refusing

Congratulations! Now you know how to apologize in Czech! After you have apologized for a mistake, focus on fixing whatever you can, and don’t punish yourself over something that cannot be taken back or reversed. That’s healthy for you! Regret can eat away at the soul, and even destroy it. It is ultimately a useless emotion if it consumes you.

However, in language, we use apologies not only when we’ve transgressed or made mistakes. They come in handy in other situations too, when there has been no wrongdoing. Sometimes we need to express regret for having to refuse a gift, an offer, or an invitation. This can be somewhat tricky. Learn from specialists at CzechClass101 about how to use the correct Czech words for this kind of ‘sorry’!

3. Survival Phrases “How to Say Sorry”

Say Sorry

On the run and need a quick lesson on how to say sorry in Czech? Don’t fret, just listen and repeat! Click here for a recorded short lesson and learn how to give the perfect apology, with perfect pronunciation in Czech. A little can go a long way, and you will sound like a native!

4. Why You Will NOT Be Sorry For Learning Czech through CzechClass101

Man Looking at Computer

Online learning is here to stay, that’s a fact. In 2015, the Digital Learning Compass Partnership released a report based on surveys to determine online enrollment trends in US institutions for higher education. Thirty percent of all their students learned online! And the number is growing! However, how can you be sure you will not regret your choice of an online language learning school? First, look at the school’s credentials and what it has to offer…

  • Fun and Easy Learning: It’s a commonly-known fact that when learning is made easy and fun, student motivation rises. And as motivation rises, so does the effort to learn – what a beautiful cycle! CzechClass101’s language learning system is designed to get you speaking from the onset. Learn at your own convenience and pace with our short, effective and fun audio podcast lessons. Our Learning Center is comprehensive and state-of-the-art, with a vibrant user community to connect to! Our lessons are recorded with native hosts and voice actors, providing a diverse range of dialects in your lessons. You can be confident that native speakers will understand you when speaking Czech!
  • 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!
  • 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…!
  • 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. Your 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!

After this lesson, you will know almost every ‘sorry for’ in Czech, but don’t let it be that you’re sorry for missing a great opportunity. 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!

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

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.

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

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.

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

Czech Internet Slang Phrases

Thumbnail

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!

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

Czech Holidays: The Day of Burning Jan Hus

Who was Jan Hus, and why do the Czech people have a holiday in commemoration of his burning? Czech martyr Jan Hus burned at the stake in 1415 for his beliefs and teachings, which spurred rebellion against foreign intervention.

In learning about Jan Hus beliefs, as well as this Czech reformer’s life and legacy, you’re opening the floodgates to Czech cultural knowledge! And as any successful language-learner can tell you, knowing a country’s culture is essential in mastering its language.

At CzechClass101.com, we hope to make your learning journey both fun and informative, starting now with the Czech martyr Jan Hus.

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

1. What is the Day of Burning Jan Hus?

On July 6, 1415, a prominent Czech reformer and scholar named Jan Hus was burned at the stake for his opinions at the Church Council in Constance. His death sparked a rebellion in Bohemia and the Hussite wars against opponents of his doctrine, and against foreign intervention.

Although Jan Hus was the reformer of the Czech language, his last words, addressed to an ordinary woman who brought a log to his stake, were said in Latin: Sancta simplicitas! meaning “Holy simplicity!”

2. When is Jan Hus Day?

Depiction of a Martyr

The Czech Republic observes the Day of Burning Jan Hus each year on July 6.

3. Reading Practice: Jan Hus Day Traditions

A Priest

How do the Czech people commemorate the burning of Jan Hus? Read the Czech text below to find out! You can find the English translation directly below it.

  • Svátek, budící i po staletích politické i teologické vášně, byl ustanoven po vzniku Československa v roce 1918. Oslavy mají spíše oficiální ráz, na vzpomínkových akcích vystupují veřejné osobnosti a politikové. Součástí oslav bývají slavnostní ceremonie, pořádané především Československou církví husitskou, která se plně hlásí k Husovým teologickým názorům.

    Slavit svátek Jana Husa je možné i učením češtiny, neboť je třeba mít na paměti, že Jan Hus byl také jazykovědcem a výzamně ovlivnil podobu českého jazyka. Jeho největší přínos spočívá v tom, že zjednodušil psaní zavedením háčků a čárek a také položil základy spisovné češtiny.

  • The feast, which inflames political and theological passions even centuries later, was established after the founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918. The celebrations tend to have a more official character and public figures and politicians appear at the commemorative events. Part of the celebrations are festive ceremonies organized especially by the Czechoslovak Hussite Church, which is fully committed to the Hus theological views.

    You can also celebrate the feast of Jan Hus by learning Czech, since it is important to remember that Jan Hus was also a linguist and considerably influenced the shape of the Czech language. His greatest contribution lies in the simplification of writing by introducing accents, and he also laid the foundations of literary Czech language.

    4. Where Did Jan Hus Preach?

    What chapel did Jan Hus preach in during his life?

    It’s called Bethlehem Chapel and it still stands in Prague’s New Town, managed by the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. During his lifetime, Hus, who was then-rector of Prague University, preached and criticized social and religious ills in this place.

    Every year on Hus Day, a festive church service takes place here, honoring his memory.

    Another place often associated with Jan Hus is Charles University (Prague), where Hus was a dean.

    5. Vocabulary You Should Know for Jan Hus Day

    Woman with Chalk Drawing of Light Bulb Above head

    Here’s some vocabulary you should know for the Day of Burning Jan Hus!

    • Smrt — Death
    • Den upálení mistra Jana Husa — Jan Hus Day
    • Kněz — Priest
    • Křížová výprava — Crusade
    • Karlova univerzita — Charles University
    • Upálení — Burning
    • Kazatel — Preacher
    • Mučedník — Martyr
    • Myšlenka — Idea
    • Kacíř — Heretic
    • Reforma — Reformation
    • Rektor — Rector

    To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, check out our Jan Hus Day vocabulary list.

    Conclusion

    We hope you enjoyed learning about Jan Hus Day Prague traditions with us, and that you took away something valuable from this lesson! The legacy of Jan Hus is truly a significant aspect of Czech culture even today.

    To continue learning about Czech culture and the language, visit us at CzechClass101.com! We provide an array of fun and practical learning tools for every learner, including free Czech vocabulary lists and more insightful blog posts like this one. You can also upgrade to Premium Plus to begin learning with your own personal teacher through our MyTeacher program!

    Wherever you decide to start, and no matter where you are in your language-learning journey, know that your hard work will pay off! And CzechClass101.com will be here with you every step of the way.

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

    Introduce Yourself: How to Say “My Name is,” in Czech and More

    Thumbnail

    Introducing yourself in Czech (or any foreign language) might seem daunting at first, we get it. Maybe you googled “how to say my name is in Czech” and now you’re feeling a bit confused. But once you learn a few basic phrases, you’re good to go.

    Czech is a fun, lively language, and you don’t need to be fluent to start a conversation. With this guide, you’ll be ready for any social situation or occasion. In our guide on how to introduce yourself in Czech, we’ve summarized all you need to know and memorize before you put yourself out there—how to say your name, which greeting is appropriate in specific settings, what information is considered too personal, and so on.

    Sit back and put on your glasses. In a few minutes, you’ll be ready to make the best first impression!

    Table of Contents

    1. The Best Start? A Smile and a Greeting!
    2. How to Break the Ice
    3. How CzechClass101.com Helps You Learn Czech in a Fun Way

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

    1. The Best Start? A Smile and a Greeting!

    First Encounter

    When you introduce yourself in Czech, there’s one thing you should keep in mind: While in English, you can get away with a simple “hello,” the Czech language isn’t that easy! We like to keep things fresh and exciting (joke!), and use different greetings depending on where we are and whom we’re talking to. Fear not; it’s pretty easy, and with a little bit of practice and effort, you’ll master the art of greeting in no time.

    Let’s say you have a job interview or you’re meeting your friend’s parents. These are the most common greetings for a formal-ish occasion or when meeting older people:

    • Dobrý den (Good day) is the universal phrase you’ll use the most—when entering a store, in the workplace, at the bank, etc. It’s pretty formal and not typically used among friends.
    • Dobrý večer (Good evening). Pretty self-explanatory, right?

    And if you’re with friends or talking to someone your age?

    • Ahoj (Hello). This is the most common casual greeting that you’ll use in a non-formal setting and with friends, anytime of day or night.

    Unlike the first two phrases above, ahoj can be used to say “bye” as well. Beware, though. Some Czechs might be a little uptight or may just prefer to be less personal when first meeting new people, and you might want to stick to the more formal/polite greetings.

    How to Translate: “My name is” in Czech

    Woman with Question Mark in Front of Face

    Now that you’ve greeted everyone, you’re ready to start a fun conversation! And what’s the best way to do that? Tell them your name, of course! Unless you want to be called “Hey, you!” all the time. Then don’t.

    How to say “My name is,” in Czech and formal ways to introduce yourself in Czech:

    • Jmenuji se (I am named) is the more formal (and perhaps complicated) option, suitable for workplaces or interviews. It’s also used in written form.
    • Já jsem (I am) is how Czechs typically introduce themselves in both casual and formal settings.

    Please note that Czech people, especially older folks who aren’t used to foreigners, aren’t very chatty. It’s not usual for them to approach strangers and inquire about their name, age, and favorite food. They often consider it rude and they just don’t want to “pry.” Don’t worry, though. Once the hard shell is cracked, you’ll find that most natives are actually warm and nice people who truly appreciate your effort to speak their language.

    The Niceties

    Being nice is nice, and letting people know you’re pleased to meet them is common while introducing yourself in Czech.

    • Těší mě (I am pleased/Nice to meet you) is a universal phrase that can be used for any occasion while talking to an individual or a group of people.

    Formal vs. Informal Voice: Ty or Vy?

    In the Czech language, there are two forms of the word “you,” and it’s crucial to remember they’re not the same to avoid possible faux pas.

    • The formal tone, vy: This is the second person plural form (instead of the informal second person singular), and is used when meeting older people or meeting people for the first time in general.
    • The informal, ty: This is the second person singular, and is used when talking to your close friends or people who offered tykání, meaning that you can use the informal (and call them by their first name). Using the informal right away might be considered impolite, especially in a professional setting, doctor’s office, or…anywhere, really.

    To put it simply:

    • Your friends, work friends, family, children: Ty.
    • Anyone else (even your age): Vy.
    • When in doubt: Vy.

    If you’re talking to a group of people, you don’t need to worry about formal and informal. You’ll address them by Vy (plural) in any case.

    Handshake, Hug, or a Smooch?

    The answer is simple: A handshake.

    Czechs aren’t very cuddly, and hugging a stranger is never a good idea. There are exceptions, of course—you’re finally meeting your best friend’s sister you’ve heard so much about, or you happen to run into Brad Pitt at the grocery store…

    Group of Friends Hugging

    The same goes for kissing on the cheek. While this is quite common among friends, it’s not usual when meeting new people. On the other hand, if you come from a country where la bise is an everyday routine, just do it. Most people will find it charming.

    Still not sure?

    • A hug or a kiss on the cheek is a very friendly and intimate gesture that’s appropriate in casual settings and among friends and family.
    • A handshake is more formal and polite, and you can’t go wrong with it.

    Let’s Try It!

    Introducing Yourself

    Now you know how to translate “My name is,” in Czech and you’re ready to begin a conversation!
    Let’s start with a formal conversation. You’ll use these phrases at work, at school, and at other semi-formal or formal occasions.

    “Hello, my name is Jana.” Dobrý den, já jsem Jana.
    “Good evening, my name is Jana.” Dobrý večer, já jsem Jana.
    “Nice to meet you.” Těší mě!

    It’s that easy. Now let’s try an informal version.

    “Hi/hello, my name is Jana.” Ahoj, já jsem Jana.
    “Nice to meet you!” Těší mě!

    2. How to Break the Ice

    About Yourself

    After the officialities are done, you and your new acquaintance are ready to get to know each other. The topics of basic conversation in Czech when introducing yourself are probably shockingly similar to what you would talk about in your country: where you’re from, your job, what you’re doing in the Czech Republic.

    If you’re at a bar or a gym, just having fun and making friends, you’ll probably want to talk about your family, pets, and hobbies too.

    What are the most common questions (and answers)? And how do you ask about other people’s names?

    “Hello, my name is Jana.” Ahoj, já jsem Jana.
    “And you?” A ty?
    “Nice to meet you!” Těší mě!

    As for conversations with people who are older or “higher-ranked” than you, you introduce yourself and wait for them to continue. Asking about their name would be considered impolite.

    Now let’s look at how to say “I am from” in Czech:

    Czech Countries

    Informal Formal
    “Where are you from?” Odkud jsi? Odkud jste?
    “I am from Chile.” Jsem z Chile.
    “Where do you live?” Kde bydlíš? Kde bydlíte?
    “I live in Brno.” Bydlím v Brně.
    “Do you like it here?” Líbí se ti tu? Líbí se vám tu?

    It’s up to you how much you want to give away, of course.

    This neat list of introductions and greetings in Czech will make creating a simple outline of your next convo in Czech really easy!

    Work

    Man Who Works as a Baker

    Work is not only a huge part of our everyday life (that also pays the bills), but is also an awesome conversation topic!

    Informal Formal
    What’s your job?” (Where do you work?) Kde pracuješ? Kde pracujete?
    “What do you do?” Co děláš? Co děláte?

    You’ll hear this question a lot. It doesn’t matter if you’re at a family gathering, pub, yoga studio, or on the tram—this is the most common and popular opening line.

    You can answer it in two ways:

    • Pracuju jako asistentka.
      “I work as an assistant.”
    • Jsem asistentka.
      “I am an assistant.”

    The Perfect Ice Breaker: Hobbies and Family!

    Most older Czech people will probably inquire about your marital status, especially if they are elderly ladies. This topic is quite common, although most people won’t go that far and it’s something that likely won’t be discussed during formal occasions.

    People will probably ask:

    Informal Feminine Formal Feminine Informal Masculine Formal Masculine
    “Are you married?” Jsi vdaná? Jste vdaná? Jsi ženatý? Jste ženatý?
    “Do you have kids?” Máš děti? Máte děti? Máš děti? Máte děti?
    “Do you have siblings?” Máš sourozence? Máte sourozence? Máš sourozence? Máte sourozence?
    “What are your hobbies?” Jaké máš koníčky? Jaké máte koníčky? Jaké máš koníčky? Jaké máte koníčky?
    “What kinds of things do you like to do?” Co tě baví? Co vás baví? Co tě baví? Co vás baví?
    “Do you have any pets?” Máš nějaké zvíře? Máte nějaké zvíře? Máš nějaké zvíře? Máte nějaké zvíře?

    To which you might reply:

    Feminine Masculine
    “Yes, I am married.” Ano, jsem vdaná. Ano, jsem ženatý.
    “No, I am not.” Ne, nejsem. Ne, nejsem.
    “I am divorced.” Jsem rozvedená. Jsem rozvedený.
    “I am an only child.” Jsem jedináček. Jsem jedináček.
    “I have a brother and sister.” Mám bratra a sestru. Mám bratra a sestru.

    Getting Too Personal aka TMI

    Like I said before, a random Czech person probably won’t ask personal questions, even the ones that are perfectly normal and fine in other countries.

    In fact, many foreigners are surprised how little people in the Czech Republic “care.” The fact is, they just don’t want to be impolite or nosy, and discussing personal things makes them feel uncomfortable.
    It’s not appropriate to ask or talk about sexual orientation, in particular.

    The most personal question you’ll hear from an average Czech might be:

    • Kolik je ti let?
      “How old are you?”

    Asking about the other person’s age isn’t usual, but it’s not the first topic that will come up when meeting new people.

    The answer is short and sweet; you can just say the number. The proper (and formal) way of stating your age is:

    • Je mi 34 let.
      “I have 34 years.” / “I am 34 years old.”

    When in doubt, stick with neutral, inoffensive topics—work, pets, hobbies, or weather.

    How to Make a Good Impression

    We truly believe you’re a charming person who always leaves the best impression, and we won’t bore you with etiquette.

    Just a few quick tips:

    • Don’t be self-centered.
    • Ask questions, but not too many questions.
    • Make sure you’re using the formal and informal language correctly.
    • Don’t worry too much—every Czech understands that our language isn’t the easiest one. We really appreciate your effort and do our best to guide you, if needed!

    Man and Woman Having Coffee

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

    This article is a great guide on how to greet new people and introduce yourself in Czech. All you need to do now is go out and practice! Have fun, make new friends, and see learning Czech as a game.

    You’re probably thinking: “Yeah, this is cool, but how am I supposed to know how to pronounce things? And where can I find more useful words and phrases?”

    Well, my friend, start here. It’s a great summary of how to introduce yourself in Czech, complete with video, vocabulary, grammar, sentences, and phrases.

    Make sure you check out this list of basic Czech phrases that will help you learn the most important words for introducing yourself in Czech. You can also practice the pronunciation here.

    Before you go, though, why not start practicing how to speak and introduce yourself in Czech right away? Leave us a comment with some introductory sentences in Czech; we look forward to hearing from you!

    Good luck! Ahoj!

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

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

    Thumbnail

    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!

    Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - How to Improve Your Language Skills!

    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!

    Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - How to Improve Your Language Skills!

    How to Find Jobs in the Czech Republic

    Thumbnail

    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.

    A Mug That Says I Love My Job

    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.

    A Woman Using Her Tablet to Study Something Exciting

    Learn a new language anywhere, anytime.

    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! 

    What can you find here?

    Sign up now. It’s free!

    Let us know if you liked this article and share your experience with finding a job in the Czech Republic. We’d love to hear from you!

    Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Business Words and Phrases in Czech

    How to Say I Love You in Czech – Romantic Word List

    Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in Czech could be just what you need to find it.

    Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your Czech partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At CzechClass101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your Czech lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra material available to make Czech dating easy for you.

    Table of Contents

    1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date
    2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date
    3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
    4. Czech Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
    5. Czech Quotes about Love
    6. Marriage Proposal Lines
    7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
    8. Will Falling in Love Help You Learn Czech Faster?

    Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

    Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - How to be a Good Lover in Czech

    1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date

    So, you have met your Czech love interest. Congratulations! Who knows where this could take you…?! However, the two of you have just met and you’re not ready to say the Czech word for love just yet. Great, it is better to get to know him/her first. Wow your prospective love by using these Czech date phrases to set up a spectacular first date.

    Czech Date Phrases

    Would you like to go out to dinner with me?

    • Chtěla byste jít se mnou na večeři?

    The important question! In most cultures, this phrase indicates: ‘I’m romantically interested in you’. Flirting in Czech is no different, so don’t take your date to Mcdonald’s!

    Are you free this weekend?

    • Máte tento víkend čas?

    This is a preamble to asking your love interest on a date. If you get an immediate ‘Yes’, that’s good news!

    Would you like to hang out with me?

    • Chtěla byste si se mnou vyjít?

    You like her/him, but you’re not sure if there’s chemistry. Ask them to hang out first to see if a dinner date is next.

    What time shall we meet tomorrow?

    • V kolik hodin se zítra sejdeme?

    Set a time, and be sure to arrive early! Nothing spoils a potential relationship more than a tardy date.

    Where shall we meet?

    • Kde se setkáme?

    You can ask this, but also suggest a place.

    You look great.

    • Vypadáš skvěle.

    A wonderful ice breaker! This phrase will help them relax a bit – they probably took great care to look their best just for you.

    You are so cute.

    • Jsi tak roztomilá.

    If the two of you are getting on really well, this is a fun, flirtatious phrase to use.

    What do you think of this place?

    • Co si myslíte o tomto místě?

    This another good conversation starter. Show off your Czech language skills!

    Can I see you again?

    • Můžu tě znovu vidět?

    So the date went really well – don’t waste time! Make sure you will see each other again.

    Shall we go somewhere else?

    • Půjdeme někam jinam?

    If the place you meet at is not great, you can suggest going elsewhere. It is also a good question to follow the previous one. Variety is the spice of life!

    I know a good place.

    • Znám dobré místo.

    Use this with the previous question. However, don’t say if you don’t know a good place!

    I will drive you home.

    • Odvezu tě domů.

    If your date doesn’t have transport, this is a polite, considerate offer. However, don’t be offended if she/he turns you down on the first date. Especially a woman might not feel comfortable letting you drive her home when the two of you are still basically strangers.

    That was a great evening.

    • To byl skvělý večer.

    This is a good phrase to end the evening with.

    When can I see you again?

    • Kdy tě znova uvidím?

    If he/she replied ‘Yes’ to ‘Can I see you again?’, this is the next important question.

    I’ll call you.

    • Zavolám ti.

    Say this only if you really mean to do it. In many cultures, this could imply that you’re keeping the proverbial backdoor open.

    Sneak Peek! Log in to Download this Cheat Sheet!Sneak Peek! Log in to Download this Cheat Sheet!

    2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date

    You learned all the Czech phrases to make a date – congratulations! Now you have to decide where to meet, which can be tricky. Discuss these options with your lover to gauge whether you like the same things. Check out romantic date ideas in Czech below!

    Date Ideas in Czech

    museum

    • muzeum

    If you’re looking for unique date ideas that are fun but won’t break the bank, museums are the perfect spot! You won’t be running out of things to say in the conversations.

    candlelit dinner

    • večeře při svíčkách

    A candlelit dinner is perhaps best to reserve for when the relationship is getting serious. It’s very intimate, and says: “Romance!” It’s a fantastic choice if you’re sure you and your date are in love with each other!

    go to the zoo

    • jít do zoo

    This is a good choice for shy lovers who want to get the conversation going. Just make sure your date likes zoos, as some people dislike them. Maybe not for the first date, but this is also a great choice if your lover has children – you’ll win his/her adoration for inviting them along!

    go for a long walk

    • jít na dlouhou procházku

    Need to talk about serious stuff, or just want to relax with your date? Walking together is soothing, and a habit you can keep up together always! Just make sure it’s a beautiful walk that’s not too strenuous.

    go to the opera

    • jít na operu

    This type of date should only be attempted if both of you love the opera. It can be a special treat, followed by a candlelit dinner!

    go to the aquarium

    • jít do akvária

    Going to the aquarium is another good idea if you need topics for conversation, or if you need to impress your lover’s kids! Make sure your date doesn’t have a problem with aquariums.

    walk on the beach

    • chodit po pláži

    This can be a very romantic stroll, especially at night! The sea is often associated with romance and beauty.

    have a picnic

    • dělat piknik

    If you and your date need to get more comfortable together, this can be a fantastic date. Spending time in nature is soothing and calms the nerves.

    cook a meal together

    • vařit společně jídlo

    If you want to get an idea of your date’s true character in one go, this is an excellent date! You will quickly see if the two of you can work together in a confined space. If it works, it will be fantastic for the relationship and create a sense of intimacy. If not, you will probably part ways!

    have dinner and see a movie

    • jít na večeři a do kina

    This is traditional date choice works perfectly well. Just make sure you and your date like the same kind of movies!

    3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary

    Valentine's Day Words in Czech

    Expressing your feelings honestly is very important in any relationship all year round. Yet, on Valentine’s Day you really want to shine. Impress your lover this Valentine’s with your excellent vocabulary, and make his/her day! We teach you, in fun, effective ways, the meanings of the words and how to pronounce them. You can also copy the characters and learn how to write ‘I love you’ in Czech – think how impressed your date will be!

    4. Czech Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day

    So, you now have the basic Valentine’s Day vocabulary under your belt. Well done! But, do you know how to say ‘I love you’ in Czech yet? Or perhaps you are still only friends. So, do you know how to say ‘I like you’ or ‘I have a crush on you’ in Czech? No? Don’t worry, here are all the love phrases you need to bowl over your Czech love on this special day!

    Valentine's Day Words in Czech

    I love you.

    • Miluji tě.

    Saying ‘I love you’ in Czech carries the same weight as in all languages. Use this only if you’re sure and sincere about your feelings for your partner/friend.

    You mean so much to me.

    • Tolik pro mě znamenáš.

    This is a beautiful expression of gratitude that will enhance any relationship! It makes the receiver feel appreciated and their efforts recognized.

    Will you be my Valentine?

    • Budeš můj Valentýn?

    With these words, you are taking your relationship to the next level! Or, if you have been a couple for a while, it shows that you still feel the romance. So, go for it!

    You’re so beautiful.

    • Jsi tak krásná.

    If you don’t know how to say ‘You’re pretty’ in Czech, this is a good substitute, gentlemen!

    I think of you as more than a friend.

    • Považuji tě za víc než za přítelkyni.

    Say this if you are not yet sure that your romantic feelings are reciprocated. It is also a safe go-to if you’re unsure about the Czech dating culture.

    A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.

    • Sto srdcí je málo, aby uneslo všechnu mou lásku k tobě.

    You romantic you…! When your heart overflows with love, this would be the best phrase to use.

    Love is just love. It can never be explained.

    • Láska je láska. To se nedá vysvětlit.

    If you fell in love unexpectedly or inexplicably, this one’s for you.

    You’re so handsome.

    • Jsi tak pěkný.

    Ladies, this phrase lets your Czech love know how much you appreciate his looks! Don’t be shy to use it; men like compliments too.

    I’ve got a crush on you.

    • Zamiloval jsem se do tebe.

    If you like someone, but you’re unsure about starting a relationship, it would be prudent to say this. It simply means that you like someone very, very much and think they’re amazing.

    You make me want to be a better man.

    • Přinutila jsi mě, abych chtěl být lepší.

    Gentlemen, don’t claim this phrase as your own! It hails from the movie ‘As Good as it Gets’, but it is sure to make your Czech girlfriend feel very special. Let her know that she inspires you!

    Let all that you do be done in love.

    • Vše, co děláš, dělej s láskou.

    We hope.

    You are my sunshine, my love.

    • Jsi moje sluníčko.

    A compliment that lets your lover know they bring a special quality to your life. Really nice!

    Words can’t describe my love for you.

    • Mou lásku k tobě nelze vyjádřit slovy.

    Better say this when you’re feeling serious about the relationship! It means that your feelings are very intense.

    We were meant to be together.

    • Byli jsme si souzeni.

    This is a loving affirmation that shows you see a future together, and that you feel a special bond with your partner.

    If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you’re definitely in love.

    • Jestliže jsi na někoho myslel, zatímco jsi to četl, pak jsi určitě zamilovaný.

    Here’s something fun to tease your lover with. And hope he/she was thinking of you!

    5. Czech Quotes about Love

    Czech Love Quotes

    You’re a love champ! You and your Czech lover are getting along fantastically, your dates are awesome, your Valentine’s Day together was spectacular, and you’re very much in love. Good for you! Here are some beautiful phrases of endearment in Czech that will remind him/her who is in your thoughts all the time.

    6. Marriage Proposal Lines

    Czech Marriage Proposal Lines

    Wow. Your Czech lover is indeed the love of your life – congratulations! And may only happiness follow the two of you! In most traditions, the man asks the woman to marry; this is also the Czech custom. Here are a few sincere and romantic lines that will help you to ask your lady-love for her hand in marriage.

    7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines

    Czech Break-Up Lines

    Instead of moving towards marriage or a long-term relationship, you find that the spark is not there for you. That is a pity! But even though breaking up is never easy, continuing a bad or unfulfilling relationship would be even harder. Remember to be kind to the person you are going to say goodbye to; respect and sensitivity cost nothing. Here are some phrases to help you break up gently.

  • We need to talk.
    • Musíme si promluvit.

    This is not really a break-up line, but it is a good conversation opener with a serious tone.

    It’s not you. It’s me.

    • To nejsi ty. To jsem já.

    As long as you mean it, this can be a kind thing to say. It means that there’s nothing wrong with your Czech lover as a person, but that you need something different from a relationship.

    I’m just not ready for this kind of relationship.

    • Jenom prostě nejsem připraven na takový vztah.

    Things moved a bit fast and got too intense, too soon? Painful as it is, honesty is often the best way to break up with somebody.

    Let’s just be friends.

    • Budme jenom kamarádi.

    If the relationship was very intense, and you have sent many ‘i love u’ texts in Czech, this would not be a good breakup line. Feelings need to calm down before you can be friends, if ever. If the relationship has not really developed yet, a friendship would be possible.

    I think we need a break.

    • Myslím si, že potřebujeme pauzu.

    This is again honest, and to the point. No need to play with someone’s emotions by not letting them know how you feel. However, this could imply that you may fall in love with him/her again after a period of time, so use with discretion.

    You deserve better.

    • Zasloužíš si něco lepšího.

    Yes, he/she probably deserves a better relationship if your own feelings have cooled down.

    We should start seeing other people.

    • Měli bychom se začít vídat s ostatními lidmi.

    This is probably the least gentle break-up phrase, so reserve it for a lover that doesn’t get the message!

    I need my space.

    • Potřebuju prostor.

    When a person is too clingy or demanding, this would be an suitable break-up phrase. It is another good go-to for that lover who doesn’t get the message!

    I think we’re moving too fast.

    • Myslím, že se pohybujeme příliš rychle.

    Say this if you want to keep the relationship, but need to slow down its progress a bit. It is also good if you feel things are getting too intense for your liking. However, it is not really a break-up line, so be careful not to mislead.

    I need to focus on my career.

    • Musím se soustředit na svou kariéru.

    If you feel that you will not be able to give 100% in a relationship due to career demands, this is the phrase to use. It’s also good if you are unwilling to give up your career for a relationship.

    I’m not good enough for you.

    • Nejsem pro tebe dost dobrý.

    Say this only if you really believe it, or you’ll end up sounding false. Break-ups are usually hard for the receiving party, so don’t insult him/her with an insincere comment.

    I just don’t love you anymore.

    • Už tě prostě nemiluju.

    This harsh line is sometimes the best one to use if you are struggling to get through to a stubborn, clingy lover who won’t accept your break up. Use it as a last resort. Then switch your phone off and block their emails!

    We’re just not right for each other.

    • Nehodíme se k sobě.

    If this is how you truly feel, you need to say it. Be kind, gentle and polite.

    It’s for the best.

    • Je to pro nejlepší.

    This phrase is called for if circumstances are difficult and the relationship is not progressing well. Love should enhance one’s life, not burden it!

    We’ve grown apart.

    • Vyrostli jsme odděleně od sebe.

    Cross-cultural relationships are often long-distance ones, and it is easy to grow apart over time.

  • 8. Will Falling in Love help you Learn Czech faster?

    Most people will agree that the above statement is a no-brainer – of course it will! Your body will be flooded with feel-good hormones, which are superb motivators for anything. CzechClass101 is one of the best portals to help help make this a reality, so don’t hesitate to enroll now! Let’s quickly look at the reasons why falling in love will speed up your learning of the Czech language.

    Three Reasons Why Having a Lover will Help you Learn Czech Faster!

    null

    1- Being in a love relationship with your Czech speaking partner will immerse you in the culture
    CzechClass101 uses immersive methods and tools to teach you Czech, but having a relationship with a native speaker will be a very valuable addition to your learning experience! You will gain exposure to their world, realtime and vividly, which will make the language come alive even more for you. The experience is likely to expand your world-view, which should motivate you to learn Czech even faster.

    2- Having your Czech romantic partner will mean more opportunity to practice speaking
    Nothing beats continuous practice when learning a new language. Your partner will probably be very willing to assist you in this, as your enhanced Czech language skills will enhance the relationship. Communication is, after all, one of the most important pillars of a good partnership. Also, you will get to impress your lover with the knowledge gained through your studies – a win/win situation!

    3- A supportive Czech lover is likely to make a gentle, patient teacher and study aid!
    With his/her heart filled with love and goodwill for you, your Czech partner is likely to patiently and gently correct your mistakes when you speak. This goes not only for grammar, but also for accent and meaning. With his/her help, you could sound like a native in no time!

    Three Reasons Why CzechClass101 helps you learn Czech Even Faster when you’re In Love

    Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

    Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - How to be a Good Lover in Czech

    1- All the Resources and Materials Will Help Both of You
    Falling in love with a man or woman speaking Czech is an opportunity for both of you to learn a new language! For this reason, every lesson, transcript, vocabulary list, and resource at CzechClass101 is translated into both English and Czech. So, while your partner can help you learn Czech faster, you can potentially also help him/her learn and master English!

    2- Lessons Are Designed to Help You Understand and Engage with Czech Culture
    At CzechClass101, our focus is to help our students learn practical vocabulary and phrases used by everyday people in Czech Republic. This means that, from your very first lesson, you can apply what you learn immediately! So, when your Czech partner wants to go out to a restaurant, play Pokemon Go, or attend just about any social function, you have the vocabulary and phrases necessary to have a great time!

    3- Access to Special Resources Dedicated to Romantic Czech Phrases
    You now have access to CzechClass101’s specially-developed sections and tools to teach you love words, phrases, and cultural insights to help you find and attract your Czech soul mate. A personal tutor will assist you to master these brilliantly – remember to invite him/her to your wedding!

    How to Celebrate April Fools’ Day in Czech

    How to Celebrate April Fools' Day in Czech!

    Most everyone is familiar with this day, as it is celebrated nearly everywhere the world. Yet, when exactly is April Fools’ Day? And where did April Fools come from? April Fools’ Day is observed on April 1st every year. This day of jokes and pranks is believed to have stemmed from the 16th-century calendar change in France, when New Year’s Day was moved from April 1 to January 1. This action was taken due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.

    However, a few people were resistant to the calendar change, so they continued to observe New Year’s Day on April 1st, rather than the new date. They were referred to as the “April Fools”, and others started playing mocking tricks on them. This custom endured, and is practiced to this day around the world!

    Table of Contents

    1. Top One Million Words You Need to Know for April Fools’ Day
    2. Czech Phrases You Can Use on April Fools’ Day
    3. Some of the Coolest April Fools’ Pranks To Play on Anybody
    4. How Can CzechClass101 Make Your April Fools’ Day Special?
    5. Top 1000 Most Useful Phrases in Czech – Testing New Technology

    Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - How to Master A Language!

    1. Top One Million Words You Need to Know for April Fools’ Day

    Do you want to know how to say April Fools’ Day in Czech? Well, there are millions of ways and words, but here are the top one million Czech words you really need to know! Simply click this link. Here are some of them you will find useful:

    1. joke – vtipkovat
    2. funny – vtipný
    3. lie – lhát
    4. sneaky – záludný
    5. prankster – šprýmař
    6. prank – žert
    7. play a joke – dělat si legraci
    8. humor – humor
    9. fool – blázen
    10. deceptive – klamný
    11. April 1st – apríl
    12. surprise – překvapení

    2. Czech Phrases You Can Use on April Fools’ Day

    Czech Phrases for April Fools' Day

    Don’t limit yourself to practical jokes – use these April Fools’ phrases in Czech to prank your favorite Czech friend or colleague!

    1. I learned Czech in 1 month.
      • Česky jsem se naučil za měsíc.
    2. All classes for today got canceled.
      • Vyučování bylo pro dnešek zrušeno.
    3. I’m sorry, but I’ve just broken your favorite pair of glasses.
      • Moc mě to mrzí, ale právě jsem ti zlomil tvé oblíbené brýle.
    4. Someone has just hit your car.
      • Někdo ti právě narazil do auta.
    5. I’m getting married.
      • Budu se vdávat.
    6. You won a free ticket.
      • Vyhrál jsi volný lístek.
    7. I saw your car being towed.
      • Viděl jsem, jak odtáhli váše auto.
    8. They’re giving away free gift cards in front of the building.
      • Před budovou rozdávají zdarma dárkové poukazy.
    9. A handsome guy is waiting for you outside.
      • Venku na tebe čeká nějaký hezký pán.
    10. A beautiful lady asked me to give this phone number to you.
      • Nějaká pěkná paní mě požádala, abych ti předal tohle číslo.
    11. Can you come downstairs? I have something special for you.
      • Nemůžeš přijít dolů? Mám pro tebe něco speciálního.
    12. Thank you for your love letter this morning. I never could have guessed your feelings.
      • Děkuju za tvůj milostný dopis dnes ráno. Nikdy by mě nenapadlo, jak se cítíš.

    Choose your victims carefully, though; the idea is to get them to laugh with you, not to hurt their feelings or humiliate them in front of others. Be extra careful if you choose to play a prank on your boss – you don’t want to antagonize them with an inappropriate joke.

    3. Some of the Coolest April Fools’ Pranks To Play on Anybody

    Choose Bad or Good

    Right, now that you know the top million April Fools’ words in Czech, let’s look at some super pranks and tricks to play on friends, colleagues and family. Some April Fools ideas never grow old, while new ones are born every year.

    Never joke in such a way that it hurts anyone, or humiliates them badly in front of others – the idea is for everybody to laugh and enjoy the fun! Respect is still key, no matter what day of the year it is.

    Cockroach prank

    1- Infestation

    This trick is so simple, yet so creepy, it’s almost unbelievable. Take black paper, cut out the silhouette of a giant cockroach, a spider or another insect, and stick it inside the lampshade of a table lamp. When the lamp is switched on, it will look like a monstrous insect is sitting inside the lampshade. Or, get a whole lot of realistic-looking plastic insects, and spread them over a colleague’s desk and chair, or, at home, over the kids’ beds etc. Creep-factor: stellar.

    2- Which One Doesn’t Fit?

    Put the photo of a celebrity or a notorious politician in a frame, and take it to work on April Fools’ Day. Hang the photo on the staff picture wall, and wait. You’ll be surprised how long it can take for people to notice that one picture doesn’t fit.

    3- Something Weird in the Restroom

    At work, replace the air freshener in the restroom with something noxious like insect killer, oven cleaner or your own odious mixture in a spray bottle. Be sure to cover the bottle’s body so no one suspects a swap.

    Or paint a bar of soap with clear nail polish, and leave it at the hand wash basin. It will not lather.

    Or, if your workplace’s restroom has partitioned toilets with short doors, arrange jeans or trousers and shoes on all but one of the toilet covers, so it looks like every stall is occupied. Now wait for complaints, and see how long it takes for someone to figure out the April Fools’ Day prank. You’ll probably wish you had a camera inside the restroom. But, unless you don’t mind getting fired, don’t put your own recording device in there!

    Funny Face

    4- Call Me Funny

    Prepare and print out a few posters with the following instructions: Lion Roar Challenge! Call this number – 123-456-7890 – and leave your best lion’s roar as voicemail! Best roarer will be announced April 10 in the cafeteria. Prize: $100. (Lion’s roar is just an example; you can use any animal call, or even a movie character’s unique sound, such as Chewbacca from Star Wars. The weirder, the funnier. Obviously!) Put the posters up in the office where most of the staff is likely to see them. Now wait for the owner of the number to visit you with murderous intent. Have a conciliatory gift ready that’s not a prank.

    5- Minty Cookies

    This is another simple but hugely effective prank – simply separate iced cookies, scrape off the icing, and replace it with toothpaste. Serve during lunch or tea break at work, or put in your family’s lunch boxes. Be sure to take photos of your victim’s faces when they first bite into your April Fools’ cookies.

    6- Wild Shopping

    At your local grocer, place a realistic-looking plastic snake or spider among the fresh vegetables. Now wait around the corner for the first yell.

    7- The Oldest Trick in the Book

    Don’t forget probably the oldest, yet very effective April Fools’ joke in the book – smearing hand cream or Vaseline on a door handle that most staff, family or friends are likely to use. Yuck to the max!

    8- Sneeze On Me

    Another golden oldie is also gross, yet harmless and utterly satisfying as a prank. Fill a small spray bottle that you can easily conceal with water. Walk past a friend, colleague or one of your kids, and fake a sneeze while simultaneously spraying them with a bit of water. Expect to be called a totally disgusting person. Add a drop of lovely smelling essential oil to the water for extra confusion.

    9- Word Play Repairs

    Put a fresh leek in the hand wash basin at home or work, and then tell your housemates or colleagues this: “There’s a huge leak in the restroom/bathroom basin, it’s really serious. Please can someone go have a look?!” Expect exasperation and smiles all around. Note that this prank is only likely to work where people understand English well.

    10- Scary Face

    Print out a very scary face on an A4 sheet of paper, and place it in a colleague’s, or one of your kid’s drawers, so it’s the first thing they see when they open the drawer. You may not be very popular for a while.

    11- Wake Up To Madness

    Put foamy shaving cream, or real whipped cream on your hand, and wake your kid up by tickling their nose with it. As long as they get the joke, this could be a wonderful and fun way to start April Fools’ Day.

    Computer Prank

    12- Computer Prank

    This one’s fabulous, if you have a bit of time to fiddle with a colleague, friend or your kid’s computer. It is most effective on a computer where most of the icons they use are on the desktop background itself (as opposed to on the bottom task bar).

    Take and save a screenshot of their desktop with the icons. Set this screenshot as their background image. Now delete all the working icons. When they return to their computer, wait for the curses when no amount of clicking on the icons works.

    13- Monster Under the Cup

    This one will also work well anywhere people meet. Take a paper cup, and write the following on it in black pen: “Danger! Don’t lift, big spider underneath.” Place it upside-down on prominent flat surface, such as a kitchen counter, a colleague’s desk or a restaurant table. Expect some truly interesting responses.

    Door Prank

    14- Prank Door

    Write in large letters on a large and noticeable piece of paper: PUSH. Tape this notice on a door that should be pulled to open, and watch the hilarious struggle of those clever souls who actually read signs.

    4. How Can CzechClass101 Make Your April Fools’ Day Special?

    If you happen to visit Czech Republic, or if you work for any Czech company, knowing the above Czech prankster phrases can really lighten up your day. Showing you have a sense of humor can go a long way to cement good relationships in any situation. These phrases are at your disposal for free, as well as are these 100 core Czech words, which you will learn how to pronounce perfectly.

    Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - How to Master A Language!

    Also, don’t stop at learning April Fools’ phrases in Czech – bone up your Czech language skills with these FREE key phrases. Yes, CzechClass101 doesn’t joke when it comes to effective, fun and easy learning.

    Now, as a bonus, test our super-learning technology, and learn the Top 1000 most useful phrases in Czech below! But that’s not all. Read on to learn how you can be eligible for large enrollment discounts at CzechClass101.

    5. Top 1000 Most Useful Phrases in Czech – testing new technology

    Help us by being a language guinea pig! Listen to this video above with embedded cutting-edge, frequency-based learning technology that enables you to learn large amounts of data in record time.

    • Note: This technology is in beta-phase of development, and we invite your input for fine-tuning.
    • To participate: Watch the video for instructions, and leave a comment to rate it. Your comment will make you eligible for large enrollment-fee discounts. To watch the video, please click the play button.

    Thank you for helping CzechClass101! We’re serious about making learning Czech fun.

    4 Reasons Why Czech Slang Words Will Make You Fluent

    Learn 4 honest reasons you need Czech slang words and why they are so vital to truly learning and mastering the language.

    Teachers may normally cringe at the thought of their students learning Czech slang words. After all, slang words and phrases are typically defined as being grammatically incorrect. So why would your teacher want you to spend time learning the “wrong way” to speak Czech? Here are 4 of the top reasons why you should study slang words and expressions when learning Czech or any new language.

    reasons to learn czech slang words

    Create Your Free Lifetime Account and Start Learning the whole Czech Language from the Beginning!

    1. Native Speakers Use Slang Expressions in Everyday Conversation

    If you are going to study a foreign language and plan to use it to speak with native speakers, then you have to learn slang words and expressions. Otherwise, just using formal expressions and grammar may alienate you from native speakers and make it more difficult to establish a real connection. So it is best to at least learn some common slang words and expressions if you’re planning to meet or speak socially with someone.

    2. Slang Words Are Used All Throughout Czech Culture

    If you turn on any popular Czech TV show, listen to any song, or watch any movie, you are quickly going to see the value of learning Czech slang phrases. Just like everyday conversations between native speakers, Czech culture is filled with slang phrases and expressions. Without at least some knowledge of the more common slang phrases, popular culture and most conversations will be very confusing and potentially alienating.

    Want to Amaze Native Speaker? Be a Good Lover? Our Vocabulary Lists are Made for You!

    3. Slang Expressions Help You Better Express Your True Thoughts and Feelings

    Only relying on formal grammar and vocabulary is very limiting, especially in social situations. Just like in your native language, using the appropriate Czech slang words can help you express a broader range of emotions, thoughts, and feelings.

    4. Proper Use of Slang Makes You Sound More Natural

    We’ve all met foreigners who technically used formal language perfectly but still sounded odd and well….foreign. But when you use the right slang words and expressions, you will sound more natural and like a true native speaker. If you notice, even most politicians include a sprinkling of slang expressions and words throughout their speeches to help them sound more natural and to better connect with the audience.

    The Dark Side of Slang Expressions

    Learning Czech slang words can indeed help you sound more natural, better understand the people and culture, and make integration much easier. However, there is a dark side: using the wrong slang expressions can also make you look foolish, uneducated, and potentially disrespectful.

    But how do you know which slang words or phrases to use and when?

    The truth is that you can’t learn the most modern and appropriate slang words in textbooks or formal classroom settings. By the time the information gets incorporated into a formal curriculum, it’s already outdated and no longer in use by actual Czech people. And while you can learn current slang expressions from Czech TV shows, movies, songs, and games, you may not understand the context. If that happens, you may use the right Czech slang words but in the wrong situation and still look like a fool or possibly even offend someone.

    Step out from the darkness and Get Your FREE PDF eBook to Start Learning Czech!

    So where can you learn current slang expressions and the right context in which to use them?

    At CzechClass101, native speaking instructors create audio and video lessons that can include slang expressions and words. Our instructors provide context and examples for all the Czech slang words used in any lesson to make sure students understand the right time and place to use them.

    Czech slang words and expressions may be grammatically incorrect but they are vital to truly understanding and immersing yourself in the culture. In fact, it will be very difficult to fully understand any movie, TV show, song, game, or even 1-on-1 conversation without knowing a few of the more common slang expressions.

    However, it is important to learn the proper context and use of even popular slang expressions or you may come across as confusing, disrespectful, or uneducated.
    At CzechClass101, you’ll learn how to use slang phrases and words to draw the right attention and avoid these problems.

    Don’t forget to sign up for a Free Lifetime Account on CzechClass101.com to access tons of FREE lessons and features to become fluent in Czech!