Visitor's Guide to the Czech Language

The Czech language is commonly known as Czech (čeština). It's a Slavic based language with similarities to languages like Russian. So, it can be complicated for visitors and speakers of romance languages like English.

But, don't worry. Prague is filled with people who can speak English. Czech is of course the main language, but English is becoming Prague's second language. Meanwhile, many older residents can speak German.

After the fall of Communism, English quickly became the second language of the Czech Republic - after years of mandatory Russian in schools.

This page discusses what visitors can expect regarding the Czech language and a few tips if you want to learn Czech.

Czech Language and Your Prague Visit

In central Prague you will find English everywhere. The tourist business has changed the face of Prague and many people speak at least a little English. Also, many signs, menus, programs and brochures will be in English.

 English and Czech side by side in Prague.

You can also find many foreign newspapers and publications at many kiosks and larger supermarkets like Tesco. Prague's number one English newspaper is the weekly Prague Post.

So, you don't have to learn Czech, but a few Czech phrases will make your experience a lot different.

Czechs value good manners and will really appreciate your effort. Here are four easy to remember phrases that will come in handy.

Hello and Good Bye

It's always nice when visitors at least learn the main social greeting, "Dobrý den." This means, Hello or Good day.

Dobrý den is the most fundamental part of the Czech language. It's the first thing you say when you meet anyone - neighbor, waiter, shop assistant, taxi driver - whomever.

Good bye in Czech is Na shledanou. This is what you would say when leaving a restaurant, shop or after speaking to someone on the street.

Please and Thank You

Please in Czech is Prosím. You can use it when approaching someone for help and it doubles as you're welcome. You will also hear this from a waiter or anyone who is giving something to you.

Thank you in Czech is Děkuju. You can use it the same way you would in English.

More Czech phrases and Czech pronunciation help.

Tips to Learn Czech

It's not impossible to learn Czech. But, it takes a lot of hard work - especially for native English speakers.

Here are a few basic tips to conquer the fun and challenging Czech language:

• Take a class. A class will provide you with structure and a good grammar foundation. You don't need years of classes, just get started.


• Use Czech. No matter what you think you sound like - don't be afraid - just keep speaking and using Czech.


• Read aloud. This may sound funny, but your tongue will benefit from this practise - and your ear will start ot flex too!


• 5 Words a Day. Vocabulary will boost your confidence - but it will also help you listen better. Consider making flash cards or keep a small notebook with you too.

More About the Czech Language

We Czechs are proud of our language. If you get to know it, you'll see that it's very colorful and dynamic. It has an abundance of words and poetic nuances.

Children learn early on to use the Czech language through beautiful poems, songs and fairy tales. The Czech Republic is an old and wonderful Grandma with stories and surprises in its language. We ask you to try it out - your tongue will thank you!