Learning Czech: phrases that actually help (and why it is good for you)

Czech has a reputation as a hard language, and many expats give up before they start. But you don’t need fluency to feel the benefits. A handful of phrases can change how everyday life feels.

Phrases worth learning first

• Dobrý den – hello (formal, use it everywhere)
• Děkuji / Díky – thank you / thanks
• Prosím – please / here you are / you’re welcome
• Promiňte – excuse me / sorry
• Mluvíte anglicky? – do you speak English?
• Nerozumím – I don’t understand
• Na shledanou – goodbye

Why it matters for wellbeing

Being able to greet a neighbour or order a coffee in Czech builds confidence and a sense of belonging. Language is also one of the biggest sources of stress for expats, from doctor visits to official letters. Learning a little at a time makes the city feel less foreign.

And if speaking a foreign language makes you anxious, you are not alone: foreign language anxiety is common, and it can be worked on.

Prague Integration offers counselling for expats and locals in over 10 languages, online or in person in Prague 1. Book a free discovery session and we will match you with the right person.