Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to the Czech Republic without speaking Czech is possible. But staying, working, building a life, and truly integrating without the language quickly becomes a hindrance. Czech is known to be difficult, ranked by the Foreign Service Institute among the most challenging languages for English speakers, with approximately 1,100 hours of study needed to achieve good proficiency. Yet, thousands of expats manage it every year, often starting from scratch.
For expats in the Czech Republic, learning the language is crucial for legal and integration reasons. This guide covers its importance, obligations, how to choose methods (schools, apps, online courses), resources suited to each level, and creating a realistic daily study plan.
Why Czech is Essential for an Expat in the Czech Republic
Learning Czech is not just a matter of politeness. In the local context, it is a legal, social, and professional tool.
For non-EU citizens applying for permanent residence after 5 years of stay, a Czech language certificate at CEFR level A2 has been legally required since September 1, 2021. This obligation, stipulated by the Act on the Residence of Foreigners and Government Regulation No. 31/2016 Sb., certifies the ability to handle everyday life situations without an interpreter.
The official motivation is clear: to promote the autonomy and integration of foreigners, to enable them to understand their rights and obligations, and to reduce dependence on translators. The implicit message is equally clear: if you plan to stay, you will need to speak Czech at least at a functional level.
Only 7% of Czechs feel comfortable with English at an advanced level.
Finally, social integration. Many studies and testimonials confirm it: the language barrier remains a major obstacle to integration, neighborhood relations, access to the job market, and even mental health. Many foreigners describe feeling condemned to the role of an observer, confined to a “tourist” market or an English-speaking bubble around a few cafés, bars, and coworking spaces. The day they start to understand and respond in Czech, this bubble cracks: the city, the country, and the people open up differently.
Understanding the Specific Challenges of the Czech Language
Before choosing your methods, it is useful to understand what makes Czech so demanding. This avoids feeling guilty and allows you to structure your learning.
Grammatically, Czech is based on seven grammatical cases, which modify nouns, adjectives, pronouns, and numerals according to their function in the sentence. Each noun can have up to fourteen forms (singular and plural, declined in the seven cases). The system is based on three genders (masculine, feminine, neuter), with the masculine itself split between animate and inanimate. For a French speaker, this breakdown is not intuitive.
In Czech, verbs are organized according to their aspect: perfective (completed action) and imperfective (ongoing or repeated action). This distinction is fundamental and does not simply correspond to a verb tense. Aspect change often occurs by adding prefixes (u-, o-, z-, na-, do-, etc.), but there is no simple rule; verb pairs must be memorized individually. Furthermore, Czech uses only three main tenses (present, past, future), has no definite or indefinite articles, and uses personal pronouns much less than French or English.
In terms of pronunciation, the language is phonetic but filled with sounds unfamiliar to most foreigners. The letter “ř” is emblematic: a rolled fricative unique to Czech, difficult to reproduce at first. Words are full of tight consonant clusters, sometimes almost without vowels: čtvrtek (Thursday), zmrzlina (ice cream), vlk (wolf), or the famous tongue twister strč prst skrz krk. Stress almost always falls on the first syllable, which disrupts the habits of many learners.
Czech vocabulary has notable differences from French. For example, *aktuální* means “current” (ongoing), *chef* means “boss” and not “chef,” and *vzrušený* (“excited”) has a primarily sexual connotation. The months (*leden*, *únor*, *březen*…) do not follow Latin nomenclature. Moreover, many verbs of motion vary according to the mode of transportation: *jít* (to go on foot), *jet* (to go by vehicle), *přinést* (to bring on foot), *přivézt* (to bring by car).
Add to this a sociolinguistic peculiarity: alongside the standard Czech taught in textbooks, an informal variety, obecná čeština (“common Czech”), is widely used, especially in Bohemia. It alters some sounds, shortens forms, and sometimes changes endings. When you finally remember dobrý den, you hear dobrej den everywhere. The gap can be unsettling, but it is also a sign that you are beginning to perceive the language as it is really spoken.
The Legal Framework: The Czech Exam for Permanent Residence
For expats planning to stay in the Czech Republic long-term, the language exam is not an administrative detail. It is a mandatory step.
The exam required for a permanent residence application is at CEFR level A2: being able to handle basic exchanges for daily life. The test lasts 90 minutes and consists of two parts. The first combines reading (40 minutes), listening comprehension (40 minutes), and writing (25 minutes). Each section is scored out of 25 points, and you must achieve at least 12 points (60%) in each to proceed to the second, oral part, which lasts about 15 minutes.
Essential information about the format, rules, and retake possibilities for the oral exam.
Typically, describing a situation from a photo or conversing on simple topics (housing, work, family, shopping, health…).
The entire process is anonymized to limit cheating. Phones and dictionaries are strictly prohibited.
It is possible to retake the exam up to three times within a year.
Practically speaking, the exam is paid, around 2,500 to 3,200 CZK according to sources. For a while, the Ministry of Interior distributed vouchers to fund the first attempt, but this system ended in 2023 for new applications. Certificates are issued by schools specifically authorized by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, listed in a national decree. A central player is the Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies of Charles University (ÚJOP), the only institution with ALTE certification for internationally recognized Czech exams.
Several categories are exempt: those under 15, those over 60/63, people whose disability limits communication, those who have completed at least one year of schooling in Czech within the last 20 years, holders of Czech diplomas or those who have already passed the exam, as well as EU citizens and their families.
The authorities recommend at least 50 hours of classes for preparation. An official portal, “Čeština pro cizince” (Czech for Foreigners), brings together resources, and an interactive exam model for 2025/2026 is already available online. Preparation materials are accessible on the website zkouskaA2.cz, accompanied by a free guide and brochure. Several foreigner integration centers and NGOs also offer courses specifically geared towards this goal.
Choosing Your Learning Framework: Schools, Universities, Integration Centers
Once these issues are laid out, a very concrete question arises: where to learn? The options are wide-ranging, from free courses at integration centers to intensive university programs.
In the Czech Republic, most major universities offer Czech for foreigners courses. The ÚJOP of Charles University has been teaching this language for over 60 years and manages very intensive semester or annual programs (5 or 10 months), up to 20 units of 45 minutes per week, Monday to Friday, often from 9 a.m. to 1:25 p.m. Prices are around 56,500 CZK for a semester and 108,000 CZK for two semesters. At the end: a CEFR level certificate and, for some programs, preparation for higher education in Czech.
Several Czech universities (Masaryk in Brno, Palacký in Olomouc, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, University of West Bohemia, University of Ostrava, etc.) offer courses in various formats, sometimes in the evening. It is important to note that studying in Czech at public universities is legally free, regardless of the student’s nationality, provided the program is fully taught in Czech. For an expat willing to invest in intensive language learning, this can represent an opportunity to obtain a local degree.
Alongside these institutions, private language schools have specialized in Czech for foreigners. Czech Courses, Spěváček, or PELICAN, among others, offer a fairly comprehensive range: intensive courses from 2 to 8 weeks, evening classes, weekend formats, individual lessons or small groups (often a maximum of 7 to 8 people). At Czech Courses, for example, intensive courses start at about 110 CZK per 45-minute lesson, often with perks like a free textbook for long-term enrollment, or free coffee in modern classrooms. PELICAN, based in Brno, offers annual courses around 55,000 CZK, half-year courses at 27,500 CZK, as well as small groups at more affordable prices.
A network of about 18 centers, funded by the Ministry of Interior and the EU, often offers Czech language training for free or at a reduced price, especially for newcomers. These courses, although sometimes less intensive than private ones, cater to a diverse audience and are complemented by social support (legal advice, administrative help, interpreting).
In Prague, the Integration Centre Prague (ICP) coordinates much of this activity and organizes the famous “Adaptation-integration course,” a mandatory four-hour session for some third-country nationals who obtained a long-term residence permit after 2021. This training, charged at 1,500 CZK, provides an overview of residence legislation, access to housing, healthcare, employment, and education, and is interpreted into several languages (English, Russian, Ukrainian, Vietnamese, Arabic, Spanish, etc.).
Comparing the Main Types of Training
To better understand the options, it is useful to look side-by-side at the target audience, intensity, and approximate cost (the values below are rough estimates based on available data).
| Type of Training | Target Audience | Typical Intensity | Common Duration | Indicative Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University Programs (ÚJOP, etc.) | Students, university applicants, long-term | 20 units/week (or more) | 5 to 10 months | ~56,500 to 108,000 CZK per year |
| Private Schools (Czech Courses, Spěváček…) | Active expats, adaptable pace | From 2×/week to daily intensive | 2 weeks to 1 year | ~110 CZK/45 min to ~55,000 CZK/year |
| Integration Centers / NGOs | Newcomers, vulnerable groups | Low to moderate (often evenings) | Modules of a few months | Often free or symbolic |
| Individual Lessons (schools or private tutors) | Specific needs, complicated schedules | À la carte | Flexible | ~600–900 CZK / 60–90 min (or 20–40 USD) |
For an employed expat with standard working hours, a common compromise is to combine an evening class (at a school or integration center) with self-study and, possibly, online sessions with a native tutor.
Apps, Platforms, and Self-Study: Leveraging Digital Tools
Digital tools are transforming Czech language learning, especially for very busy adults. But you need to know what each tool is for and how to combine them.
Among generalist applications, Duolingo remains the most common entry point, with a gamified Czech course, ideal for starting vocabulary and a few basic structures. Its very short format suits the interstitial moments of the day, but grammatical depth and preparation for conversation remain limited.
Other apps complement this foundation. Pimsleur focuses almost exclusively on audio and guided repetition to instill useful spoken phrases. Mondly offers interactive lessons with augmented reality and a chatbot, while Busuu adds a social dimension with corrections by other learners. Mango Languages, Ling App, or uTalk provide libraries of typical phrases and dialogues.
For memorizing vocabulary, two main approaches exist. Apps like Memrise, Anki, and Memoword use spaced repetition, which involves reviewing words just before you forget them. Others, like Clozemaster or LingQ, favor acquisition in context through authentic sentences or texts. Digital flashcards are particularly recommended for learning declined forms and verbs of motion.
Structured course platforms like CzechClass101 combine audio podcasts, videos with subtitles, vocabulary sheets, and exercises. CzechClass101 lists over 600 audio/video lessons, accessible via the Innovative Language 101 app (Android, iOS, Kindle), with the ability to sync progress in the cloud. A free “lifetime” account gives partial access; paid subscriptions, starting at a few dollars per month, unlock the rest.
For grammar, Czechtime.cz and many textbooks (like *Czech: An Essential Grammar* published by Routledge) offer systematic explanations. Sites like Mluvte česky provide free online declension charts and exercises. The “Internet Language Reference Book” tool allows you to look up the declensions of a given word when you can’t remember if the accusative plural of *žena* takes *‑y* or *‑u*.
Resources for Czech Grammar
For oral practice with natives, marketplaces like italki, Preply, Verbling, or language exchange apps (Tandem, HelloTalk) allow you to find tutors or exchange partners. Prices vary widely: on italki or Preply, you can find Czech teachers for 5 to 30 dollars per hour, many in the 15–20 dollar range. Preply highlights internal data claiming its learners progress three times faster than the industry average, with 94% of them reporting improved spoken fluency.
Overview of Some Useful Digital Tools for Czech
| Tool / Platform | Primary Use Type | Benefit for an Expat in the Czech Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Duolingo | Basic vocabulary, simple sentences | Ideal for starting and creating a daily habit |
| CzechClass101 | Structured audio/video, podcasts | Progressive approach, oral practice and listening |
| Memrise / Anki / Memoword | Vocabulary with spaced repetition | Memorize declensions, irregular verbs, useful phrases |
| Mondly, Busuu, Mango | Complete multi-skill courses | Integrate into a structured “course routine” |
| LingQ, Clozemaster | Reading / vocabulary in context | Gradually move to authentic texts and sentences |
| italki, Preply, Verbling | Individual lessons with native teachers | Work on pronunciation, conversation, prepare for the A2 exam |
| Tandem, HelloTalk | Community language exchange | Meet Czechs, practice for free |
| Czechtime.cz, Mluvte česky | Online grammar and exercises | Review a specific point after an error or confusion |
The important thing is not to use everything, but to choose a small number of complementary tools. For example, a fairly effective combo for a beginner could be: Duolingo for a daily reflex, Memrise for vocabulary, CzechClass101 for listening, and a tutor on italki once a week.
Textbooks, Book Series, and Paper Resources: Structuring Your Progress
Even in the age of apps, good textbooks remain hard to replace. Czech, with its declensions and verb aspects, benefits from being learned with a progression designed for the long term.
One of the most widespread references is the series Česky krok za krokem (1 and 2) by Lída Holá, published by Akropolis. The first volume covers levels A1–A2 in 24 lessons and costs around 649 CZK; the second leads to B1, for about 849 CZK. Each volume comes with audio files (CD or MP3) and workbooks sold separately (about 297 CZK each). Reputed to be demanding but clear, this course is widely used in language schools in Prague and elsewhere.
Price in Czech crowns for each book in the Čeština expres series designed for fast learning.
Other books target self-study or very specific audiences. Basic Czech I, II, III (Karolinum) is designed for English speakers and covers from beginner to B2 level. Czech in Three Months or Czech in 55 Easy Dialogues also aim for self-study, with graded dialogues. Czech: An Essential Grammar details point by point the most complex aspects (cases, gender, perfective/imperfective verbs…) and serves as a bedside reference for many advanced learners.
To prepare for official exams from A2 to B2, the textbook ‘Připravujeme se k certifikované zkoušce z češtiny’ provides sample tests, answer keys, and methodological advice. For grammar review, books like ‘Čeština extra’ (levels A1–A2) or ‘Česká gramatika v kostce’ offer multi-entry summaries.
Finally, graded reading plays a key role in crossing the intermediate threshold. Collections like Česká čítanka or 333 x česky bring together simplified texts and stories, with adapted vocabulary. Other books feature adapted classics, from O pejskovi a kočičce to abridged modern novels.
Examples of Useful Textbook Series
| Series / Book | Target Level | Main Audience | Specific Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Česky krok za krokem 1 & 2 | A1–B1 | Motivated expats, language schools | Solid progression, very comprehensive, audio included |
| Čeština expres (1,2,3…) | A1–B1 | Beginners in a hurry | Fast pace, practical situations |
| Basic Czech I–III | A1–B2 | English speakers | Explanations in English, suited for self-study |
| Připravujeme se k… zkoušce | A2–B2 | Candidates for the official exam | Targeted practice for the tests |
| Čeština extra / Česká gramatika | A1–A2 / multi-level | Grammar review | Summaries and short exercises |
| Česká čítanka, 333 x česky | A2–B1 | Beginner-intermediate readers | Adapted texts, short stories |
For an expat aiming for level A2 in two years, a realistic trajectory could consist of taking a course based on Česky krok za krokem 1, while gradually reading simplified texts and magazines for learners like Časopis AHOJ (paid, but structured in three difficulty levels).
Practicing with Czechs: Language Exchanges, Meetups, and Daily Life
A frequent complaint from learners is the reflex of some Czechs to immediately switch to English as soon as they hear an accent. This is a reality, especially in Prague and highly internationalized circles. But it must not become an excuse to give up on practicing.
In the Czech Republic, informal practice can happen through events dedicated to language exchange. In Prague, for example, meetups like “BlaBla Language Exchange,” “Coffee and Conversation,” or evenings organized by “Community English” regularly bring together dozens of people. Platforms like Meetup or Facebook groups also list Czech, English, German, etc. conversation meetups.
Over 2,500 members are registered on the Tandem app in the Czech Republic, mainly to practice languages like French or English.
Exchange formats range from a weekly café to video calls, and chat on WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, or Messenger. Many learners prefer face-to-face conversation, others prefer an alternation: half an hour in Czech, half an hour in the other language. The key is to be explicit about your expectations (corrections, pace, topics) and to remain regular.
Some expats test the language in neighborhood shops with little English, like at the supermarket or the baker’s. They start with simple phrases (ordering, asking for a price), then comment on the weather and gradually dare to ask open questions, thus creating reassuring micro-rituals of learning.
Integration centers and NGOs also play a bridging role. Organizations like InBáze, SIMI, Slovo 21, or the Centre for the Integration of Foreigners organize cultural activities, clubs, artistic workshops where Czechs and foreigners meet. For many, the language there is less formal and more natural than in a classroom.
Integrating Czech into Your Life: Concrete Methods for Busy Adults
One of the biggest challenges for the modern expat is not so much the complexity of Czech but the lack of time and energy. After a workday, it’s hard to motivate oneself for declension charts. This is where methods centered on routine and “comprehensible input” come into play.
The work of researchers like Stephen Krashen or more recent studies on “comprehensible input” show that regular exposure to a language slightly above one’s level (thus understandable but stimulating) can produce lasting progress, sometimes more effectively than intensive sessions on grammar alone. Concretely, this means integrating a little Czech every day into your leisure activities: series, songs, podcasts, short articles.
Discover specialized platforms and channels that use podcasts, videos, and adapted content to facilitate learning the Czech language.
Platform founded by a teacher, offering slowed-down podcasts and videos, explained vocabulary, and A2–B1 level texts focused on real life.
YouTube channel with capsules on grammar, vocabulary, or culture, often subtitled.
YouTube channel offering lessons and explanations about the Czech language.
YouTube channel presenting educational and cultural content about Czech in a fun way.
YouTube channel with educational capsules on various aspects of the Czech language.
A pragmatic strategy for a salaried employee might look like this:
– In the morning, during the commute, listen to a Slowczech or CzechClass101 podcast for 10 minutes, without worrying about understanding everything;
– At lunch break, do a short Anki or Memrise session (5–10 minutes) to review vocabulary;
– In the evening, watch an episode of a Czech series or a segment of a Czech show (for example, a sequence from Show Jana Krause or a short cartoon like Krteček), first without subtitles, then with Czech subtitles to check.
On the weekend, spend 30 to 60 minutes writing a small journal in Czech, correcting these texts with a tutor or an AI tool, and, if possible, having a conversation session (online course or exchange with a native).
Making Study “Livable”: Micro-Habits and Home Immersion
To ensure Czech doesn’t stay locked in a notebook, several tricks have proven effective among expats:
To practice Czech daily, put Czech labels on household objects (fridge, door, window, table) and add associated verbs and adjectives. Change the language of your phone or certain apps to Czech, at least for one to two weeks per month. Keep a “word of the day” on a calendar, with the obligation to use it at least once during the day. Cook using Czech recipes, which naturally exposes you to the imperative, quantities in the genitive, and measurements. Finally, consistently use Czech for your shopping lists and quick notes.
The key is not intensity, but regularity. Five minutes daily is better than a two-hour session every two weeks. Many learners report that after a year at a rate of one or two new words per day, they end up with over 700 active entries – enough to hold a simple conversation.
Strategically Preparing for the A2 Permanent Residence Exam
Let’s return to the mandatory step of the A2 level exam. For an expat who has been settled for a few years, often already employed, preparation must neither be limited to past papers nor rely on vague language immersion.
The authorities recommend a minimum of 50 hours of classes, but it all depends on your starting level. A reasonable approach is to combine:
– A course focused on the exam format, ideally in a school or center accustomed to this type of preparation (for example, certain courses at Spěváček or ÚJOP);
– Independent work using official resources: interactive exam model, e-preparation materials on zkouskaA2.cz, downloadable brochures, etc.;
– Individual sessions with a tutor for the oral part, picture description, stress management.
The exam assesses the understanding of small ads, simple phone dialogues, and basic administrative forms. It also tests the ability to write a short message or an informal letter (for an appointment request, apologies, an introduction). In the oral part, the candidate must be able to introduce themselves and talk about their housing, work, family, habits, and near-future plans.
The biggest trap for many expats is focusing on this goal too late, after several years of living in an English-speaking bubble. Collected testimonials show that a winning strategy is to aim for A2 progressively, first building a solid vocabulary on the target domains (housing, health, employment, administration, transport), then getting used to the exact form of the test at least six months before the chosen date.
Integration, Culture, and Mental Health: Language as a Lever
Beyond pragmatic considerations, learning Czech in the Czech Republic has very concrete implications for well-being. Studies conducted among foreign residents indicate high rates of frustration, sadness, and sometimes depression, strongly correlated with feelings of isolation and the inability to make oneself understood in the local language.
A large majority of Czechs (about 70%) believe that foreigners should adapt to local customs. Proficiency in Czech, even approximate, is seen as a positive sign of integration. Conversely, staying in a linguistic bubble can create misunderstandings and reinforce stereotypes.
The Czech Republic, however, has a rich ecosystem of associations around integration, where language is just one element among others. NGOs like Youth Included, Slovo 21, or InBáze use theater, dance, music, painting, or writing as tools for encounters between Czechs and foreigners. Groups like T‑Art (Russian-speaking theater), Dzerelo (Ukrainian troupe), or Ziriab (Arabic music) show that culture serves as a bridge, even when everyone’s Czech is still faltering.
For an expat, combining language learning with cultural activities (shows, series, festivals) accelerates the sense of belonging. It allows learning vocabulary in context, creating social connections, and understanding local cultural references, which is a motivating and achievable goal.
Building a Realistic Plan According to Your Expat Profile
Ultimately, there is no “miracle method” that works for everyone. But, based on available data and feedback, a few typical scenarios emerge.
A young professional settled in Prague, working in English for an international company, might aim for a three-step path:
An example of a structured progression to reach A2 level in Czech: the first year, combine an evening class (2 × 90 minutes per week) at a school or integration center with daily use of an app (Duolingo, Memrise) and weekly podcast listening. The second year, strengthen speaking with regular sessions on italki or Preply, participate in at least one language exchange per week, and start watching Czech shows with subtitles. Starting the third year, focus learning on preparing for the A2 permanent residence exam, with a targeted course and exam simulations.
A parent with children in a Czech school could, on the other hand, take advantage of their children’s homework to review grammar, use adapted school materials, and participate in school activities (meetings, parties) as a practice ground. Some language schools and universities also offer intensive summer courses for children, which allows the whole family to embark on the language adventure.
A student who has come to follow a full university program in Czech will often benefit from language courses integrated into their curriculum. The challenge will rather be to step out of the circle of foreign students and test their Czech in student jobs, associations, cultural activities, or even in student residences where informal exchanges in Czech are frequent.
Conclusion: Aim for the Useful, Accept Imperfection, Enjoy the Journey
Learning Czech in the Czech Republic is a demanding endeavor, but far from insurmountable. The available data confirm the objective difficulty of the language – multiple cases, consonant clusters, exotic sounds, scarcity of transparent words – but they also show a very rich environment of resources: specialized universities, language schools, integration centers, dedicated apps, podcast platforms, well-structured textbooks, an active exchange community.
For the expat, the key is not to aim for academic perfection, but for solid functional competence, aligned with their projects: obtaining permanent residence, being autonomous in health and administrative procedures, working in Czech if necessary, understanding what is being said around them on the street or at work. The A2 level required by law is not a ceiling, but a milestone.
Advice for an Expat
By relying on a lucid combination of formal courses, digital tools, informal practice, and participation in cultural life, it becomes possible to transform a language reputed to be intimidating into a daily ally. And to gradually move from the status of a “passing foreigner” to that of a neighbor, colleague, or friend who, even with an accent, is part of the linguistic landscape of the Czech Republic.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
