The title sounds almost funny, doesn't it? However, listening to the funeral-like tune and “strange,” old-fashioned words and expressions certainly won't make you laugh. Every time I see proud American or French people jump up and sing along when their anthem starts playing, my heart clenches. Play the Czech anthem in a room full of Czechs… Nothing will happen. Sadly, we're not patriots––quite the opposite, actually––and it shows. Don't get me wrong, when the Czech hockey team won the gold medal at the Olympics 20 years ago, most of us felt very… Czech. Since then… Radio silence in the patriotism department.In this article, we will explore and decipher the lyrics and history of the Czech national anthem. According to some, it is a... Show more

Are you learning Czech, planning to visit the Czech Republic, starting a business here, or even settling down in this cute, Central European country? Great! I'm sure you want to know more than just the basic info (like what the currency is and whether it's okay to look a stranger in the eye…).  Learning about Czech culture is essential if you want to really understand not just the language, but also how things work here. And let me tell you, just about everything is different here than in the U.S. or Western and Eastern Europe. As you explore Czech culture and customs, you’ll find that they share a lot in common with those of Austria or Germany. These two countries have greatly influenced the attitudes, traditions, and cuisine of... Show more

In the Czech Republic, Epiphany (sometimes referred to as Three Kings Day), is a major Christian holiday with many fun traditions. From swimming in the Vltava River in Prague to watching men travel by camel for charity, Epiphany traditions in the Czech Republic are really something else! In this article, you’ll learn more about how Czechs celebrate Epiphany as well as the stories behind the holiday. At CzechClass101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative—starting with this article! Are you ready? Let’s get started. 1. What is Epiphany? Epiphany is a very old holiday. According to the Orthodox Church, this is the day Jesus Christ was baptized in the River Jordan.... Show more

On the Czech Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day, the Czech Republic commemorates two of the most important events in its recent history, both of which helped to set in motion the end of communist rule. This is something that many Czechs, particularly students, fought for; some lost their lives, and many faced arrest, to help the country gain its freedom and democracy. Thus, this has become one of the most important holidays in the Czech Republic today. In this article, you’ll learn about the history surrounding this holiday, how Czechs observe it today, and what it means to them. At CzechClass101.com, we aim to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative! 1. What is Struggle for Freedom and... Show more

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. 1. What is the Day of Burning Jan Hus? On July 6, 1415, a prominent Czech reformer and scholar named Jan Hus... Show more

Learn all the Czech New Year wishes online, in your own time, on any device! Join CzechClass101 for a special Czech New Year celebration! Can you relate to the year passing something like this: “January, February, March - December!”? Many people do! Quantum physics teaches us that time is relative, and few experiences illustrate this principle as perfectly as when we reach the end of a year. To most of us, it feels like the old one has passed in the blink of an eye, while the new year lies ahead like a very long journey! However, New Year is also a time to celebrate beginnings, and to say goodbye to what has passed. This is true in every culture, no matter when New Year is celebrated. So, how do you say Happy New Year in Czech? ... Show more

Do you know any ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Czech? CzechClass101 brings you easy-to-learn translations and the correct pronunciation of Czech Christmas phrases! Christmas is the annual commemorative festival of Christ’s birth in the Western Christian Church. It takes place on December 25th and is usually celebrated with much food and fanfare! However, not all cultures celebrate Christmas. In some countries, Christmas is not even a public holiday! However, many countries have adapted Christmas and its religious meaning to tally with their own beliefs, or simply in acknowledgment of the festival’s importance to other cultures. If you want to impress native Czech speakers with culturally-appropriate Christmas phrases... Show more