I'm going to be honest with you, guys. Czech food is heavy. Most meals are based on pork, creamy sauces, and dumplings (no, they're not similar to Asian dumplings). Growing up, I would always marvel at the gorgeous, colorful platters of food that I saw on American TV. Compared to that, our diet was a lot grayer, ordinary-looking, and "bready."  Of course, times have changed. But the traditional Czech cuisine hasn't.  I personally don't know anyone who would say no to Mom's Sunday roast with fluffy dumplings and sweet and sour cabbage, followed by home-baked pastries with sweet, lemony curd cheese filling. One thing I need to mention: the portion sizes. I vividly remember my first morning in NYC. I ordered two scrambled eggs with... Show more

When I was a little girl, I used to spend a lot of time with my grandma. That wonderful lady, like all grandmothers around the world, was an endless source of what (back then) sounded like weird little poems that didn't rhyme. And, of course, they made very little sense to me. You might feel the same way when you look at a Czech sentence that is (seemingly) just a series of random words. That's why you should keep on reading this article. In this list of Czech quotes with translations in English, you’ll find words of wit and wisdom on a variety of topics. From Czech love quotes to proverbs about life, our top picks will give you a little peek into the intriguing Czech culture and mindset. And this, in turn, will enhance your... Show more

We all know life isn't just work; relationships matter and love conquers all. However, your career is one of the most important parts of your life (and it also takes up a big chunk of your time on Earth).  That's why it's beneficial to find a career that fulfills you and makes you feel accomplished…or at least pays well and doesn't kill you on the inside. And, of course, you might want or need to start a career in another country. If you want to get a job or start your own business in the Czech Republic (yay!), you should work on learning some common Czech business phrases and vocabulary. Every successful entrepreneur will tell you that your language gives away a lot about your personality and approach, and by choosing the right... Show more

What's the number-one thing that will make learning Czech entertaining, help you boost your vocabulary, keep you company, and always be there for you? YouTube! When you learn Czech, YouTube videos in or about the language will be immensely helpful to you. Here's a little background story to show you the power of YouTube:  When I first discovered this marvelous world of videos (back in 2007 or so), I decided I had to speak English well enough to understand what was going on in makeup tutorials (this was WAY before influencers were a real thing, guys!). Lo and behold, here I am. Don’t underestimate the power of social media and technology. Thanks to specialized channels, you can learn to speak Czech with YouTube. If you're busy,... Show more

You know, there are certain situations in life where it’s acceptable to just grab your stuff and leave without announcing your departure to the entire room. However, most of the time, it's nice to be polite and exchange pleasantries!  Besides, I'm sure that you want to make a good impression. You want people to remember you. You want to have friends and an awesome career, fall in love, and live in a house with a red roof...and how would you achieve that without the persuasive influence of your social graces?  Saying goodbye in Czech is today’s topic. By the end of this article, you'll be ready to say bye in Czech to your boss, a cashier in your favorite supermarket, someone you just met, someone you definitely want to see again,... Show more

It doesn't matter why you're learning Czech: Do you want to be able to order a schnitzel in a restaurant, or are you planning to write your first novel in this beautiful Slavic language? We've got you covered. In this guide, we'll explain the specifics of the Czech sentence structure, and show you how to memorize and work with its patterns.  It might seem quite confusing at first because the Czech word order is entirely different than that in English—let's say it's more relaxed and the rules are VERY flexible. Maybe you're thinking: "Oh, whatever. Everyone knows what I'm saying as long as I'm using the correct words, right?" No, my friend, I'm sorry. We're not mind-readers, and you could get us seriously confused and worried if... Show more

Dobré slovo i železná vrata otvírá. ("A nice word can open even an iron gate.”) However, there are a few things you might want to avoid when complimenting a native Czech…in Czech. First and foremost: We are very reserved and generally not good with compliments. We don't know how to accept them, and we don't compliment often (this is especially true of older people who would rather bite their tongue). And guess what: that actually makes Czech compliments even more powerful. Just don't be surprised when you get a blank look or an "Oh, this? This dress is actually really old, I found it in the dumpster and I don't like it at all." My dear friend V. gained 70+ pounds during her pregnancy, and it took her a long time to start shedding the... Show more

Anger is a natural response to pain of some sort; when you’re angry, you’re angry with a cause and want someone to pay! It’s so much harder when you’re traveling, because your routines are off-kilter, there’s culture shock to deal with and the smallest problems can seem overwhelming. How do you handle someone who’s just pushed your last button? At home, we often have a go-to person who is good at calming us down, but emotions are tricky to deal with in a foreign country. Sometimes people may treat you unfairly, but you’re completely baffled as to why. You have to remember that people in think differently to how you do and it’s not impossible to inadvertently cause offense. Don’t stress about it too much, because you’ll adapt! Once you... Show more

What is the most defining moment you will face this year? From memories that you immortalize in a million photographs, to days you never wish to remember, one thing's for certain: big life events change you. The great poet, Bukowski, said, "We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well, that death will tremble to take us." The older I get, the more I agree with him! Talking about significant events in our lives is part of every person's journey, regardless of creed or culture. If you're planning to stay in for more than a quick visit, you're sure to need at least a few 'life events' phrases that you can use. After all, many of these are shared experiences, and it's generally expected that we will show up with good manners... 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