Top 10 Czech Phrases for Beginners (And How to Use Them in the A2 Exam)

Whether you are planning a trip to Prague or preparing for the Czech A2 Exam (Zkouška z češtiny pro trvalý pobyt v ČR) for permanent residency, mastering a few core social phrases is your first step to success.

At the A2 level, according to the official guidelines from the National Pedagogical Institute (NPI) on cestina-pro-cizince.cz, candidates are not expected to be grammatically perfect, but they must show they can handle basic everyday interactions. Using the correct phrase at the right time is crucial for scoring well in the Speaking (Mluvení) and Writing (Psaní) subtests.

Here are the top 10 Czech phrases for beginners, complete with pronunciation, grammar notes, and critical tips for your A2 exam.

The Essential Top 10 Phrases

1. Dobrý den (Doh-bree den) – Good day / Hello

Register: Formal (vykání)
When to use: This is the default greeting. Use it in shops, restaurants, public offices, and when meeting someone for the first time.
A2 Exam Tip: Always greet your examiners with "Dobrý den" when you enter the exam room. Failing to use formal register with strangers is considered a social error and can affect your grade.

2. Ahoj (Ah-hoy) – Hi / Bye

Register: Informal (tykání)
When to use: Use this ONLY with friends, family members, or children. It can mean both "hello" and "goodbye."
Common Pitfall: Never say "Ahoj" to an examiner, a doctor, or an office clerk. Keep it formal!

3. Děkuji (Dyeh-koo-yee) – Thank you

Pronunciation Tip: The ě sounds like a soft "ye," and the j sounds like a "y."
Grammar note: You will also hear the shorter, slightly less formal "Díky" (thanks) or the highly polite "Děkuji vám" (thank you, plural/formal).
A2 Exam Tip: Politeness goes a long way. Use "Děkuji" whenever the examiner gives you a task sheet or wraps up a section.

4. Prosím (Pro-seem) – Please / You're welcome / Here you go / Pardon?

The Magic Word: This is the most versatile word in Czech.
- When ordering: "Jedno pivo, prosím." (One beer, please.)
- When responding to thank you: "Děkuji." – "Prosím." (Thank you. – You're welcome.)
- When handing someone something: "Prosím." (Here you go.)
- When you didn't hear someone: "Prosím?" (Pardon? / What did you say?)

5. Na shledanou (Na skhle-da-now) – Goodbye

Register: Formal (vykání)
Pronunciation Tip: The ch is a soft, throat-clearing sound (like the German ch or Scottish loch).
A2 Exam Tip: When you finish your speaking exam, look at the examiners and say "Na shledanou" (Goodbye) or "Mějte se hezky" (Have a nice day) to make a lasting, polite impression.

6. Nerozumím (Ne-ro-zoo-meem) – I don't understand

Grammar note: This is a combination of the negative prefix ne- and the verb rozumět (to understand) in the first person singular.
A2 Exam Tip: If you get stuck during the speaking section, don't just stay silent! Say "Nerozumím" or "Nerozumím otázce" (I don't understand the question). It proves you are trying to communicate in Czech.

7. Mluvíte anglicky? (Mloo-vee-te an-glits-key?) – Do you speak English?

Register: Formal / Plural (vykání)
Grammar note: The ending -íte makes this the formal version.
When to use: Helpful in emergencies, but try to avoid asking this during the A2 exam, as the entire test is conducted strictly in Czech!

8. Promiňte (Pro-min-te) – Excuse me / I'm sorry

Register: Formal (vykání)
When to use: Use this to get someone's attention (e.g., getting past someone on the tram) or to apologize for a minor mistake.
A2 Exam Tip: If you make a slip-of-the-tongue in your speaking test and want to correct yourself, simply say "Promiňte..." and state the corrected sentence. Examiners appreciate self-correction.

9. Kde je... ? (Kde ye... ?) – Where is... ?

When to use: Essential for navigation.
- "Kde je toaleta?" (Where is the bathroom?)
- "Kde je nádraží?" (Where is the train station?)
A2 Exam Connection: Navigating a city and asking for directions is one of the 13 core topics tested on the exam. Make sure you know how to ask this and understand direction vocabulary (e.g., doleva - left, doprava - right, rovně - straight).

10. Kolik to stojí? (Ko-lik to stoy-ee?) – How much does it cost?

When to use: Asking prices when shopping or dining.
A2 Exam Connection: Another core topic is shopping. You might be asked to play a roleplay where you buy a train ticket, groceries, or medicine. Knowing "Kolik to stojí?" and "Můžu platit kartou?" (Can I pay by card?) is essential.

Common Beginner Pitfalls to Avoid

As you practice these phrases, watch out for the English translation traps:

Expressing Age: Never say "Já jsem 30 let starý" (I am 30 years old). In Czech, we say "Je mi 30 let" (Literally: It is 30 years to me).
Greeting at Night: Don't say "Dobrý den" at 10 PM. Use "Dobrý večer" (Good evening).
Confirming understanding: Don't say "Já jsem dobrý" to mean "I understand" or "I am fine." Use "To je dobré" (That's good) or "Rozumím" (I understand).

Practice Czech Phrases in Context

Memorizing lists of phrases is a start, but true confidence comes from structured, interactive practice. On A2 Zkouška, we provide comprehensive vocabulary modules, grammar drills, and realistic Reading mock tests that prepare you for the exact scenarios you will face on exam day (with listening exercises and audio pronunciations coming in a future update).

By practicing with our simulated mock tests, you will internalize these phrases so they come to you naturally, even under the pressure of the real exam.

Hodně štěstí u zkoušky!