"I try to speak Czech, but when someone replies fast, I don't understand anything!"

You’re not alone — and it’s completely normal!

Fast, authentic Czech is full of connected words, swallowed endings, slang, and colloquial expressions that sound nothing like textbook Czech.

Here’s how you can train your brain to understand real spoken Czech:

👉 1. Listen to Czech every day

Even if you don’t understand everything. Your brain needs to get used to the rhythm and sounds of the language.

👉 2. Start with slow, clear Czech designed for learners

Choose materials where you understand around 70% — just challenging enough but not overwhelming.

👉 3. Repeat the same material multiple times

Listen to each video several times. The more, the better. Each time, you’ll hear something new.

👉 4. Use short, authentic clips from TV shows or podcasts (30 seconds are just enough)

- Listen for the general idea

- Listen again with subtitles

- Write down what you think you hear

- Check and compare

- Repeat over several days

Your brain will start to hear words that previously sounded like noise.

👉 5. Shadow native speakers

Repeat short phrases right after them, copying speed and intonation.

Try shadowing my 2 minutes long Pronunciation shorts: https://lnkd.in/enjC7hDH. As a bonus, you will learn useful everyday expressions. 

👉 6. Learn typical Czech sounds, connected speech and reductions

Czechs say "chťelasemťito" — not "Chtěla jsem ti to..."

A great place to practice this in my online course, The Czech Sound Library (https://lnkd.in/ecpC7sdX).

👉 7. Talk to real people

Expose yourself to real conversations, even if it feels messy. Ask for repetition, slow down if needed, but stay in the conversation. The more you practice, the faster your brain will adapt.

👉 8. Watch Czech movies and series with subtitles (and later without).

👉 9. Be patient and don’t give up!

Understanding fast Czech is a skill you can build step by step.

✨ Need personal help? Contact me at eliska@becauseczechiscool.com — I’ll be happy to support you! 😊

I’m curious: How do YOU feel about authentic, fast-spoken Czech conversations? Let me know in the comments!

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⭐ As a Czech language tutor and coach, I help expats in the Czech Republic and foreigners worldwide speak Czech with confidence and joy, making them feel truly at home in their Czech community.

 👉 Join my 1:1 online Czech lessons, group courses, or online programs. Click here for more details: www.becauseczechiscool.com