3 tips how to be successful at learning Czech in 2023

Has learning Czech been one of your resolutions for 2023? Congratulations. You have taken a huge step.

Do you want to make it work for you and not to end up just like all these people sweating in gyms in January and quitting after 3 weeks?

I will share 3 tips that really help.

TIP 1: Make it a real priority

Do you think there’s a high chance of achieving the goal if there are 5 more things on your list? Are you truly able to stay focused and motivated while completing all 5 resolutions?

I can tell you from my own experience that there is a much higher chance of becoming successful if you choose it as your real priority – your NUMBER ONE.

It will change your whole attitude.

You will stop looking for excuses. You will be looking for ways how to get there.

TIP 2: Immerse yourself in Czech

Lots of people still live under the impression that you can learn a language if you spend hours and hours memorizing textbooks and doing grammar exercises.

I think that there are less painful and more enjoyable ways how to achieve it. One of the ways (and much more sustainable) is to immerse yourself in Czech. How to do it? I have already mentioned the app RADIO GARDEN in this article.

What else can you do on daily basis?

Here are some examples:

• watch a film in Czech (there are plenty of them eg. on Netflix – both with Czech and English subtitles)
• create your own list of songs in Czech (of course the ones that you find appealing) and listen to them regularly
• watch cartoons in Czech (if you know at least the basics, try The Smurfs/Šmoulové)
• write a list of things/activities you are interested in and find videos and podcasts in Czech about the topic
• read short texts (if you are a beginner, you can use memes, short jokes or notices that you can find around you – if you live in the Czech Republic eg. in a shop, in the city centre, parking lot or on the bus)
• find someone for a tandem (that’s one of the activities I have chosen for my Spanish after completing the language course) – ideally with a native speaker
• listen to an audiobook every day (if you want to know how to do it in an effective way, read this article)
• write a diary in Czech (yes, you will start with simple sentences – eg. Je úterý. Je třetího ledna. Venku je zima. – step by step you will start creating more complexed sentences)

What’s the most important thing? Choose the kind of activities you really enjoy. And spice it up with something more challenging from time to time (a little push ;))

Don’t stress out if you don’t understand every single word. I started listening to an audiobook in Spanish when my knowledge of Spanish was literally ZERO. I have kept listening to it. My brain has gotten used to the sounds typical for Spanish. I have started mimicking some sounds and words, intonation as well. I have realized I could understand more and more words. It’s not important to understand every single word, but to get what they are talking about (plot). I am explaining all the necessary steps here.

TIP 3: SET TIME FOR YOUR CZECH

I really struggled to find time for my Spanish as my schedule is kinda crazy. I realised soon enough that writing LEARN SPANISH FOR 15 MINUTES into my to-do list wasn’t the most effective way. Yes, my Spanish ended up as the task that wasn’t completed on that particular day quite frequently.

And it truly sucked. Because I could see me failing again and again. Soooo frustrating…

It got to the point when I was really fed up. Do you know what the game changer was for me?

When I set a fixed time window for my Spanish. My phone tells me at the same time every day: now it’s time to give 15 minutes to yourself – you DESERVE to get better, to take another step, to get closer to the goal. It has become my routine.

Why am I not highlighting the importance of working with a textbook every day?

1. I prefer authentic materials.
2. Variety is the spice of life (have you ever seen anyone who was eager to learn from a textbook on a daily basis after using it for a longer period of time?)

This approach is about incorporating Czech into your life – permanently…

What else can help you with sticking to the plan?

Tracking down even the tiniest steps. How? I have created this chart for you to be able to write down all activities done in Czech. People don’t even realize how much time they actually dedicate to learning Czech. And it also makes people accountable 😉 You don’t want an empty field, right?!

If you want the tracker, click here.

And if you are looking for more guidance, you can choose 3-month group course (1). It’s great not only for total beginners, but also for people who need a restart (levels A1-A2). You can find more info here.