Episode 7 (daily podcast CZECH YOUR DAY) transcript included

THIS WEEK’S TOPIC: WHAT TIME IS IT?/KOLIK JE HODIN?

THE TRANSCRIPT/HANDOUT IS DOWN BELOW

Today, let’s enrich our conversations by introducing some essential verbs. We’ll dive into one of the most frequently used verbs in Czech – “DĚLAT.” This versatile verb means “to do,” “to make,” “to work,” and “to prepare.” Despite not always being highlighted in dictionaries, “DĚLAT” is a staple in informal Czech, often heard at home or among friends.

Understanding “DĚLAT” in Context

Imagine needing to express what you usually do over the weekend. You might say:
Co obvykle děláš o víkendu?
Translation: What do you usually do at the weekend?

It can be also used in the following informal situations:
Kde děláš?
Translation: Where do you work?

In the kitchen, Czechs frequently use “DĚLAT’’ when preparing food or drinks. You might say:
Dělám kafe, or Dělám teď dort,
Translation: I am making coffee, or I am making a cake.

„DĚLAT SI“ for Personal Touch

A slight variation with a significant meaning is “DĚLAT SI.” When using “DĚLAT SI,” you’re emphasizing that you are doing something for yourself, not someone else. For example:
Dělám si kafe.
Translation: I am making coffee (for myself).

Expressing Meal Times in Czech

There are a few ways to express you’re having a meal in Czech.

• Breakfast:
  • Mít snídani (to have breakfast)
  • Snídat
  Example: Mám snídani.
  Translation: I am having breakfast.
• Lunch:
  • Mít oběd (to have lunch)
  • Obědvat
  Example: Mám oběd.
  Translation: I am having lunch.
• Dinner:
  • Mít večeři (to have dinner)
  • Večeřet
  Example: Mám večeři.
  Translation: I am having dinner.

Put Your Czech Skills to Practice

Congratulations! With the episodes 6 & 7, you’re now equipped to express when you have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even add what you’re fixing for yourself, like coffee or cake.