Do They Speak Russian in Prague?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a trip to Prague and wondering if Russian is spoken there, the short answer is no. While Russian was once widely spoken in Czechoslovakia during the communist era, it is no longer considered an official or widely used language in Prague or anywhere else in the Czech Republic.

What Language Do People Speak in Prague?

The official language of the Czech Republic is Czech, which is a Slavic language similar to Slovak and Polish. However, many people in Prague also speak English as a second language, especially those who work in the tourism industry or in international business.

A Brief History of Russian in Prague

During the Soviet era, Russian was taught as a compulsory second language throughout Czechoslovakia. After the fall of communism and the Velvet Revolution of 1989, however, there was a significant backlash against Russian influence and many people stopped speaking it altogether. Today, you’re more likely to encounter other Slavic languages like Polish or Serbian than Russian on the streets of Prague.

Useful Phrases for Travelers

While it’s always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in the local language when traveling abroad, you don’t need to worry too much about learning Russian for your trip to Prague. Instead, here are some useful Czech phrases that will help you get by:

  • Dobrý den – Good day (used as a greeting)
  • Děkuji – Thank you
  • Prosím – Please
  • Kolik to stojí? – How much does it cost?

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, while Russian was once widely spoken in Prague during communist times, it is no longer an official or commonly used language there today. The official language of the Czech Republic is Czech, although English is also widely spoken. So if you’re planning a trip to Prague, don’t worry about learning Russian – just brush up on some basic Czech phrases and you’ll be good to go!