What Language Is Spoken in Prague?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning a trip to Prague, or simply interested in the culture and language of the Czech Republic, you may be wondering what language is spoken in Prague. The answer is Czech, which is the official language of the Czech Republic.

History of the Czech Language

The Czech language belongs to the West Slavic group of languages, along with Slovak and Polish. It has its roots in Old Church Slavonic, which was used as a liturgical language in the area during the Middle Ages. Over time, it evolved into what we now know as modern Czech.

Basic Characteristics of the Czech Language

Czech is known for its complex grammar and pronunciation. It has seven cases for nouns (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative, vocative, locative and instrumental), which can be difficult for non-native speakers to learn. Additionally, it has a unique system of sounds that includes many consonant clusters and diacritical marks.

Despite these challenges, Czech is a beautiful language with a rich literary tradition. Some famous Czech writers include Franz Kafka, Milan Kundera and Bohumil Hrabal.

The Use of English in Prague

While Czech is the official language of Prague and the rest of the Czech Republic, many people in Prague also speak English. This is especially true in tourist areas such as hotels and restaurants.

If you are visiting Prague as a tourist or for business purposes, it’s always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Czech. This will not only help you communicate with locals but also show that you respect their culture.

Conclusion

In summary, if you’re traveling to Prague or simply interested in learning about different languages around the world, it’s important to know that the official language spoken in Prague is Czech. While this may seem daunting at first due to its complex grammar and pronunciation, it’s a beautiful language with a rich history and literary tradition. Additionally, many people in Prague also speak English, so don’t be afraid to communicate in either language during your visit.