Czech Language & Communication

The Czech language is a beautiful Slavic language with a heavy influence from many other European languages and cultures. While it may appear daunting at first, Czech is like any other language in that it simply takes time and patience to learn. And what better place to do so than in Olomouc!

People from Olomouc are renowned for being welcoming and polite and their accent is more representative of standard Czech than other big cities such as Prague and Brno. With a slower pace of life and a distinct lack of tourists you can be sure to have ample opportunity to practise your Czech with these wonderful locals.

• “Olomouc offers a higher standard of education and a higher level of civility compared to other cities.”
• “One of the greatest takeaways was meeting the friendly local people.”

 

To help you settle in during your first days in Olomouc, here are some essential phrases and tips for everyday situations. These will make your early days here easier and help you navigate common interactions with locals.

 

Shopping & Paying 

• Always say Dobrý den (Hello) when entering a shop and Na shledanou (Goodbye) when leaving.
• Cashiers often ask: „Hotově nebo kartou?“ (Cash or card?)
• Useful responses:
  • Kartou, prosím. (By card, please.)
  • Hotově, prosím. (In cash, please.)
  • Mohu dostat účtenku? (Can I get a receipt?)

 

Public Transport 

• Always validate your ticket in the yellow machine on trams/buses. Inspectors wear plain clothes and check randomly.
• If asked „Jízdenku, prosím.“ (Ticket, please.), you can reply:
  • Tady je. (Here it is.)
  • Nemám, kde si mohu koupit jízdenku? (I don’t have one, where can I buy a ticket?)

 

Restaurants & Cafés

• To pay, make eye contact with the waiter and say „Zaplatím, prosím.“ (I’d like to pay, please.)
• Common question: „Máte vybráno?“ (Have you chosen?)
• Useful responses:
  • Ještě chvíli, prosím. (A little more time, please.)
  • Dám si… (I’ll have…)
    Tip: Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up to the nearest 10 or 20 CZK is common.

 

Social Norms & Politeness

• Some Czechs may seem reserved at first, but they warm up once you get to know them. Being direct is normal—small talk isn’t as common.
• Useful phrases:
  • Promiňte (Excuse me / Sorry)
  • Děkuji (Thank you)

Prosím (Please / You’re welcome)
Tip: Holding doors open, especially for women or elderly people, is appreciated.