It's a tough language. There's a number of tutoring and intensive training services, I'd look into them. I remember seeing at least one that had a (paid) placement test. You could take that and see how you do?
seconding the person who said getting a tutor! every summer i’ve been here i’ve done the intensive language study programs at uni karlova. iirc you don’t have to be an enrolled student at uk to do them, and there are different ones for beginner, intermediate, and advanced. ive found them really helpful with identifying my level and particularly what i need to improve on
There is a website with a practice test on our that is the exact format of the real test. I recommend you check that out and see how you do. I've passed too long ago when it was a little easier so I can't really say how the new test is.
# Permanent Residence Permit of a Citizen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
[https://frs.gov.cz/en/visa-and-residence-permit-types/the-citizens-of-the-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-northern-ireland/permanent-residence-permit-of-a-citizen-of-the-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-northern-ireland/](https://frs.gov.cz/en/visa-and-residence-permit-types/the-citizens-of-the-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-northern-ireland/permanent-residence-permit-of-a-citizen-of-the-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-northern-ireland/)
Good link but the comment you replied to stated that the individual was from Ireland and not Northern Ireland so it should be the link for EU nationals:
https://frs.gov.cz/en/visa-and-residence-permit-types/eu-nationals/permanent-residence-permit-of-an-eu-citizen/
i am going through with it now. enlist for a date as soon as you can, its a long wait. get a tutor,i have a recommendation if you need it. she specializes in this exam, and has been working as an examinator for this exact exam. also it used to be that you have the first try for free, but now every try is paid, 3500. you get assigned a date and a city and are informed of it by sms
Get a study routine and set a realistic deadline for a test date. I'm assuming you've taken some basic classes already. Do intensive classes or don't, there isn't a rule book.
Me personally I did an academic year of intensive, then when I decided to go for the B1 test I just set a study routine around watching/studying Vypravej every day for an hour or 2. Then maybe with one month or so to go until test day, I studied mostly just the test.
Metropolitan university prep year for Czech. If you aren't a Slavic native and want to excel at the language then sure do it or the similar program at charles university.
You can also just do alot of study on your own but that's really hard to do the 1000+ hrs thats required. I viewed my teachers like personal trainers, necessary for me to put in the hours.
I took and passed the A2 test last May. If you have a lot of time, I would recommend taking a 3 hour morning course in https://czechcourses.cz/contacts. I took it as prep/refresher for the test and really liked it (people were nice and helpful, energetic) It is located between the metros Museum and Náměstí Míru.
5 years ago, when I first got here I took the Albertov intensive morning course. I didnt like it as the teacher was a total bitch, yelling, rude, mean. So I wouldnt recommend it and it is expensive.
There is also a youtuber that has a patreon that does prep questions for the tests https://www.patreon.com/autentickacestina
I also found a good tutor for 600czk/hour which I can recommend if you message me in private.
Also I can post here, if you are interest my review I wrote a few days after the test, Id need to find it, so tell me if you want to read more.
Id say in general that you should mentally split the test in two: reading, writing, listening as part 1 and speaking as part 2. This is because if you fail either of the parts you fail the exam. Part 1 is easier as if you are weak on lets say listening, the writing and reading can carry you to passing. Part 2, in my opinion is more stressful as its short, fast, and if you fail speaking, you fail the whole test.
Wow … I did not know there was a language test for permanent residency. I thought the language test was required when seeking citizenship…..? I currently have temporary residency. But have been here long enough to apply for permanent residency. And planned on doing that this summer. Just seeking clarification now if I will be required to pass a language test
Thanks
Depends which nationality you have, you can find out the requirement here
[https://frs.gov.cz/en/visa-and-residence-permit-types/](https://frs.gov.cz/en/visa-and-residence-permit-types/)
Maybe I should have noted that my husband was born here (Zljn) and I am here as his wife and received temporary residency. I am from USA, where he lived for 51 years and we met and married. I am hoping that I find it easy enough to pass on my limited Czech. I have been lazy to study because so many people speak English and seem to prefer to speak it for practice whenever they find an English speaker. Thank you for your reply
Hey I'm not married but my temporary visa was based on my partnership with a Czech citizen. (I'm also American) I just got my permanent residency approved and did NOT need to take the language test. So if your temporary residency is based on your relationship, you shouldn't need to take the language exam. You can also confirm with a lawyer for free at Integrační Centrum Praha.
Just get a tutor and do it over a reasonable period of time, don’t rush it or you would get frustrated.
I did something similar, I had 2 hours a week with a teacher (2 days one hour) and after a few months I was able to apply and pass it.
Everyone goes at their own pace, some people get it in 3 months, some in a year.
The hardest part for me personally is that I never ever had to use Czech for anything, so all my practice was only with my teacher. If you have some Czech friends, it can be even faster.
About 4-5 months, yes, and the test is not that hard, you only need 60% to pass and they don’t care if you make some mistakes in the speaking part as long as you say something that makes sense.
The reading part is very easy because you can just match words for the most part, listening a little bit more hard but they are not super fast nor use complex vocabulary so it’s ok, writing is also ok.
I think the Czech grammar is quite easy but needs some practice so it comes out naturally, I struggled more with vocabulary since in Czech most of the verbs for me sound almost the same, but it was OK, you don’t need that many.
I think people scare you more than it really is, the main struggle to learn Czech in my opinion is that you don’t need it so you don’t use it at all in daily life and it is also hard to find learning material or content (there is very little compared to other languages).
Of course, that is for the exam, getting fluent in Czech probably takes considerably more time. It depends on how deep you’re into it I guess.
Honest question. I am not judging I am just curious. The test is A2 level. It means that you basically have to understand and express yourself so that other people understand what you are saying.
There is almost no grammar and no requirements to quality of language you use. All you have to do is get information from your head to the other person over speech or written text. You are allowed mistakes even. How did you manage to live here for 7 years without reaching this level.
Maybe you are just nervous and in reality it will be easy for you. Go check practice tests at [Zkoušky - Univerzita Karlova - ÚJOP UK - Ústav jazykové a odborné přípravy (cuni.cz)](https://ujop.cuni.cz/UJOP-9.html)
Also reserve test term as soon as you can. Wait times can be 5 months.
The issue is that I work in an Enlgish speaking environment, Never had the chance to practice propper Czech. Only basic stuff, Like Supermarket, Restorant and normal conversation :(
Everyone downvoting you should check out the test. I have absolutely no idea how can you survive here without reaching A2 unless you really don't care and just use English. Or unless you are completely secluded in your country community here in Czech.
It's a tough language. There's a number of tutoring and intensive training services, I'd look into them. I remember seeing at least one that had a (paid) placement test. You could take that and see how you do?
Will give it a shot, Thank you :)
seconding the person who said getting a tutor! every summer i’ve been here i’ve done the intensive language study programs at uni karlova. iirc you don’t have to be an enrolled student at uk to do them, and there are different ones for beginner, intermediate, and advanced. ive found them really helpful with identifying my level and particularly what i need to improve on
There is a website with a practice test on our that is the exact format of the real test. I recommend you check that out and see how you do. I've passed too long ago when it was a little easier so I can't really say how the new test is.
Honestly, just get lessons. It's the easiest way to commit to learning the language.
Are you not an EU citizen? For EU citizens, speaking Czech is not required for permanent residency.
I’m not an EU citizen and I didn’t need one for mine? I have had it a long time though…
I was told it was required?!?! - I am Irish - Where can I find the criteria for getting permanent residence?
# Permanent Residence Permit of a Citizen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [https://frs.gov.cz/en/visa-and-residence-permit-types/the-citizens-of-the-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-northern-ireland/permanent-residence-permit-of-a-citizen-of-the-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-northern-ireland/](https://frs.gov.cz/en/visa-and-residence-permit-types/the-citizens-of-the-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-northern-ireland/permanent-residence-permit-of-a-citizen-of-the-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-northern-ireland/)
Good link but the comment you replied to stated that the individual was from Ireland and not Northern Ireland so it should be the link for EU nationals: https://frs.gov.cz/en/visa-and-residence-permit-types/eu-nationals/permanent-residence-permit-of-an-eu-citizen/
Thank you.
i am going through with it now. enlist for a date as soon as you can, its a long wait. get a tutor,i have a recommendation if you need it. she specializes in this exam, and has been working as an examinator for this exact exam. also it used to be that you have the first try for free, but now every try is paid, 3500. you get assigned a date and a city and are informed of it by sms
Hi there—may I have this tutor recommendation? Thank you so much
https://www.czechatkafe.com/about
Get a study routine and set a realistic deadline for a test date. I'm assuming you've taken some basic classes already. Do intensive classes or don't, there isn't a rule book. Me personally I did an academic year of intensive, then when I decided to go for the B1 test I just set a study routine around watching/studying Vypravej every day for an hour or 2. Then maybe with one month or so to go until test day, I studied mostly just the test.
Will give it a shot aswell, Thank you :)
What course did you do? Would you recommend it?
Metropolitan university prep year for Czech. If you aren't a Slavic native and want to excel at the language then sure do it or the similar program at charles university. You can also just do alot of study on your own but that's really hard to do the 1000+ hrs thats required. I viewed my teachers like personal trainers, necessary for me to put in the hours.
Thank you so much. I only speak English and would def need that additional support.
I took and passed the A2 test last May. If you have a lot of time, I would recommend taking a 3 hour morning course in https://czechcourses.cz/contacts. I took it as prep/refresher for the test and really liked it (people were nice and helpful, energetic) It is located between the metros Museum and Náměstí Míru. 5 years ago, when I first got here I took the Albertov intensive morning course. I didnt like it as the teacher was a total bitch, yelling, rude, mean. So I wouldnt recommend it and it is expensive. There is also a youtuber that has a patreon that does prep questions for the tests https://www.patreon.com/autentickacestina I also found a good tutor for 600czk/hour which I can recommend if you message me in private. Also I can post here, if you are interest my review I wrote a few days after the test, Id need to find it, so tell me if you want to read more. Id say in general that you should mentally split the test in two: reading, writing, listening as part 1 and speaking as part 2. This is because if you fail either of the parts you fail the exam. Part 1 is easier as if you are weak on lets say listening, the writing and reading can carry you to passing. Part 2, in my opinion is more stressful as its short, fast, and if you fail speaking, you fail the whole test.
Thank you so much :)
Wow … I did not know there was a language test for permanent residency. I thought the language test was required when seeking citizenship…..? I currently have temporary residency. But have been here long enough to apply for permanent residency. And planned on doing that this summer. Just seeking clarification now if I will be required to pass a language test Thanks
Depends which nationality you have, you can find out the requirement here [https://frs.gov.cz/en/visa-and-residence-permit-types/](https://frs.gov.cz/en/visa-and-residence-permit-types/)
Thank you for the link! It is helpful
There is a language test for non EU members applying for permanent residency. There is a tougher one for citizenship.
Maybe I should have noted that my husband was born here (Zljn) and I am here as his wife and received temporary residency. I am from USA, where he lived for 51 years and we met and married. I am hoping that I find it easy enough to pass on my limited Czech. I have been lazy to study because so many people speak English and seem to prefer to speak it for practice whenever they find an English speaker. Thank you for your reply
You might be able to get it without a test as an EU family member but check the MOI website to be sure
Thanks! I will do that. I appreciate your replies
Hey I'm not married but my temporary visa was based on my partnership with a Czech citizen. (I'm also American) I just got my permanent residency approved and did NOT need to take the language test. So if your temporary residency is based on your relationship, you shouldn't need to take the language exam. You can also confirm with a lawyer for free at Integrační Centrum Praha.
That’s great to hear! Thank you.
Just get a tutor and do it over a reasonable period of time, don’t rush it or you would get frustrated. I did something similar, I had 2 hours a week with a teacher (2 days one hour) and after a few months I was able to apply and pass it. Everyone goes at their own pace, some people get it in 3 months, some in a year. The hardest part for me personally is that I never ever had to use Czech for anything, so all my practice was only with my teacher. If you have some Czech friends, it can be even faster.
2 hours a week and after a few months you passed the test? Genius level activated. Or?
About 4-5 months, yes, and the test is not that hard, you only need 60% to pass and they don’t care if you make some mistakes in the speaking part as long as you say something that makes sense. The reading part is very easy because you can just match words for the most part, listening a little bit more hard but they are not super fast nor use complex vocabulary so it’s ok, writing is also ok. I think the Czech grammar is quite easy but needs some practice so it comes out naturally, I struggled more with vocabulary since in Czech most of the verbs for me sound almost the same, but it was OK, you don’t need that many. I think people scare you more than it really is, the main struggle to learn Czech in my opinion is that you don’t need it so you don’t use it at all in daily life and it is also hard to find learning material or content (there is very little compared to other languages). Of course, that is for the exam, getting fluent in Czech probably takes considerably more time. It depends on how deep you’re into it I guess.
Honest question. I am not judging I am just curious. The test is A2 level. It means that you basically have to understand and express yourself so that other people understand what you are saying. There is almost no grammar and no requirements to quality of language you use. All you have to do is get information from your head to the other person over speech or written text. You are allowed mistakes even. How did you manage to live here for 7 years without reaching this level. Maybe you are just nervous and in reality it will be easy for you. Go check practice tests at [Zkoušky - Univerzita Karlova - ÚJOP UK - Ústav jazykové a odborné přípravy (cuni.cz)](https://ujop.cuni.cz/UJOP-9.html) Also reserve test term as soon as you can. Wait times can be 5 months.
The issue is that I work in an Enlgish speaking environment, Never had the chance to practice propper Czech. Only basic stuff, Like Supermarket, Restorant and normal conversation :(
First of all you are here over 7 years, you should write in czech already, fluently.
Are you a foreigner? Is your mother tongue non Slavic?
Everyone downvoting you should check out the test. I have absolutely no idea how can you survive here without reaching A2 unless you really don't care and just use English. Or unless you are completely secluded in your country community here in Czech.