Are you thinking about learning Czech? There are many resources that exist online, but it can be challenging to figure out which courses offer the best in terms of strategy and instruction.
In this post, we take a look at which courses are the best of the best when it comes to learning Czech.
Our top choices are courses that are tried and true. We’ve carefully selected them and categorized them according to their quality, what they focus on and their prices making it easier for you to find the courses that best suit your preferences.
Let’s get started with the most recommended courses on our list.
Table of Contents
Table of Best Courses to Learn Czech
Links below will send you to the course websites, and the course details are down below.
OVERALL BEST
A Smart Start With Czech: Pimsleur
Learn Czech at Your Own Pace: Mluvte Cesky
BEGINNER’S COURSES
A Smart Start With Czech: Pimsleur
Decent Enough Czech Instruction: Mango Languages
READING AND LISTENING
Podcast-Style Learning With Extras: CzechClass101
Read Your Favorite Content: LingQ
SPEAKING AND WRITING
Best for Improving Oral Communication Skills: Pimsleur
Good for Intermediate Students Wanting to Practice Speaking: Glossika
VOCABULARY ACQUISITION
Simple, Vocabulary Focused Instruction: Memrise
Best for Learning Key Words & Phrases: uTalk
A Decent Course With a Useful Social Feature: Busuu
TUTORS AND LANGUAGE EXCHANGES
Tutoring Help No Matter Your Ability Level: italki
Great Way to Find Tutors and Classes: Verbling
Best Way to Find Language Exchange Partners While Taking Its Audio Lessons: HelloTalk
Overall Best Czech Learning Courses
The courses in this category are what we consider to be the best courses for learning Czech overall. They don’t just help you acquire one or two language skills, but they provide a more comprehensive approach to teaching the language and touch on several language learning aspects.
A Smart Start With Czech
A SMART START WITH CZECH
Although Pimsleur doesn’t yet offer Czech as part of their subscription, you do get 16 hours of instruction when you buy the Level 1 course. It offers lessons on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and basic conversation skills.
Pimsleur is a strong resource overall for many languages, and we don’t have too many complaints.
Pros
- The course was planned well, with lessons progressing in difficulty.
- Once you buy the course, you can access it from anywhere via the Pimsleur app.
- The focus is on speaking and pronunciation, which helps you get started quickly.
Cons
- Sometimes the lessons feel a bit repetitive.
- A supplement for reading and writing practice would probably be helpful.
See our Super-Detailed Pimsleur Review
Learn Czech at Your Own Pace
LEARN CZECH AT YOUR OWN PACE
Mluvte Cesky is endorsed by the European Union, which means it’s a trustworthy source for learning Czech. You can start at level A1 and advance through B2 levels, and the courses include vocabulary for internal medicine and other clinical applications.
You’ll start with useful phrases, then advance through courses on pronunciation, food and drinks, and more. Each “course” includes a few lessons and then a test at the end. The basic lessons (introduction, pronunciation) don’t include audio/video content. However, upper levels do feature more interactive elements.
Pros
- All content is totally free.
- You can jump around to the lessons that are most relevant to you.
- There’s professional/clinical Czech included, helpful for medical aid workers.
Cons
- You do need to be motivated to study—there’s a lot of reading involved and not much interactive content.
- There doesn’t seem to be a ton of audio content, at least in the introductory level lessons.
Best Czech Beginner’s Courses
Are you having trouble finding the perfect course to get you started with Czech. This category has our best recommendations that provide a solid foundation for beginners.
A Smart Start With Czech
A SMART START WITH CZECH
Although Pimsleur doesn’t yet offer Czech as part of their subscription, you do get 16 hours of instruction when you buy the Level 1 course. It offers lessons on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and basic conversation skills.
Pimsleur is a strong resource overall for many languages, and we don’t have too many complaints.
Pros
- The course was planned well, with lessons progressing in difficulty.
- Once you buy the course, you can access it from anywhere via the Pimsleur app.
- The focus is on speaking and pronunciation, which helps you get started quickly.
Cons
- Sometimes the lessons feel a bit repetitive.
- A supplement for reading and writing practice would probably be helpful.
See our Super-Detailed Pimsleur Review
Decent Enough Czech Instruction
DECENT ENOUGH CZECH INSTRUCTION
Mango Languages teaches in a format similar to Duolingo and some other courses. However, it doesn’t necessarily excel in any particular area, though it’s still fairly good.
If you’re trying to learn multiple languages, this might be a good all-around option. We still think you’d need some supplements, though, since the repetition can get to be too much.
Pros
- A lot of libraries offer it for free.
- A subscription can grant you access to over 70 language courses.
Cons
- Doesn’t really stand out compared to competitors.
- You might get bored with the repetitive lessons.
See our Super-Detailed Mango Languages Review
Courses to Learn Czech Reading and Listening
Working on your receptive skills will make it extremely easy to comprehend any information presented in Czech. The courses below are our top recommendations to help you practice and sharpen these skills.
Podcast-Style Learning With Extras
PODCAST STYLE LEARNING WITH EXTRAS
CzechClass101 is a podcast-style course with hundreds of hours of video and audio lessons. Other supplements include flashcards, vocab tools, and lesson notes. You’ll find a ton of grammar, vocabulary, and cultural instruction with this course, and it becomes more challenging as you progress.
You may not necessarily want to follow the path that’s laid out, but you can jump around and sample different lessons in your subscription. For more advanced learners, you can probably skip some lower-level content, but the course still relies on a lot of English instruction, too.
Pros
- Audio-focused learning in a podcast format is low-stress and easy to follow.
- There’s a lot of English instruction at first to ease you into Czech.
- There’s some free content available to try.
Cons
- The course relies heavily on English, even at higher levels, which may not be a plus for a lot of learners.
- CzechClass101 can get pricey if you choose a higher-level subscription, and you might not use all the “extras.”
See our Super-Detailed CzechClass101 Review
Read Your Favorite Content
ENJOY READING CZECH CONTENT
LingQ is a language-learning platform that focuses on extensive reading for over 30 different languages. You can import your own content or choose from the community library of books, articles, podcasts, YouTube videos, and more.
The app highlights unknown words across every lesson and makes them reviewable via different types of SRS flashcards. The more you read, the more accurately you will be able to identify content that is suitable for your level.
Although I did not find it beneficial for languages I had never studied before, I think LingQ can be helpful for upper-beginner to advanced language learners who enjoy reading. It is especially helpful if you struggle to find graded readers in your target language.
Pros
- Easily import almost any material you want to study
- Use SRS flashcards to quiz new words from a specific page
- Each lesson in the library displays the percentage of known and unknown words based on reading history
- There are many dictionaries to choose from for definitions
Cons
- Reviewing words is chaotic
- The extra features are overpriced and can be found other places for cheaper
- Very little of the content is original. Much of it was uploaded by users from other places
- The free version is extremely limited
See our Super-Detailed LingQ Review
Courses With Czech Speaking and Writing Emphasis
Speaking and writing skills, also known as productive skills, are extremely important if it is your goal to communicate effectively with native Czech speakers. The courses in this category provide great practice material to get you speaking and writing in Czech in no time.
Best for Improving Oral Communication Skills
A SMART START WITH CZECH
Although Pimsleur doesn’t yet offer Czech as part of their subscription, you do get 16 hours of instruction when you buy the Level 1 course. It offers lessons on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and basic conversation skills.
Pimsleur is a strong resource overall for many languages, and we don’t have too many complaints.
Pros
- The course was planned well, with lessons progressing in difficulty.
- Once you buy the course, you can access it from anywhere via the Pimsleur app.
- The focus is on speaking and pronunciation, which helps you get started quickly.
Cons
- Sometimes the lessons feel a bit repetitive.
- A supplement for reading and writing practice would probably be helpful.
See our Super-Detailed Pimsleur Review
Good for Intermediate Students Wanting to Practice Speaking
MULTI-LANGUAGE ORAL LESSONS
If you’re willing to invest in learning Czech plus another language (or five!), Glossika might be a good fit. The primary teaching method isn’t the most exciting as a lot of it is just listening and repeating, though there are other extra features. The sentences can seem kind of random and but it will help improve your listening and speaking skills.
That said, the price is pretty steep, and the program isn’t that engaging overall.
Pros
- One subscription gives you access to every language in Glossika’s program.
- It’s audio-focused, so you can practice listening and pronunciation.
Cons
- The price is a bit high unless you’re studying multiple languages.
- You’ll need motivation—the repetition can become boring.
Spring Sale! Use code SPRING2024 and get 25% off the Basic Annual Plan or Pro Annual Plan. See details on the website. Offer ends on 4/1/24.
See our Super-Detailed Glossika Review
Learn Czech Vocabulary and Grammar
Without vocabulary and grammar, fluency isn’t achievable. Broadening your vocabulary and understanding Czech language structure is extremely important if you are to achieve fluency. Here are some course we recommend.
Simple, Vocabulary Focused Instruction
SIMPLE, VOCABULARY FOCUSED INSTRUCTION
Another great tool for entry-level Czech speakers is Memrise. You can access tons of user-generated content for different subjects and areas of study, for free. Upgrade to the paid option, and you get access to the official courses.
The issue with Memrise is relying on it too heavily as a beginner. It’s great for learning vocabulary, but that’s only one small part of learning a language. Take advantage of what Memrise offers—but don’t rely on it too much.
Pros
- You can access user-generated content for free (and there’s a lot of it).
- The flashcard format is a fast-paced and interactive way to study.
Cons
- User-generated content means there’s a limit to what’s offered—and it might not always be correct.
- The study decks are standalone resources and won’t teach languages in a comprehensive manner.
See our Super-Detailed Memrise Review
Best for Learning Key Words & Phrases
LEARN SET-PHRASES WITH MEMORY GAMES
This is another app with courses available in a staggering number of languages. It’s essentially a slick flashcard app with several built-in memorization games and some opportunities for recording yourself speaking to practice pronunciation. It won’t give you any grammar practice or teach you how to form your own sentences, but it can make an inexpensive way to memorize some useful set phrases.
Pros
- Each phrase is recorded by a male and female native speaker
- You frequently get to hear recordings of yourself producing the language
- The price is very affordable
Cons
- The Memory Game exercise felt like a waste of time. It’s difficult to get a perfect score even if you know the language well
- Practice phrases are random
See our Super-Detailed uTalk Review
A Decent Course With a Useful Social Feature
A STRUCTURED COURSE WITH A COOL SOCIAL FEATURE
Busuu offers instruction in 11 different languages and is similar in approach to Babbel. The interface is exceptionally nice with this one, as is the nifty social feature. The feature allows users to get feedback from others on their pronunciation and writing skills and is free to use.
Practice happens through interactive activities with native speaker audio that are accompanied by grammar explanations, though they might not be the most in-depth explanations you’ll find. Overall, Busuu is a potentially good place to get practice in a wide variety of language skills, especially for those at lower levels. It’s also hugely popular.
Pros
- The layout is easy to use and engaging
- The conversation lessons are especially useful
- The social feature is great
Cons
- The grammar explanations and practice could be better
See our Super-Detailed Busuu Review
Tutors and Czech Language Exchange
One of the best ways to learn any language is by communicating regularly with a native speaker, and Czech is no different. With the help of a tutor or a language exchange partner, you’ll get more confident and comfortable communicating in Czech.
Tutoring Help No Matter Your Ability Level
TUTORING HELP TO FIT YOUR SCHEDULE
A lot of language learners say that becoming fluent in Czech is hard. We get it—but at the same time, with the right instruction, it doesn’t have to be a huge challenge.
On italki, a platform for connecting students with instructors, you can find help for any stage of learning. italki has teachers (typically with professional experience or a degree) and tutors (often native speakers) who can provide help with pronunciation, advanced conversation practice, and more.
Pros
- You can schedule lessons at your convenience.
- Trial lessons are available and allow you to give each instructor a test run before committing.
- italki’s community makes it easy to find a language exchange partner or ask questions about the language.
Cons
- Sometimes the popular teachers book up quickly—so you might have to plan in advance.
See our Super-Detailed italki Review
Great Way to Find Tutors and Classes
EASY TO USE PLATFORM
Verbling is an online language-class marketplace where you can take lessons with teachers of your choice. It has some student-friendly extra features, including a built-in online classroom, flashcards, homework calendar, and a filing system for lesson materials. There are also useful but disorganized forums where you can discuss languages, share writing for critique, and do free language drills and exercises.
The lessons are generally high quality and well structured, plus the filters make it easy to find teachers who specialize in everything from accent reduction to interview preparation.
Pros
- You can find great teachers very quickly
- The platform’s extra features, such as teacher-made, personalized flashcards, help you review the material learned in each lesson
- It seems focused on long-term progression as well as immediate student satisfaction
- You don’t have to give out your contact details, thanks to the classroom technology
Cons
- Some teachers don’t use the platform’s flashcards and materials system
- There are fewer languages available than on italki
- You can only pay in US dollars, plus there’s a hidden fee
- The forums need more moderation
See our Super-Detailed Verbling Review
Best Way to Find Language Exchange Partners While Taking Its Audio Lessons
FIND A LANGUAGE EXCHANGE PARTNER FOR FREE
HelloTalk is a mobile app for language learners interested in language exchange. It facilitates communication between native speakers and those learning their language with the use of built-in language tools. It also offers audio lessons in 10 languages as part of a separate subscription.
Pros
- It’s exciting to practice communicating with real people.
- The built-in language tools are helpful.
- It’s easy to pick up and put down whenever you like.
Cons
- It’s too easy to rely on google translate.
- It can be hard to find good partners.
- The paid audio lessons probably aren’t worth it.
See our Super-Detailed HelloTalk Review
Maybe Try These Czech Learning Courses
The courses above may be our favorites but definitely not the only options available for learning Czech. Here are some other worthwhile courses that are just as good.
Mondly
Mondly seems like a promising offering, but it’s not one we’re quick to recommend for learning Czech. It covers the basics, but doesn’t do so as well as competitors. One point that worries us is that courses for each language are structured the same way, and ignore some of their unique qualities.
Spring Sale! Get 96% off Lifetime Access to Mondly Premium, plus bonus access to Mondly AR & Mondly Kids! See details on the website. Offer ends on 4/30/24.
See our Super-Detailed Mondly Review
Udemy
Udemy contains user-created courses on a variety of skills, including languages. There are many different courses available for Czech that aim to teach students basic vocabulary, Czech culture, and even music. With so many choices available, students may have some luck finding a teaching style and content they’re looking for. Past students also like to leave reviews so you can see whether the course is worth investing in.
However, the content and quality can vary significantly between each one. The prices for courses are all different, however, Udemy has tons of sales. If you add a course to your cart and wait a day or two, you’ll almost certainly be given a coupon code lowering the price to around $10.
edX
edX offers language courses for beginner through to advanced students from various universities on edX. And if you’ve mastered all those, you can even study courses in Czech about other topics.
The content, quality, teaching style, and price will vary, so it can be hard to know whether a course is a good use of your time beforehand. However, they tend to be freemium, so it’s easy to sample them before committing.
Cousera
Coursera offers online courses from universities around the world, open for registration at any time, and self-paced. Advanced learners can take courses on many different subjects taught in Czech, and others will be able to find courses teaching the language. Courses are free and many for a fee. Most offer a certification upon completion if you’re willing to pay.
Duolingo
Duolingo can be a great introduction to learning Czech—but you won’t want to rely on it too heavily. Especially for beginners, working through the levels slowly is ideal. It can take a lot of repetition to get the basic grammar and vocabulary down, so you might want another resource to use in conjunction with Duolingo.
The game-like format is interactive and fun no matter what language you choose—and you can enroll in multiple courses all for free.
See our Super-Detailed Duolingo Review
Charles University
While we haven’t tried Charles University yet, the fact that it’s steep in price makes us a bit wary. Course levels range from A1 to B1, and all the courses involve professional instruction via tutors. If you’re the type of language learner who needs an academic-style course, this might be a good fit.
At the same time, a lot of us don’t want a set program for studying Czech—we’d rather do it on our own time and seek out support as necessary. But if you’re a traditional learner with plenty of funds, this could work for you.
Transparent Language
It’s not just the price that has us listing Transparent Language as a third tier, not-so-great pick. Even if you have a generous budget for learning Czech, you probably won’t want to spend it on this course. The teaching methods aren’t very innovative or effective, especially given the high cost.
We wouldn’t recommend Transparent Language even if it were free.
See our Super-Detailed Transparent Language Review
Best Free(mium) Courses for Learning Czech
This is our Bargain Basement section where we’ve included the bet free and freemium apps to help you learn Czech.
A Strong but Dated Source for Learning Czech
A STRONG BUT DATED SOURCE FOR LEARNING CZECH
FSI Language Courses offers a free student text and tons of audio lessons for people studying Czech. It’s your basic textbook-style learning, but if it works for you, this can be an excellent resource or supplement.
What’s not so great about FSI is that the materials are very old and dated. The student text is a downloadable PDF that’s scanned in from a real book. That said, the content is strong, so if you can buckle down and study, you’ll learn a lot.
Pros
- Comes from a trusted resource—the US government—so you know it’s high quality.
- It’s completely free and downloadable, audio files included.
Cons
- The materials are very dated (circa 1990) and can be tough to navigate.
- There’s no app or interactive instruction—textbook and audio clips only.
Game-Like Instruction for Beginners
A PASSABLE STARTING POINT FOR CZECH
Duolingo can be a great introduction to learning Czech—but you won’t want to rely on it too heavily. Especially for beginners, working through the levels slowly is ideal. It can take a lot of repetition to get the basic grammar and vocabulary down, so you might want another resource to use in conjunction with Duolingo.
The game-like format is interactive and fun no matter what language you choose—and you can enroll in multiple courses all for free.
Pros
- Duolingo is free, so you can easily use it with another resource.
- You can repeat the lessons or jump around for varied practice.
- It makes learning addictive as it feels like a game.
Cons
- The introduction to Czech can be overwhelming if you’re an absolute beginner.
- The audio recordings are of poor quality for most languages.
See our Super-Detailed Duolingo Review
Great Spaced-Repetition Flashcards
THE GO-TO SRS FLASHCARD APP
It is the go-to app for free (except on iOS) Spaced Repetition System (SRS) flashcards. It has a simple user interface with various features that more hard-core users can dive into if they choose. Your flashcards will appear according to your natural forgetting curve; the app will test you in increasingly spaced out intervals, with more difficult cards appearing more than once in a session, while easier cards spacing out over weeks — or even months and years.
An SRS system is the most effective way to drive information into your long-term memory. The cards can sync between the web, desktop app, and mobile versions to keep your flashcards updated and with you at all times. You can add images and audio clips to your cards and change the text formatting (if you use it on your computer).
One feature unique to Anki, as opposed to other SRS flashcard apps, is the “Cloze deletion” function, which allows you to block out parts of your card and create a “fill-in-the-blanks” type card format. If you want a resource for how to make effective flashcards, check out the book, FluentForever. The author leaves a whole section dedicated to understanding how to use your Anki deck to advance your skills quickly.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of features
- Allows synching across multiple devices
Cons
- Anki’s interface may be a bit intimidating for beginners
- The aesthetic isn’t very appealing
See our Super-Detailed Anki Review
So, What is the Best Course for YOU to Learn Czech?
Whatever your reason is for learning Czech; whether you’re planning a trip abroad or hoping to communicate with new friends, learning Czech doesn’t have to feel intimidating. With the right courses, you can feel confident about learning Czech and start building your skills.
Do you prefer listening to your lessons, have a look at our post on the Best Podcasts to Learn Czech.
You can find it here
Hi, thank you for this list. I can’t find Czech course on FSI? Where is it? Thanks! L.