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Change in Hungary: 1848 Revolution Memorial Day

1848 was a time of forradalom (revolution), upheaval, and general discontent throughout Europe. Several different nations vied to achieve their unique political and social goals, and the Hungarian revolts of 1848 were particularly significant. 

In this article, you’ll learn about the 1848 Revolution of Hungary and how it’s commemorated today. Let’s get started!

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1. What is 1848 Revolution Memorial Day? 

A Cockade with Hungarian Flag Colors

The Hungarian Revolution of 1848 began on March 15, 1848, as Hungary followed the lead of many other European nations. Much of Europe was caught in a great upheaval during this time, with different nations trying to achieve varying—though similar—goals regarding the political and societal status of their people. Of all the 1848 revolutions in Europe, the one in Hungary lasted the longest and was arguably one of the most successful; the Hungarian uprising didn’t end until August 1849, when Austria employed the help of Russia.

For Hungary, the revolutions of 1848 largely focused on gaining autonomy from the Habsburg Monarchy and having its 12 Points of Demands met. These 12 Points, co-written by famous poet Petőfi Sándor (Sándor Petőfi), were read out by the nationalists throughout Pest on March 15.

A major leader of the revolution was Lajos Kossuth, often thought of as the face of the revolution. He was a radicalist who sought to have Hungary’s goals met in the fastest way possible, through any means necessary.

Hungary was successful toward the beginning, but the revolution ultimately failed after the Russian army came to Austria’s aid. However, the events of the revolution paved the way for Hungary to reach its goals later on. 


2. Celebrations and Key Events

The Hungarian Parliament Building

There are a few different celebrations and observances that take place to commemorate the 1848 Hungarian Revolution. If you happen to be walking the streets of Hungary, you’ll have the privilege of admiring the colors of the Hungarian flag all around you—the flag itself waving in front of buildings, people wearing red, white, and green clothing, and a few even donning kokárdák (cockades).

Most of the events for this holiday take place at Castle Hill and the Hungarian Parliament building. People gather at these locations to hear speeches from government leaders and to join in singing the National Song of Hungary. They can also see the raising of the Hungarian flag in Kossuth Square, and enter the Parliament and a variety of museums for free.

There are also plenty of kid- and family-friendly activities: guided horseback riding, folk music and dancing performances, theatrical performances, arts and crafts, fencing demonstrations, and more! If you plan on visiting, keep in mind that there will be plenty of restaurants open on this day, as well as food-tasting events you can experience. Those who get the day off may also enjoy a trip to the nearby Budapest Baths, where they can relax in the thermal baths and get a massage.  

    → Castle Hill and the Parliament Building are only two of the most popular locations in the country. Do you know of any other Tourist Attractions in Hungary?

3. More on Sándor Petőfi

A Man Clip Art

Sándor Petőfi may be best known for his major role in the 1848 Hungarian Revolution, though his poetry was well-loved at the time and the poet was known for his unique writing style. Today, he is the national poet of Hungary. In addition to co-writing the notorious 12 Points and penning the poem Nemzeti Dal, Petőfi crafted the National Song of Hungary and a number of other famous poems (such as John the Valiant). 

As for his personal life, Sándor Petőfi married a woman named Júlia Szendrey (also a poet, as well as a translator), and they had a son named Zoltán. He is thought to have died in one of the final battles of the revolution, though this has never been confirmed because his body was never found. 

4. Vocabulary to Know for 1848 Revolution Memorial Day

Black-and-White Depiction of Someone Standing Beside a Waving Flag

Ready to expand your Hungarian vocabulary? Then let’s review some of the words and phrases from this article, plus a few more! 

  • Szaval (Recite) – verb
  • Az 1848-as forradalom ünnepe (1848 Revolution Day) – proper noun
  • Petőfi Sándor (Sándor Petőfi) – proper noun
  • Forradalom (Revolution) – noun
  • Nemzeti Múzeum (National Museum) – proper noun
  • Kormány (Government) – noun
  • Harc (Combat) – noun
  • Kokárda (Cockade) – noun
  • Csata (Battle) – noun
  • Szabadságharc (War of independence) – noun
  • Nyomda (Press) – noun
  • Hadsereg (Army) – noun

To practice your pronunciation, be sure to visit our 1848 Revolution Day vocabulary list. It features audio recordings that you can listen to and repeat after! 

Final Thoughts

In this article, you learned about the revolutions of 1848, Hungary’s role in them, and more. The 1848 Hungarian Revolution may have been only one of many such revolutions of the time, but it was also one of the most significant. Though the revolutions did not end as hoped, it paved the way for Hungary’s later autonomy and independence. 

If you enjoyed this article and would like to learn more about Hungarian culture and holidays, we think you’ll like the following articles on HungarianPod101.com:

Thinking about learning the Hungarian language, or looking for the best place to continue your studies? We recommend:

It’s our goal to make every aspect of your language learning journey both effective and enjoyable, so we hope to see you around!

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Santa Claus Day in Hungary: Have You Been Naughty or Nice?


Nothing brightens a bleak winter like the festivities of Christmastime: colorful lights, Christmas markets, warm drinks, time with loved ones, and the excitement of children who just can’t wait to see what St. Nicholas brings them (And perhaps nothing makes winter more terrifying than the anticipation of Krampus’s arrival in your town!).

In this article, you’ll learn all about the Hungarian Santa Claus Day, from its main characters to how it’s celebrated each year. 

Let’s get started!

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1. What is Santa Claus Day?

Santa Claus Holding a Present

Each year on December 6, Santa Claus Day (also known as St. Nicholas Day) brightens young children’s spirits all over the country.

Santa Claus Day in Hungary has several parallels to Christmas in the U.S. and other countries, though Hungarians celebrate Christmas as a separate holiday. This holiday is held in commemoration of Saint Nicholas (called Szent Miklós in Hungarian), well-known in Hungary as the patron saint of pálinka (“fruit brandy”) distillers, the town of Kecskemét, sailors, and merchants.

Many European cultures have some version of Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus, and the Hungarian version, Mikulás, was introduced in the 1850s. Mikulás is depicted being dressed in red robes, a miter, and a staff, quite similar to the Santa Claus of the U.S. and other countries. Interestingly, the name Mikulás was replaced with Télapó (“Father Winter”) during the communist era, due to the original name being considered too Christian.

The Hungarian version of Santa Claus also has two helpers: an angel and a demon-like figure named Krampusz (“Krampus”). We’ll talk about the latter in a bit!


2. Santa Claus Day Traditions and Celebrations

Someone Giving Someone Else a Present

The evening before Santa Claus Day, children clean their shoes and place them in front of the window. According to tradition, Mikulás will leave tasty treats inside the shoes for the good children. Gifts may include a narancs (“orange”), csokoládé (“chocolate”), peanuts, or candies.  On the morning of Santa Claus Day, Hungary is filled with children’s excitement and wonder as they wake up to find these precious gifts in their shoes!

Even among adults, it’s common to megajándékoz valakit valamivel (“gift somebody with something”) on this day. This can be playfully done by putting the gifts in someone’s shoes to surprise them, or by simply wrapping the gift and handing it to them. 

Throughout the Christmas season, one can find ‘Santa Claus’ roaming the busier streets of Hungary, which adds depth and joy to children’s view of the holidays. In addition, parents will often ask their friends to dress as Santa and come over to visit the children. You can imagine how exciting this event is for the little ones! 

You may be wondering about Christmas Eve. Do children receive presents on this day, too? 

Yes! But instead of expecting gifts from Santa Claus, children look forward to seeing what Jesus brought them. 


3. Krampus 

As mentioned earlier, Santa Claus is said to have a demon-like partner named Krampus. Are you familiar with the Krampus story? 

Krampus is often depicted as a type of half-man and half-goat creature. In popular culture, he’s often claimed to be the son of a Norse goddess named Hel, though his actual origins are disputed. The character of Krampus is thought to have been introduced through the old pagan traditions. 

While children may look forward to gifts from St. Nicholas on Santa Claus Day, they also dread the arrival of Krampus. All year long, parents remind their children to behave or else Krampus will come and get them. He may kidnap them in a basket and drop them in the river, take them down to hell with him, hit them with a virgács (“birch-rod”), or simply leave coal in their shoes. Not surprisingly, this tradition has been banned by religious organizations as well as government officials over the years—but somehow, it always finds its way back into the holiday season.

In Austria and Germany, there is a Krampus parade (Krampuslauf, or “Krampus run”), during which several men dress up in disturbing Krampus costumes, have a few drinks, and then proceed to chase people all over town while brandishing switches. 


4. Essential Vocabulary for Santa Claus Day

A Reindeer Pulling a Sled along a Snowy Winter Scene

Let’s look at some of the vocabulary words from this article!

  • Narancs – “Orange” [n]
  • Csokoládé – “Chocolate” [n]
  • Földimogyoró – “Peanut” [n]
  • Szakáll – “Beard” [n]
  • Mikulás – “Santa Claus”
  • Krampusz – “Krampus”
  • Rénszarvas – “Reindeer” [n]
  • Mikulás csomag – “Santa Claus pack” [n]
  • Cipőt pucol – “Clean the shoes”
  • Virgács – “Birch-rod” [n]
  • Szánkó – “Sled” [n]
  • Szent Miklós – “Saint Nicholas”
  • Zsák – “sack” [n]
  • Megajándékoz valakit valamivel – “Gift somebody with something”

Remember that you can find the pronunciation of each word and phrase on our Santa Claus Day vocabulary list! 

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed learning about this iconic European holiday with us, and that you took away some valuable cultural information. How does Santa Claus Day compare with winter holidays in your country? Let us know in the comments! 

If you enjoyed this article and want to learn even more about Hungarian culture, check out the following blog posts on HungarianPod101.com:

If you’re serious about learning Hungarian, make sure to create your free lifetime account today. With our audio and video lessons, free vocabulary lists, and tons of other useful features, you’ll be speaking Hungarian in minutes and fluent before you know it. Learn Hungarian in the fastest, easiest, and most fun way possible!

Happy Santa Claus Day! 😉

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Premium PLUS: The Golden Ticket for Language-Learning

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Do you remember the moment you fell in love with languages?

Do you desire to learn or advance in Hungarian quickly and effectively?

Then you need a Hungarian tutor.

A common question that first-time language-learners ask is “Where do I begin?” The answer? Guidance.

For native English-speakers who want to learn Asian languages, for example, timelines provided by the U.S. Foreign Service Institute can appear discouraging. However, defeating these odds is not unheard of. If you want to beat the odds yourself, one of the best learning options is a subscription to Premium PLUS from Innovative Language.

As an active Premium PLUS member of JapanesePod101.com and KoreanClass101.com myself, I have an enjoyable experience learning at an accelerated pace with at least thirty minutes of study daily. The following Premium PLUS features contribute to my success:

  • Access to thousands of lessons
  • A voice recorder 
  • Spaced-repetition system (SRS) flashcards
  • Weekly homework assignments
  • A personal language instructor

As someone who decided to make Japanese her second language one year ago, I am extremely grateful for Premium PLUS.

Allow me to emphasize on how these Premium PLUS features strengthen my language studies.

Gain Unlimited Access to Audio and Video Lessons!

Woman learning a language with Premium PLUS on a tablet

As a Premium PLUS member, I have full access to the lesson library and other Premium features. Best of all, I’m not limited to one level; I can learn to my heart’s content with upper-level courses.

There are lessons on various topics that tackle crucial language-learning elements, such as:

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Specifically, there are pathways. Pathways are collections of lessons that center on a specific topic. Some Innovative Language sites, like JapanesePod101.com, even have pathways geared toward proficiency tests. For example, the JLPT N3 Master Course pathway.

Because of the abundance of lessons, I’ve found pathways in the lesson library to help me prepare for certain events. Thanks to the “Speaking Perfect Japanese at a Restaurant” pathway, I spoke fully in Japanese while dining in Japan. Additionally, I participated in conversations at language exchange meetups in South Korea after completing the “Top 25 Korean Questions You Need to Know” pathway.

Each lesson has lesson notes, which I read while simultaneously listening to the audio lesson. This strategy enables me to follow along on key points. Lesson notes generally contain the following:

  • Dialogue
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As someone who’s constantly on-the-go, I heavily benefit from mobile access to lessons. Podcasts and lesson notes are available on the Innovative Language app and/or Podcasts app for iOS.

All lessons and their contents are downloadable. Prior to my flights to Japan and South Korea, I downloaded lessons on my iPhone. The apps make learning more convenient for me during my commutes.

Practice Speaking with the Voice Recording Tool!

a young man practicing his pronunciation with a microphone headset

Pronunciation is an essential ingredient in language-learning. Proper pronunciation prompts clear understanding during conversations with native speakers.

Prior to learning full Korean sentences, my online Korean language tutor assigned the “Hana Hana Hangul” pathway to me. It demonstrated the writing and pronunciation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. Throughout this pathway, I submitted recordings of my Hangul character pronunciations to my language teacher for review.

I was given a similar task on JapanesePod101.com with the “Ultimate Japanese Pronunciation Guide” pathway. My Japanese language teacher tested my pronunciation of the Japanese characters kana. My completion of the two pathways boosted my confidence in speaking.

Speaking is one of the more challenging components of learning a language. The voice recording tool in particular was a great way for me to improve my speaking skills. Further, because the lesson dialogues are spoken by native speakers, I’m able to practice speaking naturally.

This feature is also available for vocabulary words and sample sentences. Being able to hear these recordings improves my pronunciation skills for languages like Japanese, where intonation can change the meaning of a word entirely. The voice recorder examines my speed and tone. I also follow up by sending a recording to my online language tutor for feedback.

A great way to boost one’s speaking confidence is to shadow native speakers. During the vocabulary reviews, it’s helpful for me to hear the breakdown of each word; doing so makes a word that was originally difficult to even read a breeze to say!

Some lessons create opportunities to speak your own sentences. For example, the “Top 25 Korean Questions You Need to Know” pathway presents opportunities to answer questions personally. This helps you gain the ability to give answers as the unique individual you are.

Example Scenario:

The host asks the following question:

어디에 살고 있습니까?

eodieseo salgo isseumnikka

“Where do you live?”

If you live in Tokyo, you would readily say the following:

도쿄에 살고 있습니다.

Tokyo-e salgo isseumnida.

“I live in Tokyo.”

Increase Your Vocab with Spaced-Repetition Flashcards and More!

A child learning words with flashcards

Imagine having a conversation with a native speaker and hesitating because you lack a solid vocabulary base.

Premium PLUS offers various features to expand learners’ vocabulary, including Free Gifts of the Month. HungarianPod101’s free gifts for April 2020 included an e-book with “400 Everyday Phrases for Beginners,” and the content is updated every month. When I download free resources like this, I find opportunities to use them with co-teachers, friends, or my language tutors.

An effective way to learn vocabulary is with SRS flashcards. SRS is a system designed for learning a new word and reviewing it in varying time intervals.

You can create and study flashcard decks, whether it’s your Word Bank or a certain vocabulary list. For example, if you need to visit a post office, the “Post Office” vocabulary list for your target language would be beneficial to study prior to your visit.

In addition to the SRS flashcards, each lesson has a vocabulary slideshow and quiz to review the lesson’s vocabulary.

There’s also the 2000 Core Word List, which includes the most commonly used words in your target language. Starting from the 100 Core Word List, you’ll gradually build up your knowledge of useful vocabulary. These lists can be studied with SRS flashcards, too.

With the SRS flashcards, you can change the settings to your liking. The settings range from different card types to number of new cards per deck. Personally, I give myself vocabulary tests by changing the settings.

After studying a number of flashcards, I change the card types to listening comprehension and/or production. Then I test myself by writing the translation of the word or the spoken word or phrase.

The change in settings allow me to remember vocabulary and learn how to identify the words. This is especially helpful with Japanese kanji!

Complete Homework Assignments!

A woman studying at home

Homework assignments are advantageous to my language studies. There are homework assignments auto-generated weekly. They range from multiple-choice quizzes to writing assignments.

Language tutors are readily available for homework help. Some writing assignments, for instance, require use of unfamiliar vocabulary. In such cases, my language teachers assist me by forwarding related lessons or vocabulary lists.

In addition to these auto-generated homework tasks, language tutors customize daily assignments. My daily homework assignments include submitting three written sentences that apply the target grammar point of that lesson, and then blindly audio-recording those sentences. My personal language tutor follows up with feedback and corrections, if needed.

Your language tutors also provide assignments upon requests. When I wanted to review grammar, my Korean teacher sent related quizzes and assignments. Thus, you are not only limited to the auto-generated assignments.

Every weekend, I review by re-reading those written sentences. It helps me remember sentence structures, grammar points, and vocabulary to apply in real-world contexts.

Furthermore, I can track my progress with language portfolios every trimester. It’s like a midterm exam that tests my listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Get Your Own Personal Language Teacher!

A woman teaching pronunciation in a classroom

My language teachers cater to my goals with personalized and achievable learning programs. The tangible support of my online language teachers makes it evident that we share common goals.

Once I share a short-term or long-term goal with my teacher, we establish a plan or pathway that will ultimately result in success. I coordinate with my teachers regularly to ensure the personalized learning programs are prosperous. For example, during my JLPT studies, my Japanese language tutor assigned me practice tests.

Your language tutor is available for outside help as well. When I bought drama CDs in Japan, I had difficulty transliterating the dialogue. My Japanese teacher forwarded me the script to read along as I listened.

Additionally, I often practice Korean and Japanese with music. I memorize one line of the lyrics daily. Every time, I learn a new grammar point and new vocabulary. I add the vocabulary to my SRS flashcards, locate the grammar in the Grammar Bank, and study the associated lessons online.

I send my teachers the name of the songs, making them aware of my new goal. One time, my song for Korean was “If You Do” by GOT7. My Korean teacher revealed that she was a huge fan of GOT7 like me! For Japanese, it was “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA,” also known as the Dragonball Z theme song. My Japanese teacher excitedly told me that she sang the song a lot as a kid!

A remarkable thing happened to me in South Korea. I was stressed about opening a bank account with limited Korean. I sought help from my Korean teacher. She forwarded me a script of a bank conversation.

After two days, I visited the local bank. It all started with my opening sentence:

은행 계좌를 만들고 싶어요

eunhaeng gyejwaleul mandeulgo sip-eoyo.

I want to open a bank account.

Everything went smoothly, and I exited the bank with a new account!

The MyTeacher Messenger allows me to share visuals with my teachers for regular interaction, including videos to critique my pronunciation mechanisms. I improve my listening and speaking skills by exchanging audio with my teachers. In addition to my written homework assignments, I exchange messages with my language teachers in my target language. This connection with my teachers enables me to experience the culture as well as the language.

Why You Should Subscribe to Premium PLUS

It’s impossible for me to imagine my continuous progress with Japanese and Korean without Premium PLUS. Everything—from the SRS flashcards to my language teachers—makes learning languages enjoyable and clear-cut.

You’re assured to undergo the same experience with Premium PLUS. You’ll gain access to the aforementioned features as well as all of the Premium features.

Complete lessons and assignments to advance in your target language. Increase your vocabulary with the “2000 Core Word List” for that language and SRS flashcards. Learn on-the-go with the Innovative Language app and/or Podcasts app for iOS users.

Learning a new language takes dedication and commitment. The Premium PLUS features make learning irresistibly exciting. You’ll look forward to learning daily with your language tutor.

As of right now, your challenge is to subscribe to Premium PLUS! Complete your assessment, and meet your new Hungarian teacher.

Have fun learning your target language in the fastest and easiest way!

Subscribe to Posted by HungarianPod101.com in Feature Spotlight, Hungarian Language, Hungarian Online, Learn Hungarian, Site Features, Speak Hungarian, Team HungarianPod101

23 Hungarian Gestures and Their Meanings

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Have you ever traveled to a foreign country with little knowledge of the local language? Yup, most of us have been there…

So what did you do? 

Did you stay in your hotel room all day and avoid human interaction? Or did you do your best to communicate with people anyway? 

If you chose the latter option, we’re willing to bet that nonverbal communication really came to your rescue. 

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the most common Hungarian gestures, body postures, and facial expressions. Study these before your trip to Hungary so that you can better understand and communicate with the locals, no matter your level of language proficiency. 

Of course, we do recommend learning a few basic words and expressions in Hungarian before your trip. Doing so will make your experience even smoother and more enjoyable.

A Woman in a Blue Blazer Is Greeting Someone, Her Hand Is Forward and She’s Smiling
Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hungarian Table of Contents
  1. Greetings
  2. Body Postures
  3. Hand Gestures
  4. Facial Expressions
  5. Other Physical Movements
  6. How HungarianPod101.com Can Help You Master Hungarian

1. Greetings

Even though greetings are probably some of the easiest phrases to learn in any language, you can always use the following Hungarian greeting gestures if you’re not sure of yourself or are still a bit shy. However, if you combine them with verbal communication…jackpot!

Biccenteni / To nod

How:

While looking at the other person, make a quick vertical movement with your head that is driven by your chin.

When to use:

This nodding gesture is used to say hello to someone. Keep in mind, however, that it cannot be used for goodbyes.

Black-and-white Image of a Woman

Puszi / Peck

How:

Move as if you were going to give someone a peck on the cheek, but do not finish it. Just brush your cheek against theirs and make a ‘mwah’ noise.

When to use:

You can use this gesture to greet someone with whom you’re rather close. This gesture can also be used in conjunction with a goodbye phrase.

People Greeting with the Puszi [Peck] Gesture

Integetni / To wave

How:

There are two ways you can do this gesture, depending on the distance between you and the other person.

1) Raise your arm up to about face level and move your hand from right to left slowly.

2) Raise your arm up above your head and wave in a similar fashion. 

Keep in mind that the second option should only be used if the person is rather far away.

When to use:

While waving in Hungary is quite common, it should be reserved for when you see someone you know from a fair distance away and would like to greet them.

A Woman Getting Off a Train and Waving to Someone

Ölelés / Hug

How:

There are two ways to do this gesture. 

1) Put one arm across the other person’s shoulder in the back. Then, wrap your other arm under their armpit so that your hands meet and touch each other at the back. 

2) Wrap each arm under each of the person’s armpits and place your hands on their back.

When to use:

A hug is a versatile type of nonverbal communication in Hungary that can mean lots of things. It can be used for greetings, but only with very close friends and family members.

A Man and Woman Hugging at the Airport

2. Body Postures

Your body language can say a lot about you, or—if interpreted the wrong way—can cause serious trouble. You can avoid plenty of awkward (or dangerous) situations by learning Hungarian body language signals before your visit. 

Below, you’ll find four body postures common in Hungary that you should take into consideration when talking with Hungarians.

Keresztbe tett kéz / Crossed arms

How:

Cross your arms in front of your torso with only one hand (or no hands) showing.

When to use:

This Hungarian body gesture is typically used unconsciously. That said, this gesture is a great way to show others that you don’t want to be approached; it will signal that you’re closed off or maybe even annoyed.

A Woman Standing in Front of a Building with Her Arms Crossed

Hátul összekulcsolt kéz / Hands clasped behind back

How:

Put your hands behind your back, close to your buttocks, and clasp them together.

When to use:

This Hungarian body gesture could mean a few different things. You could use it if you want to appear powerful (in an oppressive kind of way), angry, or frustrated.

A Girl in a Pink Dress Doing the Clasped Arms Gesture

Csipőre tett kézzel állni / Standing with hands on hips

How:

Bend your arms and place one hand on each hip with only your thumbs resting at the back; the other four fingers should be at the front.

When to use:

The meaning of this Hungarian gesture can change depending on the situation. This gesture could indicate that you’re…

  • …laid-back and casual. 
  • …determined and ready to get things done. 
  • …aggressive or bossy.

A Girl Standing in a Field with Her Hands on Her Hips

Széttett lábakkal állni / Standing with legs apart

How:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and either clasp your hands behind your back OR cross your arms in front of your body.

When to use:

It’s most common for men to stand like this. It conveys stability and dominance.


A Woman Is Smiling and Showing the Thumbs-up Sign, while Two Other Guys Are Smiling Too

3. Hand Gestures

You can use Hungarian hand gestures to spice up your conversations and emphasize how you’re feeling. But be careful! Using them too often will make you seem overly energetic (at best) or sort of crazy (at worst). 

Here are the most common hand gestures in Hungary you should be aware of: 

Fityisz / Fig sign

How:

Make a fist and put your thumb under your index finger.

The thumbs-up sign is made in a similar way, except that your thumb should be extended and pointing toward the sky. Do not confuse these two Hungarian hand gestures, as they mean very different things! 

When to use:

This is a way of saying “no way” or “in your dreams” after someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do. 

Mutatóujjal való mutogatása / Pointing with your index finger

How:

Make a fist and extend only your index finger.

When to use:

Keep in mind that pointing is considered rude in Hungary, so be careful when using this gesture. It’s normally used to indicate a direction, though it can also be used as a threat to remind someone to watch what they say.

Someone in a Striped Sweater Pointing Their Finger

Ejnye! / Fie!

How:

Make a fist, extend only your index finger, and move it back and forth slowly.

When to use:

You can use this Hungarian hand gesture when you want to tell someone off for doing something inappropriate.

Dobolni az ujjakkal / Tapping fingers

How:

Lightly put your hand down on a flat surface; your palm should not be touching it. Quickly raise your fingers one by one and let them back down in a “wave” sequence. You should start by raising your pinky finger and end with either your index finger or your thumb.

When to use:

This Hungarian hand gesture will make you appear impatient or nervous about waiting. If that’s your aim…go crazy with it.

Arms Sprawled Out Across a Tabletop

Összetenni az ujjbegyeket / Steepling fingers

How:

Find a flat surface and put your elbows down on it, bending your arms. Hold your fingertips together close to your face—maybe even touching your lips—and keep your palms apart.

When to use:

This Hungarian hand sign can either make you appear as if you were seriously contemplating something or convey a sense of authority and control…or both.


Ujjak összedörzsölése / Rubbing fingers together

How:

Turn your hand upside down so that your palm is facing the sky, put your index finger and thumb together, and rub them against each other in a quick manner.

When to use:

You can use this gesture anytime you want to say “money” or “cash.” It can also mean, “This is going to cost you…”

Mutatóujj behajlítása / Bending your index finger

How:

Fold all of your fingers onto your palm and “open and close” only your index finger.

When to use:

This gesture basically means, “Come here!” You can use it to ask someone to approach you.

A Woman in a Bar Gesturing for Someone to Come Over

HungarianPod101 Hand Gesture Infographic

4. Facial Expressions

Hungarian facial expressions do not differ much from those in other cultures. However, keep in mind that Hungarians usually try to hide their emotions, especially if they don’t like something. It’s very possible that you won’t see their actual feelings written on their face. 

Nonetheless, we’ve compiled a list of some very common Hungarian facial expressions that you might find useful.

Meglepettség / Being surprised

How:

Raise your eyebrows, bulge your eyes, and open your mouth; you could also put your hands over your cheeks or mouth. 

When to use:

This gesture indicates surprise, so you can use it accordingly. 

A Woman Acting Shocked at a Secret She’s Being Told

Bizonytalanság / Being uncertain

How:

Pull the corners of your mouth away from each other at the same time, and a bit down as well. Also, raise your eyebrows, and maybe even shrug a little.

When to use:

You can use this expression when you’re feeling uncertain about something, like if you cannot make a decision or don’t know the answer to a question.

An Old Man in a Red Shirt Acting Uncertain

Undorodás / Being disgusted

How:

Pull up your upper lip from your teeth (towards your nose) and squint a little with your eyes. If you want, you can stick your tongue out a bit.

When to use:

Use this expression if you find something disgusting or weird.

A Woman Disgusted with the Wine She’s Drinking

Gyanakvás / Being suspicious

How:

Press your lips together into one straight line and squint your eyes.

When to use:

You can make this expression when you’re suspicious of something or someone and you want to examine them.

A Woman with a Suspicious Look on Her Face

5. Other Physical Movements

In addition to the ones listed above, there are several other gestures of nonverbal communication in Hungary that don’t fall into a specific category. Here they are: 

Fülhúzogatás / Ear pulling

How:

Bend your arms at the elbow, grab your ears, and gently pull on them or rub them with your fingers.

When to use:

This Hungarian body gesture is a rather unconscious one, so you might want to be mindful of your body language. When pulling on your ear, you might appear indecisive or uncertain; it shows that you’re trying to make a decision but haven’t managed to do so yet.

Hajcsavargatás / Hair twisting

How:

Take a small section of your hair and twist it around your index finger, and keep swirling while the hair is still around your finger.

When to use:

Depending on the situation, hair twisting could indicate anything from a flirtatious nervousness to pure stress about something like a job interview. Try to refrain from this Hungarian body gesture unless you’re on a date

Orrtapintás / Nose touching

How:

Either briefly touch your nose with your index finger or “trap” the tip of it between your index finger and thumb.

When to use:

This body language signal can make you appear dishonest; touching your nose can be an indication that you are hiding something.

A Woman Looking Down and Touching Her Nose

Kézdörzsölés /  Rubbing hands together

How:

Clasp your hands together in front of your chest and make motions as if you were washing your hands.

When to use:

You can use this gesture when you’re excited about something, such as a school project. Be careful, though. In some cases, it can come across as gloating.

Someone Rubbing Their Hands Together

6. How HungarianPod101.com Can Help You Master Hungarian

Now that you know these Hungarian gestures and their meanings, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively with native speakers—and you won’t even have to say a word. 

Have you seen or used any of these gestures yourself? We would love to hear about your experience in the comments section! 

Nonverbal communication and body language cues are essential tools for communicating in daily life, but you’ll need to learn a few verbal expressions to make the most of your time in Hungary! 

We recommend going through our vocabulary lists of the Top 30 Travel Phrases You Should Know and the Top 10 Conversational Phrases to get started. But if you would like to dive a little deeper, you should check out our Level 1 Hungarian lesson series!

If you like what you see and want to keep studying with us, create your free lifetime account today. HungarianPod101 offers a variety of fun and practical lessons, vocabulary lists, blog posts, flashcards, and so much more. Start learning real Hungarian today and never look back!

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30 of the Most Common Hungarian Internet Slang Words

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The growing popularity of the internet and smartphones has made slang and abbreviated language a key component in our daily communication. One could argue that slang is, in fact, a crucial part of any language

In this article from HungarianPod101, you’ll learn 30 of the most common Hungarian internet slang words that are also used in texting. Many of the phrases we’ll cover have counterparts in English, while others are unique to the Hungarian language. 

You’ll greatly benefit from knowing these Hungarian slang terms for the ‘net if you ever plan on having a Hungarian penpal (or…textpal?) or setting up a gettogether for Budapest locals online, for example.

Anyhoo, let’s get started. (See what we did there?)

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hungarian Table of Contents
  1. Small Talk
  2. Casual Conversations
  3. Expressing Your Opinions and Emotions
  4. Giving an Explanation…
  5. Conjunctions
  6. Adverbs
  7. Questions
  8. Hungarian Internet Words Derived from English
  9. How HungarianPod101.com Can Help You Reach Your Goals

1. Small Talk

To begin, let’s look at some Hungarian slang words that are useful for starting a conversation on the internet. 

#1 – Szvsz / Szasz / Sz / Sws

Meaning: 

Hey. / Hi. 

Usage:

You can use these Hungarian slang terms in texting. They’re very convenient when you’re in a hurry—omitting a few letters of the original word makes it super-quick to type them in the chat box.

Original Hungarian Word: 

Szevasz

Example:

A: Szvsz. / “Hey.”
B: Sws. Mi újság? / “Hi. What’s up?”


#2 – Mizu? 

Meaning:

‘Sup? 

Usage:

You can use this Hungarian slang word in both texting and speech when you want to inquire about the person you’re talking to. While it can be used in face-to-face conversations, you might want to save this phrase for close friends or other people you know on some level.

Original Hungarian Expression: 

Mi újság?

Újság means “news” in Hungarian. So basically, you’re asking about the recent happenings in a person’s life.

Example:

A: Szasz. Mizu? / “Hey. ‘Sup?”
B: Nem sok. És veled? / “Not much. And with you?”

#3 – Hv?

Meaning:

How are you?

Usage:

This Hungarian text slang word is indeed restricted to texts, as it would be difficult to say these two consonants out loud. And weird, too…

Original Hungarian Expression: 

Hogy vagy?

Example:

Olyan rég nem beszéltünk… Hv? / “We haven’t talked in so long. How are you?”

2. Casual Conversations

Here are some common Hungarian texting words that are great to use during any conversation.

#4 – Vaok / Vok

Meaning:

I am

Usage:

Hungarians love to opt out of using their digraphs, right? They also love to save time, which is why this Hungarian text slang word is so popular.

Original Hungarian Word:

Vagyok

Example:

Itt vok. / “I’m here.”

#5 – Meek

Meaning:

I’m going

Usage:

You can use this one if you’re in a hurry and just want to let the other person know that you’ll be running off now.

Original Hungarian Word: 

Megyek

Example:

Most meek. Később beszélünk. / “I’m going now. We’ll talk later.”

#6 – Tali / Tala

Meaning:

Meeting

Usage:

This is the perfect Hungarian slang word to use if you want to seem laid-back or if you’re in a hurry. This one can also be used in real-life conversations, not just in texting.

Original Hungarian Word: 

Találkozó (noun – “meeting”) / Találkozni (verb – “to meet”)

Examples:

  • Talizzunk 7-kor! / “Let’s meet at 7 p.m.!”
  • Tala a mozi előtt. / “We’ll meet in front of the cinema!”

Learn how to make plans with others in our lesson Organizing a Meeting in Hungary

#7 – Oan

Meaning: 

So / Such

Usage:

This is a very common word, mostly used to stress the concept of “how much.” For example, how much you like something. 

Original Hungarian Expression: 

Olyan

Examples:

  • Ez egy oan jó étterem. / “It’s such a good restaurant.”
  • Oan jó, hogy számíthatok rád. / “It’s so good that I can count on you.”

Hungarian Text Slang

3. Expressing Your Opinions and Emotions

Many friendships and relationships are started through the sharing of likes and dislikes, opinions on certain topics, and other expressions of self. Here’s some internet and text slang in Hungarian to help you communicate your opinions and emotions! 

#8 – Teccik

Meaning:

To like

Usage:

This word is perfect for expressing yourself when you fancy something or someone.

Original Hungarian Word: 

Tetszik (To like)

Examples:

  • Teccik ez a ruha. / “I like this dress.”
  • Teccik nekem az a srác. / “I like that guy.”

#9 – Szeri 

Meaning:

Love

Usage:

You can pop this expression into any conversation to let the person know you appreciate them. If you want to emphasize it, throw in a few additional i’s at the end.

Original Hungarian Word: 

Szeretet (noun – “love”) / Szeretlek (verb – “I love you”)

Example:

Jaj, ez aranyos. Szeriii. / “Aww. That’s so sweet. Love.”

#10 – Sztem / Szentem 

Meaning:

I think

Usage:

Either variation of this slang term can be used to more quickly type out your thoughts on something. 

Original Hungarian Word: 

Szerintem

Example:

Sztem jól áll neked. / “I think it suits you.”

#11 – Nemtom 

Meaning:

I don’t know

Usage:

This phrase is normally used if you aren’t sure about something and want the person you’re conversing with to leave you alone. It might be considered rude to use this slang word alone without giving an explanation afterwards.

Original Hungarian Expression: 

Nem tudom

Example:

A: Miért nem akarsz szombaton találkozni? / “Why do you not want to meet on Saturday?”
B: Nemtom. / “I don’t know.”


#12 – Asszem 

Meaning:

I believe

Usage:

This is one of the most common Hungarian texting words, though it’s also used in face-to-face conversations. Hungarians are most likely to use it when they’re not sure about something.

Original Hungarian Expression: 

Azt hiszem

Example:

Jönni fog ma este? / “Will he come tonight?”
Asszem. / “I believe (so).”

4. Giving an Explanation…

These two essential Hungarian slang phrases will come in handy when you’re trying to 1) avoid giving an explanation or 2) give a good explanation for something. 

#13 – Mind1 / M1 

Meaning:

Nevermind / Whatever

Usage:

This is one of the most common Hungarian internet words. It can save you time and give your text or chat message a hint of playfulness. Use it when you just don’t want to give an explanation and want to change the subject.

Original Hungarian Expression: 

Mindegy

Example:

Bocsi, mit is mondtál? / “Sorry, what did you say?”
Mind1. / “Nevermind.”

A Hand Holding a Black Phone, Chat Boxes Are Seen on the Screen

#14 – Mmint 

Meaning:

I mean… / In other words…

Usage:

First of all, there’s no way this could work in real-life conversations. However, it’s quite useful when texting, as it’s always nice to omit a few letters when you’re in a rush. This word is perfect if you want to explain something better.

Original Hungarian Word: 

Mármint

Example:

Nem tudom, mit csináljak. Mmint, tanultam a tesztre, de nem biztos, hogy átmegyek.
“I don’t know what to do. I mean, I studied for the test, but I’m not sure I’ll pass it.”

5. Conjunctions

Considering how frequently used conjunctions are, it should come as no surprise that they’re often abbreviated for convenience.

#15 – H 

Meaning:

That

Usage:

If you want to be the ultimate king or queen of Hungarian internet slang words, you need to know this one. This slang word is still very commonly used nowadays, among all Hungarians regardless of age.

Original Hungarian Word: 

Hogy

Example:

Tudtam, h te voltál az! / “I knew that it was you!”

#16 – V 

Meaning:

Or

Usage:

This one is another popular Hungarian internet slang term. Just like the previous example, this is just a simple letter, but everybody understands what it means. Do be aware, however, that it would be weird to use this one in a real-life conversation.

Original Hungarian Word: 

Vagy

Example:

A macskákat v a kutyákat szereted? / “Do you like cats or dogs?”

#17 – Mer’

Meaning:

Because

Usage:

The Hungarian slang word mer’ is very common in Hungarian and it’s used in spoken conversation as well. It’s similar to the English abbreviation “‘cuz” for “because.”

Original Hungarian Word: 

Mert

Example:

A: Miért nem jössz ma este? / “Why won’t you come tonight?”
B: Mer’ otthon kell segítenem. / “‘Cuz I need to help at home.”

#18 – Szal 

Meaning:

So

Usage:

This Hungarian slang term is great for starting any story.

Original Hungarian Word: 

Szóval

Example:

Szal arra gondoltam, (hogy)… / “So I was thinking…”

A Young Guy in a Blue Jacket Is Sitting at a Desk in Front of His Computer, Holding a Coffee Cup

#19 – Am 

Meaning:

By the way

Usage:

This slang term can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Also, it works both online and offline (though it’s more common online). 

Original Hungarian Word: 

Amúgy

Example:

Am mit fogsz csinálni a téli szünetben? / “By the way, what are you doing during winter holiday?”

6. Adverbs

Find some adverb shortenings in our Hungarian slang dictionary next up.

#20 – Naon 

Meaning:

Very

Usage:

Just as we saw earlier in the case of vaok / vok, this is another example of omitting the digraph from the middle of a word. Nowadays, this slang term is mostly used sarcastically to emphasize “very.” 

Original Hungarian Word: 

Nagyon

Example:

Naon örülök, hogy írtál! / “I’m very glad you texted me.”

#21 – Valszeg

Meaning:

Probably

Usage:

This slang term is most often used in texting, though it’s sometimes used in spoken conversation as well. As you’ll see, the original word is rather long! 

Original Hungarian Word: 

Valószínűleg

Example:

A: Hol van? / “Where is she?”
B: Valszeg alszik. / “She’s probably sleeping.”

#22 – Légyszi / Lécci

Meaning:

Please

Usage:

These two terms are both frequently used when asking someone to do something for you. However, lécci is only used sarcastically or when you want to emphasize how much you want something. In this case, feel free to add a few extra letters in there, like lééécciiii. Légyszi is also a slang word, but it’s somewhat more sophisticated.

Original Hungarian Expression: 

Légy szíves!

Example:

  • Légyszi, legyél őszinte! / “Please, be honest.”
  • Léééciiiii, elmegyünk arra a koncertre? / “Please, can we go to that concert?”

#23 – Vmikor 

Meaning:

Sometime

Usage:

There are several Hungarian internet slang phrases similar to this one: vki, vmi, vhol, etc. Basically, everything that starts with vala- can be (and is) shortened. Hungarians love to abbreviate words like the one below, so you’ll very likely run into them while talking to a Hungarian online.

Original Hungarian Word: 

Valamikor

Example:

  • Vmikor el kellene mennünk nyaralni. / “We should go on a vacation sometime.”
  • Láttam vhol a szemüvegedet. / “I’ve seen your glasses somewhere.”

7. Questions

Asking and answering questions is an essential aspect of effective communication, but there’s no reason questions should take forever to type! Here are some slang terms and abbreviations you can use for questions in your next text or chat session with a Hungarian speaker.

#24 – Mien? 

Meaning: 

What? / What kind (of)? 

Usage:

This Hungarian slang word used to be very cool in the early 2000s, but nowadays it’s mostly used in a sarcastic manner. In most cases, you should just write the actual word out—and using this abbreviation in real-life conversations is a big no-no!

Original Hungarian Word: 

Milyen?

Example:

Mien cipőben leszel? / “What (kind of) shoes will you wear?”

A Woman’s Hands Are Seen Holding Her Phone, Chat Bubbles Appear, She Is Sitting in Front of Her Computer

#25 – Mert? / Mer’? / Mér? / Mé?

Meaning:

Why?

Usage:

Lots of variations for a single word, right? Well, this one is a must when learning about Hungarian internet slang. You’ll see these slang words all over the internet, especially in instant messages. People also use them in spoken conversation. Just a little heads-up: mer and mér are considered to be the least polite and the most tacky.

Original Hungarian Word: 

Miért?

Example:

A: Bocsi, nem mondhatom el neked. / “I’m sorry, I can’t tell you.”
B: Mert? / “Why?”
A: Titok. Mé(r)’ ne mondanám el, ha lehetne? / “It’s a secret. Why wouldn’t I tell you if I could?”

#26 – Mivan?! 

Meaning:

What? / What are you saying?!

Usage:

You’ll most likely use this Hungarian texting slang term when you’re surprised.

Original Hungarian Expression: 

Mi van?

Example:

Mivan?! Komolyan? / “What?! Are you serious?”

Hungarian Internet Words Using Numbers

The following Hungarian slang words are somewhat playful as they use numbers in place of certain letters.

#27 – 1edül

Meaning:

Alone

Usage:

Hungarians want to be as efficient as possible, so they cut and shorten words wherever they can. Even here, you can see that “1” substitutes egy, which would be two more letters that are otherwise unnecessary. Smart, huh?

Original Hungarian Word: 

Egyedül

Example:

1edül mentem moziba. / “I went to the cinema alone.”

#28 – 7vége

Meaning:

Weekend

Usage:

You can use this abbreviation of hétvége if you want to appear cool in a text message when inviting someone for a drink, for example.

Original Hungarian Word: 

Hétvége

Example:

Szeretnél randizni velem ezen a 7végén? / “Do you want to go out with me this weekend?”


8. Hungarian Internet Words Derived from English

Hungarians also use certain English slang words, taken straight from the language with no changes. If you would like to see even more examples of words like those below, check out our vocabulary list Most Common Texting Slang in Hungarian

#29 – Lol

Meaning: 

Laugh(ing) out loud

Usage:

Simple as that. The Hungarian “lol” does not convert to a Hungarian expression; the abbreviation means the same thing it does in English.

Example:

Leöntöttem vízzel a nadrágomat. Lol. / “I spilled water on my pants. Lol.”

#30 – Yolo

Meaning:

You only live once

Usage:

This is another slang word from English with no Hungarian counterpart. Hungarians use this slang term in the same context as English speakers would.

Example:

El fogom hívni randizni. Yolo. / “I’m gonna ask her out. Yolo.”

Close-up of a Woman Wearing a Beanie Holding Her Phone and Smiling

9. How HungarianPod101.com Can Help You Reach Your Goals

We hope that learning these different Hungarian slang terms for texting and the internet has empowered you and given you the confidence you need to take on the world! Using these words and phrases, you can chat with Hungarian friends confidently without feeling left out. 

But there’s one more thing that’s very important to remember: These are just…well…slang words. You must always be aware of when it’s appropriate to use them and when it’s not. Also, never confuse a slang word for its correct form! 

Did you enjoy this article, but feel like there weren’t enough words and phrases? Then make sure you check out our vocabulary list Top 20 Words You’ll Need for the Internet and our lesson series Must-Know Hungarian Slang Words & Phrases

If you have any questions or would like to know more about slang words and how they’re formed, ask away. The HungarianPod101 team is happy to help you out with anything. Write us a comment, or check out our vocabulary lists and other free materials for additional help. That said, joining the HungarianPod101 community comes with many additional benefits, such as audio lessons and other level-specific materials.

Before you go: Which of these Hungarian internet slang words is your favorite? 

Happy Hungarian language learning!

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The Top 10 Untranslatable Hungarian Words

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No matter how long you’ve been studying a language, it’s always fun to flaunt your speaking skills now and again. While learning how to introduce yourself, order pizza, or even go through a job interview are all impressive feats, you’ll eventually need to add some flair to your language skills! And what better way than by learning how to use that language’s most common untranslatable words?

Each language is unique, having at least a few words that don’t translate well into other languages. Yes, even Hungarian! 

In this article, you’ll learn the most common untranslatable Hungarian words. These are terms that have no direct equivalent in English (though we wish they did!). The best part? You probably haven’t even heard of them yet! 

Here at HungarianPod101, it’s our goal to help you improve your Hungarian skills and increase your knowledge of the language and culture. We want you to thrive and succeed on your language learning journey, mastering each of the key skills along the way: speaking, listening, reading, and writing

Learning Hungarian words that don’t exist in English will take you one step closer to native-like fluency—and using them in the right context is sure to impress any native speaker (not to mention your friends and family). When you’ve finished reading, make sure to let us know in the comments which one is your favorite! 

Let’s get started.

Close-up of Notes with a Pencil and 3D Plastic Pieces Shaped Like the Letters ABC

Start with a bonus, and download the Must-Know Beginner Vocabulary PDF for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hungarian Table of Contents
  1. Lébecol
  2. Kacskaringós
  3. Mézeskalácssütés
  4. Mártírkodni
  5. Pampogni
  6. Hórukk!
  7. Fogócskázni
  8. Lebzsel
  9. Cuccolni
  10. Lacafacázni
  11. How HungarianPod101 Can Help You Improve Your Hungarian

1. Lébecol

Literally
[No literal meaning]

Meaning
To live carefree without any problems or troubles

Context
This untranslatable word in the Hungarian language is normally used to criticize young people. For example, a parent may say that their child is lébecol or the elderly might use this term to describe youngsters.

Example

A: 
Mit dolgozik? Vagy még mindig egyetemen tanul?
“What does he do? Or does he still study at university?”

B:
Istenem, egyik sem! Éppen lébecol.
“Oh my God, neither! He is currently living without any problems, carefree.”

Note
As we touched on above, this Hungarian verb denotes criticism. You might want to be cautious about when you use it and to whom you apply it.

2. Kacskaringós

Literally
[No literal meaning]

Meaning
Having many turns, as though going in a zigzag pattern

Context
This untranslatable Hungarian word is used to describe roads, typically those on a hill or mountain.

Example

A: 
Szerintem mindjárt kidobom a taccsot. Nem bírom tovább. Ez az út túl kacskaringós.
“I think I’m going to throw up. I can’t take it anymore. This road is going in too much of a zigzag.”

B:
Tartsd vissza még egy kicsit! Mindjárt ott vagyunk.
“Just hold it in for a little longer. We’re almost there.”

A Close-up of a Car’s Rear View Mirror Showing Nature and a Road

3. Mézeskalácssütés

This is probably our favorite one of the Hungarian words you can’t translate into English. And no, it’s not only because it involves gingerbread. Or is it…? In either case, we’ve gotten in the mood for baking gingerbread now, so here’s a recipe for you

Literally
“Gingerbread baking”

Meaning
The act of making gingerbread

Context
This is the kind of word you would likely use around the holidays, and probably while in the kitchen. But nobody ever said you couldn’t have a little fun all year round, right?

Example

A:
Mit terveztetek az ünnepekre? Egy kis nyaralás vagy valami?
“What did you plan for the holidays? A little vacation or something?”

B:
Á, nem. Nem megyünk sehova, viszont terveztünk mézeskalácssütést.
“Ah, no. We’re not going anywhere, but planning to make gingerbread.”


4. Mártírkodni

Literally
“Playing the martyr”

Meaning
This term refers to pitying oneself so obviously that it hurts, or to play the victim in cases where it’s not appropriate. People who do this only like to complain and do not care about changing their situation for the better.

Context
While most people view a martyr as being a hero, this term has a negative connotation. It describes people who act like victims, but who are really just dramatizing the situation.

Example

A:
Miért én? Miért mindig velem történik ez? Olyan igazságtalan!
“Why me? Why does it always have to happen to me? It is so unfair!”

B:
Ó, ne mártírkodj már! Nem olyan rettenetes hiba ez, és bárkivel megtörténhet.
“Oh, stop playing the martyr! It is not such a terrible mistake, and it could happen to anybody.”

A Little Girl in a Yellow Dress being Scolded by a Parent

5. Pampogni

Literally
[No literal meaning]

Meaning
To explain something or speak in an indifferent, monotonous way without getting to the point (in other words, “beating around the bush”)

Context
This Hungarian word with no English equivalent is most likely to be used when receiving a sermon from a parent or arguing with someone, for example. However, parents aren’t always nagging us. Check out this lesson to read a few phrases a Hungarian parent might say.

Example

Nem fogod elhinni. Olyan hegyi beszédet kaptam anyámtól tegnap… Arról pampogott, hogy sosem takarítom ki a szobámat vagy mosogatok el.

“You won’t believe it. I received such a sermon from my mom yesterday… She was talking about how I never clean my room or do the dishes.”

Note
This Hungarian word should not be used when you mean well. It denotes an action that you perceived negatively.

6. Hórukk!

Literally
[No literal meaning]

Meaning
A sound usually made when great force is being exerted

Context
This sound is used when several people are getting ready to lift something heavy or are trying to swing that something over to another spot. It serves as encouragement or as an indication of when exactly the “lifting” should happen. Think of the English expression “on the count of three.” Here, “three” would be Hórukk! (or more precisely, -rukk).

Example

Oké, figyelj! Fogom a kezedet, úgyhogy csak leugrasz erről a kőről, és én elkaplak. Kész vagy? Hórukk!

“Okay, listen. I’m holding your hand, so you just jump off this rock and I’ll catch you. Ready? Hórukk!”

Note
The first syllable (hó-) is usually prolonged: Hóóó-rukk! Parents often use this untranslatable Hungarian word when lifting up their children, swinging them, or helping them jump onto or off of something.

A Group of Friends Helping Each Other Carry a Heavy Box

7. Fogócskázni

Literally
“Playing tag”

Meaning
This is the verb form of the noun fogócska, which refers to the game “tag” in English.

Context
This is a common game among children, usually played outdoors in kindergarten or at school (often during P.E. classes).

Example

A:
Szeretnél fogócskázni? Megkérdezhetnénk a többieket, hogy még viccesebb legyen.
“Would you like to play tag? We could ask the others too, so it would be even more fun!”

B:
Jó ötlet! Kérdezzük meg az egész osztályt, hogy akarnak-e csatlakozni hozzánk!
“Good idea! Let’s ask the whole class if they want to join us.”

8. Lebzsel

Literally
[No literal meaning]

Meaning
To spend the day doing nothing meaningful or productive

Context
This one is a true gem. Hungarians use it often, usually in reference to teens or spouses who do little around the house (or in general).

Example

A:
Miért lebzselsz annyit? Gyerünk, segíts be nekem a ház körül vagy menj és találj munkát!
“Why do you spend your days doing nothing meaningful? Come on, help me do something around the house or go find work!”

B:
Istenem, egy kicsit pihennie sem lehet az embernek?
“My God, can’t one even rest a little?”

A Guy in a Green T-shirt Sleeping on the Couch with Pizza Boxes and Beer Bottles around Him

9. Cuccolni

Literally
“To stuff”

Meaning
To move personal things around (even from Point A to Point B) in order to pack them (összecuccolni).

Context
You could use this untranslatable Hungarian word when asking friends to help you during a move, for example, or when you need help with the groceries. You could also use this Hungarian expression to say that you’re packing something up; just add the prefix össze- to the word.

Example

Tudnál segíteni nekem cuccolni ezen a hétvégén? Tudod, új helyre költözöm.
“Could you help me move my stuff this weekend? You know I’m moving to a new place.”

Csak összecuccolok és mehetünk is.
“I’m going to pack my stuff and we can go.”

10. Lacafacázni

Literally
[No literal meaning]

Meaning
This Hungarian word with no English equivalent refers to approaching things with difficulty and getting hung up on small things (as in, being indecisive in a given matter). In other words, to waste time.

Context
This is one of the more difficult Hungarian words for non-native speakers due to its length as well as the alternation of vowels and consonants. Nonetheless, if you learn how to pronounce it—practice makes perfect—you could use it in situations where someone is supposed to make a decision but can’t seem to make up their mind.

Example

A:
Szerinted ez a szín jó lesz a prezentációhoz? Nem tudok dönteni.
“Do you think this color will be good for the presentation? I can’t decide.”

B:
Ne lacafacázzunk! Délig készen kell lennünk ezzel.
“Let’s not waste more time. We need to get this done by noon.”

A Close-up of a Man Thinking with His Index Finger on His Chin

11. How HungarianPod101 Can Help You Improve Your Hungarian

This marks the end of today’s lesson. We hope you enjoyed learning these untranslatable Hungarian words and that we were able to show you a few you hadn’t encountered before. 

Which of these Hungarian words with no English equivalent was your favorite? If you happen to know some more words we didn’t cover here, please share with us in the comments! Our community is about helping each other out and learning from one another. 

If you found this list fun and helpful, remember that you’ll find many similar articles on HungarianPod101.com. Just visit our blog and browse through our articles to discover even more about the Hungarian language and culture. 

Would you like to learn from a greater variety of study materials? We have you covered there, too! We offer many free vocabulary lists, audio and video lessons, and additional resources. Create your free lifetime account today and take full advantage of everything we have to offer! 

We promise you’ll love this community.

Happy language learning!

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10 of the Best Hungarian Movies of All Time

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Watching Hungarian movies is a great way to learn the language. Hearing native speakers use the language in various contexts will help you get used to certain phrases and patterns as well as familiarize you with colloquial Hungarian—both of which are very important for your future conversations with locals.

Another benefit of using movies to supplement your Hungarian studies is that it doesn’t feel like studying at all! And that’s the key to language learning: making the process enjoyable. This allows you to learn much faster and with ease because studying will no longer feel like a burden.

For this article, we’ve collected ten of the top Hungarian movies that you must see. These films will not only help you grasp the language in natural contexts, but also give you a better understanding of Hungarian culture.


Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hungarian Table of Contents
  1. The Witness – A tanú (1969)
  2. Mephisto – Mephisto (1981)
  3. Sunshine – A napfény íze (1999)
  4. Glass Tiger – Üvegtigris (2001)
  5. A Kind of America – Valami Amerika (2002)
  6. Made in Hungaria – Made in Hungária (2009)
  7. For Some Inexplicable Reason – Van valami furcsa és megmagyarázhatatlan (2014)
  8. Son of Saul – Saul fia (2015)
  9. The Citizen – Az állampolgár (2016)
  10. Sing – Mindenki (2016)
  11. How HungarianPod101.com Can Help You Reach Your Full Potential

1. The WitnessA tanú (1969)

IMDb rating: 8.7 / 10

This old Hungarian movie, directed by Péter Bacsó, is a must-watch if you’re interested in the history of Hungary. The satirical piece was banned for ten years before its official release in 1969 because of its criticism of the Communist regime in Hungary after World War II. Its censorship illustrates how important this Hungarian movie is in context of the nation’s history. Given its release date, you’ll likely hear a few expressions that are no longer used in everyday Hungarian speech.

The story is about József Pelikán, a dike-keeper who commits a silly crime—slaughtering his pig—for which he is not sentenced but rather elevated into a serious position that was reserved for the Communist regime. Although he does not understand why this happened, he is later called in to falsely testify against his good old friend at a trial as a favor for the regime that “saved him” from doing time in prison.

Curious what kind of language and dialogue you can expect to hear while watching? Here’s a sample of dialogue from the film: 

Bástya:
Mi ez?
“What’s this?”

Pelikán:
Egy narancs.
“An orange.”

Bástya:
Egy narancs?
“An orange?”

Pelikán:
Az új magyar narancs. Kicsit sárgább, kicsit savanyúbb*, de a miénk.
“The new Hungarian orange. It’s slightly yellower, it’s slightly sharper*, but our own.”

*While this is the original Hungarian transcription, do keep in mind that “sharper” literally translates to élesebb (not savanyúbb, which means something along the lines of “sour”).

2. MephistoMephisto (1981)

IMDb rating: 7.8 / 10

One of the best Hungarian movies of all time is surely Mephisto, directed by István Szabó and starring Klaus Maria Brandauer alongside many other great Hungarian actors.

This Hungarian film is set in 20th-century Germany, and it’s about a stage actor named Hendrik Höfgen who wants to become well-known and have a successful career. His biggest goal is to play the part of Mephisto. However, desperation to see his dream finally come true drives him to collude with the Nazis. The party offers him the fame he always wanted and he accepts the offer—but at what cost?

Here’s a quote from the film:

Nem én vagyok a legrémisztőbb gonosztevő, akit valaha láttál?
“Am I not the most dreadful villain you have seen?”

3. SunshineA napfény íze (1999)


IMDb rating: 7.5 / 10

Sunshine debuted in 1999 and is one of the most popular Hungarian drama movies, telling the story of a Hungarian Jewish family in the 20th century. This film has played a large role in Hungarian culture since its release, so if you’re thinking about watching Hungarian movies online, this one should definitely be on your list! 

Like Mephisto, this Hungarian movie was also directed by István Szabó. The story follows three generations of a Hungarian Jewish family; viewers witness their successes, the horrors they face during the Holocaust, and how the 1956 revolution affects them. 

We especially recommend this film for beginners, as the original audio is in English. By watching the film with Hungarian subtitles, you can more easily pick up new words, broaden your vocabulary, and become more familiar with Hungarian history and culture.

Here’s a quote from the film: 

Az antiszemitizmus bosszús és sikertelen emberek hitvallása…a filiszteusok filozófiája. Ízléstelen.
“Anti-semitism is a creed of resentful and unsuccessful people…the philosophy of Philistines; it’s in bad taste.”

Top Verbs

4. Glass Tiger Üvegtigris (2001)

IMDb rating: 7.7 / 10

The Hungarian movie Glass Tiger is a comedy that could be considered the “visual anthem” of the nation (alongside A Kind of America, which we’ll introduce in a bit as well). It was partially directed by Péter Rudolf, who also starred in the movie alongside Gábor Reviczky and József Szarvas.

The story is about six good friends who normally live very boring lives. In the film, however, they encounter quite a handful of interesting situations. The ‘Üvegtigris’ (a buffet truck that the character Lali owns) is at the heart of the whole movie.

Here’s a recurring sentence that, because of this Hungarian film, became a famous catchphrase in the Hungarian language:

Ízirájder, öcsém, ízirájder!
“Easy rider, bro’, easy rider.”

The guys in the film use this phrase to describe a “laid-back dude” or some loser that “copies Americans.”

5. A Kind of AmericaValami Amerika (2002)


IMDb rating: 6.9 / 10

Our list of the top Hungarian movies could never be complete without A Kind of America, which is a prime example of the typical Hungarian comedy movie. 

The film follows the story of an up-and-coming film director named Tamás, who lives in Budapest. He has a great idea for a film, but lacks the money to make his dream come true. One day, an American film producer reaches out to Tamás and praises him for the script he’s written—Tamás sees this as a grand opportunity and, with the help of his two brothers, tries to impress the producer once they meet in person. But it’s not such an easy task, after all…

The cast of this film includes several famous Hungarian actors and actresses, such as Győző Szabó, Ferenc Hujber, Szonja Oroszlán, and Claudia Liptai. If you would like to perfect your language skills—and pick up some slang too, of course—by watching a silly and humorous Hungarian movie, this film should be at the top of your list! 

Here’s a quote from the movie that’ll make you smile: 

Olyan vagyok, mint a spanyolnátha. Bárki megkaphat.
“I’m like the Spanish flu. Anybody can get me.”

6. Made in Hungaria Made in Hungária (2009)

IMDb rating: 6.9 / 10

Among the best films to learn Hungarian is Made in Hungaria, a lively musical with a captivating plot, charming characters, and songs you’re going to love. Regarding the language of the film, the vocabulary is nowhere near as rough as that of Üvegtigris or Valami Amerika, for example. There are a couple of curse words and a little bit of slang, but these aspects of the language do not feature prominently in the film. 

Miki and his parents return to Communist Hungary in the 1960s after living in America for some time. He finds it hard to assimilate at first, as even his old friends don’t know what to make of his new style and personality. Throughout the story, we can see Miki (who happens to be a young musician) trying to win over his childhood love, Vera, and to make his old friends trust and like him again—all while getting ready to participate in a talent show. 

Several famous actors feature in this film, including Tamás Szabó Kimmel, Iván Fenyő, and Péter Scherer.

Now, for some sample dialogue: 

Miki’s mom:
Jesszus, miért vagy vizes?
“Jesus, why are you wet?”

Miki:
Útközben megáztam.
“I got wet on my way home.”

Miki’s mom:
De hát nem is esett!
“But it didn’t even rain!”

Miki:
Ahol én voltam, igen.
“It did where I was.”

Miki’s dad:
A Tűzoltó utcában, ugye?
“In Tűzoltó street*, right?”

*Tűzoltó street is located in Budapest.

Miki:
Honnan tudod? Valaki beköpött?
“How do you know? Did somebody rat me out?”

Miki’s dad:
Ez Magyarország. Itt mindenki tud mindent.
“This is Hungary. Everybody knows everything.”

Someone Purchasing Popcorn and a Drink at a Movie Theater

7. For Some Inexplicable Reason – Van valami furcsa és megmagyarázhatatlan (2014)

IMDb rating: 7.5 / 10

This is one of the more recent Hungarian movies, written and directed by Gábor Reisz. It has won eight awards in total, including the Adolph Zukor Prize at the Jameson CineFest and the Best Feature Film at FEST New Directors/New Films Festival.

The film tells the story of Áron, a nerdy guy who is about to turn thirty but is recently single, unemployed, and lacking any kind of purpose in life. In search of meaning and excitement, he buys a ticket to Lisbon and flies there to find himself. The film depicts the truth of what it’s like to be a young professional and what hardships one must encounter throughout their life.

Quote:

Hihetetlen, hogy a rossz dolgokat mindenki elhiszi, ami jó, az meg állandóan magyarázatra szorul.
“It’s unbelievable how everybody believes the bad things, but the good ones always need to be explained.”

8. Son of Saul Saul fia (2015)

IMDb rating: 7.5 / 10

We had to include this one on our list of the top Hungarian movies. It’s quite possibly the most famous Hungarian film nowadays, having won an Oscar as well as 62 other prizes. The film, directed by László Nemes Jeles and featuring the acting talent of Géza Röhrig, even had a screening at the Cannes Film Festival

The film shows just two days of the main character’s (Saul’s) life. He is a Jewish Hungarian captive in Auschwitz who tries to have a boy, believed to be his son, buried properly by a rabbi. He refuses to join the others in a rebellion they’re planning, choosing instead to save the remains of the child as he feels guilty for not having taken care of him while he was still alive.

Watching this Hungarian film will give you a glimpse into the horrors that took place in Auschwitz.

Here’s some sample dialogue from the film: 

Abraham:
Cserben hagytad az élőket a halottért.
“You failed the living for the dead.”

Saul:
Már halottak vagyunk.
“We are dead already.”

A Big Crowd at the Cannes Film Festival

9. The CitizenAz állampolgár (2016)


IMDb rating: 7.2 / 10

One of the latest Hungarian movies to debut, this film touches on sensitive topics related to immigration practices and refugees in Hungary. 

It depicts the life of an African-American man in his fifties who has been living in Hungary as a refugee, but would like to acquire Hungarian citizenship. To achieve this goal, he studies a lot for exams and even learns the language, trying to assimilate into the culture. However, his journey is not easy as he constantly encounters racist people and those who do not trust or believe in him. 

The main character’s charm lies in the fact that the part is played by an amateur actor—Dr. Cake-Baly Marcelo—who’s a former refugee in real life and currently a resident of Budapest.

This movie is perfect for language learners because there’s a person on-screen they can relate to: somebody who’s trying to learn a new, rather challenging language. In the film, you can see that effort matters and that the path to mastering a language is through trial and error. Plus, you can try to understand Wilson’s lines without English subtitles (although Netflix does provide them).

Here’s a quote you’ll hear in the film: 

Hazádnak rendületlenül légy híve, óh magyar!
“To your homeland, without fail be faithful, oh Hungarian.”

This is the first line of Szózat, a Hungarian patriotic song written by Mihály Vörösmarty. It happens to be the second most important one, after the national anthem (Himnusz).

10. Sing Mindenki (2016)

IMDb rating: 8.1 / 10

Last but definitely not least, here’s a short Hungarian film that conveys a wonderful message.

The story is based on a true event and set in Budapest in the 1990s. It follows an award-winning children’s choir and questions certain pedagogical methods. When a new girl joins the school choir, she slowly discovers the truth behind why the group became famous in the first place. This Hungarian film is less than half an hour long, but it will surely leave you speechless.

Quote:

Ha mindenki szót fogad, mindenkinek jó lesz.
“If everybody obeys, it’s going to be good for everybody.”

11. How HungarianPod101.com Can Help You Reach Your Full Potential 

We hope we’ve gotten you in the mood to watch a couple—or more—Hungarian movies. As we said in the beginning, this is a great way to pick up new vocabulary and become more familiar with the culture while having fun. 

And the best part? You can find most of these Hungarian movies on Netflix (at the time of this writing). This means you’ll have little trouble accessing these titles and can use English subtitles to better understand the language in a given film.  

If you’re really lucky, you might even be able to watch some of these movies in the cinema (such as on special nostalgia nights). 

Did you enjoy this article? Then don’t forget to check out our other articles, too (like this one on the best Hungarian TV series). We also recommend that you join the HungarianPod101 family to gain access to exclusive benefits, such as audio lessons and reading exercises. Sign up now and become a part of the largest Hungarian language-learning community out there! 

Not sure where to start? Visit our page Getting Started with HungarianPod101.com for some great ideas. 

Before you go: Which Hungarian movie will you watch first? Have you seen any of the films on our list already?

Must-Watch Hungarian TV Series to Improve Your Hungarian

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Watching TV shows is a great way to learn a language, and Hungarian is no exception. For some people, it’s rather hard to find the motivation to sit down at a desk and open a language book. If you happen to be one of them, you’re going to love this article. We’re presenting you with the best Hungarian TV shows to help you study the language in a highly efficient way, without feeling like you’re actually studying. Sometimes tricking your brain is the way to go.

With the help of Hungarian TV series, you’ll be able to pick up slang words and detect any slang that’s being used in a conversation when you’re visiting Hungary. Of course, it depends on the kind of show you’re watching, but most of them use shortened language (slang), i.e. how people of a given nation actually use their language in their daily lives.

For this reason, it might be a bit challenging to improve your Hungarian by watching TV shows as you might come across words that aren’t in the dictionary. Instead, in such cases, you’ll have to rely on your instincts and try to master “reading from context” so that when you guess what the characters are saying, you actually succeed. We’re not going to lie: it takes practice. But the good thing is that practice here means watching Hungarian TV channels.

Watching TV shows of a given language is not only helpful for learning new phrases and vocabulary, but also for picking up expressions. For example, you can easily start to detect how Hungarians use body language and facial expressions when speaking. Do you see any gestures they’re often making when they say a certain sentence? Do they get angry or happy if they hear a given word or phrase? Do they articulate much or murmur under their nose? How does their face change when they say specific words or phrases? You can learn so much by watching Hungarian TV!

Okay, okay, but what are the best TV shows to learn Hungarian? Well, we’ve got you covered. We’ll introduce you to ten of the best Hungarian TV shows, and will even tell you how to stream Hungarian TV (legally, of course).

We hope you’re ready to study the fun way. Take a look at what we have for you and decide which show interests you the most.

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Table of Contents

  1. Animations
  2. Sitcoms / Dramas
  3. Talk / Reality Shows
  4. HungarianPod101.com Gives You the Best Ideas to Make Studying Fun

1. Animations

Show #1: Mézga család (The Mézgas) — 1968

Family of Four Watching TV

If you’re interested in old Hungarian TV shows, this is definitely worth a watch!

This show follows the Mézga family. Their thirteen-year-old boy, Aladár, is a genius. He creates gadgets and machines that make even time travel and travel through space possible. His family, however, often gets into trouble because they don’t know how to use these machines properly. Thus, Aladár always has to save his family.

His best friend and constant companion on his journeys is his dog, Blöki. Other members of the family include his stubborn and strict father, Géza Mézga, who doesn’t really approve of Aladár’s machines. His mother, born Paula Rezovits, often faints on their exciting journeys due to her poor nervous system. Aladár often fights with his not-so-bright sister, Kriszta, who has a pet cat named Maffia.

The story is built around these six characters and their spectacular journeys, though some episodes feature their angry neighbor, Máris. It also features, in speech only, Pisti Hufnágel, who used to be one of Paula’s past lovers. She often voices her regret of not marrying him instead of Géza.

This is one of the best Hungarian TV shows, though it’s not aired anymore. For this reason, you can only stream it; you can’t catch an episode of Mézga család if you’re watching Hungarian satellite TV. Since this Hungarian series is rather old, you’ll find that the slang the characters use is a bit outdated. This can be both a positive and negative aspect of watching this show.

Through watching this series, you won’t learn lots of slang, but rather the usual way that Hungarian works. Also, given its time of creation, you’ll probably be able to understand the speakers better, as the characters don’t speak as fast as people do these days.

Recurring Sentences in the Show

  • Anya, szólj rá!
    “Mom, rebuke him.”

Kriszta says this when Aladár is annoying her.

  • Miért nem a Hufnágel Pistihez mentem feleségül?
    “Why didn’t I marry Pisti Hufnágel?”

This sentence leaves Paula’s mouth in every episode. In the Hungarian version, the a (meaning “the” ) before the name Hufnágel Pisti is grammatically incorrect. You’re not supposed to say “the” before names, but that’s how people do it in Budapest and the surrounding areas, as well as in some Transdanubian places.

Show #2: A nagy ho-ho-horgász (The Great Fisherman) — 1982

The persevering fisherman (horgász) and his best friend, Chief Worm (Főkukac), are the main characters of one of the best Hungarian TV series. There’s nothing better than sitting at the breezy waterside on hot summer days. Our protagonist does the same and, in the meantime, gets himself involved in unexpected adventures.

For him, it doesn’t matter if it’s summer or winter. On cold days, he fishes from rooftops and chimneys, and out of bathtubs, aquariums, and even fountains. Nothing stops him and his little friend from having a good time fishing.

You can expect the same kind of language exposure from this show as you can from Mézga család. It’s an old cartoon, but one of the best Hungarian children’s TV shows.

Recurring Sentences in the Show

  • Én fogtam ki a világ legjobb szívű halacskáját! Ez is világcsúcs!
    “I got to fish a little fish with the biggest heart. This is a world record, too.”
  • Megőrülök! Ez még a maradék halat is elriasztja! Ilyen tehetségtelen csalival kell nekem horgásznom!
    “I’m going crazy. He scares away even the remaining fishes. And I have to work with such untalented bait.”

2. Sitcoms / Dramas

If you want to watch Hungarian drama online, RTL Most and TV2.hu are going to be your best friends. These are the sites to check out even if you want to watch free Hungarian live TV online. Your favorite Hungarian television shows are only a few clicks away.

Show #3: Jóban rosszban (In Good and Bad) — 2005

The story of this Hungarian TV show is set in Csillagkút, a village not far from the capital of Hungary, Budapest. Life in this little village suddenly becomes quite lively after everyone starts talking about the Csillagvirág Clinic and its mysterious director, Péter Pongrácz (played by Tibor Gazdag, a great Hungarian actor and composer in real life). All that the residents of the village know about him is that he left his perfect life in the USA behind to come home to Hungary and open a private clinic in Csillagkút.

Everybody is happy that the old castle has been transformed into a new hospital…well, almost everybody. Előd Várnagy had different intentions for the castle, but Péter beat him to it.

Love stories, cheating, betrayals: these are all parts of everyday life at the Csillagvirág Clinic. Although the characters are willing to betray and even kill each other—and they do—some of them are willing to support one another…in good and bad.

By watching this series, you’ll be exposed to all kinds of language. You’ll encounter healthcare terminology as well as everyday expressions, including day-to-day conversations and slang. Thus, this is the perfect Hungarian TV series for you if you love drama and are open to learning Hungarian in a fun way.

Important Sentences in the Show

  • Egyet jegyezz meg! A szerelem elmúlik… de a férfiak ostobasága soha!
    “Remember one thing. Love fades away…but the stupidity of men never does.”
  • A kudarc kell. A siker elkényelmesít, de a kudarc megtanít megbocsátani, és megmutatja, hogy kik és mennyire fontosak az életünkben.
    “Failure is needed. Success makes you too comfortable, but failure teaches you to forgive and shows you who the important people in your lives are, and how much.”

Show #4: Barátok közt (Amongst Friends) — 1998

This one is an oldie but a goldie, and is a must-watch for Hungarian learners who want to experience popular Hungarian TV shows.

The main characters of this Hungarian TV show are the members of the Berényi family. This show has been following their everyday lives, and that of those living around them, for more than twenty years now.

The story starts with a bunch of kids who become really good friends. Later on in their lives, they end up living in the same block of flats, which is something they never would have thought. Their aim is to create modern mansions and a good community in the building where they first met as children. However, betrayals, hook-ups, and other surprising events make this seem like a rather hard thing to do.

This Hungarian TV show is perfect for you if you love drama, complicated relationships, and excitement.

In some cases, you can access the episodes on Hungarian TV channels online. Barátok közt is one of them. Just go to RTL Most (RTL Now) and you can stream all 20+ years’ worth of Barátok közt episodes right away.

Popular Quotes from the Series

  • Az emlékek megszépítik a múltat.
    “Memories make the past seem more beautiful.”
  • Nincs szeretet elfogadás nélkül.
    “There is no love without acceptance.”
  • Akár aggódsz, akár nem, az a dolgokon nem változtat.
    “Whether you worry or not, that does not change things.”
  • Egy férfinak minden helyzetben kell, hogy legyen terve.
    “A man must have a plan in all situations.”
  • A szerelem vak, és ez csak addig közhely, amíg a saját bőrünkön nem tapasztaljuk meg.
    “Love is blind and it is a cliché only until you experience it on your own skin.”

Which quote is your favorite?

Show #5: Válótársak (Divorce Buddies) — 2015

Bálint, Dávid, and Joci are best friends. Not only do they live together in their mancrib, but all three of them are going through a divorce. The show follows their lives through this process.

Bálint has cheated on his wife, Zsófi, so she files for divorce. Bálint is trying to get Zsófi back and ruin her forming relationship with his brother. However, Bálint can’t restrain himself and keeps cheating on Zsófi with other women.

Dávid, a rich entrepreneur, has been dumped after six years of marriage because his wife, Tamara, found him boring. Dávid gets a heart attack because of this, and he soon falls in love with his doctor, Dalma. While trying to win Dalma over, he’s in constant war with his ex. However, the stricter and harsher Dávid is with Tamara, the more she finds him interesting and wants him back.

Joci and Szonja have been trying to have a child for ages, but couldn’t succeed. As soon as they decide to break up, Szonja gets pregnant with twins. Joci is trying to escape the father role, so he even hires a lawyer, Leonóra, whom he soon starts to date and build a new relationship with. But Szonja isn’t going to let the love of her life be anybody else’s.

This is definitely one of those Hungarian TV programs that you can’t miss if you want to have a good laugh. It’s quite popular in Hungary, largely due to the fact that one of the main characters, Bálint, is played by the famous Hungarian actor András Stohl.

Regarding the language of the show, you might want to be careful, as this series is explicit and features intercourse and similar 18+ (or 16+) content. So, there you have it: if you want to learn Hungarian curse words and slang while having heaps of laughter, this is definitely the show to watch.

Famous Quote from the Show

  • Csak az első hiba számít, a többi az következmény.
    “Only the first mistake matters. The rest is the consequences.”

Show #6: Jófiúk (Good Boys) — 2019

This comedy is one of the newer TV shows in Hungarian and is a big hit nowadays in Hungary, alongside Válótársak.

Jófiúkis is a Hungarian TV series about a group of clumsy policemen who cause more problems than they solve. Gyula, a very unmotivated policeman, and his team are mistakenly relocated to the most ructious part of the city. On their first day, the team has already had to deal with a dead body, meanwhile Gyula and his family struggle with the new neighborhood.

This series is also explicit, but very funny at the same time. So, the same “rules” apply to this one as to Válótársak. If you want to have a good laugh and study Hungarian slang, you might want to consider watching this Hungarian TV show.

Famous Quote from the Show

  • Szolgálunk és védünk.
    “We serve and protect.”

This is the slogan of the Hungarian police.

Show #7: A tanár (The Teacher) — 2018

Old Teacher in Front of a Blackboard

This series gives an inside view of the lives of high-schoolers and their community. The episodes feature social issues such as adoption, search for identity, and rivalry amongst students. Each episode introduces the life of a student and their problems.

The main character is Szilárd, a chemistry, physics, and P.E. teacher (played by Ervin Nagy, who is rather famous in Hungary and also appears in theater plays). He tries to help the children in the school in his own way, which often puts a humorous spin on the show.

This series is worth watching for its interpretation of social issues and their take on them. The channel that airs this Hungarian TV show is RTL Klub, so if you’re interested in it, and you’re all for streaming Hungarian TV, you can easily watch this series on RTL Most.

Preparing for a Hungarian language exam is really no different than preparing for any other language exam. However, in the case of Hungarian, you might want to pay special attention to spelling, as the way Hungarians write and pronounce words differs greatly at times. Therefore, you might want to do as many mock tests regarding Hungarian grammar as you can. And we think A tanár is a great way to experience this first-hand.

Famous Quote from the Show

  • Isten hozott a birodalmamban.
    “Welcome to my empire.”

This is the first sentence, with which the main character, Szilárd, greets his students.

Show #8: 200 első randi (200 First Dates) — 2018

This is one of the best TV series for learning Hungarian.

It’s a witty, funny, and emotional story that follows the everyday life of a thirty-year-old woman, Luca, who’s a bit clumsy and disorganized.

Her sister’s engagement came as a great surprise to this single lady, and their mother makes bitter remarks on the fact that her sister will marry sooner than Luca, and that she’ll probably go to the wedding without a partner. Because of this, Luca swears that she will find The One in 200 days, meanwhile trying to live up to the expectations of her boss at work. Whether she succeeds and love finds her or not, and whether she manages to find herself, will be revealed in the sixty episodes that this Hungarian TV series has.

You’ve found the perfect show to watch if you fancy a good love story, and if you feel like you can relate to the main character. The dialogue is composed in a witty and funny way, so you won’t be bored for a second.

This series reflects on everyday Hungarian life, so you will find some slang in the show—but not teenagers’ slang. The pace of speech might be a bit too fast for beginners, but practice makes perfect. If you don’t hear something clearly, just rewind the episode a bit. This is one of the best aspects of watching Hungarian TV shows online!

Famous Quotes from the Show

  • Ahogy a nagymamám mondta, a dolgok legyenek áttekinthetőek, a csoki pedig jó tömény.
    “As my grandma used to say, things must be clear and chocolate high in cocoa.”
  • Mindig a jók mennek el… meg Félix.
    “Always the good ones go away…and Félix.”

3. Talk / Reality Shows

Show #9: Heti Hetes — 1999

This Hungarian TV show is different from the ones we’ve gone over so far. This almost works like a talk show, and it used to be aired once a week on Sundays (up until 2016). Seven people got together and talked about social issues, everyday life, the news, etc. It was very amusing as every guest was able to give their own perspective and take on the topic.

You’re not very likely to come across any slang—or maybe just a few slang words—in this series, as the guests are mainly middle-aged or elderly. The pace of speech, therefore, is normal, not usually too rushed. We have to admit, though, that you’re most likely to enjoy this show if you know more about Hungarian culture and news, as the topics are linked to current issues in the country.

This Show’s Theme Song

  • Politika, botrány, bulvár, pletyka, sztárhegyek. Ez a Heti Hetes, a feketeleves.
    “Politics, scandals, tabloids, gossip, mountains of celebrities. This is Heti Hetes, the black soup.”

This used to be the theme song of the show. “Black soup” in Hungarian refers to something unexpected and unpleasant. This reflects the controversial nature of the show, as the guests aren’t afraid to convey their real opinions, even if those opinions aren’t in favor of the government, for example.

Show #10: Való Világ (Real World) — 2002

Való Világ is one of the most-watched Hungarian reality TV shows.

There are thirty-six candidates, selected by a jury based on homemade videos, who will compete with each other to win over the viewers who can get them into the villa by a call or an SMS. Every day, there are three candidates at a time, and only one of them can get in. Once they’re all in the villa, the voting begins to eliminate each of them until there’s only one left inside—the winner.

There have been nine seasons so far, with a new season coming out roughly every two years. In each of the seasons, there’s always something new.

You’re going to love this Hungarian TV show if you’re all for reality shows. As all realities, this one is vulgar and explicit. In this type of show, the only thing you’ll hear are super-easy and short sentences—the very basic everyday Hungarian dialect, swear words, and slang.

However, you might want to double-check every expression before memorizing it, because the people in these shows are usually not the brightest and they often make grammar mistakes or simply use phrases or words the wrong way. This may be a good test for more advanced Hungarian learners, to see if you can spot the mistakes the candidates are making.

Important Quote from the Show

  • Itt a lét a tét.
    “Here ‘being’ is the stake.”

This is the motto of the reality show.

4. HungarianPod101.com Gives You the Best Ideas to Make Studying Fun

Wow, it was just like reading a Hungarian TV guide, right? Did we miss any good Hungarian shows you know about? If so, leave us a comment below and share your knowledge with fellow Hungarian learners!

Now that you’re familiar with the best TV shows to learn Hungarian, the major Hungarian TV stations, and how to watch Hungarian TV online… We wonder if there’s anything left to teach you.

You know now that RTL Most and TV2.hu are the best places for streaming Hungarian TV. All you need to take into consideration at this point are what genre you’re looking for, what you want to achieve or learn, and your current level of Hungarian. And you’re all set for a fun way of learning a challenging language.

With HungarianPod101, the learning never stops! There’s always something we can present to you or help you learn, we promise. Sign up, and become a part of our family.

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How to Find a Job in Hungary

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Moving to a foreign country is a big but wonderful step one can take toward their personal or professional goals. Since you’re here, you’re probably entertaining the idea of moving to Hungary, which is great! In this article, we’ll list lots of job opportunities in Hungary for foreigners, so that you’ll be able to find a great job in Hungary that suits you.

As you consider taking the plunge, you might be wondering: Is it easy to find work in Hungary? Well, let us answer that for you.

Before you embark on the monumental journey of changing countries, you must know that most Hungarians do not speak any foreign languages—not even English. While speaking only English does not bar you from landing a great job in the country, you’ll have quite the head-start if you learn Hungarian before your move. 

And that’s where we come into the picture. 

To ensure success in your Hungarian job hunting and to stand out amongst other candidates for your dream job, start learning Hungarian with us! Create your free lifetime account today, and start exploring everything that HungarianPod101.com has to offer. From themed vocabulary lists to audio and video lessons on a range of topics, we can help you master both everyday conversation and business language. To start, why not study our vocabulary list Talking About Jobs and Work in Hungary

In the meantime, let’s look at the most common jobs in Hungary and how to get one for yourself.

Six People of Different Professions Are Seen in Front of a Blue Background

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Business Words and Phrases in Hungarian Table of Contents
  1. Hungarian Cities Where You’re Most Likely to Find a Job
  2. Top Websites for Job Hunting in Hungary
  3. The Best Jobs in Hungary for Expats
  4. Tips to Help You Find a Job in Hungary
  5. Continue Improving Your Hungarian with HungarianPod101

1. Hungarian Cities Where You’re Most Likely to Find a Job

Jobs in Hungary for foreigners are somewhat limited, especially for those who don’t speak the local language. But you can still land a great job here if you know where to look! 

The first city that most foreigners think of is Budapest, which is no surprise. The percentage of citizens who speak second and third languages is the highest here, so as a foreigner, you probably have the best chance of finding a job in Hungary in the capital.

That said, the type of job you would like to get and the lifestyle you’re after play a huge role in which city you should opt for. Although Budapest is the best place for foreigners to find jobs, it’s possible that the big city life just isn’t for you! You could easily find smaller cities in Hungary offering jobs with no language requirements—neither English nor Hungarian. 

For example, all you need in order to do construction jobs in Hungary are two talented hands and strong arms. Even smaller cities need buildings put up and roads fixed. You might want to try Szeged, Debrecen, or Pécs for this type of work. 

The same goes for hotel jobs in Hungary, or for being a waiter or waitress in a local restaurant. Typically, “handy” jobs like this are perfect for those who don’t speak Hungarian or those who just don’t want to live in a big city like Budapest. These manual job openings are mostly found in local newspapers, but you can apply for them through working agencies as well.

Image of Budapest at Sundown, the Chain Bridge and the Parliament Are Seen

2. Top Websites for Job Hunting in Hungary

While searching for work opportunities in Hungary, there are a few websites you should definitely check out:

  • LinkedIn

    LinkedIn features tons of job listings in a variety of industries, making it one of the best places to find work in Hungary for foreigners. Of course, because LinkedIn is also a networking site, it’s a great place to find potential connections who will help you get your foot in the door.
  • Glassdoor

    Glassdoor is not very popular in Hungary, but it’s still worth checking out.
  • Profession.hu

    Do you already know some basic Hungarian? Then your best bet for finding your dream job is to check out Profession.hu. The majority of job descriptions here will be in Hungarian, but because this platform is even more popular in Hungary than LinkedIn, you’re sure to find a position with your name on it here!

And a few more honorable mentions:


3. The Best Jobs in Hungary for Expats

Now, let’s look at the top jobs in Hungary for foreigners. 

Before we dive in, you must bear in mind that unless you’re from the EU, EAA, or Switzerland, you’ll need a work permit to work in Hungary. Permission to work is granted by the Blue Card, which can be used for working in the country for up to two years without any problems.

A- Language Teaching Jobs

Language teaching jobs are another great start for foreigners, especially those who speak a unique language such as Chinese or Japanese. That said, this is also a popular job category for native English speakers and others who have incredible proficiency in their native tongue. This makes teaching one of the most suitable jobs for Americans in Hungary, for example. 

You’ll be able to find plenty of English teaching jobs in Budapest, but other parts of the country are also in need of language teaching professionals. In fact, there is currently a shortage of professional language teachers in the country, and many language schools are actively searching for foreign teachers to employ. While many schools will ask candidates for some previous teaching or tutoring experience, they might just turn a blind eye if your language skills are through the roof!

Universities are the best place for job hunting in Hungary if you would like this type of position. Even if the school in question does not hire you—as they require candidates to have serious teaching qualifications—they might know of and connect you with other institutes who could help you find a job in Hungary.

An Asian Woman in a Red T-shirt as a Teacher Is Seen in Front of a Blackboard Pointing at English Words

Blue-Collar Jobs

As mentioned earlier, foreigners who do not speak Hungarian will have the easiest time finding jobs that involve manual labor. It’s not uncommon in Hungary to hire foreign workers for blue-collar jobs, so you should definitely give it a go if your Hungarian knowledge is limited or nonexistent. 

These types of jobs are much in demand in Hungary, as there are always buildings to be built and food to be processed. Because these are the most common jobs in Hungary, your chances of landing a blue-collar position are quite high. 

You can apply for blue-collar jobs through government organizations or job centers, as the government is usually the employer. Of course, you can also find blue-collar work for private companies or even individuals. 

A Construction Worker in a Vest with a Helmet on Is Seen Smiling and Talking into a Walkie-talkie

Office Jobs

When looking for office jobs in Hungary, you could apply for a position with a national company or with a multinational company

National

When it comes to national companies, you will most likely need to have some solid Hungarian language knowledge to get the job. This is especially true if you’re applying for a position with a smaller company, where the workforce mostly comprises Hungarian-speaking locals who work closely with each other each day. 

Multinational

On the other hand, multinational companies employ people from multiple cultures and backgrounds. Because they are more welcoming of foreigners, these companies offer work environments where speaking Hungarian is not a necessity (though it would still be an advantage!). 

Multinationals are also a wonderful place to find student jobs in Hungary. Bigger companies are more used to the greater turnover rate of interns and trainees, as many students do their compulsory internships at large companies. Further, because multinational companies in Hungary value the fresh perspectives that foreigners bring, they are a great place for international students to look for part-time jobs. 

You can search for office job openings online through LinkedIn, Profession.hu, and the Careers page of any companies that catch your eye. Make sure to check often so you never miss your golden opportunity! 


Health, Science, and Technology-Related Jobs

Another set of jobs in demand in Hungary are those related to the fields of health, science, and technology. If you have the qualifications, you’re a natural winner! 

IT jobs in Hungary are especially easy to find, even if you don’t speak the local language. The best place to search for work in IT or other data science fields is LinkedIn. 

Healthcare workers are also in-demand, especially in Budapest. To search for positions in the healthcare industry, you could inquire in hospitals directly or reach out to any contacts you may have in the country. If you’re short on connections, you may have better luck searching for open positions online. Do note, however, that LinkedIn may not be much help in this field; postings on this site tend to be geared toward office workers. 


Two African-American Women Are Talking, One of Them, the Younger One Is a Nurse

4. Tips to Help You Find a Job in Hungary

Are you wondering how to find work in Hungary? Here are a few tips you can apply to your hunt for a part-time or full-time position. 

1. Have a general idea of the field or industry you want to work in, as well as the type of work you would like to do: full-time, part-time, remote, etc.

2. Do your research. Make sure you know everything about working in Hungary and its regulations, as well as the paperwork you’ll need to get done.

3. Register on the appropriate website(s), such as the Hungarian job portals mentioned earlier. For most of them, you’ll need to create an account. Of course, if you don’t want to scroll through endless job opportunities yourself, you can search for a headhunter agency to do the dirty work for you. This is a common way for foreigners to find jobs abroad. 

4. Do a basic search of what the market can offer you in your desired field.

5. Alter your existing CV or write a new one, making sure to highlight your most relevant and impressive qualifications.

6. Apply for as many jobs as you can, but make sure you’re more or less qualified for all of them. Don’t be careless when applying for jobs!

7. Don’t just sit around waiting for an answer. Keep improving yourself. For example, start learning a new language (like Hungarian) as this is definitely an advantage in any field or position.

    ➜ Are you already a member of HungarianPod101? Then listen to this Inner Circle podcast on the best methods and strategies for learning Hungarian in 2021!

A Close-up of a CV with Glasses and a Pen in the Frame

5. Continue Improving Your Hungarian with HungarianPod101

In this article, you learned…

  • …what to pay attention to when planning to work in Hungary.
  • …what jobs are in demand in Hungary today.
  • …several practical tips to apply to your job search. 

The most important thing is that you find out what types of jobs in Hungary best match your skills and passion, and then do thorough research about the job market in Hungary. The rest will then come much more easily.

Another thing you should remember is to keep improving yourself so that you’ll be more appealing to recruiters. For example, having at least some basic knowledge about the local language will be a huge advantage and show potential employers your dedication.

We can help you with that! The HungarianPod101 family welcomes you with open arms to join the thousands of enthusiastic language learners who either have the same ambitions as you do or have embarked on this journey simply for the fun and challenge of it. We’re a big family of learners who always help each other out. You can become part of this family, too! 

If you have any questions remaining regarding jobs in Hungary for foreigners, don’t be afraid to ask! We are here to help.

Happy learning!

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Your Learning, Streamlined – The New Lesson Interface

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Your Learning, Streamlined – The New Lesson Interface

Your learning is about to get a whole lot easier.

More than ever, learners are choosing mobile as the platform to study Hungarian. Mobile has always been a part of our DNA. We began our life on your iPod, and have remained by your side ever since.

In our 11th year, we’re returning to our roots as a way to learn Hungarian on-the-go. How? With a brand-new lesson interface just for you.

Hint: It will launch in beta later this month!

If you want to secure access to this brand new upgrade, take advantage of the upcoming All Access Pass Sale! Click Here to Get 25% OFF All HungarianPod101 Subscriptions!

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It’s built from the ground-up to be a great experience on your phone, tablet, and computer.

You don’t have to compromise anymore.

Take the whole lesson experience with you wherever you go.

Our lessons are the heart of our learning system and now they’re the heart of the interface as well. Just tap the big play button to start learning right away.

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As you scroll through the lesson contents, the player sticks with you at the bottom of your screen.

Pause, rewind or adjust your speed and volume without losing your place.

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Navigation is also just a tap away.

Quickly jump to the dialogue, vocabulary, or lesson notes with our new lesson navigation bar. Available at the top of your screen wherever you are.

(example taken from japanesepod101.com)

And for the first time ever, you don’t need to download a PDF or jump between tabs to read the lesson notes and transcript. Read it all on your mobile browser as you listen.

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There are many more small improvements but the end result is this: a drastically improved lesson experience on mobile and desktop.

Spend less time squinting at your screen and more time reaching your Hungarian goals.

The new lesson interface will launch in beta this month.

We can’t wait to hear what you think. Keep on studying!

Sneak peek! And if you take advantage of our upcoming 25% OFF All Access Pass Sale, you secure full access to this new update! You unlock our complete Hungarian learning program – ALL Audio/Video Courses from Beginner to Advanced, Premium Study Tools, Bonus Apps and much more!

Click Here to Get 25% OFF All Plans until March 31st, 2017.

To your fluency,

Team HungarianPod101

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