Get 40% OFF with the You Can Speak sale! Hurry! Ends soon!
Get 40% OFF with the You Can Speak sale! Hurry! Ends soon!
HungarianPod101.com Blog
Learn Hungarian with Free Daily
Audio and Video Lessons!
Start Your Free Trial 6 FREE Features

Archive for the 'Advanced Hungarian' Category

40+ Useful Advanced Hungarian Phrases

Thumbnail

We previously published blog posts on the most useful beginner and intermediate phrases in Hungarian. This article on advanced Hungarian phrases is the final installment in this series. 

In this article from HungarianPod101, you’ll learn the most useful phrases and sentence patterns at the advanced level. Keep in mind that you will encounter a few difficult Hungarian words and grammatical concepts here, but that’s the point! If you’re still unsure of your Hungarian level, we recommend reading through the two articles we linked to above; this will give you a better idea of where you are. 

Do you feel ready to take on more advanced phrases? Then let’s outline what you’ll learn today.

  • Useful phrases for academic writing
  • Power phrases for your resume
  • Smart phrases for business meetings
  • Advanced idioms, sayings, and proverbs for everyday usage

Are you ready to bring your Hungarian knowledge to the next level? Let’s get started then!

A Man in a Gray Cardigan Studying in a Library

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hungarian Table of Contents
  1. Useful Phrases for Academic Writing
  2. Power Phrases for Your Resume
  3. Smart Phrases for Business and Meetings
  4. Advanced Idioms, Sayings, and Proverbs for Everyday Usage
  5. How HungarianPod101.com Helps You Reach Your Hungarian Learning Goals

1. Useful Phrases for Academic Writing

Are you thinking of starting a program at a Hungarian university? Or do you want to read sophisticated Hungarian articles in the academic and business spheres? Then this section is for you. Here, you’ll see the most common advanced Hungarian phrases for academic writing so that you can both recognize them and use them yourself in writing or speech.

  • First of all, babies should not watch too much TV.”

    Először is, a csecsemőknek nem szabadna túl sok TV-t nézniük.

  • Considering that research papers refute this, your statement is incorrect.”

    Figyelembe véve (azt), hogy tanulmányok cáfolják ezt, az állítása helytelen.

In the sentence above, please note that the noun állítása is the polite form of állítás (“statement”). If you were having a friendly, casual debate, you would say állításod

  • According to XYZ, dogs can relieve anxiety.”

    XYZ szerint, a kutyák könnyíthetnek a szorongáson.

  • Moreover, they can give further moral support to humans.”

    Sőt, további morális támaszt tudnak nyújtani az embereknek.

  • In order to live a happier life, we must appreciate the little things in life.”

    Annak érdekében, hogy boldogabb életet éljünk, muszáj értékelnünk az apró dolgokat az életben.

  • As a result of their misbehavior, they got expelled from the school after three months.”

    A helytelen viselkedésük eredményeképpen, három hónap után elbocsájtották őket az iskolából.

  • In other words, teaching jobs are very important.”

    Más szóval, a tanári munka nagyon fontos.

  • Furthermore, schools should teach children more practical things that will prepare them for life.”

    Továbbá, az iskoláknak praktikusabb dolgokat kellene tanítaniuk a gyerekeknek, hogy felkészítsék őket az életre.

  • Similarly, workplaces, too, should be more tolerant of people from different cultural backgrounds.”

    Hasonlóképpen, a munkahelyeknek is toleránsabbnak kellene lenniük az eltérő kulturális háttérrel rendelkező emberekkel szemben.

  • Conversely, there is no scientific evidence supporting this theory.”

    Ellenben, nincs tudományos bizonyíték, ami ezt a feltevést bizonyítaná.

Three College Students Taking Notes

2. Power Phrases for Your Resume

Are you considering getting a job in Hungary? What a wonderful idea! However, bear in mind that not many Hungarians speak English well, so you might want to submit your curriculum vitae in Hungarian. If you want to make sure that you stand out as the best candidate, it’s important to not only provide a Hungarian CV but also to use the right words and power phrases to help your resume shine. 

If you don’t yet have the advanced Hungarian vocabulary for that, don’t worry a bit—that’s exactly what you’ll learn in this section. 


  • “I work in teams with pleasure, but I can manage projects on my own as well.”

    Szívesen dolgozom csapatban, de önálló projektek megoldására is képes vagyok.

  • “I take responsibility for the tasks I have been entrusted with.”

    Felelősséget vállalok a nekem kiosztott feladatok elvégzéséért.

  • “I respect deadlines, as I know my work ethic has an impact on my colleagues too.”

    Tiszteletben tartom a határidőket, hiszen tudom, hogy a munkamorálom a kollégáimra is hatással van.

  • “I adjust easily but am also open to trying out new methods of working.”

    Tudok alkalmazkodni, de nyitott vagyok új munkamódszerek kipróbálására is.

  • “I am a team player, and I get along well with people.”

    Csapatjátékos vagyok és jól kijövök az emberekkel.

  • “I am capable of problem-solving and handling delicate situations appropriately.”

    Képes vagyok a problémák megoldására, és a konfliktusok megfelelő módon történő kezelésére.

  • “I think that, based on my previous work experiences, I am fit for this position.”

    Úgy gondolom, hogy előző munkatapasztalataim alapján nekem való ez a pozíció.

  • “During my years at university, I developed a practical approach to projects.”

    Egyetemi éveim alatt, praktikus szemléletet alakítottam ki a projektek felé.

  • “I believe I have the personal qualities that could be beneficial for the company and this team.”

    Úgy hiszem, megvannak bennem azok a személyiségjegyek, melyek kedvezőek lennének a cégnek és ennek a csapatnak.

  • “I possess a strong knowledge of computer fundamentals.”

    Erős számítógépes alapismeretekkel rendelkezem.

  • “I am able to make sound decisions in the absence of detailed instructions, as well.”

    Képes vagyok helytálló döntéseket hozni részletes instrukciók hiányában is.

  • “I have good judgment in selecting the proper mode of communication among colleagues.”

    Jó ítélőképességgel rendelkezem a megfelelő kommunikációs mód kiválasztását illetően a kollégák közt.

  • “I utilize a variety of analytical techniques to solve problems.”

    Számos analítikai technikát alkalmazok problémák megoldásához.

  • “I am always ready to provide strong evidence of specific accomplishments.”

    Mindig készen állok arra, hogy erős bizonyítékot mutassak be egy adott elért eredményről.

An Up-close Shot of Part of a Resume

3. Smart Phrases for Business and Meetings

Have you ever been sitting in a business meeting but didn’t have the right words to express yourself? Well, to help you avoid this in your new Hungarian workplace, we have collected several advanced phrases in Hungarian that are frequently used in business settings. 

    ➜ If you feel like these advanced Hungarian phrases aren’t enough, you can visit any of our other business-related lessons. We recommend starting with A Hungarian Business Presentation.

  • “Good morning. Thank you all for coming here today.”

    Jó reggelt! Köszönöm, hogy eljöttek ma.

  • “Hi everyone. I’m Peter. I’ll keep this meeting short as I know we all have lots of things to do. First, let’s introduce ourselves.”

    Sziasztok! Péter vagyok. Rövidre fogom ezt a megbeszélést, hiszen tudom, hogy mindannyiunknak rengeteg dolga van. Először is mutatkozzunk be egymásnak.

  • “I’ve called this meeting in order for everyone to understand what each department is working on at the moment.”

    Azért hívtam össze ezt a megbeszélést, hogy mindenki megértse, min dolgoznak az egyes ügyosztályok mostanában.

  • “Let’s get started.”

    Vágjunk (is) bele!

  • “Could you please repeat that? I didn’t quite hear what you said.”

    Megismételné, kérem? Nem igazán hallottam, mit mondott.

  • “That’s a great point.”

    Nagyszerű meglátás!

  • “Excuse me for interrupting you, but shouldn’t we talk about the previous month first?”

    Elnézést kérek, hogy félbeszakítom, de először nem az előző hónapról kellene beszélnünk?

  • “Excuse me. Unfortunately, I have to leave earlier because of another meeting.”

    Elnézést kérek, de sajnos hamarabb kell elmennem egy másik megbeszélés miatt.

  • “That brings me to the end of my presentation. Thank you for your attention.”

    Ezzel elértünk a prezentációm végére. Köszönöm a figyelmet!

  • “Does anybody have any questions?”

    Van valakinek bármi kérdése?

Would you like to learn additional phrases and expressions related to the business world? Then head over to our listening exercise Preparing for a Hungarian Business Meeting!

A Group of People Discussing Something at a Table

4. Advanced Idioms, Sayings, and Proverbs for Everyday Usage

Idioms, sayings, and proverbs are part of our everyday lives, and they vary from culture to culture. Here, you will learn advanced Hungarian phrases related to anything and everything. These are idioms and sayings that Hungarians love to use on a daily basis, so we advise you to memorize at least a few of them. 

  • “Break a leg.” [Literally: “(I wish you) a broken arm and leg.”]

    Kéz és lábtörést!

  • “Hang in there.” [Literally: “(I wish you) perseverance.”]

    Kitartás(t)!

You’re likely to hear this advanced Hungarian saying at least twice a day! Locals love to use this expression, especially at work. 

  • “Slow and steady wins the race.” [Literally: “Walk slowly, and you will live longer.”]

    Lassan járj, tovább élsz!

  • “This ship has sailed.”

    Ez a hajó elúszott.

  • “Kill two birds with one stone.” [Literally: “(To kill) two flies with one hit.”]

    Két legyet egy csapásra!

Make sure to visit our blog post on the top Hungarian proverbs and idioms for even more inspiration!

The Word idioms Spelled Out Using Wooden Letter Blocks

5. How HungarianPod101.com Helps You Reach Your Hungarian Learning Goals

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’ve now seen more than 40 advanced Hungarian conversational phrases for a variety of contexts. To make the patterns and expressions stick in your mind, make sure to come back to this page from time to time and read through them again. We also advise you to go back and take notes if you haven’t already.

To summarize, we presented you with:

  • Useful phrases for academic writing
  • Power phrases for your resume
  • Smart phrases for business and meetings
  • Advanced idioms, sayings, and proverbs for everyday usage

If you would like to learn more advanced Hungarian phrases—and about the Hungarian language in general—join the HungarianPod101 family. You can find lots of free study materials on our website, such as vocabulary lists, audio and video lessons, example conversations, articles similar to this one, and more. With a Premium PLUS subscription, you even get a personal tutor! If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend creating your free lifetime account and heading over to our Level 5 pathway for advanced Hungarian lessons designed to help you excel. 

Which of these advanced Hungarian phrases did you find the easiest? Let us know in the comments below.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hungarian

150+ Advanced Hungarian Words

Thumbnail

Have you read our articles on beginner and intermediate words already? If so, you should be well equipped with the essential words for your daily interactions in Hungary… But what if you don’t want to stop there? 

As promised, here is our article on advanced Hungarian words

Our aim is to familiarize you with the most common advanced Hungarian words in different categories. You’ll learn words and technical terms related to the academic and business worlds, the medical field, and the legal system. In addition, we have included a section dedicated to teaching you more sophisticated alternatives to common Hungarian words. 

As always, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to let us know in the comments if you think any important words are missing or if you have any questions about what we’re about to cover. You can also create a Premium PLUS account to access our MyTeacher service, which will connect you with your own personal Hungarian language tutor. 

If you’re ready to get started with the last installment of this miniseries, let’s jump right into it!

A Drawing of a Head with Colorful Post-it Notes in It, Which Have Question Marks on Them

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hungarian Table of Contents
  1. Advanced Academic Words
  2. Advanced Business Words
  3. Advanced Medical Words
  4. Advanced Legal Words
  5. Additional Words for Acing a Hungarian Language Exam
  6. How HungarianPod101.com Helps You Reach Your Hungarian Learning Goals

1. Advanced Academic Words

You will most definitely need a good number of academic words if, say, you want to study at a Hungarian university. What an adventure that would be! The following list of advanced Hungarian words will help you immensely not only when writing essays or taking tests, but also when composing your thesis at the end of your studies.

However, even if you don’t plan to pursue higher education in Hungary, knowing a few academic words will still come in handy. For example, it’s likely that you’ll bump into one or two of these advanced Hungarian words at your workplace in Hungary or in the local newspaper. 

What if you’re just learning Hungarian for fun as a hobby? Picking up the most common academic words will help you broaden your vocabulary, improve your overall language skills, and allow you to have more engaging conversations with native speakers. 

Let’s take a look! 

“Assessment” – Értékelés
Noun
“Overall” – Összességében
Adverb
“Required” – Szükséges
Adjective
“Debate” – Vita
Noun
“To demonstrate” – Demonstrálni 
Verb
“Controversy” – Viszály
Noun
“Considerable” – Jelentős 
Adjective
“Ambiguous” – Bizonytalan
Adjective

Example sentence:
“We’ve received a considerable number of complaints in connection with the assignment.”
Jelentős számú panaszt kaptunk a feladattal kapcsolatban.

“Academic” – Akadémiai
Adjective
“To eliminate” – Kiiktat
Verb
“Hereby” – Ezennel  
Adverb
“Finite” – Véges / Befejezett
Adjective
“Thus” – Tehát
Adverb
“To coincide” – Egybeesni / Egybevágni
Verb

Example sentence:
“Thus, we must improve our teaching methods.”
Tehát muszáj javítanunk a tanítási módunkon. 

“Preliminary” – Előkészítő
Adjective
“To attain” – Megszerezni
Verb
“Forthcoming” – Közeledő 
Adjective
“To denote” – Jelölni
Verb
“Sphere” – Szféra
Noun
“Whereby” – Miáltal
Adverb
“To undergo” – Keresztülmenni
Verb
“Inhibition” – Gátlás / Akadályozás
Noun
“So-called” – Úgynevezett 
Adjective
“To hinder” – Meggátolni / Akadályozni
Verb

Example sentence:
“Excessive partying hinders high performance in school.”
A mértéktelen bulizás akadályozza a magas iskolai teljesítményt. 

“Albeit” – Habár
Conjunction
Virtually” – Tulajdonképpen
Adverb
“Structure” – Struktúra
Noun
“Structure” – Struktúra
Noun
“Hypothesis” – Feltételezés / Feltevés
Noun
“Principle” – Alapelv
Noun

Want to learn even more essential vocabulary? Then visit our Vocab Builder for Academia!

A Girl in a Hoodie in Front of Her Laptop Taking Notes in Her Notebook

2. Advanced Business Words

No list of advanced Hungarian vocabulary words could be complete without some business words. Studying economics in Hungary? Great! You’ll love this list and will find your studies much easier once you have these business- and economics-related words down. Not to mention how your teachers will appreciate that you know such nuanced Hungarian words as a foreigner.

Not studying in Hungary but want to impress your Hungarian boss? No problem! These advanced Hungarian words and phrases will come in handy not only when writing emails, but also in meetings and conferences with clients. You’ll be able to seal the deal on that long-desired promotion before you know it! 

“Strategy building” – Stratégiaépítés
Noun
“Fiscal year” – Költségvetési év
Noun

Example sentence:
“We have to get this done before the end of the current fiscal year.”
Ezt még a mostani költségvetési év vége előtt be kell fejeznünk. 

“Counteroffer” – Ellenajánlat
Noun
“Sum” – Összeg
Noun
“Conference” – Értekezlet
Noun
“License” – Engedély / Felhatalmazás
Noun
“Margin” – Árrés 
Noun
Stakeholder” – Részvényes
Noun

Example sentence:
“Let’s make sure that our stakeholders are satisfied with the project.”
Menjünk biztosra, hogy a részvényeseink elégedettek a projekttel. 

“Retainer” – Foglaló
Noun
“Feedback” – Visszacsatolás
Noun
“Expansion” – Terjeszkedés
Noun
“Expansion” – Terjeszkedés
Noun
“Merge” – Egyesülés
Noun
“Merge” – Egyesülés
Noun
“Entity” – Entitás
Noun
“Entity” – Entitás
Noun phrase
“Sustainable” – Fenntartható 
Adjective
“To monitor” – Figyelemmel kísérni
Verb

Example sentence:
“The sales department is supposed to monitor the revenue.”
Az értékesítési osztálynak kellene figyelemmel kísérnie a bevételt. 

“Pay raise” – Fizetésemelés
Noun
“Incorporated” – Egyesített
Adjective
“Incentive” – Ösztönző
Noun
“To access” – Elérni
Verb
“Revenue” – Árbevétel
Noun
“To modify” – Módosítani / Változtatni
Verb
“Commission” – Jutalék 
Noun
“Commission” – Jutalék 
Noun
“To assign” – Kiosztani
Verb
“Hierarchical” – Hierarchikus
Adjective

Visit our lesson Talking to a Supplier in Hungarian to listen to a sample business-related conversation.

A Man in a Black Suit Behind a Desk Smiling and Shaking Hands with a Woman

3. Advanced Medical Words

There are a couple of scenarios where you would definitely want to know some advanced Hungarian words related to medicine:

God forbid, but if anything were to happen to you, your travel buddy, or just a random pedestrian while you’re in Hungary, you’ll need to know some medical words. This will allow you to call an ambulance and explain the problem to them, and to know what the injured person’s condition is.

The other scenario is if you want to pursue medical studies. In this case, you would surely need to be familiar with the advanced Hungarian vocabulary list below in order to understand what they’re teaching in lectures and to write your academic essays.

“Acute” – Akut / Heven
Adjective
“Blood donor” – Véradó
Noun
Chickenpox” – Bárányhimlő
Noun
“Dementia” – Demencia / Elmebaj
Noun
“Deaf” – Süket / Siket
Adjective
“Immune system” – Immunrendszer
Noun
“Dehydration” – Kiszáradás 
Noun
“Operation” – Operáció / Műtét
Noun
“Fever” – Láz
Noun
“To eliminate” – Kiiktat
Verb
“Surgery” – Műtét
Noun
“Prescription” – Recept
Noun
“Mental health” – Mentálhigiénia
Noun
“Vein” – Ér
Noun

Example sentence:
“Mental health is just as important as physical health.”
A mentálhigiénia ugyanolyan fontos, mint a fizikai egészség. 

“Complication” – Szövődmény
Noun
“Numb” – Zsibbadt / Érzéstelen
Adjective
“Symptom” – Tünet
Noun
“Injury” – Sérülés
Noun
“X-ray” – Röntgen 
Noun
“Wound” – Seb
Noun

Example sentence:
“Let’s take an X-ray to see if there is a fracture.”
Csináltassunk röntgent, hogy lássuk, van-e törés. 

“Life-threatening” – Életveszélyes
Adjective
“Infection” – Fertőzés
Noun
“Fatal” – Halálos
Adjective
“Illness” – Betegség
Noun
“Cancer” – Rák
Noun
“Fracture” – Zúzódás
Noun
“Procedure” – Beavatkozás
Noun
“Lasting” – Maradandó
Adjective

Example sentence:
“Due to the accident, she has suffered lasting injuries.”
A baleset miatt maradandó sérüléseket szenvedett.

A Doctor Explaining Something to His Patient, Who Is a Blond Woman That Is Smiling and Sitting in a Chair

4. Advanced Legal Words

Again, we hope this never happens, but if you get in trouble with the law while in Hungary—for example, if the police have to get involved—it can be life-saving to know one or two advanced Hungarian words related to the legal system. Of course, these words will also be extremely helpful should you wake up one day and decide to take up the challenge of entering law school. 

But make sure to give yourself a pat on the back, even if you’re just learning these words for fun!

“Convict” – Fegyenc
Noun
“Homicide” – Emberölés
Noun

Example sentence:
“They reported a homicide in our neighborhood.”
Emberölést jelentettek a környékünkön. 

“Judge” – Bíró 
Noun
“Murder” – Gyilkosság
Noun
“Jury” – Esküdtszék
Noun
“Shoplifting” – Bolti lopás
Noun
“Prison” – Börtön
Noun
“To sentence” – Elítél
Verb
“Attorney” – Jogász
Noun
“To sentence” – Elítél
Verb

Example sentence:
“The judge sentenced the accused to five years in prison.”
A bíró 5 év börtönre ítélte a vádlottat. 

“Defendant” – Vádlott
Noun
“Trial” – Kihallgatás
Noun
“To plead” – Kérelmezni
Verb
“Courtroom” – Bírósági tárgyalóterem
Noun phrase
“Verdict” – Ítélet
Noun
“To charge” – Vádolni
Verb
“Justice” – Igazságszolgáltatás
Noun
“To arrest” – Letartóztatni
Verb
“Prejudice” – Befolyásolás
Noun
“Allegation” – Vádaskodás
Noun
“Law” – Törvény
Noun
“Illegal” – Illegális / Törvényellenes
Adjective
“Contract” – Szerződés
Noun
“Plea” – Védőbeszéd
Noun
“Evidence” – Bizonyíték
Noun
“Warrant” – Parancs / Végzés
Noun

Example sentence:
“Based on the evidence in their possession, she is guilty.”
A birtokukban lévő bizonyíték alapján bűnös. 

“Consent” – Hozzájárulás / Beleegyezés
Noun
“Bias” – Elfogultság
Noun

A Judge’s Hands and Papers Are Seen with a Gavel in the Picture

5. Additional Words for Acing a Hungarian Language Exam

Do you ever wonder how many words it takes to be considered advanced in Hungarian? Well, according to experts, that number is anywhere from 4,000 to 10,000. Not quite there yet? Don’t worry! 

The following list of advanced Hungarian words will be a big help to you when taking a Hungarian language exam or attending university in Hungary. 

“Approach” – Megközelítés 
Noun
“Estate” – Állam
Noun

Example sentence:
“This is an interesting approach regarding teaching.”
Ez egy érdekes megközelítés a tanítást illetően. 

“Significant” – Jelentős / Lényeges 
Adjective
“To clarify” – Tisztázni
Verb
“Concept” – Koncepció / Elképzelés
Verb
“Duration” – Időtartam
Noun
“To affect” – Hatással lenni
Verb
“Duration” – Időtartam
Noun

Example sentence:
“The duration of the exam is precisely three hours.”
A vizsga időtartama pontosan 3 óra. 

“In summary” – Összefoglalásképp
Adverb
“Economic” – Gazdasági
Adjective
“Obvious” – Nyilvánvaló
Adjective
“Unified” – Egyesített
Adjective
“Arbitrary” – Önkényes / Önhatalmú 
Adjective
“Exhibition” – Kiállítás
Noun
“Subordinate” – Alárendelt 
Adjective
“Contradiction” – Ellentmondás
Noun
“Restraint” – Korlát
Noun
“Crucial” – Életbevágó / Fontos
Adjective
“Inherent” – Velejáró
Adjective
“Incident” – Eset / Történés
Noun
“To cease” – Abbamaradni / Megszűnni
Verb
“Coincidence” – Véletlen
Noun
“Factor” – Tényező
Noun
“Conclusion” – Összefoglalás
Noun
“To ensure” – Biztosítani valamiről
Verb
“Instance” – Példa / Eset
Noun
“Sufficient” – Elegendő
Adjective
“Benefit” – Előny / Haszon
Noun

Example sentence:
“You have read a sufficient amount of books for the exam. Relax.”
Elegendő mennyiségű könyvet olvastál el a vizsgára. Nyugi. 

“Emphasis” – Hangsúly / Nyomaték
Noun
“Presumption” – Feltételezés / Sejtés
Noun
“Estimate” – Becslés / Becsült érték
Noun
“Consistency” – Következetesség
Noun
“Thorough” – Alapos
Adjective
“Established” – Bevezetett
Adjective
“To exceed” – Túllép / Túlszárnyal
Verb
“Source” – Forrás
Noun
“Discretion” – Diszkréció
Noun
“Particular” – Konkrét / Bizonyos
Adjective
“To imply” – Utalni valamire
Verb
“Labor” – Munkaerő
Noun

Students Behind Desks Taking an Exam

6. How HungarianPod101.com Helps You Reach Your Hungarian Learning Goals

We are so happy that you came along with us on this journey of learning vocabulary words fit for every level of Hungarian, and we hope you’ll stick around. In this article, we introduced you to a variety of advanced Hungarian vocabulary words related to academia, business, medicine, and the legal system. 

    → Want to learn even more and strengthen your skills? Then check out our advanced Hungarian course or any of the other advanced Hungarian learning materials on our website.

We hope you enjoyed this miniseries because we have another one coming. So make sure to check back often. 😉 

Create your free lifetime account on HungarianPod101.com today and continue building your language skills. We provide a number of study materials, including vocabulary lists, video and audio lessons for every level, and several curated lesson pathways. 

Before you go: Which word did you find the most difficult? Did you know any of these already?

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hungarian

Passing the ECL Hungarian Language Proficiency Test

Thumbnail

Language learning is all fun and games…until you reach a plateau. 

You may start asking yourself “But where am I going with this?” And you wouldn’t be the only language-learner doing so. 

When learning a language, it’s normal to lose motivation every now and then. That’s why it’s important to set goals and milestones for yourself; there’s no better way to keep yourself motivated and pumped through all those hours hunched over books. 

Do you know what else makes a great motivator? Tangible progress! The most effective way to monitor your progress, test your mettle, and find room for improvement is through a Hungarian language proficiency test. 

This article is the guide for preparing for the ECL Hungarian language exam. 

If you have no idea what we’re talking about, stick around. We’ll give you tons of information about this test, including how it works and what you can expect to see on it. And if you’ve already decided you want to take the ECL Hungarian exam, keep reading for tips on how to prepare and succeed! 

A note before we start: If you’re not sure what level of Hungarian you’re at, we recommend taking a free online test first. This will allow you to see where you’re at, without spending the money you would on an official test. If you’re not satisfied with your score on the free test, don’t fret: HungarianPod101.com is here to help you sharpen your Hungarian skills! 

Now, let’s start with a quick comparison of the two main Hungarian exams.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Study Strategies in Hungarian Table of Contents
  1. ECL vs. Origó
  2. The ECL Listening Test
  3. The ECL Reading Test
  4. The ECL Writing Test
  5. The ECL Speaking Test
  6. Tips on Preparing for the ECL
  7. Conclusion: HungarianPod101.com Will Help You Ace Your Exam

1. ECL vs. Origó

Currently, there are two official Hungarian proficiency tests available for foreigners: the ECL and the Origó. Both exams are a great way to test your knowledge if you want to live and work in Hungary, or even if you’re just curious about how far you’ve come in your Hungarian studies.

You can register for both exams online:

  • The registration deadline is usually one month before the exam date (but double-check on the website). The sooner you register, the better! 
  • You’ll need to pay a fee before you take the test. This is usually between 30,000 and 35,000 Ft (around €90-100), though this can vary based on the level you’re taking.

The Origó and ECL language tests are similar in that they’re both monolingual Hungarian exams. They’re both accredited, and they both have four sections: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. Do note that Origó allows candidates to take the oral and written tests on the same day or on different days. In order to pass either test, you must: reach at least forty percent on each section AND reach at least sixty percent overall. 

1- Origó

Origó is named after the language center of a Hungarian university in Budapest: ELTE (Eötvös Loránd University) Nyelvi Centrum. Origó offers tests for other languages, as well, and creates its own tests and exercises. You can easily apply for any exam on the official website, though you can only take the tests in Budapest. The Origó website also features samples (displayed in Hungarian) to give you a better idea of what to expect.

The structure and components of Origó exams are fairly similar to those of the ECL exams. Here, we’ll cover the unique components of the Origó test:

  • There is one candidate in front of two examiners.
  • The conversation is guided.
    • You’ll talk about a given topic based on an image. The severity of this topic differs based on the exam level you’re taking.
    • You’ll roleplay (act out a situation).
  • You’ll need to interpret an excerpt (only at the C1 level).

2- ECL

The abbreviation “ECL” stands for “European Consortium for the Certificate of Attainment in Modern Languages.” 

It’s an international examination system that offers standardized tests in the languages of EU countries. ECL offers Hungarian language exams for four levels: A2 (waystage), B1 (threshold), B2 (vantage), and C1 (effective operational proficiency). For these, you can find sample sheets containing examples of exercises that you might encounter when you sit for the exam. You can take the ECL test in Pécs, Hungary.

From now on, what you’ll be reading applies to the ECL Hungarian language aptitude exam.

A Guy in a Blue Shirt Who’s Happy about His A+ Grade

2. The ECL Listening Test

Duration15 to 35 minutes (depending on the level)
MaterialsAudio files (there will be two)
TasksAnswer questions and complete exercises related to the audios
Question TypesMultiple choiceShort answerMatching Completing sentences & chartsPlacing words where they belong
Additional NotesYou will hear the audios twiceThe audios’ complexity varies by levelFocus on the core meaning for the best results

As you saw in the table, the complexity of the audios you’ll hear vary based on level. This means that you need to study your vocabulary accordingly! The higher the level, the broader and more diverse your vocabulary should be. For example, at the A2 level, you’ll need to know generic, everyday words and phrases; at the C1 level or higher, you should know words and phrases in a range of fields and topics.

The best way to expand your vocabulary is to test yourself from time to time. Aim to learn a few new words every week or month, and occasionally write your own tests to see how much you know! 

In the meantime, here are some examples of questions likely to appear on the listening test: 

  • “What color is the car?” (Milyen színe van az autónak?) [A2]
  • “Where do the students meet?” (Hol találkoznak a diákok?) [A2]
  • “In what show did the actress appear last year?” (Múlt évben milyen műsorban szerepelt a színésznő?) [B1]
  • “What interested her/him in books other than images as a child?” (Mi érdekelte gyerekként a mesekönyvekben a képeken kívül?) [C1]

If you keep the things we mentioned in mind and practice a lot, you should be fine during the exam. Don’t hesitate to hear what an actual A2-level audio sounds like.

A Girl Holding Her Head and Studying

3. The ECL Reading Test

Duration60 to 90 minutes (depending on the level)
SectionsTwo sections
MaterialsTwo texts, one shorter and one longer
TasksAnswer questions and complete exercises based on the texts
Question TypesFill-in-the-blankShort answerMatching
Additional NotesThere will be 20-30 questions or blanks on your sheet (but fewer questions the higher the level is).

Again, the complexity of the texts and exercises varies based on the level you’re taking. At the A2 level, you should be able to comprehend the general meaning of short, simple texts on familiar, general topics like public notices, travel brochures, and timetables.

Here’s an example of something you may read:

  • “In Hungarian cities, you have to board buses and trams through the front door. It is possible to buy a ticket from drivers of buses and trams.”
    A magyar városokban az első ajtón kell felszállni a buszra, a villamosra. A busz vagy a villamos vezetőjétől is lehet jegyet vásárolni.

The B1 level differs only a bit from the A1. On this level, you have to understand the general meaning of texts on a variety of topics. You should also understand essential details of simple passages on familiar topics such as job advertisements, instructions for use, personal letters, and domestic bills.

If you pass a B2 exam, it means that you can understand specific information about a certain topic and recognize the tone and purpose of passages taken from newspapers, magazines, regulations, formal letters, reports, etc.

If you take a Hungarian exam at the C1 level, you must demonstrate the ability to comprehend information and ideas, to recognize the tone of the speaker, and to identify the purpose of different types of texts written for the general reader.

Example:

  • “To what causes can the shorter length of the earlier Kipling-edition be attributed?”
    Milyen okokkal magyarázható a korábbi Kipling-kiadás kisebb terjedelme?

You can read more about these requirements yourself on the official ECL website.

As with the listening section, your vocabulary should be adequate for the level you plan on testing for. However, in this case, you probably have it easier as the words are actually written down, so you don’t have to guess what word you heard in order to make sense of the text.

A Woman in a Red T-shirt Holding Her Head in Front of a Computer

4. The ECL Writing Test

Duration35 to 75 minutes (depending on the level)
SectionsTwo exercises
Materials
TasksWrite two pieces of text
Essay TypesYou may be asked to write texts in the following formats:
Letters of invitationOrdinary messagesPersonal lettersEmails (formal and informal)Internet blog or forum commentsReports (official and personal)EssaysMagazine articles
Additional NotesThe length of the texts you’re supposed to write vary from level to level:
A1: 50 words per written pieceA2 and up: An additional 50 words per level (C2 will have 200 words)

There are four key areas you should focus on while writing:

  • Grammar
    • Do you know whether to use á or a?
    • How are your sentence structures looking?
  • Spelling
    • Practice, practice, practice, to ensure that your spelling is impeccable! 
  • Handwriting
    • The examiners won’t be able to read or correct your work if it’s illegible. 
  • Layout & Aesthetics
    • Make sure that your text is well-organized and neatly put-together. 
    • A paper full of crossed-out words and scribbles may cause confusion! 

Here’s an example of a task you might get for a B2-level ECL exam:

  • “Your Hungarian friend is going to visit you and your family and inquires about your eating habits. Reply to him/her in an email.” (ca. 150 words)
    Az Ön magyar barátja meg fogja látogatni Önt és a családját, és az étkezési szokásaikról érdeklődik. Válaszoljon neki e-mailben! (B2)

For this exercise, you’ll be given guidelines for how to compose the email.

Students Taking an Exam

5. The ECL Speaking Test

The ECL oral test comprises two or three candidates having a conversation in front of two examiners. 

The examinees start by introducing themselves. This part is not assessed, but it helps ease the candidates into the exam and loosens the tension a bit. Then comes the guided and assessed conversation between the examinees. They have to talk about a certain topic based on a picture and act out a situation. The topic can be about anything—depending on the level again—from your daily routine, to holidays and issues concerning health.

It’s advised to sometimes disagree with your partner and to provoke each other a bit, rather than agreeing on everything. This way, you can show the examiners that you have a wide range of vocabulary and that you have the tools needed for a debate. However, it’s essential to respect the other person’s opinion and to remain polite throughout the conversation. 

Another crucial thing to watch is how much you speak. It almost doesn’t matter what you say, just say something. If you stay silent most of the time, the examiners won’t have anything to assess. Thus, they might give you a percentage at the end that doesn’t reflect your actual knowledge.

Multiple-choice Exam Sheet

6. Tips on Preparing for the ECL 

Studying for a Hungarian language exam is just about the same as studying for any other exam. However, in the case of Hungarian, you might want to pay special attention to spelling; Hungarians tend to write and pronounce words differently than an English-speaker is used to. Therefore, you might want to do as many mock tests regarding Hungarian grammar and spelling as you can.

Another way you can practice is by watching Hungarian talk shows, series, or movies. There’s no better way to learn all the slang you can expect to hear in day-to-day Hungarian conversations. This is also a very fun way to learn and study! 

An important part of any language is speech. Although you can hear people talking in movies and series, it might be a good idea to invest in some CDs and listen to a few songs as well. Or, you can buy a Hungarian book and listen to the CD it comes with multiple times until you understand the conversations fully.

You can practice your Hungarian alone in your room in front of a mirror, or even with online tutors, but the best way is to talk with a native speaker. In today’s world, there are many apps you can download to meet and talk with people from all over the world. Now may be the time to try one! 

Do you plan on visiting Hungary anytime soon? Try to make a friend there! They can be your penpal, though you can also call each other from time to time. 

What matters is that you practice the language.

Language Skills

7. Conclusion: HungarianPod101.com Will Help You Ace Your Exam

Now that you know everything about ECL and a little bit about the Origó Hungarian language proficiency test, you can decide if you want to jump straight in or practice some more first. Either way, you can count on us to provide you with all the learning tools and support you need.

We’ve given you a basic summary about ECL and its contents, with a few examples. Now, you can decide whether ECL is something that would work for you, or if you should delve into Origó a bit more. One thing is for sure though: they’re not going to be much different. But if you feel like Origó would work better for you, go for it. All that matters is that you feel comfortable and are confident in your knowledge.

If you have any questions about either Hungarian exam, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. We’re all in this together, right?

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Study Strategies in Hungarian

Essential Vocabulary for Life Events in Hungarian

Thumbnail

What is the most defining moment you will face this year? From memories that you immortalize in a million photographs, to days you never wish to remember, one thing’s for certain: big life events change you. The great poet, Bukowski, said, “We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well, that death will tremble to take us.” The older I get, the more I agree with him!

Talking about significant events in our lives is part of every person’s journey, regardless of creed or culture. If you’re planning to stay in Hungary for more than a quick visit, you’re sure to need at least a few ‘life events’ phrases that you can use. After all, many of these are shared experiences, and it’s generally expected that we will show up with good manners and warm wishes.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hungarian
Table of Contents

  1. Life Events
  2. Marriage Proposal Lines
  3. Talking About Age
  4. Conclusion

1. Life Events

Do you know how to say “Happy New Year” in Hungarian? Well, the New Year is a pretty big deal that the whole world is in on! We celebrate until midnight, make mindful resolutions, and fill the night sky with the same happy words in hundreds of languages. No doubt, then, that you’ll want to know how to say it like a local!

Big life events are not all about fun times, though. Real life happens even when you’re traveling, and certain terminology will be very helpful to know. From talking about your new job to wishing your neighbors “Merry Christmas” in Hungarian, here at HungarianPod101, we’ve put together just the right vocabulary and phrases for you.

1- Birthday – születésnap

If you’re like me, any excuse to bring out a pen and scribble a note is a good one. When there’s a birthday, even better: hello, handwriting!

Your Hungarian friend will love hearing you wish them a “Happy birthday” in Hungarian, but how much more will they appreciate a thoughtful written message? Whether you write it on their Facebook wall or buy a cute card, your effort in Hungarian is sure to get them smiling! Write it like this:

Boldog születésnapot

Older Woman Blowing Out Candles on a Birthday Cake Surrounded by Friends.

Now that you know the words, I challenge you to put them to music and sing your own “Happy birthday” song in Hungarian! It’s not impossible to figure out even more lyrics, once you start discovering the language from scratch.

2- Buy – vásárol

If there’s a special occasion, you might want to buy somebody a gift. As long as you’ve checked out Hungarian etiquette on gift-giving (do a Google search for this!), it will be a lovely gesture. If you’re not sure what to buy, how about the awesome and universally-appealing gift of language? That’s a gift that won’t stop giving!

Two Women at a Counter in a Bookstore, One Buying a Book

3- Retire – nyugdíjba megy

If you’re planning to expand your mind and retire in Hungary, you can use this word to tell people why you seem to be on a perpetual vacation!

Retirement is also a great time to learn a new language, don’t you think? And you don’t have to do it alone! These days it’s possible to connect to a vibrant learning community at the click of a button. The added benefit of a Daily Dose of Language is that it keeps your brain cells alive and curious about the world. After all, it’s never too late to realize those long-ignored dreams of traveling the globe…

4- Graduation – diploma szerzés

When attending a graduation ceremony in Hungary, be prepared for a lot of formal language! It will be a great opportunity to listen carefully and see if you can pick up differences from the everyday Hungarian you hear.

Lecturer or University Dean Congratulating and Handing Over Graduation Certificate to a Young Man on Graduation Day.

5- Promotion – előléptetés

Next to vacation time, receiving a promotion is the one career highlight almost everyone looks forward to. And why wouldn’t you? Sure, it means more responsibility, but it also means more money and benefits and – the part I love most – a change of scenery! Even something as simple as looking out a new office window would boost my mood.

6- Anniversary – évforduló

Some anniversaries we anticipate with excitement, others with apprehension. They are days marking significant events in our lives that can be shared with just one person, or with a whole nation. Whether it’s a special day for you and a loved one, or for someone else you know, this word is crucial to know if you want to wish them a happy anniversary in Hungarian.

7- Funeral – temetés

We tend to be uncomfortable talking about funerals in the west, but it’s an important conversation for families to have. Around the world, there are many different customs and rituals for saying goodbye to deceased loved ones – some vastly different to our own. When traveling in Hungary, if you happen to find yourself the unwitting observer of a funeral, take a quiet moment to appreciate the cultural ethos; even this can be an enriching experience for you.

8- Travel – utazik

Travel – my favorite thing to do! Everything about the experience is thrilling and the best cure for boredom, depression, and uncertainty about your future. You will surely be forever changed, fellow traveler! But you already know this, don’t you? Well, now that you’re on the road to total Hungarian immersion, I hope you’ve downloaded our IOS apps and have your Nook Book handy to keep yourself entertained on those long bus rides.

Young Female Tourist with a Backpack Taking a Photo of the Arc de Triomphe

9- Graduate – elvégezni az iskolát

If you have yet to graduate from university, will you be job-hunting in Hungary afterward? Forward-looking companies sometimes recruit talented students who are still in their final year. Of course, you could also do your final year abroad as an international student – an amazing experience if you’d love to be intellectually challenged and make a rainbow of foreign friends!

10- Wedding – esküvő

One of the most-loved traditions that humans have thought up, which you’ll encounter anywhere in the world, is a wedding. With all that romance in the air and months spent on preparations, a wedding is typically a feel-good affair. Two people pledge their eternal love to each other, ladies cry, single men look around for potential partners, and everybody has a happy day of merrymaking.

Ah, but how diverse we are in our expression of love! You will find more wedding traditions around the world than you can possibly imagine. From reciting love quotes to marrying a tree, the options leave no excuse to be boring!

Married Couple During Reception, Sitting at Their Table While a Young Man Gives a Wedding Speech

11- Move – költözik

I love Hungary, but I’m a nomad and tend to move around a lot, even within one country. What are the biggest emotions you typically feel when moving house? The experts say moving is a highly stressful event, but I think that depends on the circumstances. Transitional periods in our lives are physically and mentally demanding, but changing your environment is also an exciting adventure that promises new tomorrows!

12- Be born – születik

I was not born in 1993, nor was I born in Asia. I was born in the same year as Aishwarya Rai, Akon, and Monica Lewinsky, and on the same continent as Freddy Mercury. When and where were you born? More importantly – can you say it in Hungarian?

13- Get a job – munkát talál

The thought of looking for a job in a new country can be daunting, but English speakers are in great demand in Hungary – you just have to do some research, make a few friends and get out there! Also, arming yourself with a few Hungarian introductions that you can both say and write will give you a confidence boost. For example, can you write your name in Hungarian?

Group of People in Gear that Represent a Number of Occupations.

14- Die – meghal

Death is a universal experience and the final curtain on all other life events. How important is it, then, to fully live before we die? If all you have is a passport, a bucket list, and a willingness to learn some lingo, you can manifest those dreams!

15- Home – otthon

If home is where the heart is, then my home is on a jungle island completely surrounded by the turquoise ocean. Right now, though, home is an isolation room with a view of half a dry palm tree and a tangle of telephone wires.

If you’re traveling to Hungary for an extended stay, you’ll soon be moving into a new home quite unlike anything you’ve experienced before!

Large, Double-Story House with Lit Windows.

16- Job – munka

What job do you do? Does it allow you much time for travel, or for working on this fascinating language that has (so rightfully) grabbed your attention? Whatever your job, you are no doubt contributing to society in a unique way. If you’re doing what you love, you’re already on the road to your dream. If not, just remember that every single task is one more skill to add to your arsenal. With that attitude, your dream job is coming!

17- Birth – születés

Random question: do you know the birth rate of Hungary?

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to see a friend’s baby just after they are born, you’ll have all my respect and all my envy. There is nothing cuter! Depending on which part of the country you’re in, you may find yourself bearing witness to some pretty unexpected birth customs. Enjoy this privilege!

Crying Newborn Baby Held By a Doctor or Nurse in a Hospital Theatre

18- Engaged – eljegyzi

EE Cummings said, “Lovers alone wear sunlight,” and I think that’s most true at the moment she says “yes.” Getting engaged is something young girls dream of with stars in their eyes, and it truly is a magical experience – from the proposal, to wearing an engagement ring, to the big reveal!

In the world of Instagram, there’s no end to the antics as imaginative couples try more and more outrageous ways to share their engagement with the world. I love an airport flashmob, myself, but I’d rather be proposed to on a secluded beach – salt, sand, and all!

Engagement customs around the world vary greatly, and Hungary is no exception when it comes to interesting traditions. Learning their unique romantic ways will inspire you for when your turn comes.

Speaking of romance, do you know how to say “Happy Valentine’s Day” in Hungarian?

19- Marry – házasságot köt

The one you marry will be the gem on a shore full of pebbles. They will be the one who truly mirrors your affection, shares your visions for the future, and wants all of you – the good, the bad and the inexplicable.

From thinking up a one-of-a-kind wedding, to having children, to growing old together, finding a twin flame to share life with is quite an accomplishment! Speaking of which…

2. Marriage Proposal Lines

Marriage Proposal Lines

Ah, that heart-stopping moment when your true love gets down on one knee to ask for your hand in marriage, breathlessly hoping that you’ll say “Yes!” If you haven’t experienced that – well, it feels pretty darn good, is all I can say! If you’re the one doing the asking, though, you’ve probably had weeks of insomnia agonizing over the perfect time, location and words to use.

Man on His Knee Proposing to a Woman on a Bridge.

How much more care should be taken if your love is from a different culture to yours? Well, by now you know her so well, that most of it should be easy to figure out. As long as you’ve considered her personal commitment to tradition, all you really need is a few words from the heart. Are you brave enough to say them in Hungarian?

3. Talking About Age

Talking about Age

Part of the wonder of learning a new language is having the ability to strike up simple conversations with strangers. Asking about age in this context feels natural, as your intention is to practice friendly phrases – just be mindful of their point of view!

When I was 22, I loved being asked my age. Nowadays, if someone asks, I say, “Well, I’ve just started my fifth cat life.” Let them ponder that for a while.

In Hungary, it’s generally not desirable to ask an older woman her age for no good reason, but chatting about age with your peers is perfectly normal. Besides, you have to mention your birthday if you want to be thrown a birthday party!

4. Conclusion

Well, there you have it! With so many great new Hungarian phrases to wish people with, can you think of someone who has a big event coming up? If you want to get even more creative, HungarianPod101 has much to inspire you with – come and check it out! Here’s just some of what we have on offer at HungarianPod101:

  • Free Resources: Sharing is caring, and for this reason, we share many free resources with our students. For instance, start learning Hungarian with our basic online course by creating a lifetime account – for free! Also get free daily and iTunes lessons, free eBooks, free mobile apps, and free access to our blog and online community. Or how about free Vocabulary Lists? The Hungarian dictionary is for exclusive use by our students, also for free. There’s so much to love about HungarianPod101…!
  • Innovative Learning Tools and Apps: We make it our priority to offer you the best learning tools! These include apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Mac OSX; eBooks for Kindle, Nook, and iPad; audiobooks; Roku TV and so many more. This means that we took diverse lifestyles into account when we developed our courses, so you can learn anywhere, anytime on a device of your choice. How innovative!
  • Live Hosts and One-on-One Learning: Knowledgeable, energetic hosts present recorded video lessons, and are available for live teaching experiences if you upgrade. This means that in the videos, you get to watch them pronounce those tongue-twisters, as if you’re learning live! Add octane to your learning by upgrading to Premium Plus, and learn two times faster. You can have your very own Hungarian teacher always with you, ensuring that you learn what you need, when you need to – what a wonderful opportunity to master a new language in record time!
  • Start Where You Are: You don’t know a single Hungarian word? Not to worry, we’ve absolutely got this. Simply enroll in our Absolute Beginner Pathway and start speaking from Lesson 1! As your learning progresses, you can enroll in other pathways to match your Hungarian level, at your own pace, in your own time, in your own place!

Learning a new language can only enrich your life, and could even open doors towards great opportunities! So don’t wonder if you’ll regret enrolling in HungarianPod101. It’s the most fun, easy way to learn Hungarian.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hungarian