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Archive for the 'Living in Hungary' Category

A Brief Overview of Hungarian Culture

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If you want to visit a country, be it for a short-term summer vacation or a long-term business stay, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with its culture and society. Hungary is no exception.

In fact, understanding Hungarian culture is just as crucial as knowing the key words and phrases. 

It will help you better integrate into the society and make your interactions with locals much smoother and more authentic. In addition, showing Hungarians that you’re curious about the culture of Hungary can go a long way toward helping you form relationships.

On this page, you’re going to learn about Hungarian cultural norms, some of the country’s history, and more Hungarian culture facts you should know. If you pay close attention, you can avoid a lot of culture shock during your visit and adapt more easily.

Now, let’s dive in!

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Beginner Vocabulary in Hungarian Table of Contents
  1. Values and Beliefs
  2. Religion
  3. Family
  4. Work
  5. Art
  6. Food
  7. Traditional Holidays
  8. How HungarianPod101.com Can Help You Learn More Hungarian

1. Values and Beliefs

A Man Seen from the Back Is at the Airport, Holding His Blue Suitcase

Each culture has certain ideals or concepts that serve as the core of its society. The first step in understanding Hungarian culture and customs is to learn about the values and beliefs of its people.

The most important thing you have to know about Hungarian culture is that people value family very much. Family is the cornerstone of Hungarian society.

Hungarians also tend to value relationships in general. They are very sociable people who enjoy interacting with each other as often as possible. Be it a family member’s graduation ceremony or a friendly barbeque, a Hungarian will be there.

Because Hungarians value strong and long-term relationships, and are thus rather emotion-driven, they like sharing. They don’t mind telling people intimate details about their lives, even to a neighbor or a friendly stranger on the bus. Hungarians trust each other and want to bond.

All in all, Hungarians believe in transparency and honesty, so they’re very open with each other about their lives—but not so much about their thoughts! Hungarians tend to dislike confrontation so they usually act nice and polite in all situations, even if they don’t agree with something. This is because they don’t want to hurt or argue with others.

If you find yourself around locals for a longer period of time, you’ll start to notice these elements of Hungarian culture and etiquette yourself.

The Hungarian Flag against a White Background

2. Religion

Religion plays a rather large role in Hungarian culture and traditions. Hungary is a very religious nation, with nearly 70% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic.

This bond with Catholicism not only influences many Hungarian holidays, but is also reflected in the fact that many Hungarians are regular church-goers. However, more and more locals are ceasing to practice their religion and remain only informally tied to the Church through baptisms, funerals, or weddings.

You can find other indicators of Hungary’s religiousness in its cities. For example, in cities such as Eger, Esztergom, and Sopron, there are many beautiful, well-maintained, and regularly visited cathedrals. However, we should not forget the beautiful Saint Stephen’s Basilica or the Jewish synagogue on Dohány Street (the largest synagogue in all Europe!), both in the country’s capital city and real cultural center, Budapest.


The Bible, Holy Necklace with Christ Crucified Is Seen

3. Family

As we said earlier, Hungarian culture is very much centered around the family. Back in the day, Hungarian families were huge, consisting of several members. Nowadays, the average Hungarian family consists of the parents and one to three kids.

However, Hungarian family culture extends far beyond the nuclear family. Grandparents, cousins, and other relatives are just as valued—in fact, many grandparents share a household with their children and grandchildren, usually in their own separate little room. Consequently, it’s quite rare in Hungary to send older family members to nursing homes when they’re no longer able to live by themselves.

    → You can learn the Hungarian names of different family members on our Family vocabulary list!

A Family of Four Is Seen Smiling, Eating Ice-cream

4. Work

Hungarian business culture is rather strict. Everybody ‘knows their place’ and knows how to behave around certain people. The business etiquette and culture in Hungary are very much built on hierarchy. This is unlike the business cultures of some other countries, like Denmark for example, where everybody is equal and free to share their ideas about everything. While you can still share ideas in a Hungarian business meeting, you must do so within the framework of the hierarchy. 

Besides respecting hierarchy in the workplace, Hungarians are rather detail-oriented. They usually play by the rules and they like to stay in the know about everything that’s going on. For instance, business meetings and appointments should be scheduled way ahead of time—at least two weeks in advance—and the exact time, place, and duration of the meeting should be communicated to them as well. 

Punctuality is another top priority in Hungarian work culture. If you have to cancel a meeting, let your Hungarian partners know as soon as possible. If you forget to warn them far enough in advance, they may have a hard time forgiving you, resulting in workplace tension. 


5. Art

Hungarian music is probably the most famous art form in the country, with Hungarian folk and classical music being crucial parts of Hungarian history and culture. Hungarian folk music includes both traditional music and the genre that evolved from it during the twentieth century folk revival.

Regarding classical music, some of the most admired Hungarian composers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries include Ferenc Liszt, Béla Bartók, and Zoltán Kodály. Many skilled Hungarian painters lived during this same period. They include:

  • Pál Szinyei Merse (Lady in a Purple Dress; The Balloon)
  • Mihály Munkácsy (The Settlement of the Magyars in Hungary; Woman Carrying Firewood)
  • Bertalan Székely (Leda With Swan)

You can find many of their works in the Hungarian National Gallery.

If you’re thirsty for architecture, Hungary has plenty of buildings that will satisfy you. Just explore historical cities such as Eger, Sopron, Veszprém, and Szentendre. Even Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, bears the traces of Hungarian history and culture.

The Hands of a Pianist Is Seen Playing on a Piano

6. Food

Hungarian food and culture go hand in hand. But before you try any yourself, we must warn you that it’s pretty rich. However, this only means their cuisine will feed your soul just as much as your stomach, so don’t worry about putting on a few pounds during your stay.

You must know that Hungarians love their belly, so their meals are rich in fat, spices, meat, and bread. Also, they like their food spicy and full of Hungarian red paprika, which is the core of most Hungarian dishes. Other ingredients that Hungarians use often include dairy products—like tejföl, túró, and cheese—meat (mostly pork and chicken), and all kinds of seasonal vegetables grown in Hungary.

The signature Hungarian dish—which could even be considered a part of ancient Hungarian culture—is gulyás (“goulash”), which actually means “herdsman.” It is a thick soup that contains beef, pork fat, Hungarian red paprika (of course), onion, red wine, and lots of vegetables.

Another Hungarian specialty is lángos, which is deep-fried dough usually topped with garlic, tejföl (“sour cream”), and cheese.

Hungarians love their stomach, so they definitely like cooking! Keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming lesson on Hungarian foods, in which we’ll share a few popular and easy-to-make recipes for you to try at home.

A Big Pot of Gulyás, Red Pot with a Wooden Spoon in It

7. Traditional Holidays

There are several holidays that play a major role in Hungarian culture. Many of them reflect the religious nature of the country, while others have to do with the country’s history. Take a look at five of the most important Hungarian holidays. 

    → If you would like to learn even more about traditional Hungarian holidays, you can visit our Hungarian Holidays Archive to read up on individual holidays.
    → You can also learn what Hungarians call different Life Events in our relevant vocab list.

A- New Year’s Eve

On New Year’s Eve, there are usually lots of house parties, outdoor concerts, and programs that are organized by the government of Hungary. There are special programs on TV as well, usually old recordings from the 1990s called Sas Kabaré.

B- Memorial Day of the Revolution and Independence War in 1848

The Revolution of 1848 on March 15 is one of the most important events in Hungarian history and culture. During the Revolution, Hungarians fought for independence from the Habsburg Monarchy.

C- Easter

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and the upcoming spring. On this day, boys would traditionally ‘water’ girls with buckets of cold water! Nowadays, this tradition is still honored, mostly in the countryside. However, most Hungarians use perfume instead.

D- Saint Stephen’s Day

Saint Stephen’s Day is the National Foundation Day of Hungary on August 20. St. Stephen was the first Hungarian king and he brought Christianity to the Hungarian people.

E- Christmas

Christmas is the biggest holiday in Hungary. Families get together and celebrate not only the birth of Jesus Christ, but also family and love. They sit around a big table full of traditional Hungarian Christmas dishes such as stuffed cabbage, fisherman’s soup, and bejgli, and reminisce about the year that’s about to pass.

Budapest at Night, Fireworks Are Seen in Front of the Chain Bridge

8. How HungarianPod101.com Can Help You Learn More Hungarian

Now that you know the Hungarian culture a bit better, you can go to Hungary and experience it first-hand. However, if you would like to dive into the topic a bit more, we have several articles, vocabulary lists, and lessons that would be perfect for you. We linked to them throughout the page, but you can also explore our website and see what else you find there. 

At HungarianPod101.com, we deliver the best possible content for you so that you can maximize your learning potential while having fun.

If you would like to get more out of HungarianPod101, sign up now and study with us. When you join our tight-knit language learning family, you’ll be able to access tons of audio and video lessons, amongst many other exclusive features. 

If you still have any questions about Hungarian culture, don’t hesitate to ask us in the comments section. We’re always glad to help you out! 

Which aspect of Hungarian culture was the most interesting to you?

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The Definitive Guide to Telling the Time in Hungarian

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Looking for new ways to develop your Hungarian language knowledge? We at the HungarianPod101.com family believe that one of the best ways is to master the art of telling the time in Hungarian.

Knowing how to tell the time is essential if you want to succeed in speaking a foreign language, and telling the time in Hungarian is no exception. Whether you’re on the street, with a friend, in a business meeting, or at the airport, it’s vital for you to know how to tell the time in Hungarian.
That’s exactly why we’ve decided to put together a sweet guide which teaches you everything you’ll need on this topic. Read our article and learn everyday expressions, such as “a.m.” and “p.m.” in Hungarian, “o’clock” in Hungarian, and how to ask “What time is it?”

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Time Phrases in Hungarian Table of Contents
  1. Asking for the Time in Hungarian
  2. Hours in Hungarian
  3. Minutes in Hungarian
  4. Partial Hours in Hungarian
  5. General Time Reference of the Day in Hungarian
  6. Time Adverbs in Hungarian
  7. Bonus: Time Proverbs and Sayings in Hungarian
  8. Conclusion: How HungarianPod101.com Helps You Master Hungarian

1. Asking for the Time in Hungarian

The standard Hungarian time zone is called CET (Central European Time). However, the country uses two different time zones during the year: CET in the winter, and CEST (Central European Summer Time) during the summer. The second time zone is the so-called “daylight saving time,” which in Hungarian is referred to as nyári időszámítás.

Hungarian time expressions are easy to master. After reading this article, you’ll soon find how easy it is to ask “What time is it?” in Hungarian. Let’s start with the most common time-related expressions:

  • “What time is it?” (Mennyi az idő?)
  • “Can I ask you what time it is?” (Megkérdezhetem, hogy mennyi az idő?)
Someone Asking for the Time

Generally, there are a lot of expressions to ask for the time in Hungarian. The following example is also very common:

  • “Could you tell the time, please?” (Meg tudná mondani az időt kérem?)

To specifically ask what time an upcoming event takes place, consider using the following sentence pattern:

  • “What time is the meeting?” (Mikor kezdődik a meeting?)
  • “What time is the party?” (Mikor kezdődik a buli?)

In these sentences, mikor kezdődik stands for “what time is” (literally meaning, “what time ___ starts”), whereas a meeting and a buli translate to “the meeting” and “the party” respectively. Basically, to ask for a starting time in Hungary, just begin the sentence with mikor kezdődik and put the name of the event at the end of the sentence.

Fancy learning more? Check out our list of the top fifteen questions you’ll need for Hungarian conversations.

2. Hours in Hungarian

Telling the time in Hungarian is much easier than in other languages, as Hungarians don’t use a.m. or p.m. Hungarians use the so-called twenty-four-hour military time, in which the day runs from midnight to midnight and is divided into twenty-four hours. In this case, instead of saying “three p.m.,” users of the twenty-four-hour clock say “15:00.” But don’t worry, Hungarians make it even easier than this!

In everyday conversations, Hungarian people don’t really care about these clock-related rules. They generally tend to say “It’s three o’clock” instead of using 03:00 or 15:00. The general suggestion is that in everyday conversations, everyone’s aware of which part of the day it is, so they can just make the whole time-topic a lot easier because of this.

So let’s see how to tell time in Hungarian using only the hours.

“Hour” – óra

‘I’m coming in just an hour.’ – Egy órán belül jövök.

In this sentence, ‘jövök’ means ‘I’m coming’, whereas ‘egy órán belül’ stands for ‘in just an hour’.

Now, let’s see a few examples of telling the time in Hungarian.

8 o’clock

“O’clock” (óra)

“It’s three o’clock.”

Három óra van.

“One o’clock” (1 óra)

“It’s one o’clock.”

Egy óra van.

“Two o’clock” (2 óra)

“It starts at two o’clock.”

Kettő órakor kezdődik.

“Three o’clock” (3 óra)

“She comes at three o’clock.”

Három órára jön.

“Four o’clock” (4 óra)

“I woke up at 4 o’clock.”

Négykor ébredtem fel.

In the Hungarian language, you can either say négy órakor ébredtem fel, or make it shorter by saying négykor ébredtem fel.

“Five o’clock” (5 óra)

“The class starts at five o’clock.”

Öt órakor kezdődik a tanóra.

“Six o’clock” (6 óra)

“I’m having dinner at six o’clock.”

Hat órakor vacsorázom.

“Seven o’clock” (7 óra)

“He called me at seven o’clock.”

Hét órakor hívott fel.

“Eight o’clock” (8 óra)

“I’m tired at eight o’clock.”

8 órakor fáradt vagyok.

“Nine o’clock” (9 óra)

“Nine o’clock is too late.”

Kilenc óra túl késő.

“Ten o’clock” (10 óra)

“Don’t talk to me after ten o’clock.”

Ne beszélj hozzám 10 óra után.

In this sentence, ne beszélj hozzám means “don’t talk to me,” whereas 10 óra után stands for “after ten o’clock.”

“Eleven o’clock” (11 óra)

“I’ll come at eleven o’clock.”

11 órára fogok jönni.

“Twelve o’clock” (12 óra / dél / éjfél)

“I’m already sleeping at twelve o’clock.”

12 órakor már alszom.

For more Hungarian numbers, visit our vocabulary list.

3. Minutes in Hungarian

How do you say “minute” in Hungarian? Or “second?” Continue reading to find out!

“Minute” (perc)

“It only takes a minute.” 

Csak egy percbe telik.

In this sentence, csak egy percbe means “only (in) a minute,” whereas telik stands for “takes.”

“3:18” (3 óra 18 perc)

“It starts at 3:18.” 

3 óra 18 perckor kezdődik.

“Second” (másodperc)

“You have five seconds.”

5 másodperced van.

4. Partial Hours in Hungarian

To master the topic of numbers and time, it’s essential to know how to say partial hours in Hungarian. For example, how do you say “half past eight?” 

Fancy mastering how to tell time in the Hungarian language? If your answer is yes, you really don’t want to miss this section.

Hours and Minutes on Clocks

“Half” (fél)

“It’s half past seven.” 

Fél 8 van.

This is a bit tricky, as in Hungarian, “half” (fél) refers to the hour ahead and not the current hour. You can check out this page if you ever get confused.

“Quarter past” (negyed)

“It’s a quarter past three.” 

Negyed 4 van.

Again, you might be wondering: “What?” Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! 

Please remember that when talking about partial hours, Hungarians always refer to the next hour

So if they want to say “3:15,” they say negyed 4, which translates to “quarter past three.” Half past seven is fél 8, as 8 is the next hour; “a quarter to nine” is háromnegyed 9, just as in the following example.

“Quarter to” (háromnegyed)

“The show starts at a quarter to nine.” 

Az előadás háromnegyed 9-kor kezdődik.

Too complicated? It’s okay. If you think this system is just too complicated to learn, you can always say “3:15” or “3:30” instead of using these Hungarian words for partial hours.

5. General Time Reference of the Day in Hungarian

Time

As you saw in the previous examples, telling the time in Hungarian is pretty easy. The Hungarian time format is tied to the twenty-four-hour clock. So if you want to note which part of the day you’re talking about, just use “in the morning” or “in the afternoon.”

“A.M.” (délelőtt)

“It’s nine a.m.” 

Délelőtt 9 óra van.

“P.M.” (délután)

“Let’s meet at five p.m.!” 

Találkozzunk délután 5-kor!

“Early morning” (kora reggel)

“I wake up early in the morning.” 

Kora reggel kelek fel.

“Sunrise” (napfelkelte)

“Let’s watch the sunrise!” 

Nézzük meg a napfelkeltét!

In this sentence, nézzük meg means “let’s watch,” and a napfelkeltét translates to “the sunrise.”

“Noon” (dél)

“I’m coming at noon.” 

Délre jövök.

“Early afternoon” (kora délelőtt)

“Let’s meet in the early afternoon!” 

Találkozzunk kora délelőtt!

“Evening” (este)

“Let’s meet at seven in the evening.” 

Találkozzunk este 7-kor.

Lovely Sunset

“Sunset” (naplemente)

“I want to watch the sunset.” 

Meg szeretném nézni a naplementét.

“Night” (éjszaka)

“I suddenly woke up at night.” 

Éjszaka hirtelen felébredtem.

6. Time Adverbs in Hungarian

Improve Listening

There are also some time-related adverbs you have to learn to fully master telling time in Hungarian.

“Right now” (most)

“It starts right now.” 

Most kezdődik.

“Currently” (jelenleg)

“I’m single currently.” 

Jelenleg egyedülálló vagyok.

In this sentence, egyedülálló vagyok means “I’m single.” To learn more about marital status and family in Hungarian, check out this resource.

“Meanwhile” (közben)

“I had meanwhile found another pen.” 

Közben találtam egy másik tollat.

“Before” (előtt)

“Let’s meet before nine.” 

Találkozzunk 9 óra előtt.

“After” (után)

“Let’s do the homework after school.” 

Végezzük el a házi feladatot az iskola után.

“Soon” (hamarosan)

“See you soon!” 

Hamarosan találkozunk!

“Almost” (majdnem)

“I almost got hit by the car.” 

Majdnem elütött az autó.

In this sentence, majdnem means “almost,” whereas elütött translates to “got hit.”

“Anytime” (bármikor)

“I can help you anytime.” 

Bármikor tudok segíteni.

“As soon as possible” (amint csak lehet)

“I’m coming as soon as possible.” 

Jövök, amint csak lehet.

Interestingly, there’s no short form of “as soon as possible” in the Hungarian language, and thus no Hungarian counterpart of ASAP.

7. Bonus: Time Proverbs and Sayings in Hungarian

Now that we’ve gone through all the essential phrases and expressions, there’s only one thing left: to learn some time proverbs and sayings in Hungarian. Hungarian time expressions aren’t too commonly used in everyday conversations; however, in some situations, they might come in handy. 

Wallet on Clock
  • “Time is money.” (Az idő pénz.)
  • “Time flies.” (Repül az idő.)
  • “Time heals all wounds.” (Az idő minden sebet meggyógyít.)
  • “Daylight saving time” (nyári időszámítás)
  • “Wintertime” (téli időszámítás)

Of course, there are a number of other Hungarian phrases, so if you’re interested in learning more, you should definitely check out this list. Fancy learning how to say hello in Hungarian? Check out our vocabulary list or read our blog post about how to confidently introduce yourself in Hungarian!

8. Conclusion: How HungarianPod101.com Helps You Master Hungarian

Basic Questions

Now you can see that telling the time in Hungarian isn’t as complicated as you might have thought.

With the help of this guide, you’ve learned the most common Hungarian time expressions, how to talk about hours and minutes in Hungarian, and how to tell the time in Hungarian. 

Learning new words, expressions, and sentences in Hungarian is always fun. If you think you need help, don’t hesitate to join the HungarianPod101 family—we’ll support your language learning journey with useful resources.
So, how do you say “What time is it?” in Hungarian? Let us know in the comments!

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A Complete Guide on How to Give Directions in Hungarian

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Giving directions in Hungarian isn’t difficult. However, it is a must if you’d like to master the language. Basic directions in the Hungarian language aren’t too complicated, and we’ve created a short summary to make it even easier for you. 

Learning a new language requires us to prepare for many things, and knowing how to ask for directions is perhaps the most important of them all. Imagine yourself walking down the street and getting lost in your favorite country: how do you ask for help? 
Asking for directions in Hungarian on the street is a common thing, and the Hungarian culture is quite open and friendly. We at the HungarianPod101.com family believe you should start your learning journey by learning about directions. Read this article and learn how to ask and give directions in Hungarian!

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Around Town in Hungarian Table of Contents
  1. On the Map
  2. On the Road
  3. Landmarks
  4. In a Building
  5. Must-know Phrases for Asking for Directions
  6. Must-know Phrases for Giving Directions
  7. Putting it all Together: Talking About Directions
  8. Conclusion: How HungarianPod101.com Helps You Master Hungarian

1. On the Map

Understanding the map is a complicated task in itself, even more so when you don’t even know the words on it. Directions in Hungarian aren’t difficult to master. Interested to know the cardinal directions in Hungarian? If yes, then continue reading!

A Wind compass

“North” – észak

Basic Sentence: 

“Esztergom is in the North.” 

Esztergom északon van.

Advanced Sentence: 

“Esztergom is in the northern part of Hungary.” 

Esztergom Magyarország északi részén található.

In the first sentence, “is” translates to van and “in the north” is északon. In the advanced sentence, “in the northern part of Hungary” translates to Magyarország északi részén and “is” means található (literally: can be found).

Esztergom is a small, beautiful city in Hungary, with such monuments as the famous Bazilika Church, the Christian Museum, as well as wonderful places in nature like the Danube River and the Saint Thomas Hill.

“South” – dél

Basic Sentence:

“It’s in the South.”

Délen van.

Advanced Sentence:

“My grandma lives in the southern part of Hungary.”

A nagymamám Magyarország déli részén él.

“West” – nyugat

Basic Sentence:

“That’s the western part of Budapest.”

Az Budapest nyugati része.

Advanced Sentence:

“I’m living in the western part of Budapest.”

Budapest nyugati részén élek.

By looking at the examples above, you can see that by adding -i (adjectival suffix) to a direction in Hungarian, you can use that word as an adjective in the sentence: észak+idél+i, nyugat+i, etc.

“East” – kelet

Basic Sentence:

“The East is that way.”

Kelet arra van.

Advanced Sentence:

“The eastern part of Hungary has beautiful forests.”

Magyarország keleti részén gyönyörű erdők találhatóak.

“Northwest” – északnyugat

“It’s in the Northwest.”

Északnyugaton van.

“Northeast” – északkelet

“Salgótarján is in the Northeast.”

Salgótarján északkeleten van.

Salgótarján is a small city in Hungary, located in the Cserhát hills. It has a country-wide popular football club called Salgótarján BTC. To read more about it, check this website.

“Southeast” – délkelet

“I love watching TV.”

Szeretek tévét nézni.

“Southwest” – délnyugat

“The Southwest part of Hungary is beautiful.”

Magyarország délnyugati része szép.

If you’re struggling a bit with grammar here, don’t worry! We wrote an article to help you with basic Hungarian grammar.

2. On the Road

When you’re on the road, you need to know the most common Hungarian directions to succeed. In this section, we’re going to give you some useful vocabulary and some examples of how to ask and give directions in Hungarian. Asking for directions in Hungarian on the street is something you’ll definitely need to be good at when visiting the country. After reading this, saying common expressions like “turn left” in Hungarian won’t be an issue anymore. 

A Minivan

“Front” – előtt

Basic Sentence:

“I’m in front of the shop.”

A bolt előtt vagyok.

In this sentence, “I’m” is vagyok, “in front of” translates to előtt, and “the shop” means a bolt.

“Behind” – mögött

Basic Sentence:

“She’s behind the car.”

Az autó mögött van.

“Left” – bal

Basic Sentence:

“Turn left!”

Fordulj balra! / Nézz balra!

Did you know that “turn” in Hungarian translates to two different things? It can either mean fordulj as “turn” in English or nézz as “look” in English.

“Right” – jobb

“Turn right!”

Fordulj jobbra! / Nézz jobbra!

“Far” – messze

“I’m living far away.”

Messze lakom.

“Close” – közel

“It’s close to my workplace.”

Közel van a munkahelyemhez.

3. Landmarks

As you can see, giving directions in Hungarian is easy. However, to really master it, it’s important to know some important landmarks, too.

“Airport” – repülőtér

“The airport is closed.”

A repülőtér zárva van.

In this sentence, “the airport” translates to a repülőtér and “is closed” means zárva van. In an informal environment, you can also use reptér instead of repülőtér.

“Bus stop” – buszmegálló

“The bus stop is close to my house.”

A buszmegálló közel van a házamhoz.

In this sentence, közel van means “close.”

For phrases you might need at the bus or train station in Hungary, check out this vocabulary list.

“Train station” – vonatállomás

“The train station is huge.”

A vonatállomás hatalmas.

“Bank” – bank

“The bank is open.”

A bank nyitva van.

“City center” – városközpont

“I’m at the city center.”  

A városközpontban vagyok.

“Park” – park

“Let’s meet at the park!”

Találkozzunk a parkban!

In this sentence, találkozzunk means “let’s meet.”

“Hotel” – hotel

“This hotel is too expensive.”

Ez a hotel túlságosan drága.
In this sentence, ez a hotel means “this hotel,” “too” translates to túlságosan (or formally túl), and “expensive” means drága.

Couple Checking Out of hotel

“Hospital” – kórház

“This hospital has been fully renovated.”

Ezt a kórházat teljeskörűen felújították.

In this sentence, ezt a kórházat means “this hospital,” “fully” translates to teljeskörűen (or teljesen informally), and “has been renovated” translates to felújították.

“Intersection” – kereszteződés

To draw someone’s attention to something dangerous on the road, use vigyázz in Hungarian. This translates to “watch out.”

“Watch out in the intersection!”

Vigyázz a kereszteződésben!

“Crosswalk” – zebra

“Watch out on the crosswalk!”

Vigyázz a zebrán!

“Traffic sign” – közúti jelzőtábla

“I don’t understand this traffic sign.”

Nem értem ezt a közútí jelzőtáblát.

In this sentence, “I don’t understand” means nem értem and “this traffic sign” means ezt a közúti jelzőtáblát.

4. In a Building

When in a building, you may need to know where the restroom, entrance, and exit are. Here are some words and example sentences you can use to ask.

“Restroom” – mosdó

“Where is the restroom?”

Hol van a mosdó?

“Entrance” – bejárat

“That’s the entrance.”

Az a bejárat.

“Exit” – kijárat

“I can’t find the exit.”

Nem találom a kijáratot.

If you think you could make use of knowing more core words, check out our list of 100 core words in Hungarian.

“Stairs” – lépcső

“Come up the stairs!”

Gyere fel a lépcsőn!

“Elevator” – lift

“I’m coming with the elevator.”

Lifttel jövök.

“Floor” – emelet

“The first floor.”

Az első emelet.

5. Must-know Phrases for Asking for Directions

Asking Directions

There are some phrases you have to know by heart if you want to master asking basic directions in the Hungarian language. These include polite phrases to start the question and courtesy phrases to thank people for their help. Let’s see some examples!

1- “Excuse me…” – Elnézést…

“Excuse me, where is the entrance?”

Elnézést, hol van a bejárat?

In this sentence, “where is” translates to hol van and a bejárat means “the entrance.”

2- “May I ask…”  – Megkérdezhetem…

“May I ask where the exit is?”

 Megkérdezhetem, hogy hol van a kijárat?

3- “Where is the…?” – Hol van a/ az…?

“Where is the restroom?”

Hol van a mosdó?

4- “I can’t find the…” – Nem találom a/ az…

“I can’t find the parking lot.”

Nem találom a parkolót.

5- “Thank you.” – Köszönöm.

“Thank you for the flowers.”

Köszönöm a virágokat.

6- “I don’t understand.” – Nem értem.

“I don’t understand you.”

Nem értelek.

For more key phrases in Hungarian, check out our vocabulary list.

6. Must-know Phrases for Giving Directions

Directions

What if you want to master giving directions? It’s easy! 

In one of our articles about Hungarian introductions, we already mentioned how important it is to differentiate between the formal and informal ways of talking to people. When meeting strangers on the street, you shouldn’t start talking to them in an informal way. Thus, when giving or asking for directions, always aim to use formal forms, just like we will in the examples below.

1- “Go straight” – Menjen egyenesen

“Go straight on this street.”

Menjen egyenesen ezen az utcán.

In this sentence, ezen az utcán means “on this street.”

2- “Go back” – Menjen visszafelé

“Go back on this street.”

Menjen visszafelé ezen az utcán.

3- “Turn left” – Forduljon balra

“Then, turn left at the corner.”

Majd forduljon balra a sarkon.

In this sentence, “then” means majd and “at the corner” translates to a sarkon.

4- “Turn right” – Forduljon jobbra

“Turn right at the bus stop.”

Forduljon jobbra a buszmegállónál.

5- “On … floor” – A … emeleten

“It’s on the second floor.”

A második emeleten van.

For more numbers in Hungarian, please check out our vocabulary list.

6- “Stop” – Álljon meg

“Stop at the red house.”

Álljon meg a piros háznál.

7. Putting it all Together: Talking About Directions

Basic Questions

Now you know all the most important words and expressions related to directions. Let’s see a short conversation to put it all together.

A: “Sorry, where can I find the elevator?” (Elnézést, hol találom a liftet?)

B: “Go straight and you’ll find it next to the shop.” (Menjen egyenesen és a bolt mellett lesz.)

A: “Thank you. Is the exit also nearby?” (Köszönöm. A kijárat is a közelben van?)

B: “No. It’s at the other side of the building.” (Nem, az az épület másik oldalán van.)

8. Conclusion: How HungarianPod101.com Helps You Master Hungarian

As you can see by now, basic directions in the Hungarian language aren’t difficult to master at all. If you want to master this beautiful language, it’s essential to go through these expressions and learn them all. After that, you’ll know how to ask and give directions in Hungarian and will never get lost on the streets for long. 

Learning about directions in Hungarian is fun. If you think you need more help, join the HungarianPod101 family and we’ll support you the whole way!

After reading all this, how do you say “The airport is in front of the bus stop” in Hungarian? Let us know! 🙂

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Essential Vocabulary for Life Events in Hungarian

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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.

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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.

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Talk About the Weather in Hungarian Like a Native

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Did you know that every minute of the day, one billion tons of rain falls on the earth? Hard to believe, considering the climate crisis! Of course, all that rain is not equally shared across the planet.

So, would you mention this fascinating fact to your new Hungarian acquaintance? Well, small talk about local weather is actually a great conversation-starter. Everyone cares about the weather and you’re sure to hear a few interesting opinions! Seasons can be quite unpredictable these days and nobody knows the peculiarities of a region better than the locals.

HungarianPod101 will equip you with all the weather vocabulary you need to plan your next adventure. The weather can even be an important discussion that influences your adventure plans. After all, you wouldn’t want to get caught on an inflatable boat with a two-horsepower motor in Hurricane Horrendous!

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Table of Contents

  1. Talking about the weather in Hungary
  2. Words for the first day of spring
  3. Do You Know the Essential Summer Vocabulary?
  4. Must-Know Autumn vocabulary
  5. Winter
  6. HungarianPod101 can prepare you for any season.

1. Talking about the weather in Hungary

Talking About Weather

If you’re like me, your day’s activity plan is likely to begin with a strong local coffee and a chat about what the sky is doing. After all, being prepared could be the difference between an amazing day and a miserable one! Luckily, it’s not difficult to comment on Hungarian weather – just start with these simple words and phrases.

1- The rain is falling on the street – Az utcán esik az eső.

Watercolor artists, take out your paints! You might not be able to venture out on foot today, but just embrace the rain as part of your Hungarian experience. When the rain stops, the air will be clean and colours vibrant.

2- The snow has covered everything – A hó mindent betakart.

A fresh blanket of snow is irresistibly beautiful. Pull on your boots and beanie, and leave your tracks in this foreign landscape. Don’t resist the urge to build a snowman – you need this!

3- Fluffy cloud – bárányfelhő

When you’re waiting for a warm beach day, fluffy white clouds in a blue sky are a good sign. Don’t forget your sunscreen, as clouds will intensify the UV rays hitting your skin.

Fluffy White Cloud in Clear Blue Sky

4- The water froze on the glass – Megfagyott a víz az üvegen.

Night temperatures can get chilly and might freeze the condensation on your windows. A good way to clear them up is with warm salt water.

5- The heavy rain could cause flash flooding – Ez a felhőszakadás áradásokat okozhat.

If you’re visiting Hungary in the wet season, it’s important to stay informed when heavy rain sets in, so keep an eye on the weather radar. Avoid river activities and rather spend this time making a home-cooked meal and brushing up on your Hungarian weather words.

Heavy Rain in a Park

6- Flood – árvíz

If you do get caught in a flood, your destination should no longer be ‘home’, but the nearest high ground.

7- The typhoon has hit – A tájfun lecsapott.

Not all countries experience typhoons, but you need to know when to prepare for one! It will be very scary if you’ve never experienced one before. Your local neighbours are the best people to advise you on where to take shelter, as they’ve been doing it for generations. Be sure to get the low-down at the first sign of rough weather!

8- Check the weather report before going sailing – Nézd meg az időjárás jelentést mielőtt vitorlázni mész.

When planning an outdoor activity, especially on a body of water, always be prepared for a change in the weather. Ask your hotel receptionist or neighbour where you can get a reliable daily weather report, and don’t forget your sweater!

Two Men on Sailboat

9- Today’s weather is sunny with occasional clouds – Ma az időjárás napsütéses, időkénti felhősödéssel.

Sunny weather is the dream when traveling in Hungary! Wake up early, pack the hats and sunblock and go and experience the terrain, sights and beautiful spots. You’ll be rewarded with happy vibes all around.

10- A rainy day – egy esős nap

Remember when you said you’d save the Hungarian podcasts for a rainy day? Now’s that day!

11- Rainbow – szivárvány

The best part about the rain is that you can look forward to your first rainbow in Hungary. There’s magic in that!

12- Lightning – villámlás

Lightning is one of the most fascinating weather phenomena you can witness without really being in danger – at least if you’re sensible and stay indoors! Did you know that lightning strikes the earth 40-50 times per second? Fortunately, not all countries experience heavy electric storms!

Electric Storm

13- 25 degrees Celsius – 25 Celsius fok

Asking a local what the outside temperature will be is another useful question for planning your day. It’s easy if you know the Hungarian term for ‘degrees Celsius’.

14- His body temperature was far above the usual 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit – A testhőmérséklete messze a normál 98,6 Farenheit fok felett volt.

Although the Fahrenheit system has been replaced by Celsius in almost all countries, it’s still used in the US and a few other places. Learn this phrase in Hungarian in case one of your companions develops a raging fever.

15- Clear sky – tiszta égbolt

Clear skies mean you’ll probably want to get the camera out and capture some nature shots – not to mention the great sunsets you’ll have later on. Twilight can lend an especially magical quality to a landscape on a clear sky day, when the light is not filtered through clouds.

Hikers on Mountain with Clear Sky

16- Drizzle – szitáló eső

Days when it’s drizzling are perfect for taking in the cultural offerings of Hungary. You could go to the mall and watch a Hungarian film, visit museums and art galleries, explore indoor markets or even find the nearest climbing wall. Bring an umbrella!

17- Temperature on a thermometer – hőmérséklet a hőmérőn

Because of the coronavirus, many airports are conducting temperature screening on passengers. Don’t worry though – it’s just a precaution. Your temperature might be taken with a no-touch thermometer, which measures infrared energy coming off the body.

18- Humid – párás

I love humid days, but then I’m also a water baby and I think the two go
together like summer and rain. Find a pool or a stream to cool off in – preferably in the shade!

Humidity in Tropical Forest

19- Humidity – páratartalom

Days with low humidity are the best to go walking the hills and vales. Just take at least one Hungarian friend with you so you don’t get lost!

20- Wind – szél

A strong wind blows away the air pollution and is very healthy in that respect. Just avoid the mountain trails today, unless you fancy being blown across the continent like a hot air balloon.

21- It’s windy outside – Kint szeles az idő.

Wind! My least favourite weather condition. Of course, if you’re a kitesurfer, a windy day is what you’ve been waiting for!

Leaves and Umbrella in the Wind

22- Wet roads can ice over when the temperature falls below freezing – A nedves utak lefagyhatnak ha a hőmérséklet nulla fok alá esik.

The roads will be dangerous in these conditions, so please don’t take chances. The ice will thaw as soon as the sun comes out, so be patient!

23- Today is very muggy – Ma nagyon fülledt az idő.

Muggy days make your skin feel sticky and sap your energy. They’re particular to high humidity. Cold shower, anyone? Ice vest? Whatever it takes to feel relief from the humidity!

24- Fog – köd

Not a great time to be driving, especially in unknown territory, but keep your fog lights on and drive slowly.

Fog on a Pond with Ducks

25- Hurricane – hurrikán

Your new Hungarian friends will know the signs, so grab some food and candles and prepare for a night of staying warm and chatting about wild weather in Hungary.

Palm Trees in a Hurricane

26- Big tornado – nagy tornádó

If you hear these words, it will probably be obvious already that everyone is preparing for the worst! Definitely do whatever your accommodation hosts tell you to do when a tornado is expected.

27- It’s cloudy today – Ma felhős az idő.

While there won’t be any stargazing tonight, the magnificent clouds over Hungary will make impressive photographs. Caption them in Hungarian to impress your friends back home!

Cloudy Weather on Beach with Beach Huts

28- Below freezing temperatures – fagypont alatt

When the temperature is below freezing, why not take an Uber and go shopping for some gorgeous Hungarian winter gear?

Woman with Winter Gear in Freezing Weather

29- Wind chill – hidegérzet

Wind doesn’t change the ambient temperature of the air, it just changes your body temperature, so the air will feel colder to you than it actually is.

30- Water will freeze when the temperature falls below zero degrees celsius – Nulla celsius fok alatt a víz megfagy

If you’re near a lake, frozen water is good news! Forgot your ice skates? Don’t despair – find out where you can hire some. Be cautious, though: the ice needs to be at least four inches thick for safe skating. Personally, I just slide around on frozen lakes in my boots!

Thermometer Below Freezing Point

31- Waiting to clear up – várja hogy kitisztuljon

Waiting for the weather to clear up so you can go exploring is frustrating, let’s be honest. That’s why you should always travel with two things: a scintillating novel and your Hungarian Nook Book.

32- Avoid the extreme heat – kerüljük el a rekkenő hőséget

Is the heat trying to kill you? Unless you’re a hardened heatwave hero, definitely avoid activity, stay hydrated and drink electrolytes. Loose cotton or linen garb is the way to go!

Hand Holding a Melting Ice Cream

33- Frost – dér

Frost is water vapour that has turned to ice crystals and it happens when the earth cools so much in the night, that it gets colder than the air above it. Winter is coming!

34- Shower – zápor

Rain showers are typically brief downpours that drench the earth with a good drink of water.

35- In the evening it will become cloudy and cold – Estére beborul és lehűl az idő.

When I hear this on the Hungarian weather channel, I buy a bottle of wine (red, of course) and wood for the fireplace. A cold and cloudy evening needs its comforts!

Snow in the Park at Night

36- Severe thunderstorm – heves vihar

Keep an eye on the Hungarian weather maps if it looks like a big storm is coming, so you’ll be well-informed.

37- Ice has formed on the window – Az ablak bejegesedett.

You could try this phrase out on the hotel’s helpful cleaning staff, or fix the problem yourself. Just add a scoop or two of salt to a spray bottle of water – that should work!

38- Large hailstones – nagy szemű jégeső

As a kid, I found hail crazy exciting. Not so much now – especially if I’m on the road and large hailstones start pummeling my windscreen!

Large Hailstones on a Wooden Floor

39- Thunder – mennydörgés

The rumble of rolling thunder is that low-volume, ominous background sound that goes on for some time. It’s strangely exciting if you’re safely in your hotel room; it could either suddenly clear up, or escalate to a storm.

40- Sleet – ónos eső

Sleet is tiny hard pieces of ice made from a mixture of rain and melted snow that froze. It can be messy, but doesn’t cause major damage the way hail does. Pretty cool to know this word in Hungarian!

2. Words for the first day of spring

You know the feeling: your heart skips a beat when you wake up and spring has sprung! Spring will reward you with new blossoms everywhere, birdsong in the air, kittens being born in the neighborhood and lovely views when you hit the trails. Pack a picnic and ask a new Hungarian friend to show you the more natural sights. Don’t forget a light sweater and a big smile. This is the perfect time to practice some Hungarian spring words!

Spring Vocabulary

3. Do You Know the Essential Summer Vocabulary?

Summer! Who doesn’t love that word? It conjures up images of blue skies, tan skin, vacations at the beach and cruising down the coast in an Alfa Romeo, sunglasses on and the breeze in your hair. Of course, in Hungary there are many ways to enjoy the summer – it all depends on what you love to do. One thing’s for sure: you will have opportunities to make friends, go on picnics, sample delicious local ice-cream and maybe even learn to sing some Hungarian songs. It’s up to you! Sail into Hungarian summer with this summer vocab list, and you’ll blend in with ease.

Four Adults Playing on the Beach in the Sand

4. Must-Know Autumn vocabulary

Victoria Ericksen said, “If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour,” and I agree. Who can resist the beauty of fall foliage coloring the Hungarian landscape? Birds prepare to migrate; travelers prepare to arrive for the best weather in Hungary.

The autumnal equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night almost equal in length. The cool thing about this event is that the moon gets really bright – the ‘harvest moon’, as it’s traditionally known.

So, as much as the change of season brings more windy and rainy days, it also brings celebration. Whether you honor Thanksgiving, Halloween or the Moon Festival, take some time to color your vocabulary with these Hungarian autumn words.

Autumn Phrases

5. Winter

Winter is the time the natural world slows down to rest and regroup. I’m a summer girl, but there are fabulous things about winter that I really look forward to. For one, it’s the only season I get to accessorize with my gorgeous winter gloves and snug down coat!

Then, of course, there’s ice skating, holiday decorations and bonfires. As John Steinbeck said, “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?” Get ready for the cold season with our list of essential Winter words!

Skier Sitting in the Snow

6. HungarianPod101 can prepare you for any season.

Now that you know how to inquire and comment on the weather in Hungary, you
can confidently plan your weather-ready travel itinerary. How about this for an idea: the next
time you’re sitting in a Hungarian street café, try asking someone local this question:

“Do you think the weather will stay like this for a few days?” If you loved learning these cool Hungarian weather phrases with us, why not take it a step further and add to your repertoire? HungarianPod101 is here to help!

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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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