Learning a new language is an enriching and rewarding experience, and reaching the B2 level in Czech is a significant milestone. At this stage, you are expected to communicate effectively and understand a range of complex texts. To help you on this journey, we have compiled a list of 50 essential words that you need to know. These words will not only expand your vocabulary but also improve your fluency and comprehension skills. Whether you are preparing for an exam, planning to travel, or simply want to enhance your language skills, this list is a valuable resource.
Everyday Verbs
1. **Rozumět** – To understand: This verb is crucial for daily interactions. “Rozumím” means “I understand.”
2. **Myslet** – To think: Use this verb to express your thoughts. “Myslím, že…” translates to “I think that…”
3. **Vědět** – To know: Essential for expressing knowledge. “Nevím” means “I don’t know.”
4. **Říci** – To say: Important for sharing information. “Řekl mi” means “He told me.”
5. **Ptát se** – To ask: Useful for inquiries. “Mohu se zeptat?” means “May I ask?”
Common Nouns
6. **Město** – City: Useful for discussing locations. “Praha je krásné město” means “Prague is a beautiful city.”
7. **Lidé** – People: Essential for talking about social contexts. “Lidé jsou přátelští” means “People are friendly.”
8. **Čas** – Time: Important for scheduling. “Nemám čas” means “I don’t have time.”
9. **Rodina** – Family: Crucial for discussing personal life. “Moje rodina je velká” means “My family is large.”
10. **Práce** – Work: Important for discussing careers. “Mám hodně práce” means “I have a lot of work.”
Adjectives for Descriptions
11. **Krásný** – Beautiful: Useful for compliments. “Krásný den” means “Beautiful day.”
12. **Zajímavý** – Interesting: Important for expressing interest. “To je zajímavé” means “That is interesting.”
13. **Důležitý** – Important: Crucial for emphasizing significance. “To je důležité” means “That is important.”
14. **Velký** – Large: Used for describing size. “Velký dům” means “Large house.”
15. **Malý** – Small: Also for size descriptions. “Malé auto” means “Small car.”
Essential Adverbs
16. **Rychle** – Quickly: Useful for describing speed. “Musím jít rychle” means “I must go quickly.”
17. **Pomalu** – Slowly: Also for speed descriptions. “Mluvte pomalu” means “Speak slowly.”
18. **Často** – Often: Important for frequency. “Často cestuji” means “I travel often.”
19. **Vždycky** – Always: Useful for consistency. “Vždycky jsem tady” means “I am always here.”
20. **Někdy** – Sometimes: For occasional actions. “Někdy chodím do kina” means “I sometimes go to the cinema.”
Useful Pronouns
21. **Já** – I: Essential for self-reference. “Já jsem student” means “I am a student.”
22. **Ty** – You (singular, informal): For casual conversations. “Ty jsi učitel” means “You are a teacher.”
23. **On/ona/ono** – He/she/it: Important for third-person references. “On je doktor” means “He is a doctor.”
24. **My** – We: Used for group references. “My jsme připraveni” means “We are ready.”
25. **Vy** – You (plural/formal): For addressing multiple people or in formal contexts. “Vy jste hodní” means “You are kind.”
Conjunctions for Complex Sentences
26. **A** – And: Essential for connecting ideas. “Já a ty” means “You and I.”
27. **Ale** – But: Important for contrasting ideas. “Chci jít, ale nemůžu” means “I want to go, but I can’t.”
28. **Protože** – Because: Useful for giving reasons. “Jdu domů, protože jsem unavený” means “I am going home because I am tired.”
29. **Když** – When: Important for time-related clauses. “Když prší, zůstanu doma” means “When it rains, I stay home.”
30. **Nebo** – Or: For presenting options. “Chceš kávu nebo čaj?” means “Do you want coffee or tea?”
Prepositions for Spatial Awareness
31. **Na** – On: Essential for location. “Na stole” means “On the table.”
32. **V** – In: Also for location. “V domě” means “In the house.”
33. **Pod** – Under: For describing position. “Pod postelí” means “Under the bed.”
34. **Před** – In front of: Important for spatial descriptions. “Před domem” means “In front of the house.”
35. **Za** – Behind: Also for position. “Za školou” means “Behind the school.”
Numbers for Quantities
36. **Jeden** – One: Basic counting. “Jeden člověk” means “One person.”
37. **Dva** – Two: Essential for basic math. “Dva dny” means “Two days.”
38. **Tři** – Three: Also for counting. “Tři jablka” means “Three apples.”
39. **Čtyři** – Four: Important for quantities. “Čtyři knihy” means “Four books.”
40. **Pět** – Five: Also for counting. “Pět aut” means “Five cars.”
Useful Expressions
41. **Jak se máte?** – How are you?: Essential for greetings. “Jak se máte?” is used in formal or plural contexts.
42. **Kolik to stojí?** – How much does it cost?: Important for shopping. “Kolik to stojí?” means “How much does it cost?”
43. **Prosím** – Please: Essential for politeness. “Prosím, pomozte mi” means “Please help me.”
44. **Děkuji** – Thank you: Also for politeness. “Děkuji za pomoc” means “Thank you for the help.”
45. **Promiňte** – Excuse me/Sorry: Useful for apologies. “Promiňte, mám otázku” means “Excuse me, I have a question.”
Common Phrases
46. **Kde je…?** – Where is…?: Important for finding locations. “Kde je nádraží?” means “Where is the station?”
47. **Co děláte?** – What are you doing?: Useful for conversations. “Co děláte?” means “What are you doing?”
48. **Můžete mi pomoci?** – Can you help me?: Crucial for seeking assistance. “Můžete mi pomoci?” means “Can you help me?”
49. **Jsem ztracený** – I am lost: Important for emergencies. “Jsem ztracený” means “I am lost.”
50. **Je to možné?** – Is it possible?: Useful for inquiries. “Je to možné?” means “Is it possible?”
Conclusion
Reaching the B2 level in Czech requires a solid understanding of both vocabulary and grammar. The 50 essential words listed above are just a starting point. Practice using them in sentences, engage in conversations, and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Remember, consistency is key, and every bit of practice brings you closer to fluency. Happy learning!