I started learning Hungarian just a few months before moving to Budapest. If I have one regret, it’s that I didn’t start sooner, especially for my children’s sake.
Fortunately, I love languages and enjoy the process of mastering a new one. Even though Hungarian has a reputation for being one of the most difficult languages in the world (Tökéletes vagyok!), I dove in headfirst the moment we arrived. While I’m proud of my progress, I still need plenty of practice, and working from home definitely presents a challenge.
If you are moving to Budapest or living in Hungary as an expat, here is why I decided to take on the challenge and the exact tools helping me along the way.
Why I Decided to Learn Hungarian
WWhen my husband and I decided to move to his hometown of Budapest, learning the language became an absolute necessity. Over the years, I had tried picking up a few phrases, but I always found Hungarian grammar overwhelming and complex.
Once we committed to the move, my mindset shifted. I wanted to:
- Ask for help, order food, and join everyday conversations with confidence.
- Understand street signs, local humor, and subtle cultural nuances.
- Stop feeling like a tourist in the place I now call home.
Learning the local language is about more than just communication—it’s about belonging to the community.
Top Tools and Resources for Learning Hungarian
📱 Duolingo App
Duolingo is a daily habit. I use it mostly for vocabulary building and quick review. It’s gamified, so it keeps me motivated, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. While it’s not enough on its own, it’s great for maintaining momentum between lessons.
📚 Books and Resources
I picked up a beginner grammar book and a few kids’ books in Hungarian. Reading simple stories helps me connect words in context. I also started keeping a little notebook with phrases I hear in real life — and Google the meanings later.
🧑💻 Private Online Course
I signed up for a structured online Hungarian course with Willie, who understands the challenges foreigners face. His lessons are fun, informative, and he also teaches about Hungarian history, tradition and culture. The biggest benefit? Consistency and accountability. Each lesson builds on the last, and having someone correct me (gently!) has been incredibly helpful.
I have also started a course with Morning Hungarian, which offers an online preparatory course for the Hungarian cultural knowledge exam. This exam is needed if you will be applying for a permanent ID.
🗣️ Practicing Hungarian in Real Life
The hardest and most important part is actually using the language. I try to speak Hungarian in shops, with family and friends and make TikTok videos, even if it’s just a sentence or two. Most people are patient and even smile when they hear me try. Those small moments give me a huge confidence boost, or sometimes we laugh.
How Learning Hungarian Changed My Life
Learning Hungarian doesn’t just help me understand the language; it helps me start belonging.
I no longer feel helpless, I can chat a little with the neni (the kindergarten teacher) at the school. I understand when the tram driver makes an announcement. These things seem small, but they add up to something powerful: a sense of connection, as loneliness as a foreigner can often take over.
Even more than that, learning the language has helped me appreciate Hungarian culture on a deeper level. There’s a certain rhythm, humour, and soul that you can’t really experience unless you understand the words.
Practical Tips for Learning Hungarian as an Expat
- Start Small: Master one word or phrase a day—consistency adds up over time.
- Speak From Day One: Don’t wait for perfect grammar before opening your mouth.
- Combine Multiple Tools: Mix language apps, formal courses, and real-world interactions.
- Be Patient With Yourself: Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning curve.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Successfully ordering a coffee or understanding a sign is a victory worth celebrating!
Final Thoughts
Learning Hungarian isn’t an insurmountable wall, it’s a bridge to fully experiencing the culture, rhythm, and soul of Hungary. Even a small effort will completely transform your expat experience in Budapest. Once you have your visa sorted, read my complete Q&A guide on living in Budapest as an expat.”
Are you learning Hungarian too? I’d love to hear what’s working for you — or what you’re struggling with. Drop a comment or message me anytime!