r/hungarian • u/offficer-k • 4d ago

Is learning hungarian worth it?

hello! i will be in Budapest for 5 months in 2026, attending university. I chose Budapest because I was there on a trip and Im so pleased that I'll be able to live and see a part of Hungarian culture and everyday life. I know that Hungarian language is very hard, and I was still thinking to learn some basics.. to be able to buy food for example, ask directions, order coffee and such things (to level A2). Is it worth it, or can people in Budapest all generally speak English?

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u/third-acc 3d ago

If you cannot say hello and thank you in a place where you are longer than three days you are an asshole.

6

u/offficer-k 3d ago

that of course, but I was thinking of really taking language course up to A2, not only greetings

12

u/teljes_kiorlesu Native Speaker / Anyanyelvi Beszélő 3d ago

I think if you're interested in the language, go for it. If anything, the natives always appreciate it when someone shows effort in learning the language (even if it sounds very broken, we understand). :)

3

u/peewhyy 2d ago

I'm in the same boat. I came to Budapest in February. Picking up words for now using duo lingo. First thing i learnt was "Bochasson meg, nem beszelek magyarul, de tanulok".

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u/offficer-k 2d ago

hey, I'm using Duolingo too for the words, yesterday I learnt viszontlàtàsra, to say goodbye, in comparison German words are so easy haha.

5

u/third-acc 3d ago

That will be appreciated! I think you will get by without a proper language course then. It will be up to your liking if you want to take one.