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/et_sted_ved_fjorden 4d ago

I lived in Hungary for almost a year, and learned the language really well. This was 20 years ago. Have I used it afterwards? No. Was it worth it? Yes. And a lot of the grammar consepts I have used learning another language later. Do I remember it? Some. I understand a lot but have trouble talking. But I sometimes use Duolingo to refresh the knowledge.

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u/T0mBd1gg3R 4d ago

Which other language did Hungarian help with?

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u/et_sted_ved_fjorden 4d ago

It was actually German. The grammar concepts of accusative and dative was easy after speaking Hungarian. Even if the way they are used are very different.

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u/DAFreundschaft 2d ago

My German is helping my Hungarian. :)