How can I learn Hungarian?

Question

I want to learn Hungarian, but I don't know where to start. I am going to Hungary this summer with my wife and would like to learn at least some basics to get around town, or even start learning the language altogether.

I am currently doing Duolingo, and using Google translate to kick things off, but I don't have anyone around here to speak Hungarian with. Why is this language so hard and how can I learn it faster? It feels like I forget all of the words a couple of days later because I don't have anywhere to use them. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Jó Napot Kívánok!

Hi there!

I would say the best place to start would be with the alphabet, and then learning Hungarian poems and songs. This is how kids learn the language in Hungary and they tend to pick up a lot of the syntax and conjugations from these poems. Even if you are not sure what each and every word means, I would practice these poems and songs every day. You can Google search some of these poems and songs:

1. Boci Boci Tarka
2. Erdő, Erdő, Erdő
3. Tavaszi Szél
4. Csip Csip Csóka

Let me know if you need more than that.

I also recommend finding someone that you can speak Hungarian with. Perhaps someone online who speaks the language and you can practice with a little bit. Most Hungarians can speak English so even speaking Hunglish (Hungarian + English) is really good practice and they will understand what you're saying.

I would also recommend finding some Hungarian kids books with pictures. You can pick up lots of words through these and if you read them a lot you will pick up even more words every time you reread it.

A book to get you started:

1. A három Kiscica

There are also Hungarian shows that you can watch that contain story-telling and animation. You can search them on Youtube and they are called "Magyar Népmesék."

If you cannot find anyone online to help you practice your Hungarian you can also consider a tutor, perhaps twice a week for an hour or 4x a week for half an hour each, or whatever schedule works for you. I am available to teach Hungarian and usually within about a month we will be able to speak sentences to each other. Let me know if you need any extra help on the side and I'd be happy to help you in your journey towards learning this beautiful language.

Thanks,

Anika