How Much Czech Do You Really Need to Work or Study in the Czech Republic?
So, you're learning Czech (bravo!) and you’re dreaming of studying or working in the Czech Republic. Fantastic idea. But you might wonder: “Do I need to speak Czech like a local, or is “restaurant-order level” enough?” Let’s break it down with real expectations, and tips for your journey.
The Czech Language Exam – What Is CCE?
Let’s start with the basics. The Czech Language Certificate Exam (CCE – Zkouška z češtiny pro cizince) is the official test that proves your level of Czech. It’s recognized by Czech universities, employers, and even for residence purposes.
The exam is organized by UJOP, Charles University, and it follows the international CEFR scale from A1 → A2 → B1 → B2 → C1.
After you pass, you receive a certificate that you can use when applying for work, study programs, or long-term residence in the Czech Republic.
If your goal is to work or study here, CCE A2 and B1 are the best starting points.
A2 shows that you can handle basic, everyday communication: ordering food, asking for help, describing your day.
B1 means you’re an independent user: you can survive real conversations, understand most simple news, and write short texts about your life or opinions.
I’ve created ready-made study plans to help you prepare step by step for both levels:
These plans include what to study, when, and how, so you don’t waste time wondering “Where do I even start?”
How Much Czech You Need to Survive Czech University
If you want to study in Czech (meaning that your courses are actually taught in Czech) most public universities expect at least a B2 level, and sometimes even C1 for more demanding programs like law, medicine, or humanities.
Some faculties are a little more flexible: they may let you take the entrance exam with B1, but they’ll usually require you to reach B2 by the time you start the program.
For creative or art schools, you might find slightly lower requirements (around B1), but even then, Czech is the main language of instruction so reaching B2 will make your student life much easier.
Many universities also offer preparatory Czech language courses (“foundation years”) to help international students reach the required level before the academic year starts. It’s a great way to adjust to life in the Czech Republic and level up your language before things get serious.
In short:
B1 = you can survive lectures with help
B2 = you can study comfortably
C1 = you might start correcting your Czech classmates’ essays
When you only wanted to pass the exam, not start grading your classmates.
Working in Czechia: How Much Czech Do You Actually Need?
This one’s trickier. There’s no single rule for every job. It depends on the company, your role, and how much you’ll need to communicate in Czech.
If you’ll be talking to clients, coworkers, or dealing with paperwork, most employers expect at least communicative Czech (around B1–B2). You don’t have to be perfect, but you need to understand and be understood.
For international companies or IT jobs, English might be the main language at work. But outside the office, life happens in Czech: from the post office to your landlord. So even if your job doesn’t require Czech, your life probably will.
Some jobs, especially manual ones, don’t demand advanced Czech, but the more Czech you speak, the more doors open including promotions, friendships, and fewer “just smile and nod” situations.
So for work life in Czechia:
A2 = basic survival mode (you can ask, answer, order)
B1 = independent worker mode (you can chat and understand instructions)
B2 = full confidence mode (you can join the gossip at lunch)
What A2 / B1 Will Get You — And What It Won’t
CCE A2 proves that you can handle everyday situations like ordering food, asking for directions, chatting about your weekend. It’s a great step toward independence and a solid base for living in the Czech Republic. But on its own, it usually isn’t enough for studying in Czech or for most professional roles.
CCE B1 is where life starts to feel easier. You can talk about your opinions, understand simple news, and write short texts or emails. It’s also a common requirement for work permits or long-term residence applications.
Still, if your dream is to study at a Czech university or get a job that involves real teamwork, aim higher — B2 or C1 is your true goal.
Funny (But True) Real-Life Scenarios
You proudly start your first job in Prague. Your coworker says Ahoj, jak to jde? and you freeze. You say “Hi?” They look confused. You nod and smile. Day one: survived.
During workplace safety training, the instructor speaks fast. You catch one word: oheň (fire). You decide to sit far from the coffee machine.
Your colleague says No, jo, jasně. Is that “yes, sure” or “yeah, right”? You’ll never know.
Welcome to life in Czech where jak se máš is easy, but no jo can mean five different things.
Your Roadmap to CCE A2 / B1
Here’s a simple path to follow — one that actually works and keeps you motivated:
Step 1: From A1 to A2
Build everyday vocabulary (food, directions, basic verbs).
Watch Czech YouTube, kids’ shows, or short dialogues.
Practice speaking, even if it’s just with yourself in the mirror!
Step 2: Prepare for CCE A2
Practice listening, reading, writing, and speaking with real test samples.
Be ready to describe your day, ask for help, and talk about familiar topics.
Step 3: Level Up to B1
Read simple Czech news or graded readers.
Talk about your studies, work, dreams, or opinions.
Learn to connect ideas naturally (protože, ale, i když...).
Step 4: After B1 – Keep Going!
If your goal is to study in Czech or get your dream job, keep going toward B2/C1. It’s where Czech stops being survival and starts being fun.
Czech isn’t the easiest language (I know!), but the reward is huge. Studying, working, and living like a local in one of Europe’s most charming countries.
Every level you pass makes your life smoother, your friendships deeper, and your conversations way less awkward.
And remember, every Prosím? you say today brings you closer to the moment when you finally understand everything your Czech friends are gossiping about.
