Common Mistakes in Czech Language

Incorrect Word Order

One common mistake in Czech language is the incorrect word order in sentences. In Czech, the word order is quite flexible compared to English, but there are still some rules that need to be followed. The basic word order in Czech is subject-verb-object, similar to English. However, in Czech, the verb usually comes second in a sentence, while the subject can come before or after the verb, depending on emphasis or context. For example, «Já jsem četl knihu» (I read a book) and «Kniha jsem četl já» (The book I read).

Using Incorrect Cases

Another common mistake in Czech language is using incorrect cases. Czech is a language with seven cases, which can be confusing for learners. Each case has its own specific use, and using the wrong case can completely change the meaning of a sentence. For example, using the accusative case instead of the genitive case can result in a sentence that doesn’t make sense. It’s important to study and practice the different cases in Czech to avoid this mistake.

Incorrect Pronunciation

Pronunciation is another area where learners of Czech often make mistakes. Czech pronunciation can be tricky, especially for speakers of languages that don’t have as many sounds as Czech. One common mistake is mispronouncing the ř sound, which is unique to Czech. It’s important to practice and listen to native speakers to get the pronunciation right. Another common mistake is stressing the wrong syllable in words. Czech is a language with fixed stress patterns, so stressing the wrong syllable can make it difficult for native speakers to understand you.

False Friends

False friends are words that look or sound similar in two languages but have different meanings. In Czech, there are many false friends that can trip up learners. For example, the word «aktualně» in Czech means «currently» or «at the moment,» not «actually» as it might seem. It’s important to be aware of these false friends and not rely on them when speaking or writing in Czech. Taking the time to learn the correct meanings of words will help you avoid this common mistake.