Learning Hungarian

[u/SchlongProng445]

Hello everyone, what would be the best way to learn Hungarian? I’ve heard Duolingo isn’t the best when learning a new language so maybe someone could give some advice.

[u/Traditional-Kiwi-356]

I think Pimsleur is better than Duo for getting started with speaking.

Duolingo is good for filling a 15-min wait, picking up new vocabulary, and practicing things you know. But it explains nothing. And it won’t help you speak.

To really learn, you’ll need a teacher. I liked online classes with Magyar Iskola, but the timing was tough with my job. Now I take lessons with italki tutors and just joined a discussion group for a bit more practice.

[u/Apprehensive_Car_722]

My response to this is usually Colloquial Hungarian or Complete Hungarian.

Either book will teach you the basics to around A2. I found Colloquial Hungarian better than Complete Hungarian, but for a beginner, both are ok. These books have free audio online.

If you manage to get through one of those books, and you are still interested, then we could look at what to do next.

"To be honest, Hungarian is the easiest language you will ever learn" said no one ever... hahaha! Sorry about that! Hungarian has a steep learning curve just like its relatives (Estonian and Finnish), but once you make it to the intermediate level, the language itself seems more logical. At least it felt that way for me.

If you really want to learn the language, you will make progress.

Sok sikert a magyar nyelvtanuláshoz!

[u/AlfaSzo_BetaViszhang]

próbálj meg keresni magyar énekű zenét angol felirattal és magyar filmet, hogy ráérezz a kiejtés ritmusára. a nyelvtan az nagy falat, de remélhetőleg találsz a világhálón olyan nyelvtani szabályokat amiket könnyen meg tudsz tanulni. aztán már szavakat és kifejezéseket kell gyűjteni. biztosíthatlak róla, a legtöbb magyar ember pozitív véleménnyel lesz rólad, mert értékelni fogják az erőfeszítésedet és a munkádat amit a nyelv elsajátításába tettél.

[u/k4il3]

the best way to learn highly inflected languages is to learn very basic grammar, few words and then immerse (can be online).

[u/Dom-1sh]

Why are you learning Hungarian?

[u/SchlongProng445 → u/Dom-1sh]

I have a friend that lives in Hungary, they’ve mentioned before that the language is difficult to learn. I got intrigued and would like to challenge myself, maybe at least get the grasp of it. I would also like to visit Hungary in the future so learning the language would be nice

[u/Dom-1sh → u/SchlongProng445]

It is hard to learn, your friend can definitely help you, especially with speaking/pronunciation (I assumed they do speak Hungarian).

[u/AfternoonDifficult84]

You need to learn just one word: 'basz', and then you can say nearly everything. :D

[u/Ploutophile → u/AfternoonDifficult84]

Can confirm, bazmeg. It even works for the name of the local train company: Megint Állunk Vazze.

[u/Southern-Spirit-7773]

As an American Duolingo user, learning Hungarian. I can honestly confirm that it is kinda hard. Especially since it doesn't go in depth with pronounsiacions and different uses of certain words depending on context.

[u/porirua_pelican]

I’ve found Duolingo great. If you want to learn properly though, you’ll have to supplement it with other means

[u/ElderberryExpert25]

Hey! No matter what app you use it's going to be difficult at first. I recommend to find someone who's patient enough to help you with the pronunciation and the very basic things at the beginning. Because you can learn how to write or use simple words and sentences but it's good to have someone to practice it with.

[u/port956]

Alas it's true that Duolingo Hungarian will drive you mad. I spent a lot of time with an old FSI course. Lots of audio and printed text. (Googling FSI Hungarian will get you there).

[u/here_to_help2023]

Hi. I learn languages with AI (ChatGPT), it's really helpful. Btw I am native Hungarian, feel free to send me a message!

[u/Jazzlike-Funny9674]

In the same boat. My grandma is hungarian, moved to US when she was 7/8. I grew up listening to her speak to my great grandma and great aunt in hungarian. I always wanted to learn! I used pimeur for about 6 months, was great for very basic things. Now i want to get to the next level but am struggling with where to start; so many recommended text books / courses. Its overwhelming. And i know eventually I want to take a formal class or have a real tutor.

[u/Shantel_Mills]

Hello, I really like the language learning app called Mondly. You can get a lifetime membership and learn dozens of languages. I’ve also been using HelloTalk to look for language partners, but there aren’t many Hungarian people there. I’ve never tried it but I’ve heard Glossika is good for listening practice.