Why go
Czech and Slovak share much vocabulary but are distinct languages. Moravian dialects also differ from the standard Czech used in writing and national media. English or German may help in some conversations, yet their availability varies by person and place. Reading Czech names with their diacritics is especially useful on signs and menus.
The full story
Czech names carry information that can disappear when their accents are dropped. Keep the diacritics in Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora when reading a map or searching a timetable. Spoken Czech differs across regions, especially in Moravia, but standard written Czech remains the practical reference for signs and menus. Slovak is a separate language with much shared vocabulary; hearing it does not mean a sign or conversation has switched to a Czech dialect. A little Czech also helps distinguish what you are ordering: polévka is soup, knedlíky are dumplings, and a kavárna is a café. English or German may help in some conversations, but neither is assured in a smaller town or with a particular person. Carry the Czech spelling of a destination and learn a few basic requests.
Useful to know
- Keep Czech spellings, including diacritics, when searching for places such as Český Krumlov or Kutná Hora.
- Learn a few Czech greetings and food words for smaller towns and local menus.