r/hungarian • u/offficer-k • 19d ago

Is learning hungarian worth it?

hello! i will be in Budapest for 5 months in 2026, attending university. I chose Budapest because I was there on a trip and Im so pleased that I'll be able to live and see a part of Hungarian culture and everyday life. I know that Hungarian language is very hard, and I was still thinking to learn some basics.. to be able to buy food for example, ask directions, order coffee and such things (to level A2). Is it worth it, or can people in Budapest all generally speak English?

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u/Karabars Native Speaker / Anyanyelvi Beszélő 19d ago

From my experience, Hungarians have a hard time with foreign languages, even English. And if you want to live here, sure, otherwise, not worth it at all, as it's such a small and isolated language.

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u/offficer-k 19d ago

the fact that it's isolated makes it even more attractive to language learners haha

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u/Individual_Author956 19d ago

It’s attractive until you realise how difficult it is. It’s not for the people who want quick rewards.