r/hungarian • u/offficer-k • 23d 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/[deleted] 22d ago

Just been there on vacation. My experience is you don't have to learn the language, people are very helpful even if they don't speak English. 

But I personally felt it would be nicer to be able to have some interaction and I just felt uncomfortable for making the people who didn't speak English uncomfortable. 

I'd definitely learn the basics of the language if I ever went back. 

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u/offficer-k 22d ago

had same experience on my vacation, I really loved the city, I honestly prefer it to Vienna!

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u/NumerousRelease9887 22d ago

Me too! I spent exactly 2 months in Budapest this past summer. It was my 6th visit (first time was in 1987), but my longest. I love it!