Many expats ask the same questions before starting: Is Hungarian hard? and how long does it take to learn Hungarian?
Hungarian has a reputation for being difficult, especially for English speakers. It is very different from most European languages, but that does not mean it is impossible to learn.
Why Does Hungarian Feel Hard at First?
Hungarian feels challenging mainly because it works differently from languages like English, French or Spanish.
- It uses suffixes instead of prepositions
- Word order is flexible
- There are many grammatical cases
- Vocabulary is unfamiliar to most learners
The good news is that Hungarian pronunciation is very logical. Words are pronounced exactly as they are written.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Hungarian?
The time needed depends on how often you practice and your learning method.
- Basic communication: 6–12 months
- Everyday conversations: 1–2 years
- Advanced level: several years of regular practice
Is Hungarian Really That Hard?
Hungarian is not harder than other languages — it is just different. Learners who focus on speaking early and practicing regularly usually progress faster than they expect.
How to Make Learning Hungarian Easier
- Start with short, useful sentences
- Use simple verbs like kell, szeret, akar
- Practice speaking from the beginning
- Accept mistakes as part of the process
- Practice with locals in real situations