Czech: A Complete Course for Beginners

First off: Most of these bad reviews are coming from tourists who really only need to learn a couple of phrases like, "where is the shopping center?" and "will you take my picture?" This program is designed for people who want to learn the actual basics of the language and communicate effectively with native Czech-speakers. Since it was designed for that purpose, it is most definitely a terrible phrase book. But it isn't trying to be a phrase book, now, is it? In any event, I have had a lot of success with this book. It's packed with a ton of information and the grammar points are laid out so they can be absorbed as painlessly as possible. Occasionally awkward phrases (like "My, they're in a hurry") seem to be the author's attempt to stress vocabulary, not merely goofy phrase supplements. The unit that it appear in introduces the verb "spchat" (to hurry), and the phrase is actually a nice way to get it to stick in your head. That being said, this book does have one weak point in particular: there isn't nearly enough audio for it to be your only resource. Also, this isn't really a problem for me, but it seems to be a problem for some other reviewers; this book won't hold your hand while it walks you through the lessons. The back cover is misleading when it says you can progress quickly. You have to spend a LOT of time soaking up all the details they throw at you, because they do pop up later. Overall, though, the course is very comprehensive, you just need to actually spend some time studying. Of course, if you're very averse to studying, perhaps learning an entire language is not for you :(

I've been studying Czech out of this book since July 2006. It's the only comprehensive overview of the Czech language out there, and it's great. The book is very well written and edited. It's very concise and explains everything you need to know about the language in a logical and sequential way. If you are truly devoted to learning the language in depth, this is the book for you. Be aware however, you will need to make flashcards, listen to Czech internet radio and rent Czech movies, take notes from the book, and perhaps purchase Josef Fronek's Czech-English dictionary. If you really want to put the time in - this is the book for you. But it's VERY difficult, and is like doing a Sudoku puzzle every time you sit down to read it. If you just want to learn a couple of useful phrases, check out the in-flight Czech CD or Berlitz's tape on Czech expressions. Stay away from the Pimsleur 5CD set, because it's extremely boring.

There are two primary goals to master when trying to learn Czech. The first is attempting to learn all of the various rules for endings changes (and the numerous irregulars and exceptions). The second is building vocabulary and conversational ability. Short wisely leans toward the second goal and gently introduces the labyrinth of grammatical rules as needed. If the first goal is stressed, it is hard not to feel overwhelmed and give up.

Disregard my earlier review. The text of this wonderful book has now been fully corrected. It is a "must have" for anyone wanting an introduction to the Czech language. Czech is a most difficult language but TY Czech explains the difficult Czech grammar well.

David Short has put together a wonderful text. Truly comprehensive, it goes far beyond the usual survival guide. Each unit is wonderfully laid out and all information is introduced clearly and at a comfortable pace. The "something extra" section at the end of each unit provides an informative and interesting glimpse into Czech culture and lifestyle. While it is a complete language course, this traveller found the dialogues and exercises perfectly appropriate for someone travelling to the Czech Republic. Pick it up today! (And then hope that Short puts out an intermediate coursebook soon...