One of the first questions people ask when considering buying a home or emigrating to Hungary is: “Can I actually get by with English?” The honest answer: it depends entirely on where you are. In Budapest, you can go a long way, but once you step outside the capital, things quickly become more challenging.
Budapest
In Budapest, many young people and hospitality staff speak decent English. You can generally navigate cafes, restaurants, and hotels without issue. English is also the standard at international schools and universities.
However, do not expect to be helped in English effortlessly across the entire city. At government offices, tax bureaus, or healthcare institutions, Hungarian is almost exclusively spoken. Even simple tasks like filling out forms are done in Hungarian. Without assistance, these administrative hurdles are nearly impossible for most foreigners to clear.
University Cities: Szeged, Pécs, and Debrecen
In cities with large universities, you will hear English more frequently, particularly among the student population. But once you step outside university circles—into local shops, schools, or municipal offices—you’ll quickly notice that English is not a given. While younger generations often speak a bit, older generations usually do not.
Lake Balaton
At Lake Balaton, you can get by quite well with English today. Younger people and those working in tourism are increasingly fluent. While German remains useful—especially among older residents and tourists from Germany and Austria—it is no longer the “must-have” language it once was. For those renting out a holiday home, an English-language listing works perfectly well, though adding German as an option is always a smart move.
The Countryside
In rural areas, you shouldn’t assume English will get you very far. Older generations often speak only Hungarian. Even if younger residents studied English in school, they rarely speak it fluently in practice. German is also rarely heard in these regions.
For daily life—the bakery, the GP, or an appointment at the town hall—a little Hungarian is essential. Even simple words like “köszönöm” (thank you) or “jó napot” (good day) make a massive difference. The best part? Locals appreciate it enormously when you try, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.
Daily Life & Hospitality At a Glance:
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Dining in Budapest: Usually decent English.
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Dining in University Cities: Variable; students generally speak English.
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Dining around Balaton: English is usually good; German is often helpful.
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Dining in the Countryside: Almost exclusively Hungarian.
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Supermarkets: Younger staff may speak limited English; older staff generally do not.
Government and Official Institutions
The language barrier is most significant at official institutions. Nearly everything is conducted in Hungarian. Whether you need to arrange your residency card (address card), fill out a tax form, or handle insurance: it is almost impossible without help. This is precisely why we assist newcomers, as this part of the move is often the most complex.
Learning the Language: More Than Just Practical
I always recommend that anyone moving here learns at least a little Hungarian. It doesn’t have to be perfect—even a few sentences make a world of difference. Once you speak a tiny bit of the language, doors start to open. You’ll connect with locals more easily, strike up conversations, and before you know it, you’ll be invited over for dinner or drinks.
Hungarians deeply appreciate the effort you put into their language. And here is something many people don’t realize: Hungarians love the Dutch and international visitors. Many Hungarians have visited Western Europe and are often excited to share stories once they realize where you are from. It makes every interaction more personal and rewarding.
Conclusion
English is increasingly spoken in Hungary, but it is not universal. In Budapest and university towns, you’ll be fine. Around Lake Balaton, English is becoming the standard, though German still helps. In the countryside, a basic grasp of Hungarian is indispensable.
Don’t see the language as a barrier, but as an opportunity. With just a few words of Hungarian, you’ll often make friends for life.
