Czech beer culture isn’t just about drinking - it’s a social ritual. Knowing a few key phrases can turn a clumsy tourist moment into a smooth, authentic experience. Whether you’re at a Prague pub or a small-town brewery, these phrases will help you navigate menus, chat with locals, and avoid accidentally ordering a salad when you wanted a dark lager.
Ordering Beer Like a Pro
- Jedno pivo, prosím. ("One beer, please.") – The universal opener.
- Dvanáctku / Desítku? – Refers to beer strength (12° or 10°). Unless you want something light, go for the dvanáctku.
- Tmavé / světlé? – Dark or light beer. For a classic Czech taste, try a tmavé (dark).
Tip: If you’re unsure, ask for a nefiltrované pivo (unfiltered beer) - it’s fresher and often unpasteurised.
Toasting and Drinking Etiquette
Na zdraví!
/na ˈzdraviː/“To your health!”
The standard Czech toast. Make eye contact when clinking glasses - it’s bad luck not to.
- Přidáte se? – "Care to join us?" A polite way to invite others.
- Ještě jedno! – "One more!" Use cautiously.
Navigating the Pub
Traditional Czech pubs (hospoda) often have quirks:
- Tables are usually shared. Ask Je tu volno? ("Is this seat free?") before sitting.
- Servers mark your tab on a paper coaster. To pay, say Zaplatím. ("I’ll pay.")
Brewery Visits
If you’re touring a brewery (pivovar), these phrases help:
- Máte prohlídku? – "Do you offer tours?"
- Jaké pivo zde vaříte? – "What beer do you brew here?"
Fun fact: The Czech word for "brewmaster" is sládek. If you meet one, a respectful Dobré pivo! ("Good beer!") goes a long way.
When Things Go Wrong
- To pivo je zkažené. – "This beer is off." (Rare, but good to know.)
- Nemůžu najít toaletu. – "I can’t find the toilet." (Priorities.)
For more Czech vocab, check out our guide to the Czech alphabet or how to sound cute with diminutives.
