Bedeutung
Asking if there is no cost
Kultureller Hintergrund
Czechs are very price-sensitive and love 'akce' (sales). Asking 'Je to zdarma?' is a sign of a smart shopper, not a 'cheap' person. Many attractions in Prague offer 'free' entry on certain days (e.g., National Gallery). Always check the website for 'vstup zdarma'. Unlike in the US, bread and water are often NOT free in Czech restaurants. Always ask before you eat the bread basket. Czech e-shops often use 'Doprava zdarma' (Free shipping) as a major selling point.
The 'Zadarmo' Twin
Don't worry if you hear 'zadarmo' instead of 'zdarma'. They are the same thing! 'Zdarma' is just a bit more 'proper'.
The Water Trap
In Czech restaurants, if you ask for 'vodu' (water), they will bring expensive bottled water. Always ask 'Je kohoutková voda zdarma?'
Bedeutung
Asking if there is no cost
The 'Zadarmo' Twin
Don't worry if you hear 'zadarmo' instead of 'zdarma'. They are the same thing! 'Zdarma' is just a bit more 'proper'.
The Water Trap
In Czech restaurants, if you ask for 'vodu' (water), they will bring expensive bottled water. Always ask 'Je kohoutková voda zdarma?'
1+1 Zdarma
Look for signs that say '1+1 zdarma'. This is the Czech version of 'Buy One Get One Free'.
Don't be shy
Czechs are very practical. It is perfectly normal to ask if something is free. It doesn't make you look poor; it makes you look smart.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct word to ask if the coffee is free.
Je ta káva ______?
'Zdarma' means free of charge. 'Volná' means unoccupied.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Vstup do muzea je dnes ______.
'Zdarma' is the standard adverb for 'free of charge'.
Match the question to the situation.
1. Je tu volno? 2. Je to zdarma?
Use 'volno' for space and 'zdarma' for money.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tady je váš dárek. B: Děkuji! Je to ______?
All are technically correct, but 'zdarma' is the most neutral and common.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Zdarma vs. Bezplatně vs. Zadarmo
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenJe ta káva ______?
'Zdarma' means free of charge. 'Volná' means unoccupied.
Vstup do muzea je dnes ______.
'Zdarma' is the standard adverb for 'free of charge'.
1. Je tu volno? 2. Je to zdarma?
Use 'volno' for space and 'zdarma' for money.
A: Tady je váš dárek. B: Děkuji! Je to ______?
All are technically correct, but 'zdarma' is the most neutral and common.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot at all! It is a very practical and common question in the Czech Republic.
'Zdarma' is slightly more formal/standard, while 'zadarmo' is more colloquial. They mean the same thing.
No, that would be offensive. To say someone is free (available), use 'má čas'.
It is 'doprava zdarma'.
Sometimes. You must ask for 'kohoutková voda'. Some places charge a small service fee.
No, 'zdarma' is an adverb and never changes its form.
It means 'Buy one, get one free'.
Yes, as slang or in informal business contexts, but 'zdarma' is much more common.
Ask 'Je tu volno?' or 'Je toto místo volné?'
Usually only for small children or seniors over 70. Check local rules.
Verwandte Redewendungen
zadarmo
synonymfree (colloquial)
bezplatně
synonymfree of charge (formal)
v ceně
similarincluded in the price
za hubičku
specialized formdirt cheap
darovat
builds onto give as a gift
