Signification
Confirming lack of comprehension
Contexte culturel
The 'Vykání' (formal address) is strictly observed with strangers. Using 'vám' is a sign of being a 'slušný člověk' (decent person). Slovak is very similar to Czech. You can say 'Nerozumiem vám' (with an 'e') and you will be perfectly understood in Bratislava. In Prague's international bubbles, people often switch to English immediately if they hear 'Nerozumím vám', but they appreciate the effort of the Czech phrase first. In formal Czech documents, 'Vám' is often capitalized as a sign of extreme respect, though in speech, it sounds the same.
The Magic Word
Always add 'Promiňte' (Excuse me) before the phrase to sound extra polite.
The 'Ti' Trap
Avoid 'ti' with strangers; it can make you sound like you're talking down to them.
Signification
Confirming lack of comprehension
The Magic Word
Always add 'Promiňte' (Excuse me) before the phrase to sound extra polite.
The 'Ti' Trap
Avoid 'ti' with strangers; it can make you sound like you're talking down to them.
Body Language
A slight tilt of the head and a puzzled look helps convey the meaning even if your pronunciation is off.
Patience
Czechs are generally patient with learners; saying this phrase shows you are trying.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the formal 'you' in the dative case.
Promiňte, pane, ne-rozumím ____.
The verb 'rozumět' always requires the dative case. 'Vám' is the dative form of 'Vy'.
Which sentence is appropriate to say to a stranger on the street?
Choose the correct phrase:
'Nerozumím vám' is the correct formal version. 'Nerozumím ti' is informal.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are talking to your Czech grandmother.
Family members use the informal 'ty' (dative 'ti').
Complete the dialogue.
A: Mluvíte česky? B: Jen trochu. ____.
This means 'I don't understand everything you say,' which is a natural A1/A2 response.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesPromiňte, pane, ne-rozumím ____.
The verb 'rozumět' always requires the dative case. 'Vám' is the dative form of 'Vy'.
Choose the correct phrase:
'Nerozumím vám' is the correct formal version. 'Nerozumím ti' is informal.
You are talking to your Czech grandmother.
Family members use the informal 'ty' (dative 'ti').
A: Mluvíte česky? B: Jen trochu. ____.
This means 'I don't understand everything you say,' which is a natural A1/A2 response.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it's shorter and perfectly fine, but adding 'vám' makes it more personal and polite.
'Vám' is dative (to you), 'vás' is accusative (you). 'Rozumět' always takes the dative.
No, it's much ruder to pretend you understand and then do the wrong thing!
Say 'Nerozumím vůbec ničemu'.
Yes, 'vám' is appropriate for a taxi driver.
Use 'Nerozumím ti'.
'Nechápu' is more informal and often implies frustration. Stick to 'Nerozumím' for language issues.
Say 'Nerozumím vám. Mluvíte anglicky?'
In Czech, negation is a prefix that becomes part of the verb itself.
Yes, but capitalize it: 'Nerozumím Vám'.
Expressions liées
Nerozumím ti
similarI don't understand you (informal)
Nechápu
synonymI don't get it
Prosím?
relatedPardon?
Můžete to zopakovat?
builds onCan you repeat that?
Mluvte pomaleji
builds onSpeak slower
