What were the hardest parts of settling into life in Hungary?

Hi everyone,Hungarian here.I’m doing some early research for a set of practical, everyday language and life toolkits aimed at people who’ve recently moved to Hungary. The goal is to make those first days and weeks — when the language feels unfamiliar and everyday tasks take much more effort than expected — a bit easier to navigate.I’d really appreciate hearing from people who’ve already gone through this:What were the biggest challenges when you first arrived?This could be things like:– situations where English wasn’t enough– administrative or everyday tasks that were unexpectedly difficult– cultural norms that weren’t obvious– moments where a small amount of local language knowledge would’ve helped a lotI’m trying to base this on real experiences rather than assumptions, so any insights are very welcome.Thanks in advance for sharing. - @xenoph

English is rarely enough.   I wouldn't recommend people go to Hungary.  Language skills amongst the population are abysmal.   People in places like Croatia speak much better English.  Hungarian is a niche language for the region.  I've lived in Hungary for years and I can hardly speak it.  I understand stuff but my wife does all the HU necessities.    My fall back was German but even that is becoming harder.  My kids and wife are all learning Spanish currently in case Orban gets back in as  Mrs Fluffy says we should leave then.

@fluffy2560

On the borders, you will find that they speak 2 languages, Hungarian and the neighbouring language. Like in Soppron they will speak Hungarian and German in the shops. I've also noticed that the younger generation will speak some English, but not always. Quite possibly, English, as in a lot of places, will be spoken in tourist areas, and if you are very lucky, you might find an English menu in restaurants. 

@fluffy2560

Thanks for sharing your experience — that’s useful context.

What you describe around English not being enough, relying on a partner for Hungarian-only situations, and the difficulty of finding a practical middle ground between “no Hungarian” and full fluency is exactly the kind of gap I’m trying to understand better. Not to push anyone toward full language learning, but to see where small amounts of targeted language knowledge could reduce day-to-day friction.

I’m mainly interested in identifying those specific situations where the language barrier creates the most practical difficulties for people who are already living here. Your perspective helps clarify that.

@fluffy2560
Thanks for sharing your experience — that’s useful context.
What you describe around English not being enough, relying on a partner for Hungarian-only situations, and the difficulty of finding a practical middle ground between “no Hungarian” and full fluency is exactly the kind of gap I’m trying to understand better. Not to push anyone toward full language learning, but to see where small amounts of targeted language knowledge could reduce day-to-day friction.

I’m mainly interested in identifying those specific situations where the language barrier creates the most practical difficulties for people who are already living here. Your perspective helps clarify that. - @xenoph

In that context, why should people learn a language that they are never going to use? Which brings me to Tourism again, that's where they will use English more.

@SimCityAT

It’s not about encouraging people to learn the full language. The idea is more of a toolkit: a small set of practical, easy-to-use phrases that help people handle different everyday situations with less friction. Not fluency -- just enough to navigate the basics more comfortably.

@SimCityAT
It’s not about encouraging people to learn the full language. The idea is more of a toolkit: a small set of practical, easy-to-use phrases that help people handle different everyday situations with less friction. Not fluency -- just enough to navigate the basics more comfortably. - @xenoph

Ahg sorry got this wrong way round there.

Do you mean both:

1. English > Hungarian
2. Hungarain > English

The forum isn't that active as much as we would like, but you have met Fluffy whome is English and married to a Hungarian, then there is a lovely American lady Marilyn, who is married to a Hungarian. So between them, I am sure they can help you.

I live in Austria, although I don't frequent Hungary often, but I do visit from time to time. My wife, who is Austrian visits more, but speaks better English than I do

So please feel free to shoot any further questions, and we shall be pleased to help.

Are you Hungarian yourself? I am intrigued to know how you learnt English so well. Was it through school or university? Because it is very good.

My wife, whose mother language is German, and only learnt English at school, but for some reason likes English better, most of her posts on Facebook are in English for some reason.

@SimCityAT

Thank you for the kind and thoughtful reply -- much appreciated. 🙂

At first the focus would be on English -->  Hungarian, helping English speakers navigate everyday situations in Hungary. If the idea proves useful, I could see branching out later into other base languages as well -- German would likely be the first, given how often it still comes up in the region.

And yes, I am Hungarian. I think the main value I can add comes from first-hand, lived experience and native-level familiarity with the systems that tend to feel confusing or opaque from the outside. I lived abroad (mostly the UK/Scotland) for several years when I was younger, but even before that I had a strong affinity for English -- partly from school, partly from personal interest and exposure.

If I may, I’d love to ask you all a few more specific questions, mostly to better understand real-world needs rather than theory:

1. In everyday life, which situations caused the most frustration because of language, even after living in the region for a while?

1. Were there moments where you felt that just a handful of well-chosen phrases would have made a big difference, without needing to “learn the language” properly?

1. Are there areas of daily life (admin, services, healthcare, shopping, transport, etc.) that you feel are poorly explained or assumed knowledge for newcomers?

1. For people who don’t aim for fluency, what would you consider “good enough” language support to feel more independent?

1. Looking back, is there anything you wish someone had explained early on that would have saved time or stress?

Any perspective is very helpful, and I appreciate you taking the time to engage -- especially given how quiet forums can be these days.

OK, here is my thoughts

1. In everyday life, which situations caused the most frustration because of language, even after living in the region for a while?

Paying for something

1. Were there moments where you felt that just a handful of well-chosen phrases would have made a big difference, without needing to “learn the language” properly?

Please, thank you, polite sayings

1. Are there areas of daily life (admin, services, healthcare, shopping, transport, etc.) that you feel are poorly explained or assumed knowledge for newcomers?

Where doctors, Pharmacists, train stations, supermarkets, and bus terminals are (basic directions).

1. For people who don’t aim for fluency, what would you consider “good enough” language support to feel more independent?

Pretty much as the 1st & 2nd questions

1. Looking back, is there anything you wish someone had explained early on that would have saved time or stress?

Can't say  anything

@fluffy2560
Thanks for sharing your experience — that’s useful context.
What you describe around English not being enough, relying on a partner for Hungarian-only situations, and the difficulty of finding a practical middle ground between “no Hungarian” and full fluency is exactly the kind of gap I’m trying to understand better. Not to push anyone toward full language learning, but to see where small amounts of targeted language knowledge could reduce day-to-day friction.

I’m mainly interested in identifying those specific situations where the language barrier creates the most practical difficulties for people who are already living here. Your perspective helps clarify that. - @xenoph

It's just basic questions one has or public administration one need to interact with. 

There's always a problem with opening one's mouth in English with tradespeople.  The price goes up as the locals perceive foreigners as being rich.  So I usually keep my mouth shut and leave Mrs Fluffy to deal with that kind of thing.   

It's a lot easier in other countries where the language is similar in some way to English.  German for example.

BTW our kids are bilingual but they are pretty much stuck when it comes to complex matters.   They don't have vocabulary to deal with technical or slang stuff.  They sound English with slight accents.  But there are gaps.  They don't know common phrases like "Let's have a brew".  I guess it's hardly surprising as they were completely educated in Hungary.

Thanks for the additional insights — much appreciated.

All the points about basic questions, admin interactions, payment situations, and the hesitation around using English with tradespeople are helpful to hear. It’s useful to see how these everyday moments can become stress points.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your experiences.