@@barbos2765 because living in the state, because of that mentality of the citizens is miserable. I grew up here and getting along with average (even young) Czech person is borderline impossible. Czechs are one of the most unfriendliest people in the world, and then they complain why everyone shits on them.
Problem of pissed checkout ladies isn't faced only to foreigners. They are underpaid and overworked and just irritated by it. Pro tip: shop in lidl, they are always friendly there, because they have (more) fair wages. Also pro tip: if you say dobrý den or ahoj (hello) you get waaay better treatment, because if you show serious interest in inclusion, you get included. That's just how it works. It's kinda make me sad when people complain about Czechs being rude but on the same hand they don't show any will to be integrated. It's that simple. Of course, there are, like anywhere else, people who just don't like foreigners, but that's very small part of population. Rules are: say dobrý den ((i wish you a) good day - it's ahoj (hello), but with more "respect" to it) when you come in, děkuji (thank you) after you end the transaction with cashier and nashledanou (bye) on your way out. You get same treatment as Czechs, I can almost guarantee you.
There are welcoming cultures and not welcoming cultures. Czech(at least from Prague) are not welcoming culture, welcoming means not to expect others to integrate on their own, but people who host understand that foreigner can struggle with lots of stuff and help. Czechs expect everyone to speak fluent czech when you make first step on their soil. I know a czech guy, who agrees with this, because he lived in different countries, had same struggles and he understands that his culture is not welcoming, some other cultures are. This is not negative, just how it is. There are cultures which are too welcoming, so you want to run away from people who really want to help yiu with everything but you just want to take your time. People are different for sure, and I've met different people of course but in majority at least czechs from Prague cannot be identified as welcoming
Agreed, I have had to travel to Prague on multiple ocations and the more you make an attempt to adapt to them the more open they will be (within their own cultural lines). That about people not starting a conversation is BS though. I've had czechs randomly try to talk to me and then find ourselves faced with a language barrier haha, specially if you want to party.
If a Czech fails to say "Dobrý den", he/she will get a cold treatment as well. Czechs require certain formal manners in formal settings. And some blue collar workers often openly demand respect for their hard work.
@@andrew10028 I think that Prague is part of the problem. Majority of ppl there are overworked, want to get home as soon as possible or just don't have the time to deal with foreigners, because from experience we know that ppl who don't try to say "Dobrý den"/"Ahoj" are tourists, don't plan to stay for long and usually ask questions which are hard for lot of ppl to answer (not many ppl are fluent in English, older folks (50+) are sometimes still fluent in german or russian, but middleaged ppl and 30 y.o. struggle with languages and those who don't are rarely seen on public transportation or low end jobs). There is a rule: the futher from Prague and the better looking town, the more ppl will speak English and the more welcoming they will be (let's face it: Brno is very similar or even worse than Prague, but Plzeň or Liberec are much better in this aspect). I'm native and live very close to Prague and this rule is applied to even us: if I ask for directions in Prague they will give me as short answer as possible and go on with their day, but in a smaller towns ppl helped me out and even walked me to the place I needed to find
First: you've asked people coming from the southern/oriental cultures. Their normal behavior isn't normal in central Europe. We find such behavior to be even intrusive. The Scandinavian people would probably answer differently. Second: yes, we can be friendly and warm. But first we must know you a bit, and you must deserve it. A "friend" in our culture means much more than a "friend" on Facebook. Third: the girl was right, that few basic words and phrases in Czech make wonders. Because they show your interest, respect and good will. All the things, the numerous uninvited visitors in our long and turbulent history used to come without.
That is a lie. A friend in Czech culture means an acquaintance. Czech people generally do not keep lifelong friends and do not form close relationships.
@@diggernick8628 I don't know your experience. But I'm old. And believe me, in our generation the friendship wasn't the instant thing for one use. If you are Czech, you'd apparently look for better people to make friend with.
@@diggernick8628 Jsem rodilá Češka a tohle prohlášení není pravdivé, je to jen něčí subjektivní názor, ne obecná pravda. Naopak, drtivá většina má přátele dlouholeté, od školy a z dětství, někdo ze studií, ale vše dlouholeté vztahy.
@@IvaJelinkova-x3qA nebo je možné, že je z Prahy. Naplavil jsem se do Prahy už před 16 lety a mám pocit, že tím jak je to velké betonové bludiště plné lidí, kteří si spíš překáží a zároveň se moc nepotkávají ani nemají unikátní dovednosti, kterými by si vzájemně pomáhali, tak ta míra sociàlní propojenosti je mnohem nižší…🤔
For that Argentinian lady - Shocker! A lot of people in the Czech republic simply don’t speak English. If you ask them extremely nicely they still won’t understand you. Also, 90% of cashiers are either foreigners (Ukrainians) or Czechs with low education. These people don’t speak English, they usually have difficult life, difficult job, not much money, and they are being talked to in English, French, German, Russian, etc. It is the absolute minimum to learn 5-10 sentences so you can shop in Czech language. How is that a problem? As an expat you need to join expat groups - where you most definitely meet some Czechs. And you should most definitely learn at least some Czech. If you live here for a year and nobody talks to you at your work, at your sports club, and you made zero friends, the problem is you, not the Czech republic. Like seriously, how could you blame ~2mil people living in Prague aglo. for being rude and not friendly without taking some personal responsibility?
Once I was taken aback as I was approached by a group of Koreans in Náměstí republiky. One dude among them spoke to me in broken Czech and it was astonishing! Turns out they were here to spread Christianity of all things lol
The Czech people are obviously not as welcoming as Southern nations. I ascribe it to the climate and historical experience. 😂 The tourists and expats are forgetting that central Europe has always been the ground of foreign invasions. Historically, foreigner invaded, killed, looted, introduced their rules and held the Czechs in check. It is not so long ago that Russian soldiers were forced to leave. Imagine, just 35 years ago being open to a stranger ( not even a foreigner) might land you in jail, you could lose your job, your kid couldn’t study… it is still instilled in older generations. Not to speak of the fact that they were not taught to speak languages and are ashamed they cannot speak well. I don’t think they are unfriendly, it just take much longer to get there but then it is worth it. Customer service is truly bad though😂😂.
@@posawesome Of course they were, but I am talking about the Czech republic. There are many other factors that contribute to the character of culture. Nations in our geographical position are less friendly and open, I guess the climate plays a role as well. Or do you think that Germans and Austrians and Scandinavians are as welcoming as people in Afrika or Middle-east? By the way, I have no experience with friendliness and openess of people in Middle-east and Africa, so hard to judge.
Greeks were under the invasion of Turks for 400 years, what are you saying about central Europe being invaded? There is absolute no reason for Czechs to be rude ..
It's funny. I usually don't talk to the people in the store at all and they are not rude at me... Sometimes I have a feeling that I live in a different country. And that Argentinian girl also don't understand the fact that most of the people in Prague hates tourist and they are not willing to make the city more pleasant for them. And I would suggest her to go to Buenos Aires and check how many locals would speak with her in English... They didn't speak English even on the front desk of Novotel hotel...
He's not saying that you are tourists. The woman used tourists as an argument, that Czechs in Prague must be used to tourists. He's responding to that.
@@UsmevavyPanacek U aint supposed to know/assume shit, u should treat Humans equally.. If it wasn't logical to you from the start That just means u are not good at it, and that's exactly whats the ppl in this video series are referring..
@@pookista Original comment was about people of Prague (and of many cities with intense tourism) being sick of tourists. Sure, people should judge others case by case, but that is not how human brain works, and speaking foreingn language is easy identifier. Maybe you missed the point about using the language usually helps. I could also point out, that tourists ain't supposed to misbehave. Or that person with even a smidge of empathy should understand, that working at service sector in tourist heavy locations could be incredibly mentally draining.
I'm not going to be enthusiastic about people who want something and have expectations and don't offer anything. I really don't understand why I should talk to someone just because the other person wants to. The only weird thing about it is the fact that foreigners take it personally. But this is exactly how we behave towards each other. It is a practical way of communication. In such a society, only a criminal or a madman would report to you like that. We only get to know each other by chance. And the opportunity is not that I'm going somewhere on the opposing team. It is not enough. For us, a friend is not just a person we know well. For us, a friend is a person for whom we would lay down our own life. Then don't be surprised that it takes a while for such a person to become friends with you. On the contrary, he expects the same devotion from you. Are you able to offer it? Or just complain that no one treats you like a little kid? 😉🖖
Coming to the Czech republic at 32 she offers her labour. That's plenty of offering. Or maybe she should work for free and thank the Czechs every day for her luck?
@@konstantinospitas1993 Well thats maybe true, but with less and less working places, this is also little downside. People can see foreginers as a thread that way (maybe Iam wrong).
@@MarvinCZ That's right, she probably works, gets paid and expects *more than the basics from her new country*, namely a sense of community. Turns out the Czechs don't know how to provide that and are also proud of their bad manners. Congrats 👏 👏 👏 !
I don´t understand that girl when she is surprised if other girls in the sport club don´t talk to her, because not all of them speak english. So why she doesn´t talk to them in czech? I think that the problem is on her side. If i will move to spanish speaking country, i will also not complain that not everybody speaks english, but i will learn spanish to make friends.🤔
100% Czech reaction - (i am also czech, so i can tell). You never take anything from negative feedback even if its partly true and you start to attack the person who is negative. The customer service in czech is really really poor and thats fact and not only to foreigners.
@davidpelc, Czech is one of the hardest languages. I lived for 17 years in Prague and my Czech is ok. Still, Czechs will change to English or get weird looks when I take my time to try to express myself. It's also hard when someone who is not fluent, to just dive in into a group that speaks only Czech. Spanish is easy, so it's a stupid comparison. Try to go to Japan and then come back and let me know....
Your reply exemplifies what it means to have a "closed" vs an "open" culture. An open culture will help you integrate from when you arrive. A closed culture will wait for you to make a huge effort and then *maybe* let you integrate. Simply facts.
I am Slovak living in Italy and I can see why expats in Czech Rep. say it’s hard to make friends but on the other hand Czech people are very nice if you try to learn their language so I would say just try as hard as you can and don’t worry they know it’s hard so they are gonna appreciate that you’re trying. And also once you make friends with Czech people they just stay in your life almost forever and are very nice in the sense of helpful etc. And hey in other countries it’s the same I also had to learn Italian because no one in the world is going to make Italians speak English. Plus Italian has many dialects so it’s not easy but I came here so I learn. It’s stupid to move somewhere and expect the other county’s culture to change for you. And that’s everywhere. And look if you move to France people are gonna look bad at you if you don’t speak French. So I would say that to at least try to learn the language is basic politeness towards the local people that live in the place you moved to. And also nobody forced you to move you chose to move so you have to learn the language. Otherwise stay where you are and don’t complain.
It's interesting how I almost immediately didn't like the person who's later constantly complaining about Czech people being rude. What are the odds? 😂
@@Brookpitlik Oversimplification. If you keep spewing about everyone around you for that long, then the environment isn't the only issue. Although, why am I even borhering explaining it? You and her would obviously be great friends.
@@teremin You just reacted like every typical Czech. Antagonisticly and arrogantly. As a Czech person myself I know from my own experience that Czech people are just unfriendly in general.
Any country I got it I at least learn to say please, thank you and do you speak English. I never go up to someone without those. And I say it with a smile. Haven’t had a problem. Even was at a small Czech village the other day and a young and old woman spoke English perfectly after I asked in Czech. I thought this was common sense.
It's quite surprising how these guys got a generic question and decided to mock the country most of the time. They could be like: "Oh yeah Czech culture! Rich history, beautiful architecture and castles, tasty beer and laid back/calm people who give you space, beautiful nature too!" These are facts and I heard none of that! Why do they stay there if the only nice thing they got to say was that people are patient and stand in lines. The money? Ok, but you stay in a foreign country so you learn the language and the culture because its your duty as an individual to adapt not a duty of 10 million people who live in their country. Perhaps they are not happy so they wanted to spit out things which bother them, but it's so weird they feel misunderstood but don't care that Czechs may feel misunderstood by them as well. It works also the way around you know? They seem to be too closed to you? You seem to be too personal! They seem too quiet? You seem too noisy! They seem to be emotionless? You seem overreacting! They seem to be distanced? You don't give others space! They seem too organized? You seem chaotic! Imagine someone thinks you are emotionless, cold or unfriendly because in your culture people don't express emotions so openly and readily and it's completely normal for you but someone feels uncomfortable because of that. Btw its not only Czechs, it's whole central/eastern and northern Europe that would appear like that to these people from the "southern cultures". That's the thing...
I didn't mock your country GUY, on the contrary, I'm (trying...) to make money, culture and art with your country and fellow countryman! Just because I don't want to learn your language or greet you with Dobrý den or Ahoj, doesn't make me rude! IF you have a code that you wish to be addressed, YOU as the country, should communicate it the moment we enter M.O.I. or whatever pub! Filoxenia (Φιλοξενία ) = hospitality (butchered from us) means Friend of a stranger/foreigner! Regardless our cultural differences... I completely agree with the whole eastern EU part, hell, even in Vienna was the same!!! 😂🎉😅
@@DimitriosSpanos-o3t Well, you don't mock my country, GUY. Because I am not Czech, neither do I live there. My opinion is that out of the respect towards the society in which you live, you should learn the language to function there fully. I lived in two foreign countries and I learned both languages. One can't live in a country and expect everyone will treat him as a Noble, letting him know in every pub what is right and what is wrong in a given place and culture. It's for one to understand his surroundings in my opinion and not vice versa. It seems weird to me that someone doesn't want to assimilate and doesn't understand that locals may have an expectation to communicate in their native language while he himself has an expectation that the locals would speak a foreign language, for example. It just seems weird to me, personally. Everyone has a right to make a decision, but they shouldn't expect everyone to like their decision, they need to live with certain consequences that come with it. So why would those people complain then? I understand if someone visits for a vacation or is there for a temporary job, it's a different story. I wish you good luck.
Nobody should learn Czech if they are a foreinger, the languege is stupidly hard to learn and not worth it. Learn more usefull languege like german, which czech people try to learn to finally leave this hole
This video is not relevant at all actually. Guys you are talking about Prague not whole country... Big difference.. Prague is soo anonymous even for people from Czech.. I cannot agree with 99% of what is said in the video - when speaking about country as a whole🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ Do the guys know the history as well?? Perhaps there is a reason why older people cannot speak english or are bit careful with foreigners... Think and learn bit of the history first.... 😔🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
And I actually mostly agree with the video. + it is their subjective experience not yours and yes mostly from prague. Btw one them said that people outside of prague have been more approachable and kind, have you even watched it? :)
And good to know why. The germans owners of retails chains pushing cashiers to make done whole proces from scan first item to acomplish payment in strict time limit. So send Your notice to german owners 😂. We dont like the cashier racing too 😂.
That turkish and greek guys got it nailed. I am CZ myself, living close to Prague, and half of my life spent in the capital itself. And while in Prague it is true - mostly you have no issues using english, going to suburbs or farer - it gets more difficult to find EN speaker. Still, in Prague - we usually have no issues with EN lang. The same for other big cities, being it be Brno or Pilsen. Ostrava is out, but still - even there, a lot of businesses started with foreigh investments, and at least some portion of populace do speak EN. Generally, people over 50 are less likely to speak EN at all. But for us boomers, between 30's or 40's, we usually do speak well. I was quite sad for that latina girl. She had bad community around her. As for the indian guy - it is quite spot-on. I work with a lot of indians at my work, and those who moved to Prague share similar views. Best one - greek guy looked like being stoned whole the time. Still, his views are most accurate. There is an old saying: Czechs do have very hard shell, but if you'll get through, you'll find very sensitive and talkative person inside. You just have to try harder.
Let's be friends. I am Czech guy in my forties, working in an international corporation, no locals among my colleagues. Do you want to practice your Czech with me? I seldom drink, read too much, walk a lot. I don't follow Czech art or culture, I am open to outside influences. PS: there were always people from other cultures here, we had people from Vietnam, Cuba, some African countries... but they were never in large numbers and very visible. A lot of people still only travel between Czech Republic and places like Croatia. They don't need to learn foreign languages to buy an ice cream in Croatia. The experience with people in hospitality industry or cashiers in supermarkets... they are usually only marginally above slave labour... they should smile more, but somehow they did not get the message about the American dream yet.
I like foreigners and I appreciate the diversity they bring, along with their different experiences and perspectives. I’ve had roommates from Uzbekistan, Cameroon, and Nigeria, and I’m always happy to help foreigners on the streets or have a random chit-chat....So, not all Czechs are the same
Very often, when it seems that we do not care, the truth is that we are just minding our business and respecting your privacy. And our definition of privacy may be stricter than you are used to - we for example do not share our religious beliefs or do not talk about family matters in the workplace. We are also very careful about strangers, who seem "suspiciously friendly" despite having never met them. During Communism, such people were often secret agents and in the 1990s, such people were often scammers. With that being said, finding new friends is difficult even for Czechs, for example when they move from one city to another. If you move into a village, you will be considered a stranger even ten years after having moved in. There is a reason, why the surname "Novák" (Newman) is so common. Communities are grown and created very slowly in our culture. In some places, where the communities were destroyed by ethnic cleansing (Sudetenland - Czechs expelled by Germans and then Germans expelled by Czechs) they have not recovered to this day.
Ohh common. You like staying in Czech Republic and enjoy benefits but you don't even want to learn at least basics of the Czech language. Go to Germany, then you will understand that Czech people are nice people. Take it or leave it
J'ai ri quand j'ai vu le commentaire à propos du métro. C'est la même chose au Japon 🇯🇵. Tout le monde fait le fil, attend que le monde débarque et ensuite monte tranquillement....😊
OMG! Seriously guys? I feel very sorry for you if is this happening :D Let's meet! I'm Czech in Prague and I'd love to meet new people here and do something crazy! You can't imagine how is hard find some new friends after 30! Lol Btw Czechs are not bad, but they are very scare say something badly in English so instead of learn something new or being embarrassing they gonna run or ignore you lol.
As I say.. the more people in Czech will speak English, the better the country will be even economically. But unfortunately we have lot of ignorant stupid people here and this won't change soon after years of mutual depression from Nacist and Soviets. It is a thing I see the pattern and yes most of people in Czech have damaged self concusses living in a safe Czech bubble. Everything that is not Czech is allien.
Let me say something about the customer services in Czechia. About 20 years ago I worked as cashier parttime in Tesco. And for one week I tried to do the smalltalk with every customer during scanning their goods. After one week of this "social experiment" the results were something like this: almost everyone gazed at me. Some people openly attacked me, how dare I am speaking to them. I had 3 written complaints on me for asking "how is your day going today". I had a sitdown with HR and I was almost fired from that job. Czechs and Slovaks are just like that. Another example. I moved from my small birthtown to a village 15km away to live with my wife. Even after 11 years, the locals here are still looking at me as outsider. Same country, same language, same region. Just as I was not born in that village, I am automatically an outsider. No wonder we cannot achieve anything. Unity and compasion are nonexistent terms in this country.
All of the problems the people in the video mention would be solved if they spoke the language. I get it it’s hard but how can you expect people to treat you as friends if they don’t even understand you
@@arthurmorgan830 English is THE languege to speak, languege of business and diplomacy, thats why its taught in czech schools, go touch grass before commentimg
@@posawesome yes in business or diplomacy, OR IN ENGLAND. But you’re in the Czech Republic so either learn the language or be okay with making only a few friend who are okay speaking English to you
I really wonder, how it is that capital cities often seem to have their own "way" of things. How can they be so different from the rest of their countries?
First of all there is no other city of a similar size here so the lifestyle is second to none in Prague. Also something a bit specific for the former eastern block is that when the economies wen't down for a while (at least in central Europe, its true that in many many post soviet countries of eastern Europe they have never even recovered) the big cities were providing opportunities that were not anywhere else after the economy imploded. Prague is state in a state. Totally different incomes compared to any other region. By GDP Prague is one of the richest regions of EU. The reality outside of Prague is totally different. Not bad - most of CZ is still pretty good place for life. But the capital is just something different.
There is so many tiny factors playing role. Not just in Prague … For one the size, dynamism of a big city… airport + international business almost exclusively in capital. Secondly- People from across all country, or rather specific subset of people from all people all around a country migrate to Capital for work (bureaucrats, entrepreneurs , highly ambitious people of all kinds) Thirdly - capital is where politics happens - it plays a role on mental state. People outside Capital often feel that they don’t have the same weight like the people from Capital… for example when I lived in Prague we often came to demonstrate our outrage over prime minister … and this outrage was in tens of thousands or hundred of thousands of people in the streets of Prague … it would be big proportion of Prague … people outside of Prague would vote differently and felt sour, that we from Capital tend to put our weight around just because we live in Capital (and I noticed this sentiment is shared across Europe and their criticisms of Capitals) All combined -> higher stress environment. And higher stress environment often begs more recreation and culture to compansate -> cultural elite. Completely different vibe in how to spend evenings etc etc
People in Prague are arrogant and lazy. In my job I often have to deal with products from different factories from several cities. There's always problem with products coming from Prague, they always come late and if you complain you can hear the arrogance in every sentence. And it's not just me. I told it to my friends and we realized everyone has the same experience.
For all expats.....almost everyody here speak english....BUT...we have our habits and we always when we meet anybody, we say " hello" or lets say " good day to you" ...Dobrý den" ....and thats necessity !!!!! if you dont start with that,,, we will consider you as RUDE....that mean automaticaly that we dost speak to you......its simple as that.....
Hey, I can be friend with all of them but my english is bad. Czechs are only ashamed to speak in foreign language. We are afraid of mistakes. And don’t forget a lot of older czech people were learning to speak Russian because of communism and on elementary school you can choose language which you want to learn so for example I was learning German. And finally everyone who is too friendly is someone we have to be careful with, because it means that they will violate our own boundaries, where we only allow family, for example. And it just needs a little time before we let you in closer. We are careful about ourselves.
If they want to speak to someone in english, then they should seek young people. From my point of view, younger generation (Gen Z), we can speak better english then the previous ones (because of history) and because we love english (at least I do lol) . I remember my mother said when she was learning english their teacher also had to learn english with them and teacher was few chapters ahead student (because it was new thing) . I am not sure if German and Russian language were the "dominant" ones back then (Idk like in 1970s, 1980 etc) . Sooo in conclusion, judging people in video they are older then , Gen Z, so I understand they don't approach us.
Don’t worry, people in grocery stores are unfriendly even to us locals so no need to feel excluded because you are foreigner, they basically excludes the customer in general, for bothering them to do their job!! 😂😂😂
The thing with Prague is that it is so touristy, many people actually start to view it as a negative. So that might be a reason why some cashiers don't like foreigners, idk. Some tourists can be loud and disrespectful, city centre becomes overcrowded and full of tourist traps so that it's kinda nightmare for a local to go around it. The center of Prague starts to become focused on tourists only, turning into some sort of a theme park or whatever and it's been a thing people complained for a while and there is actually a bit bitter sentiment about the touristy nature of Prague. Also many visitors from western countries view Czechia only as a cheap country to get wasted in and so on.
I am an American married to a Czech man. We visit Czech Republic often to visit his family. I have to disagree that Czechs are unilaterally rude. It's a cultural difference to many countries - the USA included - that they are very reserved upon first meeting them. I believe part of this stems from the formal vs. informal aspect of their language translating into real life formalities. I also think that living under Communism changed their culture to a large degree because you couldn't trust your. neighbors to not turn you in for saying something "wrong" or against the regime. In any event, I have been treated with nothing less than the most amazing hospitality and friendliness outside of Prague (Plzen and the surrounding areas is where his family resides). Everyone takes us in and can't feed us enough! Food is love in this country IMO. 🙃 That being said, the average Czech on the street will not smile at you and be superficial or warm towards you - they don't know you and don't care. But once they get to know you, or are even introduced to you by someone they like or care about, they you almost become family to them. I am always dismayed at this misconstruction of the Czech culture because it is a false assumption - and, I think, is more true in Prague than anywhere else. If I had to live with that many tourists around all the time I might be a little rude and cranky at times, too.
Ok I wont be writing an essay so I will say this 1. Learn the language of the country you are in if you wanna socialise, to be specific us Czechs learn basic English but over time forgot how to speak it (I know a lot of people who understand English but cant answer back) 2.the making friends only at a pub while being drunk is valid but there are other ways to get to know other people like joining team sports and such but to star You need attention some basic Czech (I understand that Czech is stupid language that is harder than English but come one you choose to live here adapt)
@@bhavesh655 i know alot of people here who know English well enough to speak but they aren't confident and/or are scared that they will offend you by their wrong grammar and such I would personally be happy to make aquintence or a friend who speaks English it would be good practice but I can't find any in Brno or I am looking in wrong places who knows
Well if I went to the UK and spoke only Czech, I would not have any friends too - so if u wanna live here, learn the language or go to some bigger nicer country where u can communicate - its always the same - language first! 🇨🇿
We are very careful with foreigners, because in history, when some foreigners came, they occupied us. But we can be friendly, you need to deserve it. Try Dobrý den, děkuji and nashledanou, and everything will become easier. And also for that lady from Argentine... People just dont know how to speak english. Especially older people, because they had to learn russian. Study some history please. There are some events in our history, that are very sensitive for us, like Munich agreement or russian invasion 1968. It is super important to know what was going on, if you want to understand some things about our thinking. So that is message from non-Prague Czech.
Ok, this is for Augustina. A hundred people a hundred tastes. A friend can be someone who is on the same page as me. I don't expect to be friends with a cashier who has thousands of annoying people at the register every day. I don't expect strangers to hug me right away. But if you are a foreigner, at least learn to say hello and thank you and, as a foreigner, be the first to show that you are coming in peace because we are sick of self-centered foreigners.
Many czechs have the attitude of "They should know at least hello and thank you in our language". A friend of mine is explicitly like this - if a foreigner approaches him with broken czech, he's gonna be helpfull because he sees the foreigner is at least trying. If however the foreigner starts with "Hello" or something, my friend will read it as arogance on the foreigner's side (He's in my country, but he expects me to speak his language?")
As a Czech, I cannot comperhand people who come here from Argentina, Turkey or Greece and start complaining. Buenos Aires vs. Prague - getting friends. I don't have to mention how people in Argentina care, or rather not care, about anything. I haven't experienced people being especially friendly or open to me as a foreigner. People seem to be very apathetic about pretty much everything, including foreigners. And no, if you come to Argentina and speak English, they won't try if they don't speak. Turkey and alcohol - the dude from Ankara complains that Czech people get drunk? People drink in all Europe and he should visit Istanbul - the largest city of his own country to see how Turkish people, including young girls, get wasted there. I'm not sure if I need to comment on the Greek guy, but I think we all know what Greece looks like beyond the fancy islands. The guy from India seems to be the most reasonable. He knows what India feels like and he is happy that people here are quiet and gentle.
I spent 4,5 years in Prague as a university student. All my female roommates were Czech. I can say from experience, the Czechs don't like foreigners. My last Czech roommate would not say ' Hello ' to me and we shared apartment for almost a year.
I think that the problem with english might be because a lot of people around 40+ didnt have the opportunity to learn that. It was forbidden to even listen to english music and watch english movies etc. I think thats why. My parents dont speak english that good also, although my mum is trying to learn it since i was born. But Im 20 and I dont know anyone my age that doesnt speak english. Even 10yo kids can speak english here because of Tiktok etc. Just try to speak to younger people you would be suprise.
Useless languege to learn, not worth it to make few dumb people like you happy, better to learn a usefull languege which more people speak, like German or Spanish or French
the reason why the 40/50 year old people and olders are so hard to engange is with is a very different reason tho, most of them grew up in a very different , restricted political regime , which thank god ended in 89.
The cashiers are ugly at me and I am Czech. Someone should tell them the speed is not everything. By the way, as far as for the customer service, I am glad the Ukrainians came here. They care much more.
I am Czech, and this is literally why I ran away from here at 18. There is no reason to be rude and cold because you don't know someone. I feel more home in Mexico than here where people just side eye you with weird faces for no frickin reason... misery loves misery, and trust me, the more open-minded of us have felt like aliens here, too. It's not true that everyone here is like that, but people in the Czech Republic are generally suspicious and jealous of those who seem to do better. Which is just painful to watch. 😂 I prefer to live where people smile for no reason. But even here you can have positive experiences. Lots of amazing people here. Unfortunately, most of them have terrible English, so good luck with assimilating. 😆
If you want to live in a country, and feel integrated, learn language, listen music, watch movies. I am foreigner and I have Czech friends and I feel good, and my level of Czech is average, for this 10y I have experience just few times some bad attitude and it was from some older generation. I strongly disagree with many of this comments from this interview, but maybe Brno is just different from Prague.
I used to live in Prague for 2 years and half. Czech people are just scared and dont have ANY interest in anything that is not Czech. I also met many foreigners that were fluent in Czech and they also confirmed that its very hard to get to know a czech person even if you speak the langauge. The reason? You just look different and as I said czech prefer czech things ONLY. Learning the language is useless when most of the people are closed off or they need pivo at 5 in a random hospoda. I think the trick is to meet the VERY FEW czech people that lived abroad and somehow returned or just stick with expats. This is the reality of any expat that would like to live in Prague or Czech Republic.
Just a country of alcoholics and close minded people that me myself don't like being around. I like to explore cultures and mentalities of other countries and I can say with confidence that the Czech mentality is behind for years years lacking critical thinking and so many people living in their little bubble. I'm born in Prague and have been living here for my entire live and can't wait for the day when I leave. (see these braindead comments from my fellow citizens asking tourist to speak Czech in order to interact with each other? I find it so ironic and ignorant. That is why I don't like to hire Czech people for international business because they just don't know anything about the outside world. Way better job is done by Philippines people or other than Czech person who is living in Czech bubble. Lack of service and customer support.. it is just shame..)
I'm not going to tell you you are wrong in your experience. I'd just like to offer the possible actual reason for that behaviour you might have experienced. At this point in time, 30+ yo Czechs are sons and daughters of people who used to live in fear of socialist regime with secret police in the streets being a real thing. To say a word against the regime could cost you your livelihood, your future, your freedom or even your life. And you can believe that twisting your words and intentions was easy enough to quickly teach us to be very mindful of what we say and to whom. You can imagine our moms and dads were adamant on teaching us to not talk to strangers. And yes, looking different do make you a stranger for sure. This is just a single thing from recent history that formed our cultural background - and there are many more things. Czechs are very closed people because of that. Not just to foreigners (who invaded our little country so many times), but even to each other. We need to know we can trust people around us and that takes time and effort. Just know that once you get over that initial wall so many tourists complains about, in many cases, you've got yourself a true friend for life.
Imagine live in a small country exactly in the middle of Europe and all Your neighbours invaded You at least once... We must know You, but when We do, Our hospitality can Be dangerous for You (in a good way)
I actually prefer to talk in English, because if you don't know Czech well enough it's just confusing. Also i like to talk to tourists more than my own people... even tho I'm a pretty closed person.
Yes, we are not easily approachable, but it just takes a little longer. The thing is, foreigners are often offended by our attitutde, but don't forget it is not because they are from other country. We act the same between our people. When we tell You to fuck off in the moment, it doesn't mean we can't start the life long friendship after a few minutes. It is funny how these very social and outgoing foreigners are so offended by our approach to communication. Just chill....not everyone wants to be Your friend, deal with it. It is not all time fiesta here, brother. We have all 4 seasons kicking our balls for centuries, we deserve to be a little grumpy. We are not like rolling on beaches and picking peaches from trees, man. :-D And we also are not like some nations, where they are "friendly" with everyone, but they don't really mean it much. It is more like politeness. We are more serious about friendship, when it comes to it.
Yeah 9:49 the expats are often afraid to try the czech language because it's truly difficult. But czechs appreciate so much when you try. You don't have to be good, just a simple phrases open the doors.
I believe that this czech mentality is just us not trusting strangers, because historically we constantly got metaphorically kicked in the crotch and evetually learned to expect the next kick in paranoia rather than get "surprised" again. Personally I believe prague is probably one of the worse cities in czech to visit. People tend to be decent here for the most part...
If you don't speak Czech, you're excluded from society, almost like its our native language that we speak to each other, and most of us don't rly speak English.
@@liu3chan Yeah, kids, but I dont think this video was really aimed ad kids and a lot of adults dont speak much english or they are not comfortable doing it and would rather speak czech. You cant expect people to change the way they communcate just to accomodate you, like some people wouldnt mind, but most of us would rather speak czech.
There is a lot of truth in this, and it is pointless to contradict the people's personal experiences in the video. I would point out that the fact that if people are used to tourists in a certain place does not mean that they like them there. After all, there are protests against mass tourism in Spain. Unfortunately, tourists sometimes behave like beasts and do not respect local culture or laws. The remark that the Czech Republic is a small country and therefore it is strange that we behave differently in different cities seems to me a bit... dumb and condescending. Capital cities are always very different for rest of the country in every country around the world.
Video description: " People in the Czech Republic are not just about being rude and drinking lots of beer " The 4-5 Foreigners: *consistently bashing Czech culture for the past 2-3 videos* Producer, you can do better.
@@TheMovementHub you can choose a wider circle as you can see they're being grilled in the comments by other people in the Czech Republic. If you choose people from the utmost center, their comments might come across as a bit detached from reality.
Ex South African here. Yes a white one. That one they never believe. You meet the people you expect to meet. BUT😂.... They are a bit closed off especially the older generation. Thank communism and the language barrier. Most appreciate it when you try and speak and warm up. Younger generation is more open for excatly the opposite
Prague is somewhat different than rest of the country, it's more individualistic and anonymous. What I can hear from your descriptions is you not understanding fundamentally how Czechs work and express things. From your native country you're used to different ways of life and that is okay, but it's your responsibility to try to asimilate. Your duty to sign up for language courses, try speaking czech (that is a big thing that will get you included, since it shows you are interested). You have to educate yourself about the history, that will give you a lot of important clues on what is maybe touchy, what not to discuss. Being an immigrant isn't an easy experience, but you chose this. You can't blame locals for not conforming to your ways and expectations.
They're a pretty grumpy lot but I have to say for sheer rudeness Hungarians win the gold medal, which for Eastern Europe is quite an accomplishment. (And no, I'm not ****ing calling it "Central Europe" no matter how many times you complain about it.)
I've live in CZ for 4 years and these are the kind of expats I can't stand. I doubt any of them have made any real effort to learn the culture or language.
Nah in czech republic its simply rude to not greet and thank in our language, we see people that imidiatly start talkin in other language as cocky and rude because someone tried to make us talk different language our whole history. learn how to say hello and thank you, bam majority of the problems solved. czechs are cold and distant to everyone even other czech people, we have our lives our bonds, dont bother when not invited thats how it works. also service here is kind if you are kind to them but you are also expected to have some etique in certain places, you dont? then they dont want you there. dont be loud, dont budge in to anyones personal space etc. its pretty simple. majority of the problems the woman had can be easily avoided with simple trick, try to get to know the culture of the people in the country you are in. simple as that, not trying to or hoping everyone will help you out is seen as rude and arogant here. thats simply how it is again and calling preson hypocrite for being the way they are because of their culture and history is not something that will help you make friends suprisingly. no one cares for your bs just as we dont expect others to care, you show effort, we show effort, you show respect, we show respect. smiles and hugs or anything doesnt show us respect or effort. czech people dont trust easily. thats it, ofc there are exceptions. but i am tired of seeing comments here trying to say how we are from foreigners that cant get over their own noses and acept why we have such culture in the first place. just cuz you dont understsand it and are not willing to fit in, is your problem, as czech people do not have problem to include you as long as you try.
First thing, learn language to a degree so you can get by on daily basis. Second thing, respect local culture and manners. Then you´ll have pretty easy time here with locals. If you dont, then suffer the consequences but dont cry about it. I think these are basics anyone is expected to adhere to when moving to foreign country anywhere in the world.
Definitely not claiming that Czechs are flawless. Yet I saw aversion to foreigners in other countries too. It looks like everyone sees and attracts people and situations according his or her own consciousness. Latino lady is very opinionated..I saw so many times people in Prague being extra nice to foreigners.
Do you just always puck the people who dont like it here? If the argentinian girl tryed a bit she could have some friends. And you dont let everyone go out before you come in in subway, tram etc.?
we dont like tourists. especially in prague. and if you cant speak czech then you will be seen as one. also, we dont seek out friendships. the friendships we make are pretty strong and we dont spend time with surface level acquaintances.
Our closed behaviour have alot to do with Communist regime. We didnt had any toursits here so older generations are not used to see people from around the world.
Unfortunately, I have to disagree. It's' not about having or being friends, but absolute common sense and politeness. Mingle, as mentioned... As I don't expect from you to speak Greek, you can't possibly know if I'm a tourist or not, neither the conditions of my visit/stay. Mentioning that Czech language is the official language of the country, is borderline offensive and hypocritical, especially when your country permits foreigners to open a trade licence within hours, BUT they need to know the language beforehand?!?!?😅... Finland also has Finish, BUT all the official paperwork is in English for foreigners. Zero judgement, stating facts. (That's why we're moving our businesses to Finland...). Completely understandable if you don't know or want to converse in English, many Athenians even don't, and I'm judging the condition all the same. As you are the centre of FACKEN EU (Prague bare minimum), we're one of the centres of western civilization! So, It's not about racism, xenophobia, entitlement or whatever. Doing business, doesn't make someone entitled, it's a CHOICE. We have a lot of Czechs as colleagues and collaborators... Exceptions, as with every culture and country I suppose. So instead of criticism and being judgemental, try to understand... We know history, we pay our taxes, we don't have illegal businesses here and laundry 🧺 money as 80%+ of Russians, Chinese/Vietnamese or dealing drugs... I took it a bit more personal than I should, right 😅??? Hahaha 🤣
Guys people more older 40/50+ arnt unfrinedly to you they just dont know english at all and they feel embarased and dont you know they dont know any much more then "Hallo Dolly" :-D
Well, if you'd first check our history, it would make more sense to you. People are not talking to everyone and anyone who they first doesn't know better because during the communism there were quite common that you could get in trouble because you said something you definitely should not, and if you said it in front of a person who was very active in the communist party, you were done. Your kids would have problem to get to good schools, you would have problems to get a good job etc...and shortly before communism, there were Nazis, and before that the Austria - Hungary empire and czech language almost disappeared because it was a language of pesants so people spoke more german than czech and again, if you said something bad about the monarchy and a spy heard you...well.... So before you judge us, please learn about our history first ...If we get to know that person who is trying to be social with us, he kinda has to know how to interact in here and trust is earned, not given, it is important to understand why people here are like this and be a bit understanding, if you gonna push, you wont get anywhere in here, cause we used to be pushed a lot and we just react negatively to it. Also it is good to have a hobby and find a community that shares your hobby and you'll see the people there will embrace you. We just don't do small talks, and if we don't have anything in common, it just doesn't make any sense to spend our free time together because it is just an empty talks.
lots of complaining about totally normal human behaviour or simply about being treated as anyone else but differently than in their own, foreign, country. ppl in Czechia speak Czech and many dont know or aren't comfortable enough to speak English. what a surprise, im sure that would never happen in any e.g, Spanish speaking country... Checkout lady is big meanie cos she doesn't engage in small talk and doesnt smile at me while scanning my groceries but does her close to minimal wage job as quickly as possible as she's paid to. in Czechia all supermarket chains are known to penalise them for not scan quickly enough. ppl in Czechia dont really want to or have time to befriend passing by strangers but are busy to live their own lives with no regards to foreigners around them who want to see them smile and randomly stop to politely chat with them about nothing. etc etc,
Maybe try another language then English.. Try Spanish.. 😉 Franz Kafka was german speaking.. Why you try to czech/Prague people? We do not want change yours.. Adapt.. And be friend is more deeper, then just pretend to be friend, just to fly on surface..
@@TheMovementHub when you as somebody someting, and cut the answer just moment before they answer, like just before that one word... Its hurts my brain.
The Czech people in this comment section trying to convince others that they are NOT a closed country in the most stand-offish and offensive way possible is just hilarious! You guys should take some of these comments and paste them in your airport arrival gates. "You are now in the Czech Republic, we owe you nothing and you have nothing to offer us. PS: We are often misunderstood and its your fault." LOL
Words of advice , learn Czech and try any other place in Czech than Prague.... Prague has like 90% of all tourism in our country And it's not the most beautifull city in our country It is the most expensive With scams on every corner and people that hate tourist becose they meet them daily....
Yes, if you show them middle finger by not willing to learn 5 basic easy phrases, they show you middle finger back. It's part of our national identity. We got lot of foreigners who didn't want to speak Czech and nobody invited them (talking about foreign invasions and stuff) and this experiences formed Czechs about being more closed to the people who don't want to learn any basic Czech stuff and just stuck in their native language. Very easy, very straightforward.
Czech here. 1:45 That is not just to foreigners. We are closed to anyone we don't know personally.
Which is a problem
@@Brookpitliknah why would that be a problém?
@@Brookpitlik it is safer.
@@barbos2765 because living in the state, because of that mentality of the citizens is miserable. I grew up here and getting along with average (even young) Czech person is borderline impossible. Czechs are one of the most unfriendliest people in the world, and then they complain why everyone shits on them.
@@jankropacek3469 typical traumatised dobru
Problem of pissed checkout ladies isn't faced only to foreigners. They are underpaid and overworked and just irritated by it. Pro tip: shop in lidl, they are always friendly there, because they have (more) fair wages. Also pro tip: if you say dobrý den or ahoj (hello) you get waaay better treatment, because if you show serious interest in inclusion, you get included. That's just how it works. It's kinda make me sad when people complain about Czechs being rude but on the same hand they don't show any will to be integrated. It's that simple. Of course, there are, like anywhere else, people who just don't like foreigners, but that's very small part of population. Rules are: say dobrý den ((i wish you a) good day - it's ahoj (hello), but with more "respect" to it) when you come in, děkuji (thank you) after you end the transaction with cashier and nashledanou (bye) on your way out. You get same treatment as Czechs, I can almost guarantee you.
also if she came with big smile, speak loudly and extremely positive it can lead to irritate others if they are not in good mood
There are welcoming cultures and not welcoming cultures. Czech(at least from Prague) are not welcoming culture, welcoming means not to expect others to integrate on their own, but people who host understand that foreigner can struggle with lots of stuff and help. Czechs expect everyone to speak fluent czech when you make first step on their soil.
I know a czech guy, who agrees with this, because he lived in different countries, had same struggles and he understands that his culture is not welcoming, some other cultures are. This is not negative, just how it is. There are cultures which are too welcoming, so you want to run away from people who really want to help yiu with everything but you just want to take your time.
People are different for sure, and I've met different people of course but in majority at least czechs from Prague cannot be identified as welcoming
Agreed, I have had to travel to Prague on multiple ocations and the more you make an attempt to adapt to them the more open they will be (within their own cultural lines). That about people not starting a conversation is BS though. I've had czechs randomly try to talk to me and then find ourselves faced with a language barrier haha, specially if you want to party.
If a Czech fails to say "Dobrý den", he/she will get a cold treatment as well. Czechs require certain formal manners in formal settings. And some blue collar workers often openly demand respect for their hard work.
@@andrew10028 I think that Prague is part of the problem. Majority of ppl there are overworked, want to get home as soon as possible or just don't have the time to deal with foreigners, because from experience we know that ppl who don't try to say "Dobrý den"/"Ahoj" are tourists, don't plan to stay for long and usually ask questions which are hard for lot of ppl to answer (not many ppl are fluent in English, older folks (50+) are sometimes still fluent in german or russian, but middleaged ppl and 30 y.o. struggle with languages and those who don't are rarely seen on public transportation or low end jobs). There is a rule: the futher from Prague and the better looking town, the more ppl will speak English and the more welcoming they will be (let's face it: Brno is very similar or even worse than Prague, but Plzeň or Liberec are much better in this aspect). I'm native and live very close to Prague and this rule is applied to even us: if I ask for directions in Prague they will give me as short answer as possible and go on with their day, but in a smaller towns ppl helped me out and even walked me to the place I needed to find
First: you've asked people coming from the southern/oriental cultures. Their normal behavior isn't normal in central Europe. We find such behavior to be even intrusive. The Scandinavian people would probably answer differently.
Second: yes, we can be friendly and warm. But first we must know you a bit, and you must deserve it. A "friend" in our culture means much more than a "friend" on Facebook.
Third: the girl was right, that few basic words and phrases in Czech make wonders. Because they show your interest, respect and good will. All the things, the numerous uninvited visitors in our long and turbulent history used to come without.
That is a lie. A friend in Czech culture means an acquaintance. Czech people generally do not keep lifelong friends and do not form close relationships.
@@diggernick8628 I don't know your experience. But I'm old. And believe me, in our generation the friendship wasn't the instant thing for one use. If you are Czech, you'd apparently look for better people to make friend with.
@@diggernick8628 Jsem rodilá Češka a tohle prohlášení není pravdivé, je to jen něčí subjektivní názor, ne obecná pravda. Naopak, drtivá většina má přátele dlouholeté, od školy a z dětství, někdo ze studií, ale vše dlouholeté vztahy.
@@IvaJelinkova-x3qA nebo je možné, že je z Prahy. Naplavil jsem se do Prahy už před 16 lety a mám pocit, že tím jak je to velké betonové bludiště plné lidí, kteří si spíš překáží a zároveň se moc nepotkávají ani nemají unikátní dovednosti, kterými by si vzájemně pomáhali, tak ta míra sociàlní propojenosti je mnohem nižší…🤔
@@diggernick8628 Yeah, no. Those two words have differents connotations. Also your claim is kind of nonsense. How did you came up with such bullcrap?
For that Argentinian lady - Shocker! A lot of people in the Czech republic simply don’t speak English. If you ask them extremely nicely they still won’t understand you. Also, 90% of cashiers are either foreigners (Ukrainians) or Czechs with low education. These people don’t speak English, they usually have difficult life, difficult job, not much money, and they are being talked to in English, French, German, Russian, etc. It is the absolute minimum to learn 5-10 sentences so you can shop in Czech language. How is that a problem?
As an expat you need to join expat groups - where you most definitely meet some Czechs. And you should most definitely learn at least some Czech. If you live here for a year and nobody talks to you at your work, at your sports club, and you made zero friends, the problem is you, not the Czech republic. Like seriously, how could you blame ~2mil people living in Prague aglo. for being rude and not friendly without taking some personal responsibility?
If you live here for 12 years, somewhat speak the language and you still haven't made friends, the problem is the Czech Republic believe me.
dělaš si prdel ? :D
Some people have zero friends while living in their own country.
@@mihaicisnoc5037 I do not believe you😂
@@mihaicisnoc5037This is seriously weird. Are you sure the reason is not you?
Bit of advice learn native language if you want to engage with natives. Works universally across cultures ;-)
"bUt tHaTs hYpOcRiTiCaL"
Once I was taken aback as I was approached by a group of Koreans in Náměstí republiky. One dude among them spoke to me in broken Czech and it was astonishing! Turns out they were here to spread Christianity of all things lol
Foreigners realize that we dont talk to strangers and speak our native language... Whatttt thats sooo crazzyy
typical traumatized communist dobru reaction
It is crazy in some countries.
i say its simple, assimilate learn language or leave
In America chat with strangers is actually a common thing....
Wtf is the girl talking about.. Like no way that you should learn the language of the country you live in..
The Czech people are obviously not as welcoming as Southern nations. I ascribe it to the climate and historical experience. 😂 The tourists and expats are forgetting that central Europe has always been the ground of foreign invasions. Historically, foreigner invaded, killed, looted, introduced their rules and held the Czechs in check. It is not so long ago that Russian soldiers were forced to leave. Imagine, just 35 years ago being open to a stranger ( not even a foreigner) might land you in jail, you could lose your job, your kid couldn’t study… it is still instilled in older generations. Not to speak of the fact that they were not taught to speak languages and are ashamed they cannot speak well. I don’t think they are unfriendly, it just take much longer to get there but then it is worth it. Customer service is truly bad though😂😂.
When your recent history is, don't talk to people, and don't talk loud enough for others to hear or you'll get in trouble, it makes sense.
Oh so Africa and Middle East didnt get invaded right, what a plonker
@@posawesome Of course they were, but I am talking about the Czech republic. There are many other factors that contribute to the character of culture. Nations in our geographical position are less friendly and open, I guess the climate plays a role as well. Or do you think that Germans and Austrians and Scandinavians are as welcoming as people in Afrika or Middle-east? By the way, I have no experience with friendliness and openess of people in Middle-east and Africa, so hard to judge.
Greeks were under the invasion of Turks for 400 years, what are you saying about central Europe being invaded? There is absolute no reason for Czechs to be rude ..
That's different
It's funny. I usually don't talk to the people in the store at all and they are not rude at me... Sometimes I have a feeling that I live in a different country. And that Argentinian girl also don't understand the fact that most of the people in Prague hates tourist and they are not willing to make the city more pleasant for them. And I would suggest her to go to Buenos Aires and check how many locals would speak with her in English... They didn't speak English even on the front desk of Novotel hotel...
All the expats in the video are EXPATS no one is turist , stop saying we all are tourists 😭😂🤕
He's not saying that you are tourists. The woman used tourists as an argument, that Czechs in Prague must be used to tourists. He's responding to that.
@@pookista How exactly is random person on the street supposed to know that this specific foreigner is not a tourist?
@@UsmevavyPanacek
U aint supposed to know/assume shit, u should treat Humans equally..
If it wasn't logical to you from the start That just means u are not good at it, and that's exactly whats the ppl in this video series are referring..
@@pookista Original comment was about people of Prague (and of many cities with intense tourism) being sick of tourists. Sure, people should judge others case by case, but that is not how human brain works, and speaking foreingn language is easy identifier. Maybe you missed the point about using the language usually helps. I could also point out, that tourists ain't supposed to misbehave. Or that person with even a smidge of empathy should understand, that working at service sector in tourist heavy locations could be incredibly mentally draining.
I'm not going to be enthusiastic about people who want something and have expectations and don't offer anything. I really don't understand why I should talk to someone just because the other person wants to. The only weird thing about it is the fact that foreigners take it personally. But this is exactly how we behave towards each other. It is a practical way of communication. In such a society, only a criminal or a madman would report to you like that. We only get to know each other by chance. And the opportunity is not that I'm going somewhere on the opposing team. It is not enough. For us, a friend is not just a person we know well. For us, a friend is a person for whom we would lay down our own life. Then don't be surprised that it takes a while for such a person to become friends with you. On the contrary, he expects the same devotion from you. Are you able to offer it? Or just complain that no one treats you like a little kid? 😉🖖
As a Czech person myself, you and your attitude are exactly why we are perceived the way we are. Unfriendly assholes
Coming to the Czech republic at 32 she offers her labour. That's plenty of offering. Or maybe she should work for free and thank the Czechs every day for her luck?
@@konstantinospitas1993 Well thats maybe true, but with less and less working places, this is also little downside. People can see foreginers as a thread that way (maybe Iam wrong).
She gets paid for her labor. What does that have to do with friendship?
@@MarvinCZ That's right, she probably works, gets paid and expects *more than the basics from her new country*, namely a sense of community. Turns out the Czechs don't know how to provide that and are also proud of their bad manners. Congrats 👏 👏 👏 !
I don´t understand that girl when she is surprised if other girls in the sport club don´t talk to her, because not all of them speak english. So why she doesn´t talk to them in czech? I think that the problem is on her side. If i will move to spanish speaking country, i will also not complain that not everybody speaks english, but i will learn spanish to make friends.🤔
100% Czech reaction - (i am also czech, so i can tell). You never take anything from negative feedback even if its partly true and you start to attack the person who is negative. The customer service in czech is really really poor and thats fact and not only to foreigners.
@@tomaspetruv8062 I am 50% Czech and 50% German, so my reaction is just 50% Czech.😅
@davidpelc, Czech is one of the hardest languages. I lived for 17 years in Prague and my Czech is ok. Still, Czechs will change to English or get weird looks when I take my time to try to express myself. It's also hard when someone who is not fluent, to just dive in into a group that speaks only Czech. Spanish is easy, so it's a stupid comparison. Try to go to Japan and then come back and let me know....
Must've been the German part too aghemaghem @@davidpelc
Your reply exemplifies what it means to have a "closed" vs an "open" culture. An open culture will help you integrate from when you arrive. A closed culture will wait for you to make a huge effort and then *maybe* let you integrate. Simply facts.
I am Slovak living in Italy and I can see why expats in Czech Rep. say it’s hard to make friends but on the other hand Czech people are very nice if you try to learn their language so I would say just try as hard as you can and don’t worry they know it’s hard so they are gonna appreciate that you’re trying. And also once you make friends with Czech people they just stay in your life almost forever and are very nice in the sense of helpful etc. And hey in other countries it’s the same I also had to learn Italian because no one in the world is going to make Italians speak English. Plus Italian has many dialects so it’s not easy but I came here so I learn. It’s stupid to move somewhere and expect the other county’s culture to change for you. And that’s everywhere. And look if you move to France people are gonna look bad at you if you don’t speak French. So I would say that to at least try to learn the language is basic politeness towards the local people that live in the place you moved to. And also nobody forced you to move you chose to move so you have to learn the language. Otherwise stay where you are and don’t complain.
The first thing that every foreigner should do is to learn czech asap.Let me remind you that czech is the official language of this country.
It's interesting how I almost immediately didn't like the person who's later constantly complaining about Czech people being rude. What are the odds? 😂
Because they are right and the truth hurts.
@@Brookpitlik Oversimplification. If you keep spewing about everyone around you for that long, then the environment isn't the only issue. Although, why am I even borhering explaining it? You and her would obviously be great friends.
@@teremin You just reacted like every typical Czech. Antagonisticly and arrogantly.
As a Czech person myself I know from my own experience that Czech people are just unfriendly in general.
@@BrookpitlikI think you're among the minority of people who have a problem with this. Being cheerful all the time is exhausting and dishonest.
Any country I got it I at least learn to say please, thank you and do you speak English. I never go up to someone without those. And I say it with a smile. Haven’t had a problem. Even was at a small Czech village the other day and a young and old woman spoke English perfectly after I asked in Czech. I thought this was common sense.
nah it is apparently not
It's quite surprising how these guys got a generic question and decided to mock the country most of the time.
They could be like:
"Oh yeah Czech culture! Rich history, beautiful architecture and castles, tasty beer and laid back/calm people who give you space, beautiful nature too!"
These are facts and I heard none of that!
Why do they stay there if the only nice thing they got to say was that people are patient and stand in lines.
The money? Ok, but you stay in a foreign country so you learn the language and the culture because its your duty as an individual to adapt not a duty of 10 million people who live in their country.
Perhaps they are not happy so they wanted to spit out things which bother them, but it's so weird they feel misunderstood but don't care that Czechs may feel misunderstood by them as well.
It works also the way around you know?
They seem to be too closed to you? You seem to be too personal!
They seem too quiet? You seem too noisy!
They seem to be emotionless? You seem overreacting!
They seem to be distanced? You don't give others space!
They seem too organized? You seem chaotic!
Imagine someone thinks you are emotionless, cold or unfriendly because in your culture people don't express emotions so openly and readily and it's completely normal for you but someone feels uncomfortable because of that.
Btw its not only Czechs, it's whole central/eastern and northern Europe that would appear like that to these people from the "southern cultures".
That's the thing...
th-cam.com/video/hm4U5Ve90d4/w-d-xo.html
@@TheMovementHub Thanks! Even though they were asked specifically to say something good in the other video.
I didn't mock your country GUY, on the contrary, I'm (trying...) to make money, culture and art with your country and fellow countryman!
Just because I don't want to learn your language or greet you with Dobrý den or Ahoj, doesn't make me rude! IF you have a code that you wish to be addressed, YOU as the country, should communicate it the moment we enter M.O.I. or whatever pub!
Filoxenia (Φιλοξενία ) = hospitality (butchered from us) means Friend of a stranger/foreigner! Regardless our cultural differences...
I completely agree with the whole eastern EU part, hell, even in Vienna was the same!!! 😂🎉😅
@@DimitriosSpanos-o3t Well, you don't mock my country, GUY. Because I am not Czech, neither do I live there.
My opinion is that out of the respect towards the society in which you live, you should learn the language to function there fully. I lived in two foreign countries and I learned both languages. One can't live in a country and expect everyone will treat him as a Noble, letting him know in every pub what is right and what is wrong in a given place and culture. It's for one to understand his surroundings in my opinion and not vice versa. It seems weird to me that someone doesn't want to assimilate and doesn't understand that locals may have an expectation to communicate in their native language while he himself has an expectation that the locals would speak a foreign language, for example.
It just seems weird to me, personally.
Everyone has a right to make a decision, but they shouldn't expect everyone to like their decision, they need to live with certain consequences that come with it. So why would those people complain then?
I understand if someone visits for a vacation or is there for a temporary job, it's a different story.
I wish you good luck.
If you want friends in country you have to try to speak their language. At least effort is welcome.
Nobody should learn Czech if they are a foreinger, the languege is stupidly hard to learn and not worth it. Learn more usefull languege like german, which czech people try to learn to finally leave this hole
This video is not relevant at all actually. Guys you are talking about Prague not whole country... Big difference.. Prague is soo anonymous even for people from Czech.. I cannot agree with 99% of what is said in the video - when speaking about country as a whole🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ Do the guys know the history as well?? Perhaps there is a reason why older people cannot speak english or are bit careful with foreigners... Think and learn bit of the history first.... 😔🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
Facts
And I actually mostly agree with the video. + it is their subjective experience not yours and yes mostly from prague. Btw one them said that people outside of prague have been more approachable and kind, have you even watched it? :)
@@Prizzadar Right, so it's not Czech culture, it's Prague culture.
@@bremCZ fair enough 😉
@@Prizzadar yes, subjective not objective... How long do you live in Czech?
The cashier throwing things at you happens to everyone including locals. No worries to have it is not related to the language 🤣
And good to know why. The germans owners of retails chains pushing cashiers to make done whole proces from scan first item to acomplish payment in strict time limit. So send Your notice to german owners 😂. We dont like the cashier racing too 😂.
That turkish and greek guys got it nailed. I am CZ myself, living close to Prague, and half of my life spent in the capital itself. And while in Prague it is true - mostly you have no issues using english, going to suburbs or farer - it gets more difficult to find EN speaker. Still, in Prague - we usually have no issues with EN lang. The same for other big cities, being it be Brno or Pilsen. Ostrava is out, but still - even there, a lot of businesses started with foreigh investments, and at least some portion of populace do speak EN. Generally, people over 50 are less likely to speak EN at all. But for us boomers, between 30's or 40's, we usually do speak well.
I was quite sad for that latina girl. She had bad community around her. As for the indian guy - it is quite spot-on. I work with a lot of indians at my work, and those who moved to Prague share similar views.
Best one - greek guy looked like being stoned whole the time. Still, his views are most accurate.
There is an old saying: Czechs do have very hard shell, but if you'll get through, you'll find very sensitive and talkative person inside. You just have to try harder.
😂❤ awesomeness 🤩 smoking the shisha though, not a stoner, unfortunately some times! The Greek guy here!
Let's be friends. I am Czech guy in my forties, working in an international corporation, no locals among my colleagues. Do you want to practice your Czech with me? I seldom drink, read too much, walk a lot. I don't follow Czech art or culture, I am open to outside influences.
PS: there were always people from other cultures here, we had people from Vietnam, Cuba, some African countries... but they were never in large numbers and very visible.
A lot of people still only travel between Czech Republic and places like Croatia. They don't need to learn foreign languages to buy an ice cream in Croatia.
The experience with people in hospitality industry or cashiers in supermarkets... they are usually only marginally above slave labour... they should smile more, but somehow they did not get the message about the American dream yet.
Of course 😊 we can always try to be friends 🎉
I like foreigners and I appreciate the diversity they bring, along with their different experiences and perspectives. I’ve had roommates from Uzbekistan, Cameroon, and Nigeria, and I’m always happy to help foreigners on the streets or have a random chit-chat....So, not all Czechs are the same
Hi. Thank you!!
@@genie2933 ❤
❤
Very often, when it seems that we do not care, the truth is that we are just minding our business and respecting your privacy. And our definition of privacy may be stricter than you are used to - we for example do not share our religious beliefs or do not talk about family matters in the workplace. We are also very careful about strangers, who seem "suspiciously friendly" despite having never met them. During Communism, such people were often secret agents and in the 1990s, such people were often scammers.
With that being said, finding new friends is difficult even for Czechs, for example when they move from one city to another. If you move into a village, you will be considered a stranger even ten years after having moved in. There is a reason, why the surname "Novák" (Newman) is so common. Communities are grown and created very slowly in our culture. In some places, where the communities were destroyed by ethnic cleansing (Sudetenland - Czechs expelled by Germans and then Germans expelled by Czechs) they have not recovered to this day.
The Turkish guy hit the nail on the head in every point.
Thank you 🙏 @the movement hub! You took out though the most spicy 🔥 bubus😂🎉
😂 Bubus back you legend
Ohh common. You like staying in Czech Republic and enjoy benefits but you don't even want to learn at least basics of the Czech language. Go to Germany, then you will understand that Czech people are nice people. Take it or leave it
hahaha typical traumatized communist dobru reaction
J'ai ri quand j'ai vu le commentaire à propos du métro.
C'est la même chose au Japon 🇯🇵.
Tout le monde fait le fil, attend que le monde débarque et ensuite monte tranquillement....😊
OMG! Seriously guys? I feel very sorry for you if is this happening :D Let's meet! I'm Czech in Prague and I'd love to meet new people here and do something crazy! You can't imagine how is hard find some new friends after 30! Lol Btw Czechs are not bad, but they are very scare say something badly in English so instead of learn something new or being embarrassing they gonna run or ignore you lol.
Exactly! Taky vždycky radši prchnu do bezpečí 😂
As I say.. the more people in Czech will speak English, the better the country will be even economically. But unfortunately we have lot of ignorant stupid people here and this won't change soon after years of mutual depression from Nacist and Soviets. It is a thing I see the pattern and yes most of people in Czech have damaged self concusses living in a safe Czech bubble. Everything that is not Czech is allien.
Let me say something about the customer services in Czechia. About 20 years ago I worked as cashier parttime in Tesco. And for one week I tried to do the smalltalk with every customer during scanning their goods. After one week of this "social experiment" the results were something like this: almost everyone gazed at me. Some people openly attacked me, how dare I am speaking to them. I had 3 written complaints on me for asking "how is your day going today". I had a sitdown with HR and I was almost fired from that job.
Czechs and Slovaks are just like that.
Another example.
I moved from my small birthtown to a village 15km away to live with my wife. Even after 11 years, the locals here are still looking at me as outsider. Same country, same language, same region. Just as I was not born in that village, I am automatically an outsider.
No wonder we cannot achieve anything. Unity and compasion are nonexistent terms in this country.
Love it when people can be critical towards their own culture. Everybody should learn from that
All of the problems the people in the video mention would be solved if they spoke the language. I get it it’s hard but how can you expect people to treat you as friends if they don’t even understand you
So treat them like trash? You weirdo
@@posawesome if I spoke Czech to a English person they would react the same way.
@@arthurmorgan830 English is THE languege to speak, languege of business and diplomacy, thats why its taught in czech schools, go touch grass before commentimg
@@posawesome yes in diplomacy or business 😂 not when you’re chatting with colleagues or friends. No wonder people dislike you if you’re so entitled
@@posawesome yes in business or diplomacy, OR IN ENGLAND. But you’re in the Czech Republic so either learn the language or be okay with making only a few friend who are okay speaking English to you
I really wonder, how it is that capital cities often seem to have their own "way" of things. How can they be so different from the rest of their countries?
Good question. I guess there are many factors playing in
First of all there is no other city of a similar size here so the lifestyle is second to none in Prague. Also something a bit specific for the former eastern block is that when the economies wen't down for a while (at least in central Europe, its true that in many many post soviet countries of eastern Europe they have never even recovered) the big cities were providing opportunities that were not anywhere else after the economy imploded. Prague is state in a state. Totally different incomes compared to any other region. By GDP Prague is one of the richest regions of EU. The reality outside of Prague is totally different. Not bad - most of CZ is still pretty good place for life. But the capital is just something different.
There is so many tiny factors playing role. Not just in Prague …
For one the size, dynamism of a big city… airport + international business almost exclusively in capital.
Secondly- People from across all country, or rather specific subset of people from all people all around a country migrate to Capital for work (bureaucrats, entrepreneurs , highly ambitious people of all kinds)
Thirdly - capital is where politics happens - it plays a role on mental state. People outside Capital often feel that they don’t have the same weight like the people from Capital… for example when I lived in Prague we often came to demonstrate our outrage over prime minister … and this outrage was in tens of thousands or hundred of thousands of people in the streets of Prague … it would be big proportion of Prague … people outside of Prague would vote differently and felt sour, that we from Capital tend to put our weight around just because we live in Capital (and I noticed this sentiment is shared across Europe and their criticisms of Capitals)
All combined -> higher stress environment. And higher stress environment often begs more recreation and culture to compansate -> cultural elite.
Completely different vibe in how to spend evenings
etc etc
People in Prague are arrogant and lazy. In my job I often have to deal with products from different factories from several cities. There's always problem with products coming from Prague, they always come late and if you complain you can hear the arrogance in every sentence. And it's not just me. I told it to my friends and we realized everyone has the same experience.
Argentinian lady, stop playing hockey, go dance tango... More hugs there... 😂
For all expats.....almost everyody here speak english....BUT...we have our habits and we always when we meet anybody, we say " hello" or lets say " good day to you" ...Dobrý den" ....and thats necessity !!!!! if you dont start with that,,, we will consider you as RUDE....that mean automaticaly that we dost speak to you......its simple as that.....
I might think about learning how to use ellipsis if I were you :D
Hey, I can be friend with all of them but my english is bad. Czechs are only ashamed to speak in foreign language. We are afraid of mistakes. And don’t forget a lot of older czech people were learning to speak Russian because of communism and on elementary school you can choose language which you want to learn so for example I was learning German. And finally everyone who is too friendly is someone we have to be careful with, because it means that they will violate our own boundaries, where we only allow family, for example. And it just needs a little time before we let you in closer. We are careful about ourselves.
If they want to speak to someone in english, then they should seek young people. From my point of view, younger generation (Gen Z), we can speak better english then the previous ones (because of history) and because we love english (at least I do lol) .
I remember my mother said when she was learning english their teacher also had to learn english with them and teacher was few chapters ahead student (because it was new thing) . I am not sure if German and Russian language were the "dominant" ones back then (Idk like in 1970s, 1980 etc) .
Sooo in conclusion, judging people in video they are older then , Gen Z, so I understand they don't approach us.
Don’t worry, people in grocery stores are unfriendly even to us locals so no need to feel excluded because you are foreigner, they basically excludes the customer in general, for bothering them to do their job!! 😂😂😂
Czech people speaking czech launguage? WHAAAT WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT
Love Dimitris, no bullshit just facts.
The thing with Prague is that it is so touristy, many people actually start to view it as a negative. So that might be a reason why some cashiers don't like foreigners, idk. Some tourists can be loud and disrespectful, city centre becomes overcrowded and full of tourist traps so that it's kinda nightmare for a local to go around it. The center of Prague starts to become focused on tourists only, turning into some sort of a theme park or whatever and it's been a thing people complained for a while and there is actually a bit bitter sentiment about the touristy nature of Prague. Also many visitors from western countries view Czechia only as a cheap country to get wasted in and so on.
I am an American married to a Czech man. We visit Czech Republic often to visit his family. I have to disagree that Czechs are unilaterally rude. It's a cultural difference to many countries - the USA included - that they are very reserved upon first meeting them. I believe part of this stems from the formal vs. informal aspect of their language translating into real life formalities. I also think that living under Communism changed their culture to a large degree because you couldn't trust your. neighbors to not turn you in for saying something "wrong" or against the regime. In any event, I have been treated with nothing less than the most amazing hospitality and friendliness outside of Prague (Plzen and the surrounding areas is where his family resides). Everyone takes us in and can't feed us enough! Food is love in this country IMO. 🙃 That being said, the average Czech on the street will not smile at you and be superficial or warm towards you - they don't know you and don't care. But once they get to know you, or are even introduced to you by someone they like or care about, they you almost become family to them. I am always dismayed at this misconstruction of the Czech culture because it is a false assumption - and, I think, is more true in Prague than anywhere else. If I had to live with that many tourists around all the time I might be a little rude and cranky at times, too.
Ok I wont be writing an essay so I will say this 1. Learn the language of the country you are in if you wanna socialise, to be specific us Czechs learn basic English but over time forgot how to speak it (I know a lot of people who understand English but cant answer back) 2.the making friends only at a pub while being drunk is valid but there are other ways to get to know other people like joining team sports and such but to star You need attention some basic Czech (I understand that Czech is stupid language that is harder than English but come one you choose to live here adapt)
or the czechs who knows english can also be bit warm and polite towards others
@@bhavesh655 i know alot of people here who know English well enough to speak but they aren't confident and/or are scared that they will offend you by their wrong grammar and such
I would personally be happy to make aquintence or a friend who speaks English it would be good practice but I can't find any in Brno or I am looking in wrong places who knows
Well if I went to the UK and spoke only Czech, I would not have any friends too - so if u wanna live here, learn the language or go to some bigger nicer country where u can communicate - its always the same - language first! 🇨🇿
We are very careful with foreigners, because in history, when some foreigners came, they occupied us. But we can be friendly, you need to deserve it. Try Dobrý den, děkuji and nashledanou, and everything will become easier. And also for that lady from Argentine... People just dont know how to speak english. Especially older people, because they had to learn russian. Study some history please. There are some events in our history, that are very sensitive for us, like Munich agreement or russian invasion 1968. It is super important to know what was going on, if you want to understand some things about our thinking. So that is message from non-Prague Czech.
"Our history allows us to be racist, homophobic and envious even of our czech neigbors" got it. Go touch some grass weirdo
Ok, this is for Augustina. A hundred people a hundred tastes. A friend can be someone who is on the same page as me. I don't expect to be friends with a cashier who has thousands of annoying people at the register every day. I don't expect strangers to hug me right away. But if you are a foreigner, at least learn to say hello and thank you and, as a foreigner, be the first to show that you are coming in peace because we are sick of self-centered foreigners.
Many czechs have the attitude of "They should know at least hello and thank you in our language". A friend of mine is explicitly like this - if a foreigner approaches him with broken czech, he's gonna be helpfull because he sees the foreigner is at least trying. If however the foreigner starts with "Hello" or something, my friend will read it as arogance on the foreigner's side (He's in my country, but he expects me to speak his language?")
Your friend is dumb
As a Czech, I cannot comperhand people who come here from Argentina, Turkey or Greece and start complaining. Buenos Aires vs. Prague - getting friends. I don't have to mention how people in Argentina care, or rather not care, about anything. I haven't experienced people being especially friendly or open to me as a foreigner. People seem to be very apathetic about pretty much everything, including foreigners. And no, if you come to Argentina and speak English, they won't try if they don't speak. Turkey and alcohol - the dude from Ankara complains that Czech people get drunk? People drink in all Europe and he should visit Istanbul - the largest city of his own country to see how Turkish people, including young girls, get wasted there. I'm not sure if I need to comment on the Greek guy, but I think we all know what Greece looks like beyond the fancy islands. The guy from India seems to be the most reasonable. He knows what India feels like and he is happy that people here are quiet and gentle.
I spent 4,5 years in Prague as a university student. All my female roommates were Czech. I can say from experience, the Czechs don't like foreigners. My last Czech roommate would not say ' Hello ' to me and we shared apartment for almost a year.
It's not just against foreigners. I personally don't like to talk to anyone if I don't have reason to. 😅
@@jannovak5481That meand you were born and raised in a barn. Maybe you'd be more confortable in the Amazonian rain forrest.
Maybe the just did not liked you? Did you considered this possibility before making generalisations?
@@panhradu It's easier for you to blame me than to accept the fact that foreigners aren't welcome???
nah, we act like that towards everyone we don't know.
I think that the problem with english might be because a lot of people around 40+ didnt have the opportunity to learn that. It was forbidden to even listen to english music and watch english movies etc. I think thats why. My parents dont speak english that good also, although my mum is trying to learn it since i was born. But Im 20 and I dont know anyone my age that doesnt speak english. Even 10yo kids can speak english here because of Tiktok etc. Just try to speak to younger people you would be suprise.
Where can i meet foreign people living in prague?
Ask on Czech subreddit
Jdi do centra, tam neni žádný Čech
@@vdv_snp5414 pravda
Guys learn the ducking language!
Wouldn’t change much
@@Brookpitlik at least they would rid of most of the confusion
Useless languege to learn, not worth it to make few dumb people like you happy, better to learn a usefull languege which more people speak, like German or Spanish or French
@@Brookpitlikit does
@@vdv_snp5414I’m a Czech citizen and paradoxically people are nicer here when I speak English than Czech
It baffles me that the "I don't know you, don't talk to me" is such a hard concept to understand.
the reason why the 40/50 year old people and olders are so hard to engange is with is a very different reason tho, most of them grew up in a very different , restricted political regime , which thank god ended in 89.
The cashiers are ugly at me and I am Czech. Someone should tell them the speed is not everything.
By the way, as far as for the customer service, I am glad the Ukrainians came here. They care much more.
I am Czech, and this is literally why I ran away from here at 18. There is no reason to be rude and cold because you don't know someone. I feel more home in Mexico than here where people just side eye you with weird faces for no frickin reason... misery loves misery, and trust me, the more open-minded of us have felt like aliens here, too. It's not true that everyone here is like that, but people in the Czech Republic are generally suspicious and jealous of those who seem to do better. Which is just painful to watch. 😂 I prefer to live where people smile for no reason. But even here you can have positive experiences. Lots of amazing people here. Unfortunately, most of them have terrible English, so good luck with assimilating. 😆
If you want to live in a country, and feel integrated, learn language, listen music, watch movies. I am foreigner and I have Czech friends and I feel good, and my level of Czech is average, for this 10y I have experience just few times some bad attitude and it was from some older generation. I strongly disagree with many of this comments from this interview, but maybe Brno is just different from Prague.
That argentinian lady need a friend.. I would offer her friendship, but I cant because I hate making friends.
Nice
I used to live in Prague for 2 years and half. Czech people are just scared and dont have ANY interest in anything that is not Czech. I also met many foreigners that were fluent in Czech and they also confirmed that its very hard to get to know a czech person even if you speak the langauge. The reason? You just look different and as I said czech prefer czech things ONLY. Learning the language is useless when most of the people are closed off or they need pivo at 5 in a random hospoda. I think the trick is to meet the VERY FEW czech people that lived abroad and somehow returned or just stick with expats. This is the reality of any expat that would like to live in Prague or Czech Republic.
Just a country of alcoholics and close minded people that me myself don't like being around. I like to explore cultures and mentalities of other countries and I can say with confidence that the Czech mentality is behind for years years lacking critical thinking and so many people living in their little bubble.
I'm born in Prague and have been living here for my entire live and can't wait for the day when I leave.
(see these braindead comments from my fellow citizens asking tourist to speak Czech in order to interact with each other? I find it so ironic and ignorant. That is why I don't like to hire Czech people for international business because they just don't know anything about the outside world. Way better job is done by Philippines people or other than Czech person who is living in Czech bubble. Lack of service and customer support.. it is just shame..)
I'm not going to tell you you are wrong in your experience. I'd just like to offer the possible actual reason for that behaviour you might have experienced.
At this point in time, 30+ yo Czechs are sons and daughters of people who used to live in fear of socialist regime with secret police in the streets being a real thing. To say a word against the regime could cost you your livelihood, your future, your freedom or even your life. And you can believe that twisting your words and intentions was easy enough to quickly teach us to be very mindful of what we say and to whom. You can imagine our moms and dads were adamant on teaching us to not talk to strangers. And yes, looking different do make you a stranger for sure.
This is just a single thing from recent history that formed our cultural background - and there are many more things. Czechs are very closed people because of that. Not just to foreigners (who invaded our little country so many times), but even to each other. We need to know we can trust people around us and that takes time and effort. Just know that once you get over that initial wall so many tourists complains about, in many cases, you've got yourself a true friend for life.
most ppl mind thier own business and most dont even know English
Imagine live in a small country exactly in the middle of Europe and all Your neighbours invaded You at least once... We must know You, but when We do, Our hospitality can Be dangerous for You (in a good way)
People in Czechia have their own language. Try to learn it first.
I actually prefer to talk in English, because if you don't know Czech well enough it's just confusing. Also i like to talk to tourists more than my own people... even tho I'm a pretty closed person.
Yes, we are not easily approachable, but it just takes a little longer. The thing is, foreigners are often offended by our attitutde, but don't forget it is not because they are from other country. We act the same between our people. When we tell You to fuck off in the moment, it doesn't mean we can't start the life long friendship after a few minutes. It is funny how these very social and outgoing foreigners are so offended by our approach to communication. Just chill....not everyone wants to be Your friend, deal with it. It is not all time fiesta here, brother. We have all 4 seasons kicking our balls for centuries, we deserve to be a little grumpy. We are not like rolling on beaches and picking peaches from trees, man. :-D And we also are not like some nations, where they are "friendly" with everyone, but they don't really mean it much. It is more like politeness. We are more serious about friendship, when it comes to it.
Yeah 9:49 the expats are often afraid to try the czech language because it's truly difficult. But czechs appreciate so much when you try. You don't have to be good, just a simple phrases open the doors.
I believe that this czech mentality is just us not trusting strangers, because historically we constantly got metaphorically kicked in the crotch and evetually learned to expect the next kick in paranoia rather than get "surprised" again. Personally I believe prague is probably one of the worse cities in czech to visit. People tend to be decent here for the most part...
If you don't speak Czech, you're excluded from society, almost like its our native language that we speak to each other, and most of us don't rly speak English.
*Most old people don't speak English.
Nowadays most kids speak english before starting school thanks to the internet.
@@liu3chan Yeah, kids, but I dont think this video was really aimed ad kids and a lot of adults dont speak much english or they are not comfortable doing it and would rather speak czech. You cant expect people to change the way they communcate just to accomodate you, like some people wouldnt mind, but most of us would rather speak czech.
1:09 i think he is from Kerala
You are very correct sir
@TheMovementHub I'm from Kerala
Nice. Greetings from Germany
11:24 totally wrong ,thousands of students from Africa and Asia
There is a lot of truth in this, and it is pointless to contradict the people's personal experiences in the video.
I would point out that the fact that if people are used to tourists in a certain place does not mean that they like them there. After all, there are protests against mass tourism in Spain. Unfortunately, tourists sometimes behave like beasts and do not respect local culture or laws.
The remark that the Czech Republic is a small country and therefore it is strange that we behave differently in different cities seems to me a bit... dumb and condescending.
Capital cities are always very different for rest of the country in every country around the world.
8:51 one simply does not talk to cashier, or to people in general 🤐
We are generaly no bullshit people. Behave, or leave.
12:30 good for artist
Video description: " People in the Czech Republic are not just about being rude and drinking lots of beer "
The 4-5 Foreigners: *consistently bashing Czech culture for the past 2-3 videos*
Producer, you can do better.
Hey, I don't choose their answers. If so many people say that, there might be some truth in it (btw more than 4-5).
@@TheMovementHub you can choose a wider circle as you can see they're being grilled in the comments by other people in the Czech Republic. If you choose people from the utmost center, their comments might come across as a bit detached from reality.
Its like the same 5 people.
@@christchaik8317its like maybe they are saying the truth and you just dont like it
@@posawesome it's like there's more nuance to a topic and you don't like it.
Dude the cashier will scan your shit and throw it on the side even if you're Jesus himself xD That's how cashiers work.
Ex South African here. Yes a white one. That one they never believe. You meet the people you expect to meet. BUT😂.... They are a bit closed off especially the older generation. Thank communism and the language barrier. Most appreciate it when you try and speak and warm up. Younger generation is more open for excatly the opposite
Prague is somewhat different than rest of the country, it's more individualistic and anonymous. What I can hear from your descriptions is you not understanding fundamentally how Czechs work and express things. From your native country you're used to different ways of life and that is okay, but it's your responsibility to try to asimilate. Your duty to sign up for language courses, try speaking czech (that is a big thing that will get you included, since it shows you are interested). You have to educate yourself about the history, that will give you a lot of important clues on what is maybe touchy, what not to discuss. Being an immigrant isn't an easy experience, but you chose this. You can't blame locals for not conforming to your ways and expectations.
hmmmm i like the video, but not sure the people are best expat representatives to speak for czech. i agree with them, but not to that extent.
Are you mentally ok? This video is literally about opinions of expats, nowhere does this video claim anything else
Well better not to be that friendly then listen,, Hi how are you.. Like u care..... And we love ppl just don't be ass..
Europe is simple, assimilate or leave.
They're a pretty grumpy lot but I have to say for sheer rudeness Hungarians win the gold medal, which for Eastern Europe is quite an accomplishment. (And no, I'm not ****ing calling it "Central Europe" no matter how many times you complain about it.)
I like foreigners, my best friends are Ukrainians. Слава Україні! 🇺🇦 💙💛
I've live in CZ for 4 years and these are the kind of expats I can't stand. I doubt any of them have made any real effort to learn the culture or language.
People over 40+ lived during communism. That's why not many people over 40 speak english. But the youth is fine.
Nah in czech republic its simply rude to not greet and thank in our language, we see people that imidiatly start talkin in other language as cocky and rude because someone tried to make us talk different language our whole history. learn how to say hello and thank you, bam majority of the problems solved. czechs are cold and distant to everyone even other czech people, we have our lives our bonds, dont bother when not invited thats how it works. also service here is kind if you are kind to them but you are also expected to have some etique in certain places, you dont? then they dont want you there. dont be loud, dont budge in to anyones personal space etc. its pretty simple. majority of the problems the woman had can be easily avoided with simple trick, try to get to know the culture of the people in the country you are in. simple as that, not trying to or hoping everyone will help you out is seen as rude and arogant here. thats simply how it is again and calling preson hypocrite for being the way they are because of their culture and history is not something that will help you make friends suprisingly. no one cares for your bs just as we dont expect others to care, you show effort, we show effort, you show respect, we show respect. smiles and hugs or anything doesnt show us respect or effort. czech people dont trust easily. thats it, ofc there are exceptions. but i am tired of seeing comments here trying to say how we are from foreigners that cant get over their own noses and acept why we have such culture in the first place. just cuz you dont understsand it and are not willing to fit in, is your problem, as czech people do not have problem to include you as long as you try.
First thing, learn language to a degree so you can get by on daily basis. Second thing, respect local culture and manners. Then you´ll have pretty easy time here with locals. If you dont, then suffer the consequences but dont cry about it. I think these are basics anyone is expected to adhere to when moving to foreign country anywhere in the world.
Learn our language and we may be slightly more welcoming :-).
Definitely not claiming that Czechs are flawless. Yet I saw aversion to foreigners in other countries too. It looks like everyone sees and attracts people and situations according his or her own consciousness. Latino lady is very opinionated..I saw so many times people in Prague being extra nice to foreigners.
Do you just always puck the people who dont like it here? If the argentinian girl tryed a bit she could have some friends. And you dont let everyone go out before you come in in subway, tram etc.?
Hard to believe, right? But I choose people at random (and I don't know them or their opinions before) and include all of them in the uploads
this year a was in Vienna, i was really surprised that letting peoples go out before you come in is not normal
we dont like tourists. especially in prague. and if you cant speak czech then you will be seen as one. also, we dont seek out friendships. the friendships we make are pretty strong and we dont spend time with surface level acquaintances.
Our closed behaviour have alot to do with Communist regime. We didnt had any toursits here so older generations are not used to see people from around the world.
Unfortunately, I have to disagree. It's' not about having or being friends, but absolute common sense and politeness. Mingle, as mentioned...
As I don't expect from you to speak Greek, you can't possibly know if I'm a tourist or not, neither the conditions of my visit/stay.
Mentioning that Czech language is the official language of the country, is borderline offensive and hypocritical, especially when your country permits foreigners to open a trade licence within hours, BUT they need to know the language beforehand?!?!?😅... Finland also has Finish, BUT all the official paperwork is in English for foreigners. Zero judgement, stating facts. (That's why we're moving our businesses to Finland...).
Completely understandable if you don't know or want to converse in English, many Athenians even
don't, and I'm judging the condition all the same.
As you are the centre of FACKEN EU (Prague bare minimum), we're one of the centres of western civilization! So, It's not about racism, xenophobia, entitlement or whatever.
Doing business, doesn't make someone entitled, it's a CHOICE. We have a lot of Czechs as colleagues and collaborators... Exceptions, as with every culture and country I suppose.
So instead of criticism and being judgemental, try to understand... We know history, we pay our taxes, we don't have illegal businesses here and laundry 🧺 money as 80%+ of Russians, Chinese/Vietnamese or dealing drugs...
I took it a bit more personal than I should, right 😅??? Hahaha 🤣
Bro you didn't post this as a reply to a comment. I think the person you addressed it to won't see it.
Guys people more older 40/50+ arnt unfrinedly to you they just dont know english at all and they feel embarased and dont you know they dont know any much more then "Hallo Dolly" :-D
Well, if you'd first check our history, it would make more sense to you. People are not talking to everyone and anyone who they first doesn't know better because during the communism there were quite common that you could get in trouble because you said something you definitely should not, and if you said it in front of a person who was very active in the communist party, you were done. Your kids would have problem to get to good schools, you would have problems to get a good job etc...and shortly before communism, there were Nazis, and before that the Austria - Hungary empire and czech language almost disappeared because it was a language of pesants so people spoke more german than czech and again, if you said something bad about the monarchy and a spy heard you...well.... So before you judge us, please learn about our history first ...If we get to know that person who is trying to be social with us, he kinda has to know how to interact in here and trust is earned, not given, it is important to understand why people here are like this and be a bit understanding, if you gonna push, you wont get anywhere in here, cause we used to be pushed a lot and we just react negatively to it. Also it is good to have a hobby and find a community that shares your hobby and you'll see the people there will embrace you. We just don't do small talks, and if we don't have anything in common, it just doesn't make any sense to spend our free time together because it is just an empty talks.
lots of complaining about totally normal human behaviour or simply about being treated as anyone else but differently than in their own, foreign, country.
ppl in Czechia speak Czech and many dont know or aren't comfortable enough to speak English. what a surprise, im sure that would never happen in any e.g, Spanish speaking country...
Checkout lady is big meanie cos she doesn't engage in small talk and doesnt smile at me while scanning my groceries but does her close to minimal wage job as quickly as possible as she's paid to. in Czechia all supermarket chains are known to penalise them for not scan quickly enough.
ppl in Czechia dont really want to or have time to befriend passing by strangers but are busy to live their own lives with no regards to foreigners around them who want to see them smile and randomly stop to politely chat with them about nothing.
etc etc,
Maybe try another language then English.. Try Spanish.. 😉 Franz Kafka was german speaking..
Why you try to czech/Prague people? We do not want change yours.. Adapt.. And be friend is more deeper, then just pretend to be friend, just to fly on surface..
not for me😅
that opening was really rude from you. It caused me pain, don't do that please
What do you mean? Which part exactly?
@@TheMovementHub when you as somebody someting, and cut the answer just moment before they answer, like just before that one word... Its hurts my brain.
The Czech people in this comment section trying to convince others that they are NOT a closed country in the most stand-offish and offensive way possible is just hilarious! You guys should take some of these comments and paste them in your airport arrival gates. "You are now in the Czech Republic, we owe you nothing and you have nothing to offer us. PS: We are often misunderstood and its your fault." LOL
Words of advice , learn Czech and try any other place in Czech than Prague....
Prague has like 90% of all tourism in our country
And it's not the most beautifull city in our country
It is the most expensive
With scams on every corner and people that hate tourist becose they meet them daily....
czechs seem kinda dour
Yes, if you show them middle finger by not willing to learn 5 basic easy phrases, they show you middle finger back. It's part of our national identity. We got lot of foreigners who didn't want to speak Czech and nobody invited them (talking about foreign invasions and stuff) and this experiences formed Czechs about being more closed to the people who don't want to learn any basic Czech stuff and just stuck in their native language. Very easy, very straightforward.
Dont like our mentality? go away! dont like that we dont like islam and migrants? go away!