
Learning a new language only from textbooks sounds quite boring. You have to make your learning memorable and enjoyable in order to stay motivated. One of the best ways how to improve your language skills without books is watching films. There are hundreds of Czech films online. You do not have to travel to the Czech Republic to hear some Czech. It is much simpler. Create a habit of watching Czech films. Not only you improve your vocabulary, understanding, and pronunciation, but you also get to know Czech culture better.
If you are a beginner, you might perhaps not understand at all. Do not panic. That is absolutely normal. Do not give up and keep watching. After two or three films, you will recognise more and more words. You just have to get used to the speed, rhythm and intonation. Sometimes actors mumble or they all speak together, or there is some noise. Do not focus on what you do not understand but on things you actually do. Take it as a challenge.
At the beginning, you will need subtitles in your first language. Try to listen to Czech and not just casually read the subtitles. Learn how to work with the film. You can even write down words that you do not understand and translate them later. After a couple months you can opt for the Czech subtitles and once you feel comfortable enough, you do not have to use them at all.
You will hear different accents, slang, idioms and swear words. I guess you have not come across many of the words and phrases in your textbook and perhaps your teacher has not mentioned them either. That is why you should definitely watch films if you want to understand Czechs and speak like them.
There are thousands of Czech films. We have tried to pick the films that are useful and enjoyable for students learning Czech. Here is a list of 10 Czech films that will help you to understand Czechs better. Most of the films are available on YouTube or Amazon. Enjoy!
PELÍŠKY, 1999
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwQOncE8O6k
OBECNÁ ŠKOLA, 1991
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=obecn%C3%A1+%C5%A1kola+trailer
KOLJA, 1996
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ7XTi9S_Ag
TMAVOMODRÝ SVĚT, 2001
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2-tNNn7j9o&t=7s
S TEBOU MĚ BAVÍ SVĚT, 1982
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1ymARQHvQc&t=41s
ÚČASTNÍCI ZÁJEZDU, 2006
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLPWzEu5fTA
OBČANSKÝ PRŮKAZ, 2010
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=senvInneiRE
HABERMANŮV MLÝN, 2010
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ai1ltKbhmU
VRATNÉ LÁHVE, 2007
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8PrNm6uHS4
BOBULE, 2008
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EC3vDFWJoY