Learn Slovak and More Podcast

Today, I’m talking about grape harvest festivals near Bratislava and the Malocarpathian wine route in Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from my article. You will also learn how to ask “Can I taste some wines?“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my short article about the wine route in western Slovakia.
Episode notes
In today's episode, I’m talking about grape harvest festivals near Bratislava and the Malocarpathian wine route in Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from my article. You will also learn how to ask “Can I taste some wines?“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my short article about the wine route in western Slovakia.
Slovak lesson
1.    spoznať (to get to know)
2.    vínna cesta (wine route)
3.    preskúmať (to explore)
4.    vinobranie (wine harvest)
5.    otvorené pivnice (open cellars)
6.    miestne jedlo (local food)
7.    prípitok (toast)
8.    ochutnávka vín (wine tasting)
9.    ochutnať (to taste / to try food or drink)
10. Môžem ochutnať nejaké vína? (Can I taste some wines?)
Summary:
Je tu jeseň a s ňou obdobie na preskúmanie slovenského vinárskeho kraja. Len kúsok od Bratislavy ožíva Malokarpatská vínna cesta vinobraním, otvorenými pivnicami, miestnym jedlom, hudbou a množstvom prípitkov na zdravie!
Začnite v Rači, ktorá má dlhú vinársku tradíciu, a potom pokračujte do Pezinka, Modry a Svätého Jura. Počas septembra a októbra otvárajú miestni vinári svoje pivnice a ponúkajú návštevníkom ochutnávky slovenských vín, najmä sviežich bielych vín, ako sú Rizling vlašský a Veltlínske zelené, ale aj Frankovka modrá či slovenská odroda Devín.
Nemusíte byť odborníkom na víno. Stačí zvedavosť, dobrá chuť a  znalosť slovenského slovíčka: Na zdravie!
Translation:
Autumn is here and with it the time to explore Slovakia’s wine region. Just a short distance from Bratislava, the Malocarpathian Wine Route comes alive with vintages, open cellars, local food, music and plenty of toasts to your health!
Start in Rača, which has a long winemaking tradition, and then continue to Pezinok, Modra and Svätý Jur. During September and October, local winemakers open their cellars and offer visitors tastings of Slovak wines, especially crisp whites such as Riesling Wlašský and Grüner Veltliner, but also Frankovka Modrá or the Slovak variety Devín.
You don’t have to be a wine expert. All you need is curiosity, good taste and a knowledge of the Slovak phrase: Na zdravie! Meaning:Cheers!
Timestamps
00:33 Introduction to the episode
02:18 About wine harvest and wine routes
07:56 Fun fact 1
09:01 Fun fact 2
17:56 Slovak lesson
22:16 Summary in Slovak
24:47 Translation of the summary
24:47 Final thoughts
If you have any questions, send it to my email hello@bozenasslovak.com. Check my  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bozenasslovak/ where I am posting the pictures of what I am talking about on my podcast. Also, check my website  https://www.bozenasslovak.com
© All copywrites reserved to Bozena Ondova Hilko LLC

Today's episode is about after school activities in socialist Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few sentence connectors so you can sound more sophisticated speaking in Slovak. You will also learn how to say “Come out!” and “I'm coming.” in Slovak.
Episode notes
In today's episode, I’m talking about after school activities in socialist Slovakia. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few sentence connectors so you can sound more sophisticated. You will also learn how to say “Come out!” and “I'm coming.” in Slovak.
Slovak lesson
1. Expressing Contrast & Contradiction
Instead of using ale (but), try these to show a nuanced counter-argument:
Avšak – However / Yet E.g.: Tento plán má svoje výhody, avšak riziká sú vysoké. (This plan has its advantages, but the risks are high.)
Napriek tomu – In spite of that / Nonetheless
Na druhej strane – On the other hand
Hoci / Hocičo – Although / Even though
Zatiaľ čo – While / Whereas (great for direct comparisons)
2. Showing Cause & Result
Instead of lebo or pretože (because), use these to establish formal cause-and-effect:
V dôsledku toho – As a result of this / Consequently
Z tohto dôvodu – For this reason
Tým pádom – Consequently / Thereby (slightly more spoken, but highly effective)
Vzhľadom na – Given that / Considering (requires a noun phrase)
Preto – Therefore
3. Adding Information & Structuring Arguments
Instead of just repeating a (and) or tiež (also), use these to build a structured point:
Okrem toho – Furthermore / Besides that
Navyše – Moreover / In addition
V prvom rade – In the first place / First and foremost
Čo sa týka... – As far as ... is concerned / Regarding...
Zároveň – At the same time / Simultaneously
10 Slovak sentences:
1. Avšak (However)
Tento víkend sme chceli ísť stanovať do Tatier, avšak predpoveď počasia nám úplne prekazila plány.
 (We wanted to go camping in the Tatras this weekend; however, the weather forecast completely ruined our plans.)
2. Napriek tomu (In spite of that / Nevertheless)
Môj brat bol po celom dni v práci unavený, napriek tomu s nami išiel večer do kina.
 (My brother was tired after a whole day at work; nevertheless, he came to the cinema with us in the evening.)
3. Na druhej strane (On the other hand)
Dovolenka pri mori je skvelý relax, na druhej strane ma však láka aj turistika na horách.
(A vacation by the sea is a great way to relax; on the other hand, hiking in the mountains also tempts me in the summer.)
4. Hoci (Although)
Hoci sme sa s kamarátmi zo strednej školy nevideli roky, hneď sme si mali čo povedať.
 (Although I hadn't seen my high school friends for years, we immediately had plenty to talk about.)
5. Zatiaľ čo (While / Whereas)
Moja sestra miluje varenie nových receptov, zatiaľ čo ja radšej upečiem nejaký koláč.
 (My sister loves cooking new recipes, while I prefer to bake a cake.)
6. Okrem toho (Furthermore / Besides that)
Kúpili sme rodičom lístky na concert a okrem toho sme im zarezervovali aj peknú večeru v reštaurácii.
 (We bought our parents concert tickets; furthermore, we also booked them a nice dinner at a restaurant.)
7. Navyše (Moreover / In addition)
V nedeľu sme upiekli skvelý domáci chlieb, navyše nám starká priniesla čerstvý med zo záhrady.
 (On Sunday we baked a great homemade bread; moreover, grandma brought us fresh honey from the garden.)
8. V prvom rade (In the first place / First and foremost)
Keď plánujeme rodinnú oslavu, musíme v prvom rade vybrať dátum, ktorý vyhovuje naozaj každému.
 (When planning a family celebration, we must first and foremost pick a date that truly suits everyone.)
9. Čo sa týka... (As far as ... is concerned)
Čo sa týka mojich koníčkov, najviac si oddýchnem pri čítaní dobrej detektívky alebo pri behu v parku.
(As far as my hobbies are concerned, I relax the most while reading a good detective novel or running in the park.)
10. Zároveň (At the same time)
Výchova detí prináša veľa náročných momentov, no zároveň je to tá najkrajšia životná skúsenosť.
 (Raising children brings many challenging moments, but at the same time, it is the most beautiful life experience.)
11. Poď von! (Come out!)
12. Už idem. (I'm coming.)
Timestamps
00:33 Introduction to the episode
02:11 About after school activities in socialist Slovakia
12:14 Slovak lesson
13:41 Practice sentences
21:50 Phrases for today
22:29 Final thoughts
If you have any questions, send it to my email hello@bozenasslovak.com. Check my  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bozenasslovak/ where I am posting the pictures of what I am talking about on my podcast. Also, check my website  https://www.bozenasslovak.com
© All copywrites reserved to Bozena Ondova Hilko LLC

Today's episode is about schools in Slovakia (Czechoslovakia) during socialism. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few words from my short dialogue. You will also learn how to ask “How was it?“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my short dialogue about going to school during socialism. 
Episode notes
In today's episode, I’m talking about schools in Slovakia during socialism. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few words from my short dialogue. You will also learn how to ask “How was it?“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my short dialogue about going to school during socialism. 
Slovak lesson
1.    počítač / počítače (computer / computers)
2.    mobil / mobily (mobile phone / mobile phones)
3.    domáca úloha / domáce úlohy (homework)
4.    nahnevať sa (to get angry)
5.    predmet / predmety (subject / subjects)
6.    zemepis (geography)
7.    prírodopis (natural history)
8.    dvor, na dvore (yard, in the yard)
9.    uniforma (uniform)
10. pionierska šatka (pioneer scarf)
11. zažiť (to experience)
12. možnosť / možnosti (possibility, options)
13. Aké to bolo? (How was it?)
DIALOGUE:
Vnučka: Babi, aké to bolo, keď si chodila do školy? (Grandma, what was it like when you went to school?)
Babka: Úplne iné ako dnes. Nemali sme počítače ani mobily. Všetko sme písali rukou do zošitov. (Completely different from today. We didn't have computers or cell phones. We wrote everything by hand in notebooks.)
Vnučka: A mali ste domáce úlohy? (And did you have homework?)
Babka: Samozrejme! A keď ich niekto nemal, učiteľ sa veľmi nahneval. Disciplína bola dôležitá. (Of course! And if someone didn't have it, the teacher would get very angry. Discipline was important.)
Vnučka: Aké predmety si mala najradšej? (What subjects did you like the most?)
Babka: Mala som rada zemepis a prírodopis. Ale museli sme sa učiť aj ruštinu. Vtedy to bol povinný cudzí jazyk. (I liked geography and natural history. But we also had to learn Russian. Back then, it was a mandatory foreign language.)
Vnučka: A čo ste robili cez prestávky? (And what did you do during breaks?)
Babka: Rozprávali sme sa, hrali sa na dvore alebo sme si vymieňali servitky a známky. Bolo to jednoduché, ale veselé. (We talked, played in the yard, or exchanged napkins and stamps. It was simple, but fun.)
Vnučka: Je pravda, že ste museli nosiť uniformy? (Is it true that you had to wear uniforms?)
Babka: Áno. Boli sme Pionieri a na veľké slávnosti sme nosili modré uniformy a červené pionierske šatky. Vtedy to patrilo k škole. (Yes. We were Pioneers and we wore blue uniforms and red Pioneer scarves for big celebrations. Back then, it was part of school.)
Vnučka: Chcela by si ešte raz zažiť školu z detstva? (Would you like to experience the school of your childhood again?)
Babka: Ani nie. Rada si zaspomínam na kamarátov a dobrých učiteľov. Ale dnešné školy ponúkajú oveľa viac možností a som rada, že sa deti môžu slobodne učiť a cestovať. (Not at all. I like to remember my friends and good teachers. But today's schools offer many more options and I'm glad that children can learn and travel freely.)
Timestamps
00:34 Introduction to the episode
02:17 Schools during socialism
08:22 Fact
16:52 Slovak lesson
22:00 Slovak dialogue
23:57 Dialogue with the English translation
27:34 Final thoughts
If you have any questions, send it to my email hello@bozenasslovak.com. Check my  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bozenasslovak/ where I am posting the pictures of what I am talking about on my podcast. Also, check my website  https://www.bozenasslovak.com
© All copywrites reserved to Bozena Ondova Hilko LLC

Today's episode is about the Battle of Mohács and its significance. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from a legend. You will also learn how to say “Be grateful“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my version of the legend of Vysoka.
Episode notes
In today's episode, I’m talking about the Battle of Mohács and its significance. In the Slovak lesson, you will learn a few new words from a legend. You will also learn how to say “Be grateful“ in Slovak. At the end of this episode, you can find my version of the legend of Vysoka.
Slovak lesson
1. povesť (legend)
 2. zázrak (miracle)
 3. kňaz (priest)
4. sviatosť (sacrament)
 5. monštrancia (monstrance)
6. modliť sa (to pray)
7. modlitba (prayer)
 8. vďaka (gratitude / thanks)
9. vďačnosť (gratitude)
10. Buďte vďační (Be grateful)
Povesť “Zázrak vo Vysokej”
Niekde vo svete je svetadiel Európa. Niekde v tej Európe bola malá krajina dnes známa ako Slovensko. Na tom Slovensku, blízko Banskej Štiavnice, bola malá horská dedinka Vysoká. 
Jedného dňa, keď si dedinčania vykonávali svoju prácu, sa v neďalekom údolí ozval dupot koní a krik osmanských jazdcov. Hneď na to sa rozozvučal zvon na poplach a niekto skríkol: „Turci idú!“ Dedinčania vedeli, že nemajú šancu sa ubrániť. A tak všetci, aj starci, ženy a deti, v panike utekali hore strmým svahom. Dúfali, že v hustých dubových lesoch nájdu svoju záchranu.
Miestny kňaz, otec Matej, rýchlo vzal z oltára to najcennejšie, čo v dedine mali – zlatú monštanciu so sviatosťou oltárnou. Opatrne ju pritlačil k hrudi a rozbehol sa za ostatnými.
Turci však boli na koňoch a prví jazdci s vytasenými šabľami dorazili na okraj lesa rýchlejšie ako dedinčania. Útek bol na konci. Krik útočníkov silnel a zdalo sa, že osud dediny je spečatený.
V tom momente otec Matej vystúpil na vyvýšenú skalu. Zodvihol zlatú monštanciu vysoko nad hlavu, otočil sa tvárou k blížiacemu sa vojsku a začal sa nahlas modliť.
Zrazu z malej bielej hostie uprostred monštancie vyšľahol lúč čistého, oslepujúceho svetla. Nebolo to obyčajné svetlo. Bolo jasnejšie ako poludňajšie slnko a preťalo tmavý les s ohromnou silou. Žiara zaliala celé údolie.
Turecké kone začali divoko erdžať a stavať sa na zadné. Vojaci, zasiahnutí náhlou slepotou a nadpozemskou silou, v panike padali zo sediel. V ich očiach to nebol záblesk zo zlatej nádoby, ale hnev samotného neba. Prestrašení na smrť, s krikom o pomoc, sa otočili a bezhlavo utekali späť odkiaľ prišli.
Svetlo pomaly zhaslo a v lese nastalo hlboké ticho. Ľudia sa pomaly vrátili do svojich domovov. Vedeli, že dedina Vysoká bola zachránená. A na mieste tej skaly, kde sa stal tento zázrak, ľudia ešte dlhé storočia šepkali modlitby vďaky.
English translation: Legend “The Miracle in Vysoká”
Somewhere in the world there is the continent of Europe. Somewhere in that Europe there was a small country known today as Slovakia. In that Slovakia, near Banská Štiavnica, there was a small mountain village called Vysoká.
One day, while the villagers were doing their work, the pounding of horses’ hooves and the shouting of Ottoman riders sounded in a nearby valley. Immediately after that, the alarm bell began to ring and someone shouted, “The Turks are coming!” The villagers knew they had no chance to defend themselves. And so everyone, even the old men, women, and children, ran in panic up the steep slope. They hoped that they would find safety in the dense oak forests.
The local priest, Father Matej, quickly took from the altar the most precious thing the village had: a golden monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament. He carefully pressed it to his chest and ran after the others.
But the Turks were on horseback, and the first riders with drawn sabers reached the edge of the forest faster than the villagers. The escape was over. The attackers’ shouting grew louder, and it seemed that the village’s fate was sealed.
At that moment Father Matej climbed onto a raised rock. He lifted the golden monstrance high above his head, turned his face toward the approaching army, and began to pray aloud.
Suddenly, from the small white host in the middle of the monstrance, a beam of pure, blinding light burst forth. It was no ordinary light. It was brighter than the sun at noon and cut through the dark forest with tremendous force. The radiance flooded the entire valley.
The Turkish horses began to neigh wildly and rear up on their hind legs. The soldiers, struck by sudden blindness and a supernatural force, fell from their saddles in panic. In their eyes, it was not a flash from a golden vessel, but the anger of heaven itself. Terrified to death, crying for help, they turned around and fled headlong back the way they had come.
The light slowly faded, and deep silence settled in the forest. The people slowly returned to their homes. They knew that the village of Vysoká had been saved. And at the place of the rock where this miracle happened, people whispered prayers of gratitude for many long centuries afterward.
Timestamps
00:34 Introduction to the episode
02:16 About the Battle of Mohács
08:31 Fun fact
13:43 Slovak lesson
17:05 Legend of Vysoka in Slovak
20:24 Legend in English
23:49 Final thoughts
If you have any questions, send it to my email hello@bozenasslovak.com. Check my  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bozenasslovak/ where I am posting the pictures of what I am talking about on my podcast. Also, check my website  https://www.bozenasslovak.com
© All copywrites reserved to Bozena Ondova Hilko LLC

Today's episode is about the Slovak inventor Jozef Murgaš. In the Slovak lesson, you are going to learn about the Slovak conjunction či. You will also learn how to ask “Would you be able to help me?" in Slovak.
Episode notes
In today's episode, I’m talking about the Slovak inventor Jozef Murgaš. In the Slovak lesson, you are going to learn about the Slovak conjunction či. You will also learn how to ask “Would you be able to help me?" in Slovak.
Slovak lesson
1.    Neviem, či príde. (I don't know whether he will come.)
2.    Opýtaj sa ho, či má čas. (Ask him whether he has time.)
3.    Nie som si istý, či je to pravda. (I am not sure whether it is true.)
4.    Viete, či tu bol môj brat? (Do you know whether my brother was here?)
5.    Viete, či majú otvorené? (Do you know if they are open?)
6.    Viete, či je niekto doma? (Do you know if anyone is home?)
7.    Chceš kávu, či čaj? (Do you want coffee or tea?)
8.    Byť, či nebyť? (To be, or not to be?)
9.    Neviem, či mám ísť do kina, či ostať doma. (I don't know whether I should go to the cinema or stay at home.)
10. Či by ste mi mohli pomôcť? (Would you be able to help me?)
Jozef Murgaš
Jozef Murgaš bol slovenský kňaz, vynálezca, zberateľ, umelec a komunitný vodca, ktorého život spojil vieru, vedu a službu. Narodil sa na Slovensku v Tajove v roku 1864.  Pre svoju ranú prácu v oblasti bezdrôtovej komunikácie bol známy ako „rozhlasový kňaz“. Po presťahovaní sa do Wilkes-Barre v Pensylvánii, USA vybudoval laboratórium, získal niekoľko amerických patentov a v roku 1905 úspešne vyslal rádiovú správu medzi Wilkes-Barre a Scrantonom. Murgaš tiež podporoval slovenských prisťahovalcov, pomáhal budovať komunitné inštitúcie, písal pre slovenské noviny a zohral úlohu v slovenskom hnutí v Amerike. Jeho príbeh nám pripomína, že zvedavosť, kreativita a služba môžu zanechať trvalý signál naprieč generáciami.
TRANSLATION
Jozef Murgaš was a Slovak priest, inventor, collector, artist, and community leader whose life combined faith, science, and service. He was born in Tajov, Slovakia, in 1864. He was known as the “radio priest” for his early work in wireless communications. After moving to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA, he built a laboratory, received several U.S. patents, and successfully transmitted a radio message between Wilkes-Barre and Scranton in 1905. Murgaš also supported Slovak immigrants, helped build community institutions, wrote for Slovak newspapers, and played a role in the Slovak movement in America. His story reminds us that curiosity, creativity, and service can leave a lasting mark across generations.
Timestamps
00:36 Introduction to the episode
02:14 About Jozef Murgaš
03:09 Fun fact 1
11:50 Fun fact 2
12:29 Slovak lesson
15:35 Sentences
19:44 Summary about Jozef Murgaš in Slovak
20:57 Translation of the summary
22:03 Final thoughts
If you have any questions, send it to my email hello@bozenasslovak.com. Check my  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bozenasslovak/ where I am posting the pictures of what I am talking about on my podcast. Also, check my website  https://www.bozenasslovak.com
© All copywrites reserved to Bozena Ondova Hilko LLC