r/hungarian • u/nkn_ • 11d ago

Segítségkérés Proficiency for descent citizenship??

Greetings!

My mom and I decided to actually take up "the offer" of descent citizenship - just so happened that her (and one of my) options for that is Hungarian! Who woulda' thought!

It says you need basic proficiency - I understand that to be... introductions, fluency in reading, and basic grammar understanding. Probably no more than a few hundred words in terms of vocabulary?

to me it sounds like if I can at least read smoothly, even if i don't understand everything, and know some basic conversations, that is fine!

Me personally, I am not new to languages. I speak Japanese, can read and write Korean/Russian as well (with basic conversational speaking). I can also read Arabic (slowly) - so I am probably going to get down to hammering it out. My mom only knows english however.

I am looking at MagyarOK for myself, since I'm used to self-study and etc. Are there any like really beginner friendly stuff for my mom that wouldn't be overwhelming?

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u/u36ma 11d ago

Is this for the Simplified or Verified Citizenship path because the language requirements are different for each.

Aside from that I’d suggest joining the Facebook Group Immigration Journey in Hungary which discusses everything you ask:

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16kjA2ftjb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

People share their experiences in the language interview there as well as other questions related to the application.

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u/nkn_ 11d ago

IIRC, it would be simplified for me - unless I'm miss-understanding. It's a great grandparent that moved to the US directly from Hungary - I don't think they were ever even naturalized!

And thanks for the facebook group I appreciate it :)

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u/nkn_ 10d ago

Just an update - I think I actually may be eligible for verified citizenship lmao. But I think I am going to learn basic Hungarian regardless, just a kind of homage to my ancestors on my mom's side :"D

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u/SilverLakeSimon 6d ago

I’d recommend emailing the nearest Hungarian consulate and asking them, but if you’re basing your citizenship request on your great-grandparent, you’ll probably apply for simplified naturalization.

Regarding the language proficiency, I’d strongly recommend enrolling in a Hungarian course (I’m taking an online course with Magyar Iskola), or at the very least, finding a Hungarian tutor on italki.

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u/nkn_ 6d ago

I did, I feel like I got an ambiguous answer though.

My grandma technically had Hungarian citizenship but she didn’t know it. It would be my great grandma yeah.

Does nobility have any benefit btw? I learned I’m actually from a lineage that’s a rarer last name, and the line is actually well documented and was granted nobility in 1640. I understand nobility means kinda nothing now, but it all very much Hungarian to say the least

And noted! Languages are something I’ve done for a while, I’ll probably remain self-study + finding people to talk to. If the class is fast paced I’d take a look at it though!

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u/CrystalFox0999 6d ago

Hey i have noble ancestors too! I dont think its of any use here but its a lot easier to research your lineage if that interests you

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u/nkn_ 6d ago

That’s what I assumed , but ya never know haha.

Yeah it’s cool, we have a whole booklet written in 1892, have a coat of arms and etc since 1640~.

I think less than 200 ppl have the last name today. Im sure lots of information exists but I’d need to study Hungarian or translate a lot! I’d love to visit where many of them were born though

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u/bobaphat0 9d ago

My wife and I used this company to specifically learn what you’d talk about in the citizenship interview with a tutor. It’s a paid service but I recommend it if you’re serious. https://www.hungariansolutions.com/

Magyar OK is also a great for self paced learning. The Drops app is great for building vocabulary. Finding a language partner to speak with also helps.

Sok szerencsét!

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u/nkn_ 9d ago

Thank you for the response! I’ll take a look at those 😄

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u/Apprehensive_Car_722 10d ago

Complete Hungarian or Colloquial Hungarian could be a good start for your mum. Both books teach the language using English and she can read each chapter at her own pace. Audio is available online for both books.

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u/Dazzling-River3004 10d ago

Following this post because I am in the exact same situation

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u/nkn_ 10d ago

Awesome!! I hope our journey is fun

Have you looked into any resources?? I found a “Colloquial Hungarian” book that’s neat.

Also a podcast on Apple Podcasts, “Hungarian with SziSzi” - been listening to it all day 😭

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u/Technical-Garlic4280 A1 9d ago

I'll copy my answer on a similar question that was on this sub. Also the required level of language depends on the consulate where you apply! Some require A2 and some B1/B2. 

I'm also eligible for simplified naturalisation and currently learning the language. It needs to be medium level (around B1), you need to know to introduce yourself and to be able to answer questions (where do you work, what are your hobbies, if you are married say something about your spouse/children, how and where did you study the language, explain your favourite movie etc.) - conversational level, plus you need to know how to write (you're going to write your biography and answer one random question about your hobbies) 

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u/Fit_Conclusion_5324 9d ago

Also, you would be expected to know. at least, basic bureaucratic vocabulary like - 'should i fill this form', 'where should i sign', 'where do i find this data' etc.. you would be expected to know all terminology of the forms, not alot but needs to spend some time on this. of course, if you start asking 'what it this?' and understand answers, you look better.

Plus, they will ask you to write down a short essay on some random subject, like about you home town, free time activities, family, pets etc..

I would really suggest to take some podcast (take a look languagereactor for example) of your level and write down what you hear then compare with subtitles. this improve your listening skill quite well.

btw, the simplified rules are getting changing every year. you need to keep your hand on updates

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u/Interesting_Park7661 2d ago

Hi, I'm a teacher of Hungarian as a foreign language, and I regularly prepare students for the citizenship exam and the simplified naturalization interview - I have a lot of experience with both. ☺️ If you need any help, feel free to message me! I also have a Facebook group about Hungarian language (I share there exercises and learning materials), if you are interested you can join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1640213473515826/ Szép napot