Zoltán Bánhidi (1918–2005)

This book shows its age, but it is probably one of the best for self-study. The grammar is fairly comprehensive, and includes older constructions that newer books like /Halló, itt Magyarország!/ leave out (but which do come up from time to time).

It includes complete answers to all exercises, and its description of Hungarian phonology is quite accurate; as accurate as it can be without multimedia.

If you use this for self-study, take the first six chapters with a grain (or a solid spoonful) show more of salt. Being written during the Communist era, it will teach you how to greet elvtársak (comrades) and salute government leaders. Its description of magázás (formal pronoun forms) is slightly out of date, but should still be learned. The greeting and politeness forms are best learned "in the wild" anyway.

What it lacks in cultural relevance it makes up for in linguistic coverage and usefulness. A solid 4/5. show less

Hungarian/Grammar