Dictionary of Slovak terms
Important words that foreigners in Slovakia come across every day — with a translation and a short explanation. Click a term to open its page.
A dictionary of Slovak terms for foreigners
Moving to Slovakia means dozens of new words: in your documents, at appointments in government offices, in letters from the state and from your employer. The KOMPAS dictionary collects the key Slovak terms and explains them in plain English — from temporary protection status and nostrifikácia (recognition of a foreign diploma) to taxes, renting a home and visits to the doctor.
Every term has its own page with an explanation, a translation, an example of how it is used and links to related sections of the portal — education, work, legal status, housing and money. This is reference information to help you find your way, not legal advice: on important questions, always check the official source.
Frequently asked questions about the dictionary
What is the KOMPAS dictionary of terms?+
It is a guide to the Slovak words and terms you meet in documents, in government offices and in daily life: legal status, education, work, housing, healthcare and money. Each term is explained in plain English, with the original Slovak spelling.
Why do I need it?+
Slovak terms in official letters and on government websites are often hard to understand without context, and reading them wrong costs time and money. The dictionary gives a short, accurate explanation, so you know what is meant and what your next step is.
How do I use the dictionary?+
Search for a word or choose a category. Every term has its own page with an explanation, a translation, an example of how the word is used and links to related terms and sections of the portal.
Where do the terms come from, and are they accurate?+
The terms and explanations are based on official Slovak sources (ministries and government offices) and on the experience of the KOMPAS editorial team. This is reference information, not legal advice — in unclear cases, check the original source or ask a specialist.
Can I hear how a word is pronounced?+
Yes. Many terms have audio of the Slovak pronunciation — tap the sound icon on the term page to hear how the word should sound.