What makes a good free Bosnian app?
A strong beginner app helps you learn Bosnian step by step, keeps you motivated, and supports real-life conversation. Because you’re studying at A1–A2, you want short lessons, clear audio, and plenty of repetition. If you’ve checked Duolingo and wondered where Bosnian is: it’s not available there right now, so you’ll want solid alternatives.
Focus on apps and sites that build core vocabulary, show grammar in context, and let you review efficiently. Ideally, they should also offer offline study and printable resources so you can practice without distractions.
- Clear audio by native speakers and slow-play options
- Spaced repetition so new words actually stick
- Short, guided beginner lessons (5–10 minutes)
- Contextual sentences, not just isolated words
- Progress tracking and daily reminders
Best free tools and alternatives to Duolingo
While Duolingo doesn’t offer Bosnian, several free or freemium options work well for beginners. Combine one main app with a few quick-review tools and you’ll cover vocabulary, listening, and basic grammar. You can also learn online using community-made decks and open resources.
Mixing formats helps: an app for structure, a PDF phrase sheet for quick refreshers, and YouTube or podcasts for natural listening. Keep it simple and repeat often.
- Clozemaster (free): Sentence-based practice to learn words in context.
- Memrise (community courses, free): User-made Bosnian decks for beginner vocab.
- Mondly (free daily lesson): Short daily practice; premium unlocks more.
- uTalk (limited free): Survival phrases with clear audio; good for travel basics.
- Anki (free): Spaced-repetition flashcards; search for “Bosnian A1” decks online.
- YouTube playlists: Beginner Bosnian lessons for pronunciation and listening.
A simple 7‑day starter plan
Consistency beats intensity. Use one main app plus a PDF phrase sheet. Aim for 15–25 minutes per day. If you can manage a second micro-session (5 minutes), review flashcards or listen to a short dialogue.
By the end of a week, you’ll know greetings, numbers, polite phrases, and how to ask where something is—exactly what beginners need.
- Day 1: Greetings, introductions, and polite words (Zdravo, Dobar dan, Hvala).
- Day 2: Numbers 1–20 and prices; practice listening slowly twice.
- Day 3: Essential verbs (biti “to be”) and simple “I am/You are” sentences.
- Day 4: Food and drink; practice ordering politely using your PDF.
- Day 5: Directions: Gdje je…? (Where is…?); landmarks and transport.
- Day 6: Review with flashcards; speak out loud for 5–10 minutes.
- Day 7: Mini test: introduce yourself, ask for coffee, ask where the station is.
Essential Bosnian phrases for beginners
Bosnian pronunciation is mostly phonetic. “Ć/Č” are “ch” sounds (Ć softer). Start with short, high-frequency phrases and reuse them daily. Keep a printed PDF or phone note so you can review anywhere.
Don’t worry about perfection—aim for clear, slow speech. People will appreciate your effort.
- Zdravo / Dobar dan — Hello / Good day
- Kako si? (inf.) / Kako ste? (pol.) — How are you?
- Hvala. — Thank you.
- Molim. — Please/You’re welcome.
- Izvinite. — Excuse me/Sorry.
- Ja sam… — I am…
- Gdje je stanica? — Where is the station?
- Koliko košta? — How much does it cost?
Go beyond the app: online and PDF resources
Apps give structure, but PDFs and communities fill the gaps. A tidy beginner PDF with phrases, numbers, and basic grammar lets you revise offline. Forums and groups help you ask questions and get feedback.
When searching online, use specific terms like “Bosnian A1 pdf” or “Bosnian phrasebook pdf” to find free, trustworthy resources.
- University handouts: Search “site:.edu Bosnian pdf” for free primers.
- Open grammars and phrase sheets shared by teachers and NGOs.
- Community flashcards (Anki/Memrise) tagged with A1 or beginner.
- Facebook or Reddit language groups to ask where to find good materials.
- Language exchanges (Tandem, HelloTalk) to practice simple chats.
FAQ
- Is there a truly free app to learn Bosnian?
- Yes. Clozemaster, Memrise community courses, and Anki are genuinely free options. Mondly and uTalk have limited free content. Duolingo currently doesn’t offer a Bosnian course, so pair one main app with flashcards and a PDF phrase sheet.
- Where can I download a free Bosnian PDF?
- Search for “Bosnian A1 pdf,” “Bosnian phrasebook pdf,” or use “site:.edu Bosnian pdf” to find university handouts. Look for beginner checklists: alphabet, numbers, greetings, key verbs, and travel words. Always verify sources and print the first 2–3 pages for quick review.
- How long does A1–A2 Bosnian usually take?
- With 20–30 minutes daily, A1 often takes 6–8 weeks, and A2 about 4–6 months. Progress depends on consistent review and speaking out loud. Use one app for structure, a PDF for refreshers, and short listening practice online.
- Is Bosnian very different from Croatian or Serbian?
- They’re closely related and largely mutually understandable. Vocabulary and spelling can vary, but beginner communication overlaps a lot. If a resource isn’t labeled “Bosnian,” many Croatian/Serbian beginner materials still help you learn core basics.
- Do I need Cyrillic to learn Bosnian online?
- No. Bosnian primarily uses the Latin alphabet, and most beginner resources and apps use Latin. Cyrillic appears occasionally and is helpful culturally, but it’s optional for A1–A2 learners.