Start here: what beginners need to learn Greek online
Set yourself up for success with a light toolkit and a simple routine. You do not need paid courses to get results. Combine a free app or site for drills, a YouTube channel for listening, and a PDF cheat sheet for quick reference. Keep sessions short and frequent, and track new words from day one. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
- Install a Greek keyboard on your phone and laptop.
- Schedule 20 minutes daily: 10 vocab, 5 listening, 5 review.
- Use two free sources so learning stays varied and fun.
- Save a one-page alphabet and phrases PDF for offline study.
- Write mini goals: 30 words a week, 5 phrases, 1 short dialogue.
Greek alphabet and sounds: the absolute basics
Learn the alphabet in 2–3 sessions with audio. Many letters look like English but sound different, so listen as you read. Keep a printable alphabet PDF with examples and practice writing a few lines daily. Focus on the stress mark; it tells you which syllable to emphasize and is essential for clear, natural pronunciation.
- Key sounds: β is v; δ is like th in this; γ before e, i is y.
- Common vowels: η, ι, υ often sound like ee; learn by ear, not rules.
- Diphthongs: αι is e, ει is ee, ου is oo, αυ is av/af, ευ is ev/ef.
- Accent matters: καφέ is kah-FE; accents move the stress.
- Practice trio: read it, say it, then type it with the Greek keyboard.
First phrases and grammar you will actually use
Grab high-frequency phrases you can use online or on a trip. Start with greetings and introductions, then add want, need, and have. A tiny grammar base helps: articles ο, η, το (the) and the present tense ending -ω for I. Keep it simple, repeat aloud, and build small dialogues you can reuse.
- Greetings: Γεια, Καλημέρα, Καλησπέρα, Καληνύχτα.
- Polite core: Ευχαριστώ, Παρακαλώ, Συγγνώμη, Ναι, Όχι.
- Introduce: Πώς σε λένε; Με λένε Anna. Είμαι από Αγγλία.
- Needs: Θέλω καφέ. Χρειάζομαι νερό. Έχω ραντεβού στις 3.
- Mini grammar: ο άντρας, η γυναίκα, το παιδί; εγώ μιλάω, εσύ μιλάς.
A free 4‑week plan to learn the basics
Use this quick plan to get from zero to confident beginner. Mix reading, listening, speaking, and writing daily. Keep your notebook and a small PDF pack handy for offline learning so you can review anywhere.
- Week 1: Alphabet, sounds, basic greetings, numbers 1–20. Shadow 5 minutes daily.
- Week 2: Introductions, countries, family words, present tense of be and have.
- Week 3: Food, directions, time and days. Patterns with want and need.
- Week 4: Build a 1‑minute self‑intro. Read a simple dialog online and record yourself.
Finding good online resources and PDFs
You can learn Greek free with a balanced mix of drills, videos, and printable references. Look for materials labeled A1 or A2, with audio and transcripts. Save PDFs for alphabet charts, verb tables, and short dialogues, so all your basics stay in one place.
- Free app courses: daily bites to learn vocab and the alphabet.
- YouTube: slow lessons, dialogues, and listening with subtitles.
- Open courseware: university pages often host beginner PDFs and audio.
- Public libraries and CC resources: search Greek A1 pdf or Greek basics pdf.
- Spaced repetition: Anki decks for letters, core verbs, and phrases.
- Community: forums and language exchanges for feedback and speaking.
FAQ
- How long does it take to reach A1–A2 in Greek with free online study?
- Expect 60–120 focused hours. With 20 minutes daily, many beginners reach A1 in 2–3 months and A2 in about 4–6 months. The key is regular learning with audio, speaking, and review.
- Is the Greek alphabet hard for beginners?
- It looks new, but most learners read basic Greek after 2–3 sessions. Use a printable alphabet PDF and audio, practice the accent mark, and type with the Greek keyboard to build muscle memory.
- Do I need grammar or phrases first?
- Do both. Learn phrases you can use today, and add tiny grammar bites to connect them. For example, articles ο, η, το and the I ending -ω help you form many basics quickly.
- What is the best free way to practice speaking online?
- Shadow short videos, record yourself, and do weekly language exchanges. Voice messages are great for shy beginners. Aim for simple scripts you can reuse and adjust in real conversations.
- Where can I find quality beginner PDFs for Greek?
- Search for Greek A1 pdf, Greek alphabet pdf, or Greek phrases pdf. Check open courseware, library portals, and teacher blogs. Save a small pack: alphabet, phrase list, and a starter verb sheet.