Start with the Greek Alphabet and Sounds
The alphabet is the gateway to all Greek learning. It looks different, but most letters map to familiar sounds. Learn the names of the letters, the common sounds, and where the stress falls in a word. In Greek, stress marks (´) are written on vowels and really matter for understanding.
Practice by reading short words out loud from your PDF, then check with audio. Focus on tricky pairs like η/ι/υ (often sound like “ee”), μπ/ντ/γκ (used for b, d, g in certain positions), and the letter χ (a rough h). A few focused sessions will unlock the basics fast.
- Learn 5–7 letters per day and review yesterday’s set.
- Pair the PDF with online audio (Forvo or YouTube alphabet videos).
- Handwrite letters to cement shape + sound.
- Install a Greek keyboard to type what you learn.
Essential Phrases and Grammar You Need
Grab core phrases first so you can say hello, ask, order, and thank people. Then layer in light grammar: present tense verbs, articles, and word order (usually Subject–Verb–Object, but flexible). Greek has gender (masculine, feminine, neuter) and cases, yet at A1 you can keep it simple: learn article + noun as a pair.
From your beginners PDF, collect a mini phrasebank and use it daily. Repeat out loud, then try small substitutions (coffee/tea, here/there) to build flexibility.
- Καλημέρα (kaliméra) — good morning
- Ευχαριστώ (efcharistó) — thank you
- Παρακαλώ (parakaló) — please/you’re welcome
- Πού είναι ...; (poú eínai ...?) — where is ...?
- Θέλω έναν καφέ. (thélo énan kafé) — I want a coffee.
How to Use a Learn Greek Beginners PDF
A well-structured PDF keeps all your basics in one place: alphabet, phrases, mini dialogs, and simple exercises. Treat it as your base camp, then extend with audio and online practice.
Use short, repeatable loops: read → listen → speak → write. Track what you’ve mastered so you can move forward confidently.
- Print it or annotate digitally; highlight must-know sections.
- Set micro-goals: 2 pages per day or 15 words per session.
- Do spaced repetition: review day 1 on days 3, 6, and 10.
- Shadow dialogs: speak with the audio to copy rhythm.
- Create a personal glossary with article + noun (e.g., το βιβλίο).
Online Tools to Support Your Learning
Combine your free PDF with a few high-impact online resources. This mix covers listening, vocab, and correctness checks without overwhelming you.
Choose one tool per skill to keep things simple and consistent.
- Pronunciation: Forvo (native recordings) or YouTube slow readings.
- Vocabulary: Anki or Quizlet decks built from your PDF lists.
- Reference: Wiktionary for meanings, gender, and verb tables.
- Listening: Short Greek podcasts or news clips at slow speed.
- Typing: An online Greek keyboard or OS keyboard layout.
A Simple 15‑Minute Daily Study Plan
Consistency beats cramming. This mini plan keeps your learning steady and stress-free. Adjust the days, but keep the rhythm: see, say, and review.
If you have more time, double the speaking or listening steps rather than adding new material.
- Day 1–2: Alphabet practice (5–7 letters) + read 5 words aloud.
- Day 3: Review letters; add 5 phrases from the PDF; shadow audio.
- Day 4: Basic verbs in present tense; make 3 short sentences.
- Day 5: Mini dialog from the PDF; practice with a timer (2×).
- Weekend: 10‑minute review + 5‑minute listening at slow speed.
FAQ
- Can I learn Greek with a free beginners PDF alone?
- Yes for A1 basics, if you add audio. Use the PDF for structure, then pair it with pronunciation sites and a spaced repetition app for vocabulary.
- Is Greek hard for English speakers?
- It’s very doable. The alphabet is new, but consistent. Grammar has extras like gender and cases, yet at A1–A2 you can communicate with set phrases and simple verbs.
- What should I learn first?
- Alphabet and pronunciation, then core phrases and present tense verbs. Learn nouns with their articles to handle gender from the start.
- How do I type Greek online?
- Enable a Greek keyboard on your device or use an online keyboard. Practice by retyping words from your PDF to reinforce spelling and accents.
- How long to reach A1–A2?
- With 15–20 minutes daily using a structured PDF plus audio, many learners reach A1 in 6–8 weeks and A2 in a few months more, depending on consistency.