Why the BBC Greek pages still help beginners
The BBC’s Greek content was designed for absolute beginners: short clips, essential phrases, and plain‑English notes. Even today, that free, structured approach makes online learning feel less overwhelming.
You’ll find practical topics (greetings, numbers, food, directions) with audio that models clear, standard pronunciation. Treat the site like a phrase‑led starter kit, then layer in extra practice from apps, videos, and your own notes.
- Free audio phrases with simple explanations
- Alphabet overview and pronunciation help
- Survival topics for travel and everyday life
- Quick quizzes to check the basics
Your 4‑week online learning plan (free)
Use BBC Greek as your anchor. Add 15–20 minutes daily of listening, speaking, and quick review. Keep it short and consistent—beginners progress fastest with a repeatable routine.
- Week 1: Alphabet + sounds. Learn stress marks, practice syllables, and copy key words out loud.
- Week 2: Core phrases. Greetings, introducing yourself, numbers, time, and polite requests.
- Week 3: Basics of grammar. Articles (ο, η, το), present tense of “to be” and common verbs.
- Week 4: Everyday tasks. Ordering food, asking prices, directions, and simple small talk.
- Daily loop: Listen – repeat – write – review. End by speaking two new sentences from memory.
Greek alphabet and sounds: the basics you need
Mastering the alphabet early saves you from relying on English‑style spellings. The BBC recordings help you hear each letter clearly. Focus on stress (´) because it changes meaning and rhythm.
Record yourself, then compare to the BBC audio. Aim for smooth syllables and consistent vowel length—not English diphthongs.
- η, ι, υ often sound like “ee” (μη, τι, ή
- αι ≈ “e” as in “pet” (πέντε)
- ει, οι ≈ “ee” (είναι, οίκος)
- μπ, ντ, γκ render b, d, g sounds in many positions
- γ before ε/ι sounds like a soft “y”/fricative (γειά)
- Stress mark (´) shows the stressed syllable: καλημέρα
Everyday basics: phrases, grammar, and practice
Start with set phrases, then swap words to build new sentences. The BBC Greek phrase sections give you real‑life patterns—great for quick wins and confidence.
For grammar, learn just enough to speak: articles, gender, present tense of common verbs (είμαι, έχω, θέλω), and simple questions. Keep practice light and daily.
- Hello / Goodbye: Γεια σου / Γεια σας, Αντίο
- I am / My name is: Είμαι…, Με λένε…
- I want… please: Θέλω… παρακαλώ
- How much is it?: Πόσο κάνει;
- Where is…?: Πού είναι…;
Make a free PDF toolkit from BBC and more
Prefer offline learning? Save key BBC pages as a PDF (Print > Save as PDF). Add your notes so all your basics live in one simple pack you can review anywhere.
Update your PDF weekly with new phrases, mini verb tables, and tricky sounds. A living document keeps learning organized and fast to review.
- Alphabet + pronunciation cheatsheet with stress tips
- Top 50 survival phrases with phonetic prompts
- Mini tables: articles, present tense of common verbs
- Numbers, time, days, and common signs
- Personal word bank (food, transport, directions)
FAQ
- Is the BBC Greek material enough to reach A2?
- It covers the basics well for beginners, but add daily speaking, extra listening, and a small vocabulary routine. Together, that can take you toward A1–A2 comfortably.
- How much time do I need each day?
- Aim for 15–25 minutes, six days a week: 5 listening, 5 repeating, 5 writing or review, and a 5‑minute speaking wrap‑up. Consistency beats long sessions.
- Do I need a Greek keyboard?
- Yes, it helps. Add Greek to your phone/PC and learn basic layout. Typing early improves spelling and speeds up online learning and dictionary lookups.
- Can I get a free PDF for Greek basics?
- If none is provided, create your own: save BBC phrase pages as PDF, then append your notes, verb tables, and word lists. A custom PDF keeps all essentials together.
- What should I learn first: alphabet or phrases?
- Do both. Spend a few days on the alphabet and stress, then start phrases immediately. Reading Greek letters early makes pronunciation and memory much easier.