Why a PDF helps beginners
A good beginners pdf keeps all your essentials in one place: alphabet, core phrases, mini grammar, and practice drills you can print or view offline. No pop‑ups, no distractions—just clean pages you can mark up and revisit.
Free doesn’t have to mean low quality. Look for open textbooks, university handouts, and creator-approved downloads. Check the front page for a license or usage note, and keep everything organized in a single Greek learning folder.
- Alphabet with sounds and stress tips
- Everyday phrases with transliteration
- Starter grammar and examples
- Short exercises with answer keys
The basics you need: alphabet, sounds, and stress
Modern Greek uses its own alphabet. Learn letter names, typical sounds, and how stress works (the accent mark shows the stressed syllable). Get these right early and reading becomes far easier.
Pair your pdf with online audio so your ears lead the way. Practice micro-drills: say the letter, the sound, a sample word, then read a tiny phrase. Keep the focus on clarity over speed.
- Alphabet and handwriting forms
- Polite greetings and introductions
- Numbers 1–20 and prices
- Ordering, thanks, and apologies
Mini lesson from the PDF: greetings and polite phrases
Start with high‑frequency expressions you’ll use every day. Read in Greek, say the transliteration, then the meaning. Repeat out loud three times, then swap roles with a study buddy.
- Γεια σου (Ya su) — hi, hello (informal)
- Γεια σας (Ya sas) — hello (formal/plural)
- Καλημέρα (Kaliméra) — good morning
- Καλησπέρα (Kalispéra) — good evening
- Ευχαριστώ (Efharistó) — thank you
- Παρακαλώ (Parakaló) — please/you’re welcome
- Συγγνώμη (Signómi) — sorry/excuse me
- Πώς σε λένε; (Pos se léne?) — what’s your name?
A simple A1 study plan (online + PDF)
Blend short online listening with focused pdf practice. Aim for 20–30 minutes per day, five days a week. Track wins, not hours.
- Day 1: Alphabet row practice + 5 minutes of audio letters.
- Day 2: Greetings set from the pdf; record yourself and compare.
- Day 3: Numbers 1–20; price phrases like «Πόσο κάνει;».
- Day 4: Verb είμαι (to be) with «Είμαι…/Δεν είμαι…».
- Day 5: Dialog mash‑up: two lines from each section, spoken fast then slow.
Where to find safe, free PDFs and how to build your own
Great free sources include university course pages, open educational resources, and creator blogs that explicitly allow downloads. Prefer files with a table of contents, answer keys, and clear licensing.
Can’t find the exact starter you want? Build a custom pack: collect two pages per topic, add spaced‑repetition prompts, and save as a single pdf so all your learning lives together.
- Search: site:.edu greek beginner pdf
- Search: “modern greek A1 pdf free”
- Open textbooks and language OER repositories
- Teacher blogs with printable packs (license noted)
- Your own notes exported to pdf from Docs or Notion
FAQ
- Can I learn Greek with a PDF only?
- A pdf is a great base for structure and review, but add online audio for pronunciation and rhythm. Use the pdf for notes and drills, and use listening to train your ear daily.
- How do I know a PDF is truly free to download?
- Check for a license or permission note on the first pages or the host site. Look for terms like Creative Commons, Open Access, or “free for personal use.” Avoid shady mirrors.
- Do I need the Greek alphabet before phrases?
- Yes—learn the alphabet early so reading and stress patterns become natural. You can start with transliteration for a week, but switch to Greek script as soon as possible.
- How long to reach A1–A2 with consistent learning?
- With 20–30 minutes a day, expect about 8–12 weeks for solid A1 and 3–6 months for A2. Keep sessions short and frequent, mixing pdf drills with online speaking and listening.
- Where can I get audio to match a beginners pdf?
- Use free online dictionaries with audio, YouTube pronunciation guides, and TTS tools for single words. For dialogues, search “Greek A1 listening” and shadow while reading the pdf text.