Start with the Hebrew Alphabet (Alef‑Bet)
The alphabet is the gateway for all beginners. Learn the 22 letters, 5 final forms, and the vowel dots (nikud). Practice right‑to‑left tracking and read out loud from day one. Sound accuracy now makes later learning feel easy.
Focus on pairs that confuse beginner learners: bet/vet, kaf/chaf, shin/sin, tav/sav. Write by hand to lock shapes into memory. Use a printable alphabet chart (PDF), an online Hebrew keyboard, and slow audio so your eyes, ears, and hand learn together.
- Print an Alef‑Bet PDF and trace daily
- Practice final letters at word endings
- Read syllables with nikud, then drop dots
- Record yourself to catch tricky consonants
Build Essential A1–A2 Vocabulary
Start with high‑frequency words you’ll use all the time: greetings, numbers, days, food, directions, family, and common verbs like “want,” “like,” “go,” and “live.” Tie every new noun to a verb so you can speak in full, useful phrases.
Use spaced repetition (flashcards) and short phrase frames: ani/ata/at/hu/hi + present tense. Keep a simple, all‑in‑one note with a running word list and example sentences. Free decks and PDF word lists make steady learning painless.
- Greetings and small talk
- Numbers, time, and dates
- Food, shopping, and prices
- Places, transport, directions
- Family and daily routines
Pronunciation and Listening: Make the Sounds Stick
Hebrew has a clear rhythm and usually stresses the last syllable. Pay special attention to guttural sounds: chet (kh), ayin (a deep vowel feel), and the rolled or uvular resh. Don’t chase perfection; aim for consistent, understandable sounds.
Listen a little every day: slow news, beginner podcasts, songs with lyrics, or YouTube lessons. Shadow short lines—play, pause, repeat. Use 0.75–0.9x speed so your mouth can copy the melody of Hebrew speech.
- Shadow 1–2 sentences daily
- Mark stress with bold or caps in notes
- Practice minimal pairs (kaf/chaf, bet/vet)
- Record-and-compare to a native clip
Grammar Basics You Actually Need
Start with pronouns (ani, ata/at, hu/hi, anachnu, atem/aten), present‑tense patterns, gender, and singular/plural. The verb “to be” is usually dropped in the present: ani student/it; hu more/et. Learn the article ha‑ and common prepositions be‑, le‑, mi‑.
Master everyday structures: yesh/eyn (there is/there isn’t), possession with shel, and common question words (ma, eifo, mi, kama, lamah). Keep sentences short and swap in new words to recycle grammar without extra effort.
- Present tense + gender agreement
- ha‑ (the) and basic prepositions
- yesh/eyn for existence/possession
- Core question words for daily life
Free Study Plan and Beginner Resources
Consistency beats cramming. Try this: 15 minutes reading aloud (alphabet or simple texts), 10 minutes vocab review, 10 minutes listening and shadowing, and 10 minutes speaking or writing. That’s less than an hour and covers all skills.
Use free, legal resources: online courses for beginners, open‑source dictionaries, printable PDF charts, library e‑books, and language exchanges. If you’re curious about biblical Hebrew, browse public‑domain texts to practice letters, but use modern dialogues for speaking.
- Alphabet PDF + stroke‑order worksheets
- Online Hebrew keyboard and spell‑check
- Beginner dialogues with audio + transcript
- Free SRS flashcards for core vocab
- Graded readers or news in easy Hebrew
FAQ
- Can I really learn Hebrew free online as a beginner?
- Yes. Combine a structured online course, printable PDF charts, free flashcard decks, and daily listening. Follow a short, consistent plan and you’ll cover all A1–A2 basics without paying.
- How long does A1–A2 Hebrew usually take?
- Plan for about 120–180 focused hours. With 45–60 minutes a day, many beginners reach solid A2 in 4–6 months, especially if they speak and listen online every day.
- Is Hebrew hard for English speakers?
- It’s different, not impossible. The alphabet and some sounds feel new, but grammar is logical and vocabulary repeats from roots. With steady practice, beginner learners progress quickly.
- What’s the difference between Biblical and Modern Hebrew for beginners?
- Biblical Hebrew differs in vocabulary, style, and some grammar. Modern Hebrew is best for conversation and travel. You can use biblical texts to practice letters, but build speaking with modern dialogues.
- Where can I find free Hebrew PDFs?
- Look for open educational sites and public libraries offering alphabet charts, verb tables, and beginner word lists. Save an all‑in‑one starter PDF: Alef‑Bet, common phrases, question words, and prepositions.