Start here: how to learn Hebrew with audio for free
Hebrew sounds different from English, so start by training your ear. Focus on the Alef‑Bet, vowels (nikkud), and stress patterns. Pair every new word with sound from day one. That way your pronunciation grows with your vocabulary.
You don’t need long sessions. Short, frequent listening wins for beginners. Use free online audio to shadow phrases (repeat right after the speaker), then record yourself and compare. Add 2–3 new words daily and keep cycling the old ones.
- Always attach audio to new words (Pealim or Forvo are great for native clips).
- Shadow 30–60 seconds of slow speech, then speak it alone from memory.
- Make a tiny spaced‑repetition deck (Anki/Memrise) with audio for all cards.
- Don’t rely only on transliteration; connect sounds to the Hebrew letters early.
Core sounds and first phrases (with audio prompts)
Start with high‑frequency words you will actually use. Listen to each item a few times, mouth it silently, then say it aloud. Keep it slow and clear. If you see a PDF list, pair it with an online audio dictionary so every line has sound.
- Shalom — hello/peace — shalom
- Todah — thank you — todah
- Bevakasha — please/you’re welcome — bevakasha
- Ken / Lo — yes / no — ken / lo
- Ani — I; Ata (m.) / At (f.) — you — ani, ata, at
- Eifo…? — where is…? — eifo
- Kama ze ole? — how much is it? — kama ze ole
- Ma shmecha? (m.) / Ma shmech? (f.) — what’s your name? — ma shmecha / ma shmech
A 15‑minute daily listening plan
Consistency matters more than long sessions. Use this quick routine to keep learning on track and free.
- Minutes 0–3: Warm up with yesterday’s 6–8 words (audio + speak).
- Minutes 3–7: Learn 2–3 new words or one short phrase set (audio first, then read).
- Minutes 7–10: Shadow a slow clip (YouTube or podcast) and record yourself once.
- Minutes 10–13: Micro‑review using spaced repetition with audio.
- Minutes 13–15: One free talk minute: say what you did today using only known words.
Reading and writing: use PDFs with audio
Learning the script early pays off. A simple PDF you can print and keep on your desk makes practice easy. Pair each page with matching audio so letters and vowels are never just visual.
- Alef‑Bet chart (include final forms: ך, ם, ן, ף, ץ).
- Vowel (nikkud) overview with example words and slow audio.
- Syllable drills: CV, CVC patterns you can chant along with.
- Beginner verb patterns (binyanim) cheat sheet with 2–3 audio examples.
Free online resources with audio (all beginner-friendly)
Mix two or three sources so you hear different voices and speaking speeds. The options below are free and work well together for A1–A2 learning.
- YouTube: HebrewPod101 free playlists (slow dialogues), Aleph with Beth (biblical Hebrew stories with clear audio).
- Podcasts: Streetwise Hebrew sample episodes; slower learner clips help beginners.
- Apps: Duolingo (beginner drills with audio); Memrise community courses with native recordings.
- Dictionaries: Pealim.com (verbs + audio), Forvo (crowdsourced word audio).
- Bible audio: Sefaria or Mechon‑Mamre for Tanakh readings (great for vowel clarity).
- News for learners: Simple Hebrew videos on YouTube; turn on subtitles to link sound and text.
FAQ
- Can I really learn Hebrew for free online?
- Yes. Combine free YouTube lessons, podcast clips, Pealim/Forvo audio, and printable PDFs. A 15‑minute daily plan plus spaced repetition can get most beginners to A1–A2.
- How long to reach A1–A2 in Hebrew?
- With steady daily practice (15–30 minutes), many learners reach A1 in 6–8 weeks and A2 in 4–6 months. Progress depends on consistency and speaking aloud with audio.
- Should beginners start with biblical or modern Hebrew?
- For conversation, choose modern Hebrew. Biblical Hebrew is great for careful listening, reading, and vocabulary roots. You can use both: modern for speaking, biblical for ear training.
- Are PDFs enough, or do I need audio too?
- Use both. PDFs are great for the Alef‑Bet, vowels, and drills, but audio is essential for stress, rhythm, and real pronunciation. Pair every PDF page with a recording.
- How can I practice speaking if I’m learning alone?
- Shadow short clips, record yourself, and do one‑minute monologues about your day. Use online phrase lists with audio, then retell them using your own details.