Start here: what to expect
Hebrew looks different, but it is learnable for beginners. The alphabet is new, words are built from three-letter roots, and short vowels are often not written in everyday texts. Still, with a few weeks of daily practice you can decode signs, greet people, and introduce yourself. Modern Hebrew pronunciation is consistent, grammar is compact, and many common phrases appear again and again. Your first wins arrive fast: reading your name, ordering coffee, and recognizing core verbs like want, go, eat. Keep the focus on sounds, high-frequency words, and short, real-life sentences.
- Set a 10–15 minute daily habit (small and steady).
- Learn the alef-bet and basic vowels first.
- Aim for 100 core words and 20 must-have phrases.
- Practice reading syllables aloud every day.
- Use free audio to lock in pronunciation early.
The alef-bet and sounds (free printable help)
Start by mastering the alef-bet: 22 letters, 5 final forms, written right to left. For beginners, add niqqud (vowel dots) so you can read confidently. Search for a free Hebrew alphabet PDF with stroke order, letter names, and example words. A handwriting PDF plus a vowel chart PDF will speed up learning. Combine these with an online audio chart so you can hear and repeat each sound. Read slow, in syllables, then blend. Ten minutes a day for a week is enough to recognize all letters and basic vowels.
- Hebrew alphabet PDF with print and script forms.
- Niqqud (vowel) chart PDF for quick reference.
- Handwriting practice sheets PDF.
- Online audio charts for letter sounds.
- Short graded reading pages with vowels.
Free beginner resources online
You can learn a lot online free. Mix a spaced-repetition app for words, a grammar quickstart, a verb tool, and short videos with real Hebrew. For a dictionary, use a reliable online option with audio and verb tables. For verbs, a conjugation site helps you see all forms at a glance. YouTube has short beginner lessons, dialogues, and listening drills. If you are curious about Biblical Hebrew, look for introductory channels and PDFs focused on vowel pointing and biblical vocabulary; just remember pronunciation and grammar differ from modern usage.
- Spaced repetition apps for 100–500 core words.
- Verb conjugation tools for common roots.
- Online dictionaries with audio examples.
- YouTube beginner playlists with slow speech.
- Free printable PDF readers with niqqud (graded).
7-day mini study plan (A1–A2)
Use this free, lightweight plan to launch your learning. Keep sessions short, speak out loud, and review yesterday’s material. Repeat the week until it feels easy, then add new words and sentences. Track wins in a simple notebook so you see progress. If you prefer Biblical Hebrew, swap the phrase practice for vowel reading drills and biblical vocabulary lists; the routine stays the same.
- Day 1: Learn 6 letters + 2 vowels. Read syllables. 10 core words.
- Day 2: Learn 6 letters + 2 vowels. Read your name. 10 phrases.
- Day 3: Finish letters. Drill tricky sounds (chet, resh).
- Day 4: Numbers 1–10, greetings, and ordering coffee.
- Day 5: Present tense of want, like, go, eat, drink (I/you).
- Day 6: Mini dialogues: introduce yourself, where you are from.
- Day 7: Review all, record yourself, and make a 1-minute monologue.
Common pitfalls and smart tips
Most beginner setbacks come from skipping sounds and avoiding reading. Tackle pronunciation early, use vowels (niqqud) at first, and read aloud daily. Do not rely on transliteration forever. Keep sentences short and meaningful, and recycle all new words in your own lines. If you plan to learn Biblical and Modern Hebrew, learn one baseline first (usually modern for speaking) and then add biblical reading; the shared roots make the second path easier.
- Always read aloud; Hebrew sticks when spoken.
- Use niqqud while learning, then fade it out slowly.
- Build micro phrases: I want coffee; You go home.
- Review with spaced repetition, not marathon cramming.
- Record yourself weekly to hear progress.
FAQ
- Is Hebrew hard for English speakers?
- It looks new, but beginners can progress fast. The alphabet takes about a week with daily practice, pronunciation is consistent, and simple present-tense sentences are straightforward.
- Should I start with Modern or Biblical Hebrew?
- Choose your goal. If you want to speak or travel, start with Modern Hebrew. If your goal is scripture study, Biblical Hebrew fits. Many learners do modern first, then biblical reading.
- How can I learn Hebrew free online as a complete beginner?
- Combine a free alphabet PDF, an online audio chart, a spaced-repetition app for core words, a verb conjugator, and short beginner videos. Ten to fifteen minutes daily is enough to start.
- Are PDFs enough to learn to read?
- PDFs are great for letters, vowels, and drills, but pair them with audio so you map letters to sounds. Read aloud from vowelled texts, then gradually reduce niqqud as confidence grows.
- How long to reach A1–A2 in Hebrew?
- With consistent daily learning (15–30 minutes), many beginners reach A1 in 6–10 weeks and early A2 in a few months. Keep goals small, recycle all new words, and speak from day one.