Why Learn Romanian?
If you speak English, you already recognize many Romanian words (telefon, bancă, hotel). It’s the most Eastern of the Romance languages, but the grammar and pronunciation are approachable for beginners. You’ll meet clear rules, familiar roots, and friendly patterns.
Whether you’re traveling, working remotely, or connecting with friends, even basic Romanian opens doors. With free resources, you can cover all the essentials without spending a cent—just consistent time and a smart plan.
- Romanian uses the Latin alphabet—easy for a beginner to read.
- Logical grammar with regular verb patterns.
- Great payoff: locals appreciate even a few phrases.
First Steps: Sounds, Alphabet, and Basics
Start with sounds and stress. Focus on ă, â/î, ș, ț. Listen, repeat, and record yourself for a few minutes daily. Getting pronunciation right early makes every new word easier.
Next, learn the basics: greetings, numbers, question words, and present tense of common verbs. Keep a tiny phrase bank and a one-page cheat sheet (you can make a personal pdf) to review anywhere.
- Alphabet and key sounds: ă (uh), â/î (central â), ș (sh), ț (ts).
- Core phrases: hello, thank you, please, sorry, yes/no.
- Numbers 1–100 and time expressions.
- Present tense of a few high‑frequency verbs (a fi, a avea, a merge).
The Best Free Tools to Learn Romanian Online
You can learn Romanian entirely free with a mix of online materials. Combine short videos, grammar notes, and simple reading so you cover all skills. Look for resources that include audio and transcripts.
Download printable worksheets or a mini phrasebook as a pdf for offline review. Save links in one folder so your routine is one click away, every day.
- Free courses and grammar blogs with short lessons and examples.
- YouTube channels for pronunciation, dialogues, and listening practice.
- Language apps with free tiers for spaced repetition of basics.
- Beginner podcasts and slow news with transcripts.
- Public-domain readers and bilingual texts for A1–A2.
- Online dictionaries with audio and example sentences.
A 30-Minute Daily Plan (Beginner A1–A2)
Short, focused minutes beat long, rare marathons. This flexible routine hits speaking, listening, reading, and vocab—perfect for beginners.
- 5 minutes: Review yesterday’s vocab with spaced repetition.
- 8 minutes: Listen to a short dialogue twice; shadow key lines.
- 7 minutes: Read a 150–200‑word text; underline unknown words.
- 5 minutes: Micro‑grammar (one rule, two examples, one mini drill).
- 3 minutes: Speak aloud: “I, you, he/she” sentences using today’s verbs.
- 2 minutes: Note wins and one tiny goal for tomorrow.
Essential Phrases and Patterns
Memorize patterns, not just words. Swap nouns and verbs inside a familiar frame and you’ll speak more with less effort. Practice out loud and time yourself for a few minutes daily.
- Bună! / Salut! — Hi!
- Mă numesc… — My name is…
- Încântat/Încântată. — Nice to meet you.
- Unde este…? — Where is…?
- Cât costă? — How much does it cost?
- Aș dori… — I would like…
- Vorbiți engleza? — Do you speak English?
- Nu înțeleg (încă). — I don’t understand (yet).
FAQ
- How long does it take to reach A1–A2 in Romanian?
- With a steady 30 minutes a day, most beginners can reach A1 in 6–8 weeks and A2 in 4–6 months. Progress depends on consistency: daily listening, speaking aloud, and reviewing the basics with spaced repetition.
- Can I learn Romanian online for free without a tutor?
- Yes. Combine free online courses, YouTube lessons, beginner podcasts, and a spaced‑repetition app. Add short speaking practice: shadow dialogues and record yourself. If possible, join a free language exchange for weekly conversation.
- What should my first Romanian lessons cover?
- Start with sounds (ă, â/î, ș, ț), greetings, numbers, question words, and present‑tense verbs like a fi (to be) and a avea (to have). Build a tiny phrase bank and review it for a few minutes daily.
- Where can I get free Romanian PDFs for beginners?
- Search for beginner phrasebooks, printable verb tables, and worksheets labeled A1–A2. Many blogs and open educational sites offer free pdf downloads with audio or transcripts. Save them offline for quick revision.
- How do I remember Romanian vocabulary better?
- Use spaced repetition, group words by theme, and learn in phrases, not single words. Say new items aloud, write one example sentence, and review after 10 minutes, one day, and one week. Short, frequent reviews beat long cramming.