Start here: sounds, stress, and introducing yourself
Slovak uses the Latin alphabet with helpful diacritics (á, č, ď, ľ, š, ť, ž, ô). Stress is almost always on the first syllable—great news for beginners. Focus first on č (ch), š (sh), ž (zh), and ď/ť/ň (softened consonants). Practice greetings and introducing yourself so you can use Slovak immediately: Ahoj/Čau (hi), Dobrý deň (good day), Volám sa… (My name is…), Teší ma (Nice to meet you). Record yourself to check rhythm and clarity.
- Learn the alphabet with audio (Forvo/YouTube).
- Repeat Ahoj, Dobrý deň, Ďakujem, Prosím.
- Practice introducing yourself: “Volám sa …”.
- Shadow native speakers for stress and flow.
Free tools to learn Slovak online
Build your daily habit with a free app and a couple of reliable sites. Duolingo is good for a quick streak and basic vocab; Memrise and Clozemaster add context and listening. Try university-backed courses like e-slovak for structured lessons and downloadable pdf exercises. Use Forvo or Wiktionary for pronunciation. On YouTube, look for beginner playlists and slow dialogues. Save a small set of pdf phrase sheets on your phone for offline review.
- Duolingo app: daily bites for beginners.
- e-slovak: structured lessons + free PDFs.
- Memrise/Clozemaster: vocab in context.
- Forvo + YouTube: pronunciation and listening.
Core beginner phrases and patterns
Learn short, repeatable patterns you’ll use everywhere. Slovak politeness words travel far: Prosím (please/you’re welcome), Ďakujem (thanks), Prepáčte (sorry/excuse me), Nech sa páči (here you go). Master basic questions and the verb “to be”: som (I am), si (you are), je (he/she/it is). Combine them with places and objects to ask for what you need and to start simple conversations online or in person.
- Kde je …? (Where is …?)
- Koľko to stojí? (How much is it?)
- Prosím si kávu. (I’d like a coffee.)
- Volám sa …, som z … (I’m …, I’m from …)
- Hovoríte po anglicky? (Do you speak English?)
Grammar mini‑guide for beginners
Keep grammar simple at first. Slovak has gender (masc./fem./neut.) and cases, but you can start with set phrases and gradually notice patterns. Present-tense verb endings are regular for many verbs (robiť: robím, robíš, robí). Word order is flexible, but a basic SVO works well: Ja som študent. Prepositions trigger cases (v meste—in the city). Learn the most common ones first and copy short, correct models from your pdf notes and apps.
- Stress: always first syllable—use it!
- Start with Nominative + Accusative patterns.
- Negation: add “ne-” (rozumiem → nerozumiem).
- Prepositions: v/vo, na, do—learn with examples.
A simple free study plan (A1–A2)
Use a light, repeatable schedule and track wins. Aim for 20–30 minutes daily: 10 minutes app practice (Duolingo or Memrise), 10 minutes reading/listening with a beginner pdf or YouTube, 5–10 minutes speaking aloud—introducing yourself, ordering, asking directions. Each weekend, review your Anki deck and one longer e-slovak lesson. Keep micro-goals: “This week I can introduce myself and ask for prices.” Small steps compound quickly.
- Daily: 10 min app + 10 min listening/reading.
- Print a pdf phrase list and highlight wins.
- Record yourself introducing yourself weekly.
- Weekend: 1 e-slovak lesson + Anki review.
- Track hours; target 120–180h for A2.
FAQ
- Is Slovak hard for English speakers?
- Parts are challenging (cases, genders), but pronunciation and stress are predictable. With free online tools and steady practice, beginners can reach A1–A2 comfortably.
- Which app is best to learn Slovak as a beginner?
- Duolingo is solid for daily habit and basics. Add Memrise for vocabulary and Clozemaster for context. Pair an app with e-slovak lessons and a small Anki deck.
- Where can I find free Slovak pdf resources?
- Look for e-slovak course handouts, beginner grammar summaries, tourism phrasebooks, and A1–A2 printables. Save a compact pdf of core phrases for offline practice.
- How long to reach A2 if I study online?
- Plan for roughly 120–180 hours. At 30 minutes a day, that’s about 5–7 months. Consistency plus speaking practice accelerates progress.
- Do I need to learn a new alphabet for Slovak?
- No. Slovak uses the Latin alphabet with diacritics (á, č, š, ž, etc.). Learn the sounds early and you’ll read signs and beginner texts quickly.