Start with sounds and spelling
Get your ears right before anything else. Slovene spelling is consistent, so once you learn letter sounds—especially č, š, ž, and the j pronounced like English y—you’ll read and speak with confidence. Stress can move, so listen closely and mimic, not just read.
Use free online recordings to shadow short phrases. Keep it light: 5–10 minutes a day of listen–repeat beats one long session. Record yourself and compare; small tweaks add up fast at the A1–A2 level.
- Learn the alphabet and key sounds (č, š, ž, j=y).
- Shadow slow audio daily; aim for clear rhythm over speed.
- Record and compare your pronunciation each week.
- Keep a mini pronunciation PDF cheat sheet on your phone.
Build core phrases and everyday vocab
Start speaking immediately with high-frequency chunks: greetings, ordering, directions, prices, and polite fillers. Phrases like Živjo (hi), Prosim (please/you’re welcome), Hvala (thanks), Kje je…? (Where is…?) will carry you in real life.
Grow vocab in small themed sets—numbers, days, food, travel—so your brain links words to situations. A spaced-repetition app keeps review painless, and a printable PDF list helps you study offline.
- Collect 10–15 essential phrases and use them daily.
- Study mini themes (food, transport, time) each week.
- Use an SRS app to review; tag items as beginner (A1) or A2.
- Make a personal phrasebook PDF you can scan on the go.
Grammar basics that matter early
Learn just enough grammar to be understood, then speak. Focus on three pillars: noun gender (m/f/n), the most common cases (nominative, accusative), and present-tense verb patterns. This lets you make simple, correct sentences quickly.
Slovene’s famous dual (for two of something) appears in pronouns and verbs; meet it early but master it gradually. Keep examples short and recycled so patterns stick without overwhelm.
- Memorize article-less patterns: To je … (This is …).
- Practice I/you/he-she present-tense verb endings.
- Learn accusative for basic objects (Rad imam kavo. I like coffee.).
- Note dual forms, but prioritize clear A1 sentences first.
Daily practice that actually sticks
Consistency beats intensity. A 20–30 minute routine—mixing listening, speaking, reading, and a quick review—gives you balanced progress. Track tiny wins so you stay motivated.
Use low-friction tools: a beginner app for streaks, short online videos for listening, and a micro-journal for writing. Speak out loud, even if you’re alone; your mouth needs reps.
- 5 min: review with an app (e.g., Duolingo) for habit momentum.
- 5 min: shadow one slow dialogue; focus on melody.
- 5 min: read 5–8 simple sentences and translate.
- 5 min: write 3 lines about your day; say them aloud.
- Weekly: a 15–20 min online chat or voice note exchange.
Apps and resources: free to paid
Combine breadth and depth. Use a gamified app for daily exposure, plus targeted resources for pronunciation, vocab, and grammar clarity. Keep materials simple and beginner-friendly.
Many quality options are free: pronunciation sites, community decks, and open-access PDF guides. If you pay, choose something that gives clear audio and sentence-level practice.
- Duolingo: great for a beginner streak and basic phrases.
- Memrise or Clozemaster: vocab and context with spaced review.
- Forvo/YouTube: native audio for names and tricky words (free).
- Anki: SRS decks you can customize; add audio and screenshots.
- Open-access PDF grammar overviews and verb tables (free).
- University or institute online courses for structured feedback.
FAQ
- How long does it take to reach A2 in Slovenian?
- With steady study (25–30 minutes daily), many learners reach A2 in 3–5 months. Expect roughly 150–200 hours for solid A2, faster if you speak regularly and review with an app or SRS.
- Is “Slovene” the same as “Slovenian”?
- Yes. Both refer to the same language. You’ll see both terms used online and in textbooks; use whichever you prefer.
- Is Duolingo enough to learn Slovene?
- Duolingo is a good beginner tool for habits and basic phrases, but it’s not complete. Pair it with real audio, speaking practice, a concise grammar PDF, and short conversations to progress smoothly.
- What’s the easiest way to learn Slovene cases?
- Start with nominative (subjects) and accusative (objects) in short, recycled sentences. Color-code endings in a one-page PDF, then drill with 5–10 example sentences daily to build automaticity.
- Can I learn Slovenian for free?
- Yes. Combine free apps, open-access online courses, YouTube pronunciation videos, and university PDF handouts. Libraries often have beginner Slovene materials you can borrow at no cost.