Why an app works for beginners
Apps turn Slovene into short, doable steps—perfect for busy English speakers. You get bite-size practice, instant feedback, and spaced repetition that helps words stick. Because lessons are mobile, you can learn Slovenian during commutes or coffee breaks.
You’ll see both “Slovenian” and “Slovene.” They’re both correct, and your beginner goals are the same: build core phrases, pronunciation, and confidence. Many tools are free or low-cost, and most offer online syncing so your progress follows you everywhere.
- Daily, bite-size lessons you can actually finish
- Audio by natives to train your ear early
- Spaced repetition so vocabulary sticks
- Progress tracking that keeps you motivated
- Offline access for flights or low-signal moments
Core features to look for in a learn Slovenian app
A good beginner app makes A1–A2 fast and clear. You want structured paths, short drills, and real-world phrases, not just word lists. Look for tools that help you hear and say the language correctly from day one and give you quick grammar notes without overwhelm.
- A1–A2 path aligned with CEFR, with clear goals per unit
- Native audio + slow playback + record-and-compare pronunciation
- Spaced repetition flashcards for high-frequency words
- Short grammar bites (cases, gender, verb basics) with examples
- Dialogues you can shadow (repeat with the speaker)
- Offline mode and printable PDF word lists for review
- Mini reviews and streaks to build habit
- Searchable phrasebook for travel situations
Starter mini lesson: greetings and cases in context
Try your first Slovene steps. Keep it practical and pronounce out loud. Notice that small endings change in context—this is your gentle intro to cases without heavy grammar.
Tip: Record yourself in the app, then shadow the native audio. Aim for rhythm and stress first; perfect accuracy comes with repetition.
- Živjo! / Zdravo! = Hi!
- Dober dan. = Good day.
- Jaz sem Ana/Mark. = I am Ana/Mark.
- Hvala. Prosim. = Thank you. You’re welcome/please.
- Rad imam kavo. / Rada imam kavo. = I like coffee. (accusative: kavo)
- Sem začetnik / Sem začetnica. = I’m a beginner. (m/f)
A 15‑minute daily routine that actually works
Consistency beats cramming. Keep it light, repeat often, and mix recognition with speaking. Save a tiny PDF cheat sheet on your phone or print it for quick glances during the day.
- 3 min: Quick review (yesterday’s words with spaced repetition)
- 5 min: New lesson (dialogue + 5–8 new words)
- 3 min: Speak it (shadow the dialogue; record your voice)
- 2 min: Micro grammar (one example of a case or verb pattern)
- 2 min: Make it real (say two personal sentences out loud)
- Bonus: Screenshot or export a PDF of today’s key phrases
Free and online resources (beyond Duolingo)
Duolingo doesn’t currently offer a dedicated Slovenian course, but you can still build a great toolkit with other online options. Mix an app for structure with reference sites and audio for pronunciation. When possible, download printable PDFs or create your own to reinforce learning offline.
- Memrise community courses for Slovene basics and vocabulary
- Clozemaster for sentence-level practice and context
- Forvo to hear native pronunciation of individual words
- Reliable dictionaries (e.g., Wiktionary, Glosbe) for quick checks
- Official materials from the Center for Slovene (University of Ljubljana) and course handouts you can save as PDFs
Common pitfalls and quick wins
Beginners often over-focus on grammar tables or collect too many apps. Keep it simple: master high-frequency phrases, speak early, and review a little every day. Let cases reveal themselves through repeated examples before deep-diving into rules.
- Win: Learn 10 core verbs and 50 daily nouns first
- Win: Shadow dialogues daily to train rhythm and stress
- Win: Keep a one-page PDF cheat sheet (greetings, food, transport)
- Avoid: Endless settings; pick one app and stick with it for 30 days
- Avoid: Memorizing case charts without context
- Upgrade: Record yourself weekly to hear improvement
FAQ
- Is “Slovenian” the same as “Slovene”?
- Yes. Both mean the language spoken in Slovenia. You’ll see both forms online; choose whichever you prefer. Your learning approach as a beginner is the same.
- Is there a free app to learn Slovenian?
- Yes—several apps offer free tiers or community-built Slovene courses. Combine a structured app with Forvo for audio and a dictionary site. Upgrade later if you want more lessons.
- Does Duolingo have Slovenian?
- At the moment, Duolingo doesn’t provide a full Slovenian course. Use alternatives like Memrise community courses or sentence trainers, and build habits with short daily drills.
- Can I learn offline with PDFs?
- Definitely. Export vocabulary from your app, save teacher handouts, or make your own one-page PDF of phrases. Review it on your phone or print it for quick, offline study.
- How long to reach A1–A2 in Slovene?
- With 15–30 minutes daily, many beginners reach solid A1 in 6–8 weeks and early A2 in a few months. Focus on daily routines, pronunciation, and high-frequency phrases.