Start with the Serbian basics: alphabet and sounds
Serbian uses two scripts: Latin (A–Z with extra letters like č, ć, š) and Cyrillic (А–Ш). Both are official and phonetic, so once you learn the letters, reading is straightforward. Begin by mastering sound–letter pairs and stress patterns. Focus on č vs ć and dž vs đ, as these trip up beginners.
Print a one-page alphabet chart as a free PDF and practice daily for 5 minutes. Read simple words out loud, shadow native audio, and switch between scripts to build confidence. An online beginner course or a Duolingo session can reinforce recognition through quick, gamified drills.
- Learn both scripts early; alternate lines in Latin and Cyrillic.
- Shadow audio slowly, then at natural speed.
- Drill minimal pairs (casa/čaša style contrasts).
- Use a printable PDF alphabet sheet on your desk.
Build core phrases for daily conversation
Start with friendly essentials: greetings (Zdravo, Dobar dan), thanks (Hvala), please (Molim), yes/no (Da/Ne), and introductions (Ja sam…; Drago mi je). Add numbers, time, and ordering coffee or food. These phrases deliver fast wins and make every lesson feel useful.
Write short scripts you can reuse: introducing yourself, asking for directions, or buying a bus ticket. Record yourself, compare to native audio, then refine. Keep a tiny PDF phrase list on your phone for quick review during commutes.
- Learn set chunks: Kako si?; Gde je…?; Koliko košta?
- Practice small talk: where you’re from, what you study, hobbies.
- Use role-play: customer and waiter, student and teacher.
- Finish each online lesson by saying new phrases out loud 3 times.
Learn grammar the smart, beginner-friendly way
Serbian grammar looks big, but you can learn it in layers. Start with present tense of common verbs (biti, imati, ići), basic sentence word order (SVO), and the concept of gender and number. Add cases gradually: nominative (who/what), accusative (direct object, motion toward), and locative (in/at with prepositions).
Use a clean, free PDF table for noun endings and highlight only the rows you need now. Pair short grammar explanations with lots of simple input: graded texts, Duolingo drills, and quick translation exercises. The goal is clarity, not perfection on day one.
- Prioritize present tense and high-frequency verbs.
- Learn one case at a time with 5 example nouns.
- Color-code endings in your PDF cheat sheet.
- Revisit the same pattern across 3–4 mini lessons.
A simple online study plan (free)
Consistency beats intensity. Aim for 20–30 minutes daily. Mix quick wins (app drills) with focused practice (reading aloud, short writing) and light listening. Keep everything beginner-level so you stay motivated.
Sample weekly rhythm: 5 weekdays of micro lessons and 2 relaxed review days. Track progress in a tiny habit checker. When you feel stuck, rewatch a simple video lesson or reprint a tighter PDF summary with only what you actually use.
- Mon–Fri: 10 min Duolingo + 10 min phrase drilling + 5 min listening.
- Sat: Review notes; re-read a short dialogue in both scripts.
- Sun: Create 5 sentences with a new case or verb pattern.
- Daily: Say 3 phrases to yourself while doing errands.
- Weekly: One short speaking session with a language buddy or voice memo.
Free tools and resources for beginners
Use a mix: Duolingo for quick daily streaks, community-made Memrise decks for vocab, and YouTube lessons for pronunciation and slow dialogues. Add a basic online dictionary and a verb conjugation site to check forms fast.
For printables, look for beginner PDF phrasebooks, alphabet charts, and case tables from educational sites. Keep everything in one folder so you can review offline. If a course feels too hard, drop one level and rebuild confidence.
- Duolingo Serbian course: daily, bite-sized practice.
- YouTube: slow dialogues, pronunciation guides, mini lessons.
- Community vocab decks: spaced repetition for beginners.
- Online dictionary + conjugator for quick checks.
- Free PDF cheatsheets: alphabet, phrases, cases.
- Keyboard tip: install Serbian layout to type ć, č, ž, š, đ.
FAQ
- Is Serbian hard to learn for English speakers?
- At A1–A2, Serbian is very doable if you keep lessons short and consistent. The phonetic spelling helps, and many phrases are reusable. Cases and new sounds take time, but a clear plan and daily online practice make steady progress realistic for beginners.
- Should I learn Cyrillic or Latin first?
- Learn both early. Latin looks familiar and speeds your first wins, while Cyrillic appears everywhere in Serbia. Split practice: read one dialogue in Latin, then the same text in Cyrillic. A free PDF alphabet chart and 5 minutes a day are enough to get comfortable.
- Can I learn Serbian online for free?
- Yes. Combine Duolingo for daily drills, YouTube for pronunciation and dialogues, community vocab decks for review, and free PDF grammar and phrase sheets. Together, these cover course-style lessons, listening, reading, and basic speaking without paid materials.
- Are there free Serbian PDFs for beginners?
- You can find free PDFs with alphabets, phrase lists, and simple case tables from educational and language-learning sites. Print a one-page overview for quick reference and a slightly longer beginner pack for weekends. Keep them in your study folder for offline review.
- What’s the best beginner course or app to start with?
- Begin with Duolingo for momentum, then add a short YouTube lesson daily for pronunciation and real phrases. If you like structure, pair these with a concise PDF grammar cheat sheet. This blend gives you a practical course feel without cost.