How to Learn Croatian Faster: Tips for Beginners
6. svibnja 2025.
Planning a trip to Rijeka? Moving for work or study?
Even if you’re visiting, learning a few basic Croatian phrases can make a huge difference in your experience. Locals always appreciate it when visitors make an effort to speak their language — and trust us, even a few words can open doors to warmer conversations and better service.
In this blog, we’ll teach you the first 10 Croatian phrases you need to survive and thrive in Rijeka, plus smart tips for remembering and using them.
Why Learn Croatian Basics Before Coming to Rijeka?
Although many people in Rijeka, especially younger generations, speak English, not everyone does. Knowing a few phrases shows respect for the local culture and helps you:
- Navigate shops, cafés, and public transport
- Ask for help more easily
- Make friends and leave a positive impression
- Feel more confident and independent during your stay
Your First 10 Must-Know Croatian Phrases
Here are the essential phrases every beginner should learn:
- Dobar dan! — Good day!
(Use it to greet people politely during the day.) - Molim. — Please / You’re welcome.
(A versatile word — polite both when asking and when responding.) - Hvala. — Thank you.
(Simple, but powerful. Always say it!) - Oprostite. — Excuse me / Sorry.
(Use it to get someone’s attention or apologize.) - Koliko košta? — How much does it cost?
(Essential when shopping or browsing at markets.) - Gdje je autobusna stanica? — Where is the bus station?
(Useful for getting around Rijeka’s excellent public transport system.) - Ne govorim hrvatski. — I don’t speak Croatian.
(If you get stuck, this phrase will often prompt help in English.) - Možete li mi pomoći? — Can you help me?
(A polite and direct way to ask for assistance.) - Imate li jelovnik na engleskom? — Do you have an English menu?
(Vital when eating out, especially in smaller, local restaurants.) - Vidimo se! — See you!
(A casual and friendly goodbye.)
Smart Tips for Learning and Using These Phrases
✅ Practice pronunciation early
Croatian is a phonetic language — words are pronounced exactly as they are spelled. Spend a few minutes each day reading the phrases aloud.
✅ Use flashcards
Create simple digital or paper flashcards with the phrase on one side and the translation on the other.
✅ Start small, but use them often
Even if you only remember “Dobar dan” and “Hvala,” use them! Locals appreciate the effort, and using real language in real situations helps you remember.
✅ Combine words
Try combining the phrases you learn:
Example: “Dobar dan! Molim vas, gdje je autobusna stanica?” (Good day! Please, where is the bus station?)
✅ Take a beginner’s course
A short Croatian course — even just a few weeks — will dramatically boost your confidence and give you the foundation you need to navigate Rijeka comfortably.
Experience Rijeka Like a Local
Rijeka is a vibrant coastal city with a unique culture, blending influences from Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans.
By learning just a few basic Croatian phrases, you show that you’re not just a tourist — you’re someone willing to connect with the place and its people.
At Omnia Language Center, we offer Croatian courses for foreigners designed to help you speak confidently, whether you’re staying for a few weeks, a semester, or permanently.
Want to learn more than just basic phrases?
👉 Join our Croatian course in Rijeka and unlock the whole experience of life in Croatia!
