Kartice za učenje srpskog jezika

Serbian uses two alphabets: Latin (latinica) and Cyrillic (ćirilica). Both are official, but in everyday life — signs, phones, menus — Latin is more common. The main rule: one letter, one sound. Read exactly as written.

kafa
coffee — read "kafa"

restoran
restaurant — read "restoran"

parking
car park — read "parking"

• Cyrillic is more common in official documents and on banknotes.
• Google Maps and messaging apps almost always use Latin.

The Serbian Latin alphabet has five letters with diacritics. Č and ć look alike but sound different: č is a hard "ch" (as in "church"), ć is a softer "ch". Đ is a soft "j" (as in "jeans"), š is "sh" and ž is "zh" (as in "measure").

čaj
tea — hard "ch"

kuća
house — soft "ch"

đak
pupil — soft "j"

šuma
forest — "sh"

žena
woman — "zh"

• The difference between č and ć is subtle. It is fine to mix them up at first — Serbs will still understand you.

In Serbian, lj and nj are not two sounds but one. Lj sounds like the "lli" in "million", nj like the "ny" in "canyon". Each counts as a single letter, and in dictionaries lj comes after l and nj after n.

ljubav
love — "lyubav"

ljubičasta
purple — "lyubichasta"

njiva
field — "nyiva"

njen
her — "nyen"

• Do not pronounce lj as "l" + "j" in two steps — say it as one soft "ly" sound.

The golden rule of Serbian spelling: words are written exactly as they are pronounced. There are no silent letters and no spelling exceptions, which makes pronunciation easy to learn.

voz
train — read "voz"

grad
city — read "grad"

hleb
bread — read "hleb"

• Unlike English, Serbian has no words with irregular pronunciation.
• When you see a new word, just pronounce every letter.

Basic numbers: nula (0), jedan (1), dva (2), tri (3), četiri (4), pet (5), šest (6), sedam (7), osam (8), devet (9), deset (10). You will need them in shops, on public transport and when filling in documents.

Jednu kafu, molim.
One coffee, please.

Dva dinara.
Two dinars.

Pet minuta.
Five minutes.

• Jedan / jedna / jedno agrees with the gender of the noun: jedan čovek, jedna žena, jedno dete.

Numbers 11–19 are formed by adding the suffix -naest: jedanaest (11), dvanaest (12), trinaest (13), četrnaest (14), petnaest (15), šesnaest (16), sedamnaest (17), osamnaest (18), devetnaest (19). The number 20 is dvadeset.

Petnaest dinara.
Fifteen dinars.

Sedamnaest godina.
Seventeen years old.

• Notice the pattern: trinaest = tri + naest. If you know tri = 3, you can work out trinaest = 13.

Tens: dvadeset (20), trideset (30), četrdeset (40), pedeset (50), šezdeset (60), sedamdeset (70), osamdeset (80), devedeset (90), sto (100). Compound numbers are simply put together: dvadeset pet = 25.

Trideset dva dinara.
Thirty-two dinars.

Sto pedeset.
One hundred and fifty.

Dvesta, trista.
Two hundred, three hundred.

• 200 and 300 have special forms: dvesta, trista. From 400 on the pattern is regular: četiristo, petsto, šeststo…

1,000 is hiljadu (or hiljada), 2,000 is dve hiljade, 5,000 is pet hiljada and 1,000,000 is milion. You will need large numbers for prices, addresses and phone numbers.

Hiljadu dinara.
One thousand dinars.

Dve hiljade i petsto.
Two thousand five hundred.

Pet hiljada.
Five thousand.

• In shops prices are often said without the currency: "hiljadu" instead of "hiljadu dinara".

Serbs count the half hour towards the next hour: 13:30 is "pola dva" (literally "half two", meaning half past one). A quarter to the hour uses "do": 13:45 is "četvrt do dva".

Pola dva
Half past one

Četvrt dva
Quarter past one

Četvrt do dva
Quarter to two

Dvadeset do dva
Twenty to two

• "Pola dva" means half an hour remains until two o'clock.
• You can also say the digital time, "trinaest i trideset" (13:30). It is correct, just more formal.

Ponedeljak (Mon), utorak (Tue), sreda (Wed), četvrtak (Thu), petak (Fri), subota (Sat), nedelja (Sun). The working week is "radna nedelja"; the weekend is "vikend".

Vidimo se u petak.
See you on Friday.

Vikend je subota i nedelja.
The weekend is Saturday and Sunday.

• Nedelja means both "Sunday" and "week". For "week" you can also say sedmica.

Januar, februar, mart, april, maj, jun, jul, avgust, septembar, oktobar, novembar, decembar. The names are close to their English equivalents.

Rođen sam u martu.
I was born in March.

Dolazim u avgustu.
I'm coming in August.

• Months are not capitalised in Serbian: januar, not Januar.
• To say "in" a month, use u + the locative case: u martu, u avgustu.

A date is said as the day (ordinal number) + the month. On its own the month stays in the nominative: deseti jul (10 July). With a year, the month goes into the genitive: deseti jula dve hiljade dvadeset šeste godine.

Danas je deseti jul.
Today is the tenth of July.

Rođen sam prvog marta.
I was born on the first of March.

Dolazim petog avgusta.
I'm arriving on the fifth of August.

• A year is said like an ordinary number: dve hiljade dvadeset šesta = 2026.

To say your age, use imam ("I have") + number + godina. After 1 use godinu, after 2–4 godine, from 5 on godina. Imam dvadeset godina = I am twenty years old.

Imam trideset godina.
I am thirty.

Koliko imaš godina?
How old are you?

Ima pet godina.
He is five.

• Literally "imam godina" means "I have years" — Serbian uses imati (to have), not biti (to be).

The currency of Serbia is the dinar (RSD). The euro is not official, but everyone knows the rate — roughly 117 dinars to the euro. Prices in shops and on menus are in dinars; exchange offices quote how many dinars you get for one euro.

Koliko košta?
How much is it?

Hiljadu dinara.
One thousand dinars.

Mogu li platiti karticom?
Can I pay by card?

• Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but at the market (pijaca) it is better to have cash.

Serbian stress is not fixed and can fall on different syllables. The good news: a wrongly stressed word rarely stops people from understanding you, and your ear picks up the rhythm over time.

vóda
water — stress on the first syllable

razúmem
I understand — stress on the second syllable

dóbro
good — stress on the first syllable

• Don't try to memorise the stress of every word — listen to native speakers and repeat after them.

The country code of Serbia is +381. Belgrade landlines start with 011; mobile numbers start with 060–069. Numbers are usually read in groups of two or three digits.

+381 11 123 45 67
A Belgrade number

063 / 123-456
A mobile number — often read in groups of three

• In conversation numbers are read in groups: nula šezdeset tri, sto dvadeset tri, četiristo pedeset šest.

Both alphabets are official and fully equivalent. Government offices and courts use Cyrillic; the internet, advertising and everyday texting mostly use Latin. Street signs are often in both.

Beograd = Београд
Belgrade — one word, two alphabets

ulica = улица
street

• Serbian Cyrillic has one letter per sound, just like the Latin alphabet, so it can be learned in an afternoon.

In Serbian, R can form a syllable on its own, without a vowel: trg (square), crn (black), vrh (peak). It looks unusual but is very common.

trg
square — R is the only "vowel"

crn
black — syllabic R

vrh
peak, top

• Say the R slightly longer and roll it a little: t-r-g.

Ordinal numbers: prvi (1st), drugi (2nd), treći (3rd), četvrti (4th), peti (5th), šesti (6th), sedmi (7th). They agree with the gender of the noun: prvi dan, prva ulica, prvo mesto.

Živim na prvom spratu.
I live on the first floor.

Treća vrata levo.
The third door on the left.

• Floors are counted from the ground floor (prizemlje); prvi sprat is one floor up.

Colors: crvena (red), plava (blue), zelena (green), žuta (yellow), bela (white), crna (black), narandžasta (orange), ljubičasta (purple), siva (gray), smeđa (brown).

Crvena torba.
Red bag.

Plavo nebo.
Blue sky.

• Colours agree with the gender of the noun: crn (masculine), crna (feminine), crno (neuter).

Serbian has two words for "you": ti (informal, one person) and vi (formal, or more than one person). When in doubt, use vi — it is never wrong. Switching to ti is usually offered by the older person or the one in the more senior position.

Kako si?
How are you? (to a friend or acquaintance)

Kako ste?
How are you? (to a stranger or an older person)

• Colleagues often switch to ti quickly; at the market and in cafés people may use ti straight away.
• Doctors, teachers and officials: always vi.

Biti is the most important verb: ja sam (I am), ti si (you are), on/ona/ono je (he/she/it is), mi smo (we are), vi ste (you are), oni/one su (they are). You need it for introductions, descriptions and the past tense.

Ja sam Aleksandar.
I'm Alexander.

Ona je doktor.
She's a doctor.

Mi smo ovde.
We are here.

• These short forms are unstressed and usually come second in the sentence: Ja sam Ana, Zovem se Ana → Ana sam.

The negative forms of biti are single words: nisam (I am not), nisi (you are not), nije (he/she is not), nismo (we are not), niste (you are not), nisu (they are not).

Nisam tu.
I'm not here.

Nije problem.
No problem. (That's not a problem.)

Nismo gladni.
We're not hungry.

• "Nije problem" (no problem) is one of the most common phrases — learn it first.

Imati (to have): imam, imaš, ima, imamo, imate, imaju. It expresses possession, age and "there is": Ima li…? = Is there…?

Imam pitanje.
I have a question.

Ima li slobodnih mesta?
Are there any free seats?

Nemam vremena.
I don't have time.

• The negative is one word: nemam, nemaš, nema, nemamo, nemate, nemaju.
• "Nema" also means "there isn't / there's none" — a very common word.

Both mean "I need". "Treba mi" (literally "it is needed to me") is the standard form: the thing you need is the subject. "Trebam" + accusative is also widely used in speech, though it is considered less standard.

Treba mi viza.
I need a visa.

Treba mi pomoć.
I need help.

Trebam doktora.
I need a doctor. (colloquial)

• "Treba mi" works in every situation — use it by default.

The nominative answers the questions "who?" and "what?" and is used for the subject of a sentence. It is also the form you find in the dictionary.

Banka je ovde.
The bank is here. (banka — nominative)

Student uči.
The student is studying. (student — nominative)

• If you are unsure which case to use, the nominative will usually still be understood.

The accusative answers "whom?" and "what?" and marks the direct object. After the nominative it is the most frequently used case, and with u/na it expresses movement towards a place.

Vidim banku.
I see a bank. (banka → banku)

Idem u grad.
I'm going into town. (grad — accusative)

Kupujem hleb.
I'm buying bread. (hleb — accusative)

• Masculine nouns for things do not change in the accusative: grad → grad, hleb → hleb.

Feminine nouns ending in -a change it to -u in the accusative. So banka becomes banku, pošta becomes poštu, apoteka becomes apoteku.

Idem u banku.
I'm going to the bank.

Idem u apoteku.
I'm going to the pharmacy.

Vidim poštu.
I see the post office.

• After u and na with movement ("where to?"), always use the accusative.

With verbs of movement (idem, dolazim, idemo), the preposition u takes the accusative: idem u grad (into town), idem u Beograd (to Belgrade), idem u banku (to the bank). Movement towards a place = accusative.

Idem u prodavnicu.
I'm going to the store.

Dolazim u Srbiju.
I'm coming to Serbia.

Idu u školu.
They are going to school.

• u + movement = accusative; u + location = locative. This is the key difference.

The locative answers "where?" and is always used after a preposition: u (in), na (on, at), o (about), po (around), pri (at). Masculine and neuter nouns usually take -u, feminine nouns take -i: u Beogradu, u Srbiji.

Živim u Beogradu.
I live in Belgrade. (Beograd → Beogradu)

Radim u banci.
I work at a bank. (banka → banci)

Sedi na stolici.
He is sitting on a chair.

• Beograd → Beogradu, Srbija → Srbiji, banka → banci.

To say where you live or are, use u + the locative: Srbija → u Srbiji, Beograd → u Beogradu. It is the same preposition as for movement, but with a different case.

Živim u Srbiji.
I live in Serbia.

Živim u Beogradu.
I live in Belgrade.

Radim u Novom Sadu.
I work in Novi Sad.

• Movement: idem u Srbiju (accusative). Location: živim u Srbiji (locative).

The genitive answers "of whom?" and "of what?". It is used after od (from), do (to, until), iz (out of), bez (without), kod (at someone's place) and to express quantity and possession.

od kuće do banke
from home to the bank

čaša vode
a glass of water (voda → vode)

bez šećera
without sugar

• Nema + genitive = there isn't any: nema hleba = there is no bread.

Kod = at someone's place: kod lekara (at the doctor's). Do = up to, as far as: do stanice (to the station). Od = from: od kuće (from home). All three take the genitive.

Idem kod lekara.
I'm going to the doctor's.

Pet minuta do centra.
Five minutes to the centre.

Dolazim od prijatelja.
I'm coming from a friend's place.

• "Idem kod lekara" = I'm going to see the doctor. Kod is used for people's homes and practices.

U means "in/into" an enclosed space; na means "on/onto" a surface or an open place or event. U školu (to school), na posao (to work), u sobu (into the room), na ulici (on the street).

Idem na posao.
I'm going to work.

Idem u prodavnicu.
I'm going to the shop.

Sedi na kauču.
He's sitting on the sofa.

• Posao, more, plaža and pijaca usually take na; prodavnica, banka and škola take u.

Ići (to go): idem, ideš, ide, idemo, idete, idu. It is one of the most common verbs in everyday speech.

Idem kući.
I'm going home.

Ideš li sa mnom?
Are you coming with me?

Idemo na kafu.
Let's go for coffee.

• "Idemo!" = "Let's go!" - one of the most necessary phrases.

Moći (can, to be able to): mogu, možeš, može, možemo, možete, mogu. It is used for requests and for asking permission.

Možete li mi pomoći?
Could you help me?

Ne mogu to da uradim.
I can't do that.

Može se.
It's possible. / It can be done.

• "Može" on its own means "sure", "OK", "that works" — a very versatile word.

Hteti (to want): hoću, hoćeš, hoće, hoćemo, hoćete, hoće. The negative forms are neću, nećeš, neće, nećemo, nećete, neće.

Hoću kafu.
I want a coffee.

Šta hoćeš?
What do you want?

Neću sada.
I don't want to now.

• The short forms ću, ćeš, će, ćemo, ćete, će are used to build the future tense: Ja ću ići = I will go.

The past tense is formed with the short forms of biti (sam, si, je, smo, ste, su) + a participle ending in -o/-la/-lo/-li/-le: Ja sam išao / išla = I went.

Bio sam u Beogradu.
I was in Belgrade. (said by a man)

Bila sam u Beogradu.
I was in Belgrade. (said by a woman)

Radili smo ceo dan.
We worked all day.

• The participle agrees with the subject in gender and number: išao (m), išla (f), išli (pl).

The future is formed with the short forms ću, ćeš, će, ćemo, ćete, će + the infinitive. Ja ću ići = I will go. When the pronoun is dropped, the verb comes first and merges: Ići ću, Doći ću. In speech you will also hear ću + da + present: Ja ću da idem.

Doći ću sutra.
I'll come tomorrow.

Hoće li doći?
Will he come?

Nećemo kasniti.
We won't be late.

• "Biće" (it will be) and "neće biti" (it won't be) are the most common future forms in everyday speech.

To make a verb negative, put ne before it: ne znam (I don't know), ne razumem (I don't understand), ne mogu (I can't). Exceptions are single words: biti → nisam, imati → nemam, hteti → neću.

Ne znam.
I don't know.

Ne razumem.
I don't understand.

Nemam novca.
I don't have any money.

• "Ne znam" and "ne razumem" will get you through your first conversations with native speakers.

Ko? (who?), Šta? (what?), Gde? (where?), Kada? (when?), Zašto? (why?), Kako? (how?), Koliko? (how much / how many?), Koji / Koja / Koje? (which?).

Ko si ti?
Who are you?

Gde je stanica?
Where is the stop?

Koliko košta?
How much is it?

• Koliko? is the question word you will need most in shops and at the market.

Ja (I), ti (you), on (he), ona (she), ono (it), mi (we), vi (you), oni / one / ona (they). The subject pronoun is usually left out, because the verb ending already shows the person.

Idem. (Ja idem.)
I'm going. The verb ending already means "I".

Ona je ovde.
She's here. (the pronoun adds emphasis)

• Leaving out the pronoun ("Idem") is normal and sounds natural.

Masculine nouns add -i: student → studenti; many one-syllable nouns add -ovi/-evi: grad → gradovi, stan → stanovi. Feminine nouns change -a to -e: žena → žene, ulica → ulice. Neuter nouns change -o/-e to -a: selo → sela, more → mora.

grad → gradovi
city → cities

ulica → ulice
street → streets

dete → deca
child → children (irregular)

• Deca (children) is irregular — learn it separately.

Za = for (+ accusative): za tebe (for you). Iz = from, out of (+ genitive): iz Rusije (from Russia). Sa = with (+ instrumental): sa mnom (with me), sa šećerom (with sugar).

Ovo je za tebe.
This is for you.

Dolazim iz Rusije.
I'm from Russia.

Idemo sa njima.
We're going with them.

• Sa mnom (with me), sa tobom (with you), sa njim (with him), sa njom (with her).

The dative answers "to whom?" and marks the person who receives something. It is also used after ka and prema (towards). Dajem knjigu Marku = I give the book to Marko.

Daj mi to, molim te.
Give me that, please.

Pišem prijatelju.
I'm writing to a friend.

Treba mi pomoć.
I need help. (mi — dative "to me")

• "Daj mi" (give me) and "treba mi" (I need) are two everyday expressions with the dative.

There are many natural answers to "Kako ste?" (How are you?). Native speakers rarely answer with a flat "fine"; they use lively everyday phrases instead.

• "Može" as an answer means "not bad", "all good" — casual and lively.
• "Evo, tako nekako" = "oh, so-so" — an honest, middle-of-the-road answer.

"Kako si?" is the informal "How are you?" — for friends, colleagues and neighbours. After answering, people often add "A ti?" (And you?) or, formally, "A vi?".

• "Nisam baš" = "not great"; "Može bolje" = "could be better".

"Šta ima?" literally means "what is there?" but is used as "what's up?" or "how are things?". It is very informal, used among friends. "Šta ima novo?" = what's new?

• "Ništa novo" (nothing new) is the standard relaxed answer.

Važi = OK, agreed. Ajde = come on, let's go (a call to action). Evo = here you are, here it is. You will hear these three words in almost every conversation.

Važi, vidimo se u pet.
OK, see you at five.

Ajde, idemo!
Come on, let's go!

Evo, uzmi.
Here, take it.

• "Ajde!" alone is a soft "come on". "Ajde, ajde" is encouragement.

Može = sure, OK, that works (informal agreement; also used to order: "Može kafa?"). Molim = please (when asking or handing something over). "Molim?" with rising intonation = "Sorry, what did you say?"

Može jedna kafa?
Could I have a coffee? (in a café)

Molim vas, jedan čaj.
One tea, please.

Molim? Nisam čuo.
Sorry? I didn't hear.

• "Može" is the universal "yes, sure". "Molim" is for polite requests and for handing something over.

Da = yes. Ne = no. Možda = maybe. Jeste = that's right (an emphatic yes). Nije tačno = that's not true. Intonation matters: "Da, da" = of course; "Pa da…" = well, yes.

Da, razumem.
Yes, I understand.

Ne, hvala.
No, thanks.

Možda sutra.
Maybe tomorrow.

• "Pa…" before da or ne signals hesitation. "Pa da" = well, obviously.

"Hvala" = thank you. "Hvala lepo" and "Hvala puno" = thank you very much. Replies: "Nema na čemu" (you're welcome), "Molim" (you're welcome), "Nema problema" (no problem).

• "Nema na čemu" literally means "there is nothing to thank for".

Izvini = sorry, excuse me (to one person you call ti). Izvinite = sorry, excuse me (formal, or to several people). Pardon and Oprostite are alternatives. Use them to get someone's attention or to apologise.

Izvinite, gde je stanica?
Excuse me, where is the station?

Izvini, kasnim malo.
Sorry, I'm a little late.

• Starting a question with "Izvinite" is the polite way to address a stranger.

"Ne razumem" = I don't understand. "Ne govorim dobro srpski" = I don't speak Serbian well. "Možete li govoriti sporije?" = Could you speak more slowly? These three phrases take the pressure off any conversation.

Ne razumem.
I don't understand.

Možete li ponoviti?
Could you repeat that?

Govorite li engleski?
Do you speak English?

• Serbs are usually very patient with learners. Say "Učim srpski" (I'm learning Serbian) and people will help you.

"Malo sporije, molim" = a little slower, please. "Možete li ponoviti?" = could you repeat that? "Kako se kaže…?" = how do you say…? These phrases are your best friends in the first months.

Malo sporije, molim.
A little slower, please.

Kako se to kaže na srpskom?
How do you say that in Serbian?

Možete li napisati?
Could you write it down?

• Asking someone to write something down (napisati) is a great way to catch a street name or the name of a medicine.

"Žao mi je" = I'm sorry (regret or sympathy). Use "Izvinite" for everyday apologies and "Žao mi je" when you want to express sympathy or real regret.

Žao mi je, kasnim.
I'm sorry, I'm late.

Žao mi je što si bolestan.
I'm sorry you're ill.

• "Žao mi je" sounds sincere; "Izvini" is a quick, situational "sorry".

"Ništa" literally means "nothing". In reply to hvala it means "no problem". "Ništa se ne brinite" = don't worry about a thing. "Nije ništa" = it's nothing.

Hvala! — Ništa.
Thanks! — No problem.

Nije ništa.
It's nothing. / Never mind.

Nema ništa.
There's nothing.

• Answering "hvala" with "ništa" is casual and friendly.

Baš = really, very, just. Stvarno? = really? Zaista = truly, indeed. Baš dobro = really good. Baš tako = exactly. These words make your speech sound natural.

Baš dobro!
Really good!

Stvarno?
Really? Seriously?

Baš mi je drago.
I'm really glad.

• "Baš" is extremely common — you will hear it in every other sentence.

"Kako ide?" literally means "how is it going?" and is used like "how are you?". It is livelier than "Kako ste?" and is used between people who know each other.

• "Ide polako" (slowly but surely) is an honest and very common answer.

Srećno = good luck. Svako dobro = all the best. Srećan put = have a good trip. Dobro došli = welcome.

Srećno na ispitu!
Good luck with your exam!

Svako dobro!
All the best!

Srećan put!
Have a good trip!

• "Srećno" is a universal good-luck wish for any situation.

"Čestitam!" = congratulations! "Čestitam ti / vam" = I congratulate you. It is used for birthdays, achievements and holidays. "Srećan rođendan!" = happy birthday!

Čestitam!
Congratulations!

Srećan rođendan!
Happy birthday!

Čestitam na položenom ispitu.
Congratulations on passing your exam.

• "Na zdravlje!" is both a toast and "bless you" after a sneeze. "Živeli!" = cheers!

"Bre" is a Balkan particle with no exact translation. It adds emphasis, surprise or urgency. "Ma daj, bre!" = oh, come on! "Čoveče, bre!" = come on, man!

Ma daj, bre!
Oh, come on! / No way!

Ajde, bre!
Come on already!

Šta radiš, bre?
What are you doing, huh?

• Bre is typical of informal Serbian. When people start using it with you, the conversation has become relaxed.

"Jel' tako?" = isn't it? right? "Zar ne?" = the same, slightly more formal. "Bolan" is a familiar way to address a man, more typical of Bosnia ("mate"). "Jeste" = exactly, that's right.

Jel' tako?
Right? / Isn't that so?

Jeste, baš tako.
Yes, exactly.

Zar ne?
Isn't it?

• "Jel' tako?" is the most common tag question in spoken Serbian.

Words you will need every day: sada (now), posle (later), malo (a little), puno (a lot), ovde (here), tamo (there), levo (left), desno (right), gore (up), dole (down).

Sada ne mogu, posle.
I can't now — later.

Malo dalje, levo.
A bit further, on the left.

Tamo, gore.
Up there.

• Ovde, tamo, levo and desno are all you need to follow directions.

Molim? = pardon? (polite). Šta? = what? (casual). Hm? = neutral. Možete li ponoviti? = could you repeat that? (full phrase). Nisam razumeo / razumela = I didn't understand.

Molim? Nisam čuo.
Pardon? I didn't hear.

Možete li ponoviti?
Could you repeat that?

• "Molim?" with a rising intonation is the most polite way to ask again. Use it with strangers.

Dobar dan (good day) is neutral and always appropriate. Dobro jutro = good morning. Dobro veče = good evening. Zdravo = hello (neutral). Ćao = hi (informal).

Dobar dan! (in a shop, bank or clinic)
A neutral, polite greeting

Zdravo! (to a colleague)
A neutral greeting

Ćao! (to a friend)
Informal — only with people you know

• Ćao means both "hi" and "bye", like the Italian "ciao".
• With strangers use Dobar dan or Zdravo, not Ćao.

When you meet an adult for the first time, use vi. Switching to ti is usually offered by the older or more senior person. Among young people and in start-ups, ti is common from the start.

Možemo li da pređemo na ti?
Shall we switch to "ti"?

Dajte mi vašu vizit-kartu.
Could you give me your business card? (vi)

• If you want to switch to ti, suggest it openly: "Možemo na ti?" — people usually agree.

Gospođa (Mrs, madam) is used for an adult woman, gospodin (Mr, sir) for an adult man. When addressing someone directly, use the vocative: "Gospođo, izvinite…", "Gospodine, možete li…". It is polite, especially with older people.

Izvinite, gospođo.
Excuse me, madam.

Gospodine, imate li trenutak?
Sir, do you have a moment?

• In government offices and clinics, "gospođo / gospodine" goes down very well.

When meeting for the first time, people shake hands. Between friends, three kisses on the cheeks are a typical Balkan greeting.

• Don't be surprised if a new acquaintance leans in for a kiss on the cheek — it is a friendly gesture.
• In a formal setting a handshake is enough.

Coffee (kafa) is less a drink than a ritual. "Hoćeš kafu?" (Would you like a coffee?) is an invitation to talk. Turning it down can seem a little cold. Traditional Serbian coffee (domaća kafa) is boiled in a džezva, not made in an espresso machine.

Hoćeš kafu?
Would you like a coffee? (= let's talk)

Domaća kafa
Traditional Serbian coffee, made in a džezva

• Accepting coffee shows you are open to a chat. If you don't really want one, ask for "malo" (just a little).

Slava is an Orthodox custom in which each family celebrates its patron saint once a year. Guests are invited and special food is prepared (slavski kolač, žito). It is the most important family celebration.

• Being invited to a Slava is a sign of great trust. Bring wine or a cake.
• Asking "Koja vam je slava?" (What is your Slava?) is a great conversation starter.

"Odakle ste?" (Where are you from?) is one of the first questions Serbs ask. It is not nosiness but genuine interest and a way to find common ground — naming your country or city starts the conversation.

Odakle ste?
Where are you from?

Iz Rusije sam.
I'm from Russia.

Iz Moskve.
From Moscow.

• The answer usually gets a friendly reaction and follow-up questions.

In Serbian shops it is customary to say "Dobar dan" when you walk in, and "Hvala, doviđenja" (thank you, goodbye) when you leave. Staying silent comes across as rude.

Dobar dan! (when entering)
Good day

Hvala, doviđenja! (when leaving)
Thank you, goodbye!

• A greeting is always expected in small shops and kiosks; in large supermarkets it is optional.

Queues exist in Serbia, but are not always strictly followed. Government offices, banks and post offices often use ticket numbers; at the market and in pharmacies people queue in person. Patience (strpljenje) is a valuable trait.

• In government buildings ask the guard at the entrance: "Gde se uzima broj?" — where do I get a number?
• Don't let it get to you — getting irritated won't speed things up.

Wait until the host invites you to start. Say "Prijatno!" (enjoy your meal) before eating, and "Živeli!" (cheers) for a toast. Refusing food is hard — hosts will insist, so take "malo" (a little).

Prijatno!
Enjoy your meal!

Živeli!
Cheers!

• Coffee after a meal is a gesture of hospitality; turning it down may disappoint your host.

A flat "ne" sounds harsh. Softer options: "Hvala, ali ne mogu" (thanks, but I can't), "Drugi put" (another time), "Nije mi potrebno" (I don't need it), "Možda neki drugi put" (maybe some other time).

Hvala, ali ne mogu sada.
Thanks, but I can't right now.

Drugi put, možda.
Another time, maybe.

• Serbs take a soft refusal well — just remember to add "hvala".

Serbs like giving compliments — on appearance, food or success. Accept them with thanks: "Hvala!" or "Drago mi je". A modest "Ma, nije ništa" (oh, it's nothing) also works.

Baš lepo govoriš srpski!
You speak Serbian really well!

Hvala, trudim se.
Thanks, I'm trying.

• If someone praises your Serbian, take it as real encouragement and accept it with a smile.

New Year (1 January) is a public holiday celebrated loudly. Orthodox Christmas is on 7 January. Each family has its own Slava date. Statehood Day (Dan državnosti) is 15 February; Vidovdan (28 June) is an important national and religious day.

• 7 January (Božić) is Christmas by the Julian calendar — a family holiday with traditional food.
• Wishing people "Srećan Božić!" is a nice gesture.

Most Serbs are Orthodox Christians. Many shops stay open on religious holidays. Easter (Vaskrs) is the most important holiday. The Easter greeting is "Hristos vaskrse!" and the reply is "Vaistinu vaskrse!"

• At Easter people dye eggs and play "čukanje jaja" — tapping eggs to see whose shell survives.
• Knowing these customs helps you win over your Serbian neighbours.

Before photographing people, ask: "Mogu li vas slikati?" (May I take a photo of you?). Photographing the interior of cafés or the street is usually fine. Don't photograph documents in front of strangers.

Mogu li vas slikati?
Can I take a photo of you?

Naravno!
Certainly!

• In Orthodox churches, take photos only with the priest's permission.

Beli karton (white card) is the registration of your place of residence. It must be done within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels register you automatically; in a rented flat, the landlord must register you with the police.

• Without a beli karton you cannot open a bank account, get a health insurance card or apply for a residence permit.
• If your landlord does not register you, ask them to — it is their legal obligation.

Privremeni boravak (temporary residence) is the residence permit. It is issued by MUP (the Ministry of the Interior). Grounds include work, study, family reunification and property ownership. It is usually granted for one year and can be extended.

• Documents you need: passport, beli karton, photo and proof of your grounds (lease, employment or study contract).
• Book an appointment at MUP online, or queue early in the morning.

A menjačnica is an exchange office. You will find them all over town, usually without commission, and their rates are often slightly better than at the bank. Opening hours are typically 08:00–20:00.

Gde je menjačnica?
Where is an exchange office?

Kakav je kurs evra danas?
What is today's euro rate?

Mogu li da zamenim evre za dinare?
Can I exchange euros for dinars?

• Check both rates on the board: kupovni (the rate they buy at) and prodajni (the rate they sell at).

Infostan is Belgrade's utility billing service. It combines water, rubbish collection, lift maintenance and other services into one monthly bill. You can pay at the post office, at a bank or online. Your landlord can give you the Infostan account number.

• Ask your landlord to explain how bills are paid when you move in.

EPS (Elektroprivreda Srbije) is the main electricity supplier. Bills arrive monthly and can be paid on the EPS website, at the post office or at a bank. When you move, the contract needs to be transferred.

• If the meter (brojilo) is inside the flat, you may need to submit readings. Your landlord will explain how.

The health insurance card (zdravstvena knjižica, now also issued as an electronic card) proves you have compulsory health insurance. It gives you free or low-cost treatment at public clinics. It is issued by RFZO, the national health insurance fund.

• To apply you need: residence permit, beli karton, passport and proof of employment or other status.
• Without insurance you pay for appointments; with it they are free or you pay a small fee.

A pharmacy is an apoteka. Some are open 24/7 (dežurna apoteka). Many medicines are sold without a prescription; prescription-only medicines are sold "na recept".

Gde je najbliža apoteka?
Where is the nearest pharmacy?

Imam recept.
I have a prescription.

Treba mi nešto za glavobolju.
I need something for a headache.

• A "dežurna apoteka" is the pharmacy on night duty — find the nearest one in advance.

MUP (Ministarstvo unutrašnjih poslova) is the Ministry of the Interior. It handles the beli karton, residence permits and biometric data. Police stations are called "policijska stanica".

• Appointments at MUP can be booked on the eUprava portal (euprava.gov.rs).
• Come early — queues can be long. Bring all originals and copies.

To open an account you need your passport plus a residence permit or beli karton, and sometimes proof of address. Popular banks include Banca Intesa, UniCredit, NLB and Raiffeisen. Many branches serve customers in English.

• An account is often opened on the same day.
• Ask for online and mobile banking — it makes paying bills much easier.

JMBG (Jedinstveni matični broj građana) is a unique 13-digit personal number, similar to a national ID or social security number. You need it for a residence permit, a bank account and an employment contract.

• Foreigners receive a JMBG when their residence permit is issued.
• Keep the number handy — many forms ask for it.

Belgrade public transport — buses (autobusi), trams (tramvaji) and trolleybuses (trolejbusi) — is free. You do not need a ticket or transport card for city journeys.

• Just get on at your stop.
• Check routes and timetables on the city operator's website or in a transport app.

A pijaca is an open-air market: fresh produce, meat, cheese and spices, often cheaper and fresher than in the supermarket. Supermarkets (market) include Maxi, Lidl, Univerexport and Roda. At the pijaca pay cash; in supermarkets cards are fine.

Idem na pijacu.
I'm going to the market.

Kupujem u Maxiju.
I shop at Maxi.

• Belgrade markets such as Kalenić are great for groceries and for meeting locals.

Maxi and Tempo belong to Delhaize; Univerexport and Idea are also widespread chains. Lidl is a German discounter. Each has its own promotions and loyalty cards.

• Lidl and Maxi often have the best prices on basics.
• Loyalty cards are free and give discounts.

Ride-hailing apps in Serbia: Car:Go (a Belgrade service), Bolt (in most cities) and Yandex Go. Hailing a taxi on the street is usually more expensive — ordering through an app is the better option.

• Car:Go is a local favourite in Belgrade and is often cheaper than Bolt.
• Pay by card in the app to avoid arguments over change.

A kafana is a traditional Serbian tavern with home-style food and often live music. A kafić is a café (coffee, drinks, light snacks). A restoran is a restaurant with a full menu. A picerija is a pizzeria.

• The kafana is a Serbian cultural institution — visit at least once.
• Kafanas are often loud (muzika uživo) — great for a group night out.

Useful words for renting: stan se izdaje = flat for rent; kirija = rent; depozit = deposit (usually one month); komunalije = utilities (often paid separately); ugovor = lease — always sign one.

Kolika je kirija?
How much is the rent?

Da li su komunalije uključene?
Are utilities included?

• Ask your landlord to register you (beli karton) — it is their obligation.

Struja = electricity (EPS). Voda = water (Beogradski vodovod). Grejanje = heating (district heating from Beogradske elektrane, or individual). Račun = bill. Prijava / odjava = registering / cancelling a service.

• Ask the landlord whether heating is included in the rent. District heating is usually cheaper than individual heating.

Mobile operators: Yettel (formerly Telenor), mts and A1. SIM cards are sold in operator shops on presentation of a passport. Home internet providers include SBB, Yettel and mts. Speeds are good and prices reasonable.

• You need a passport to buy a SIM card. Prepaid is the simplest option — no contract.
• mts often has better coverage in villages; Yettel is strong in cities.

Urban public transport in Belgrade and Niš is free. You do not need to buy a ticket, pass or transport card for a regular city journey.

• Check the route number and your stop before travelling.
• Intercity routes and special services may follow different rules.

Poreska uprava is the Serbian tax service. Foreign workers pay tax on their income. Freelancers are registered as preduzetnik (IP). PIB — tax identification number, needed for work.

• If you work officially, your employer pays taxes for you.
• Freelancers need advice from an accountant on tax rates.

Serbian has three main types of present tense conjugation. The type is determined by the first person form: -am, -im or -em/-jem. Knowing the type, it is easy to derive all six forms. Type 1 (-am): čitam, čitaš, čita, čitamo, čitate, čitaju Type 2 (-im): radim, radiš, radi, radimo, radite, rade Type 3 (-em): pišem, pišeš, piše, pišemo, pišete, pišu

Čitam svaki dan.
I read every day. (type 1)

Radim u centru.
I work in the center. (type 2)

Pišem poruku.
I'm writing a message. (type 3)

• Biti (sam/si/je) and imati (imam) are irregular, remember separately.
• The type is determined not by the infinitive, but by the form “I” - try it in the dictionary.

Most verbs ending in -ati are conjugated like -am. Endings: -am, -aš, -a, -amo, -ate, -aju. Base = infinitive without -ti. čitati → čitam, čitaš, čita, čitamo, čitate, čitaju gledati → gledam, gledaš, gleda, gledamo, gledate, gledaju čekati → čekam, čekaš, čeka, čekamo, čekate, čekaju pitati → pitam, pitaš, pita, pitamo, pitate, pitaju

Čitam novine.
I'm reading the newspaper.

Gledamo film.
We're watching a film.

Čekate autobus?
Are you waiting for the bus?

• Also type 1: slušati (slušam), znati (znam).
• Verbs in -ovati go -ujem: kupovati → kupujem, putovati → putujem.

Verbs ending in -iti and many verbs ending in -eti are conjugated using the -im type. Endings: -im, -iš, -i, -imo, -ite, -e. Base = infinitive without -iti/-eti. raditi → radim, radiš, radi, radimo, radite, rade govoriti → govorim, govoriš, govori, govorimo, govorite, govore nositi → nosim, nosiš, nosi, nosimo, nosite, nose voleti → volim, voliš, voli, volimo, volite, vole

Radim od devet.
I work from nine.

Govoriš srpski!
You speak Serbian!

Volimo Beograd.
We love Belgrade.

• The third person plural is always -e: rade, govore, nose, vole.
• Voleti (to love) and živeti (to live) are also type 2, despite the ending -eti.

The third type is the endings -em/-jem. Often the stem changes: the consonant alternates. This is the most “unpredictable” type, but frequent verbs are quickly remembered. pisati (s→š) → pišem, pišeš, piše, pišemo, pišete, pišu kazati (z→ž) → kažem, kažeš, kaže, kažemo, kažete, kažu ići → idem, ideš, ide, idemo, idete, idu moći (g→ž) → mogu, možeš, može, možemo, možete, mogu

Šta pišeš?
What are you writing?

Kaže da dolazi.
He says he will come.

Možemo li ući?
Can we come in?

• Alternations: s→š (pisati), z→ž (kazati), k→č (vikati→vičem), g→ž (lagati→lažem).
• Ići and moći are irregular, remember their forms separately.

The imperative is formed from the present-tense stem. Type 1 (-am) adds -j; types 2 and 3 add -i. gledati (gledam): gledaj! / gledajte! raditi (radim): radi! / radite! pisati (pišem): piši! / pišite! ići (idem): idi! / idite! biti: budi! / budite!

Pričaj sporije!
Speak more slowly!

Dođite ovamo!
Come here!

Ne budi tužan.
Don't be sad.

Jedite, jedite!
Eat, eat!

• For the polite or plural form (vi), add -te to the ti form: radi → radite.
• Ne + imperative = prohibition: ne diraj! (don't touch!), ne idi! (don't go!).

The conditional means "would". It is formed with bih / bi / bi / bismo / biste / bi + a participle in -o/-la/-lo/-li. It is used for polite requests, wishes and conditions. ja bih radio / radila — I would work ti bi radio / radila — you would work on bi radio / ona bi radila — he / she would work mi bismo radili — we would work

Hteo bih kafu, molim.
I'd like some coffee, please. (politely)

Mogla bih pomoći.
I could help.

Da imam vremena, otišao bih.
If I had time, I would go.

• "Hteo / htela bih…" (I would like…) is the most polite way to order or ask for something.
• The auxiliary changes with the person: ja bih, ti bi, mi bismo, vi biste — don't drop it.

Serbian verbs come in aspect pairs. Imperfective verbs (nesvršeni) describe an ongoing or repeated action; perfective verbs (svršeni) describe a single completed action. Pairs usually differ by a prefix or suffix. pisati (impf.) → napisati (pf.) — write čitati (impf.) → pročitati (pf.) — read kupovati (impf.) → kupiti (pf.) — buy

Kupujem hleb svaki dan.
I buy bread every day. (imperfective — regular action)

Kupio sam hleb.
I bought bread. (perfective — completed)

Pišem roman.
I'm writing a novel. (imperfective — in progress)

• To talk about what is happening right now, use an imperfective verb.
• Perfective verbs are common after da and in the future: Hoću da kupim hleb. Kupiću hleb.

The verbs you need most. The first-person present form is in brackets. 1. biti — to be (sam) 2. imati — to have (imam) 3. moći — can, to be able (mogu) 4. hteti — to want (hoću) 5. ići — to go (idem) 6. doći — to come (dođem) 7. reći — to say (kažem) 8. znati — to know (znam) 9. videti — to see (vidim) 10. dati — to give (dam) 11. uzeti — to take (uzmem) 12. raditi — to work (radim) 13. misliti — to think (mislim) 14. govoriti — to speak (govorim) 15. tražiti — to look for (tražim) 16. čuti — to hear (čujem) 17. pričati — to talk (pričam) 18. živeti — to live (živim) 19. voleti — to love (volim) 20. gledati — to watch, to look (gledam)

Znam. Razumem.
I know. I understand.

Hoću da vidim.
I want to see.

Gde živite?
Where do you live?

• These 20 verbs appear in a large share of everyday conversations.
• Biti, hteti and moći are irregular; most of the others follow the standard types.

Verbs of movement and basic actions: 21. pitati — to ask (pitam) 22. čekati — to wait (čekam) 23. razumeti — to understand (razumem) 24. naći — to find (nađem) 25. staviti — to put (stavim) 26. hodati — to walk (hodam) 27. trčati — to run (trčim) 28. voziti — to drive (vozim) 29. sedeti — to sit (sedim) 30. stajati — to stand (stojim) 31. ući — to enter (uđem) 32. izaći — to go out (izađem) 33. otvoriti — to open (otvorim) 34. zatvoriti — to close (zatvorim) 35. nositi — to carry, to wear (nosim) 36. doneti — to bring (donesem) 37. kupiti — to buy (kupim) 38. platiti — to pay (platim) 39. početi — to begin (počnem) 40. završiti — to finish (završim)

Čekam autobus.
I'm waiting for the bus.

Možemo ući?
Can we come in?

Počnimo!
Let's begin!

• Ući / izaći are perfective (one entry or exit); ulaziti / izlaziti are imperfective (repeated or ongoing).
• Doneti (bring once) and donositi (bring regularly) are an aspect pair.

Verbs of communication and thinking: 41. nastaviti — to continue (nastavim) 42. prestati — to stop (prestanem) 43. pomoći — to help (pomognem) 44. pokušati — to try (pokušam) 45. uspeti — to succeed, to manage (uspem) 46. odgovoriti — to answer (odgovorim) 47. objasniti — to explain (objasnim) 48. čitati — to read (čitam) 49. pisati — to write (pišem) 50. učiti — to learn, to study (učim) 51. sećati se — to remember (sećam se) 52. zaboraviti — to forget (zaboravim) 53. verovati — to believe (verujem) 54. slagati se — to agree (slažem se) 55. zvati — to call (zovem) 56. poznavati — to know (a person) (poznajem) 57. odlučiti — to decide (odlučim) 58. shvatiti — to realise (shvatim) 59. pokazati — to show (pokažem) 60. obećati — to promise (obećam)

Pokušaj još jednom.
Try again.

Zovem se Marija.
My name is Maria.

Slažem se s tobom.
I agree with you.

• Slagati se = to agree; ne slažem se = I disagree.
• Zaboraviti (perfective) vs. zaboravljati (imperfective): zaboravio sam (I forgot), stalno zaboravljam (I keep forgetting).

Everyday verbs: 61. jesti — to eat (jedem) 62. piti — to drink (pijem) 63. kuvati — to cook (kuvam) 64. spavati — to sleep (spavam) 65. ustati — to get up (ustanem) 66. oblačiti se — to get dressed (oblačim se) 67. prati — to wash (perem) 68. čistiti — to clean (čistim) 69. kupovati — to buy, to shop (kupujem) 70. prodavati — to sell (prodajem) 71. odmarati se — to rest (odmaram se) 72. putovati — to travel (putujem) 73. dolaziti — to come (dolazim) 74. odlaziti — to leave (odlazim) 75. vraćati se — to return (vraćam se) 76. ostajati — to stay (ostajem) 77. menjati — to change (menjam) 78. koristiti — to use (koristim) 79. igrati — to play (igram) 80. pevati — to sing (pevam)

Šta jedemo večeras?
What are we eating tonight?

Vraćam se u sedam.
I'll be back at seven.

Putujem u Novi Sad.
I'm travelling to Novi Sad.

• Prati has an irregular present: perem, pereš, pere, peremo, perete, peru.
• Jesti: jedem, jedeš, jede, jedemo, jedete, jedu. Šta jedeš? = What are you eating?

Verbs of feelings, states and important actions: 81. smejati se — to laugh (smejem se) 82. plakati — to cry (plačem) 83. mrzeti — to hate (mrzim) 84. bojati se — to be afraid (bojim se) 85. nadati se — to hope (nadam se) 86. brinuti se — to worry, to take care (brinem se) 87. truditi se — to make an effort (trudim se) 88. čuvati — to keep, to look after (čuvam) 89. izgubiti — to lose (izgubim) 90. pronaći — to find (pronađem) 91. dobiti — to get, to receive (dobijem) 92. poslati — to send (pošaljem) 93. primiti — to receive, to accept (primim) 94. moliti — to ask, to beg (molim) 95. zahvaliti — to thank (zahvalim) 96. oprostiti — to forgive (oprostim) 97. želeti — to wish, to want (želim) 98. birati — to choose (biram) 99. pamtiti — to remember (pamtim) 100. čestitati — to congratulate (čestitam)

Bojim se da kasnim.
I'm afraid I'm late.

Nadam se da ćeš doći.
I hope you come.

Čuvaj se!
Take care! (when saying goodbye)

• "Čuvaj se!" is a very common way to say goodbye — literally "look after yourself".
• Bojati se, nadati se and brinuti se are reflexive verbs — always with se.