Serbian

Serbian is a South Slavic language spoken primarily in Serbia and by Serbian communities in neighboring countries. It is the official language of Serbia and one of the official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbian is also spoken in Montenegro, Croatia, North Macedonia, and among Serbian diaspora communities around the world.

Serbian is closely related to other South Slavic languages, such as Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin, with which it forms a dialect continuum. These languages are largely mutually intelligible, and some people consider them to be different standardized forms of the same Serbo-Croatian language. However, each of these languages has developed its own standardization and identity over time.

How hard is it to learn Serbian?

Serbian can be moderately challenging for English speakers. Serbian uses both the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets. While the Latin alphabet shares some similarities with English, the Cyrillic alphabet is quite different. Learning to read and write in both scripts might be a challenge initially.

Serbian grammar can be complex, with a case system, gendered nouns, and verb conjugations. English speakers might need some time to get used to these concepts, as they don't exist or function differently in English.

It can take an English speaker approximately 44 weeks of study to reach proficiency in Serbian.

Why should I learn Serbian?

Learning Serbian allows you to explore and appreciate the rich culture, history, and traditions of Serbia and the Balkans. Serbia and neighboring countries where Serbian is spoken are beautiful and less-traveled destinations compared to other parts of Europe. Learning the language will enable you to communicate with locals, navigate the region more easily, and have a more authentic travel experience.