Croatian Alphabet

Learning the Croatian language alphabet is an essential step in mastering Croatian, a South Slavic language spoken primarily in Croatia. The Croatian alphabet is based on the Latin script and is quite similar to English, but it includes some unique characters. Understanding this alphabet is crucial for reading, writing, and speaking in Croatian. Here’s a detailed lesson to guide you through the Croatian alphabet:

Overview of the Croatian Alphabet

Number of Letters: 30
Script: Latin
Unique Features: Contains specific letters with diacritics and digraphs not found in the English alphabet.

The Letters of the Croatian Alphabet

A, a
- Pronunciation: Like ‘a’ in “father.”
- Example: “auto” (car).
B, b
- Pronunciation: Like ‘b’ in “bed.”
- Example: “brod” (ship).
C, c
- Pronunciation: Like ‘ts’ in “cats.”
- Example: “cvijet” (flower).
Č, č
- Pronunciation: Like ‘ch’ in “check.”
- Example: “čaj” (tea).
Ć, ć
- Pronunciation: Like ‘ch,’ but softer than ‘č.’
- Example: “ćevap” (kebab).
D, d
- Pronunciation: Like ‘d’ in “dog.”
- Example: “dan” (day).
Đ, đ
- Pronunciation: Similar to ‘j’ in “jar.”
- Example: “đak” (student).
Dž, dž
- Pronunciation: Like ‘j’ in “juice.”
- Example: “džem” (jam).
E, e
- Pronunciation: Like ‘e’ in “bed.”
- Example: “ekran” (screen).
F, f
- Pronunciation: Like ‘f’ in “far.”
- Example: “film” (movie).
G, g
- Pronunciation: Like ‘g’ in “go.”
- Example: “gol” (goal).
H, h
- Pronunciation: Like ‘h’ in “hat.”
- Example: “hotel” (hotel).
I, i
- Pronunciation: Like ‘ee’ in “see.”
- Example: “igra” (game).
J, j
- Pronunciation: Like ‘y’ in “yes.”
- Example: “jabuka” (apple).
K, k
- Pronunciation: Like ‘k’ in “kite.”
- Example: “ključ” (key).
L, l
- Pronunciation: Like ‘l’ in “lamp.”
- Example: “lov” (hunt).
Lj, lj
- Pronunciation: Like ‘lli’ in “million.”
- Example: “ljubav” (love).
M, m
- Pronunciation: Like ‘m’ in “moon.”
- Example: “more” (sea).
N, n
- Pronunciation: Like ‘n’ in “noon.”
- Example: “noć” (night).
Nj, nj
- Pronunciation: Like ‘ni’ in “onion.”
- Example: “njuška” (snout).
O, o
- Pronunciation: Like ‘o’ in “more.”
- Example: “oko” (eye).
P, p
- Pronunciation: Like ‘p’ in “pan.”
- Example: “pas” (dog).
R, r
- Pronunciation: A trilled ‘r’ as in Spanish.
- Example: “riba” (fish).
S, s
- Pronunciation: Like ‘s’ in “sun.”
- Example: “sunce” (sun).
Š, š
- Pronunciation: Like ‘sh’ in “shoe.”
- Example: “šuma” (forest).
T, t
- Pronunciation: Like ‘t’ in “top.”
- Example: “trava” (grass).
U, u
- Pronunciation: Like ‘oo’ in “boot.”
- Example: “ulica” (street).
V, v
- Pronunciation: Like ‘v’ in “van.”
- Example: “voće” (fruit).
Z, z
- Pronunciation: Like ‘z’ in “zoo.”
- Example: “zima” (winter).
Ž, ž
- Pronunciation: Like ‘s’ in “pleasure.”
- Example: “život” (life).

Pronunciation Tips

Diacritics: Letters like č, ć, š, ž, dž, and đ have distinct pronunciations.
Digraphs: Letters like lj, nj, and dž represent single sounds.
Vowel Sounds: Vowels are pronounced more or less consistently.

Practice Exercises

Listening and Speaking: Listen to Croatian speakers or use language learning apps to practice pronunciation.
Writing Practice: Write down words using each letter to become familiar with the alphabet.
Reading: Begin with simple texts to see these letters used in context.

Additional Resources

Language Learning Apps: Apps like Duolingo or Babbel may have Croatian language courses.
Online Tutorials: YouTube channels and websites dedicated to Croatian language learning.
Language Exchange: Engage with native speakers through language exchange platforms for conversational practice.

Conclusion

Mastering the Croatian alphabet is the first step towards fluency in the language. Regular practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing is essential for effective learning. Sretno! (Good luck!)