Language Guide
Pronunciation Guide
The good news: Croatian is spoken exactly as it is written. No silent letters, no exceptions. Once you learn the letters, you can pronounce any word.
The Most Important Special Letters
| Letter | Pronunciation | Example | Sounds like |
|---|---|---|---|
| č | tsch (hard) | čokolada (chocolate) | Tschechia |
| ć | tj (soft) | noć (night) | soft tch, like Cutsche with a soft start |
| š | sch | šuma (forest) | School |
| ž | voiced sch | žena (woman) | like “j” in French Journal |
| đ | dj (voiced) | đak (student) | like “g” in English gentle |
| nj | nj | konj (horse) | like gn in French Champagne |
| lj | lj | ljubav (love) | like gl in Italian tagliatelle |
| dž | dsch | džep (pocket) | Dschungle |
| c | ts | cesta (road) | Zahn |
| j | j | ja (I) | Ja |
| r | rolled | Hrvatska (Croatia) | like in Bavarian or Spanish |
Basic Rules
- Emphasis is usually on the first syllable — never on the last!
- Every letter is pronounced individually — there are no diphthongs
- R can be syllabic: “Krk” is really pronounced “Krk” (the R acts as a vowel)
- The H is always pronounced, never silent: “Hrvatska” = “Cher-vat-ska”
Tipp
The difference between <strong>č</strong> (hard, as in “Czech”) and <strong>ć</strong> (soft, like a soft tj) is the hardest for Germans. Don't stress — Croatians will understand you even if you pronounce both as “tsch.”
Basics
With these words and phrases, you'll manage any everyday situation. Croatians are thrilled when you try a few words of their language!
Greetings & Farewells
| Croatian | Pronunciation | German |
|---|---|---|
| Bok! | Bok | Hello / Goodbye (informal, universal) |
| Dobar dan | DOH-bar dahn | Good day |
| Dobro jutro | DOH-bro YOO-tro | Good morning |
| Dobra večer | DOH-bra VEH-tscher | Good evening |
| Laku noć | LAH-koo nohtj | Good night |
| Doviđenja | doh-vee-DJEH-nja | Goodbye (formal) |
| Ćao | Tschau | Goodbye (informal, from Italian) |
Politeness
| Croatian | Pronunciation | German |
|---|---|---|
| Molim | MOH-leem | Please / You're welcome |
| Hvala | HVAH-lah | Thank you |
| Hvala lijepa | HVAH-lah lee-YEH-pah | Thank you very much |
| Nema na čemu | NEH-mah nah TSCHEH-moo | You're welcome / No problem |
| Oprostite | oh-PROH-stee-teh | Excuse me |
| Ispričavam se | ees-pree-TSCHAH-vahm seh | I'm sorry |
| Da | Dah | Yes |
| Ne | Neh | No |
Communication
| Croatian | German |
|---|---|
| Govorite li njemački? | Do you speak German? |
| Govorite li engleski? | Do you speak English? |
| Ne razumijem | I don't understand |
| Možete li ponoviti? | Can you repeat that? |
| Kako se kaže...? | How do you say...? |
| Govorim malo hrvatski | I speak a little Croatian |
Tipp
“<strong>Bok</strong>” is the Swiss Army knife of the Croatian language — it works as hello AND goodbye, formal and informal, morning and evening. If you learn only one word, make it this one!
In the Restaurant
Dining out is a central social experience in Croatia. With these phrases, you'll order like a local.
| Croatian | German |
|---|---|
| Imam rezervaciju | I have a reservation |
| Stol za dvoje, molim | A table for two, please |
| Jelovnik, molim | The menu, please |
| Što preporučujete? | What do you recommend? |
| Želim naručiti... | I would like to order... |
| Za mene... | For me... |
| Još jedno, molim | Another one, please |
| Račun, molim | The bill, please |
| Možemo platiti? | Can we pay? |
| Zajedno, molim | Together, please |
| Odvojeno, molim | Separately, please |
| Mogu li platiti karticom? | Can I pay by card? |
| Živjeli! | Cheers! (when toasting) |
| Dobar tek! | Enjoy your meal! |
| Bilo je odlično! | It was excellent! |
| Ja sam vegetarijanac/ka | I am a vegetarian |
| Ja sam alergičan/na na... | I am allergic to... |
| Bez glutena, molim | Without gluten, please |
Tipp
When toasting in Croatia, it's important to <strong>maintain eye contact</strong> and say “Živjeli!” (ZHI-vye-lee). Avoiding eye contact risks, according to superstition, 7 years of bad sex — Croatians take this half seriously!
Shopping
In markets and small shops, a few Croatian sentences often lead to better prices — and always to a smile.
| Croatian | German |
|---|---|
| Koliko košta? | How much does it cost? |
| Koliko košta ovo? | How much does this cost? |
| Imate li...? | Do you have...? |
| Preskupo! | Too expensive! |
| Jeftino! | Cheap! |
| Mogu li probati? | Can I try? |
| Ovo ću uzeti | I'll take this |
| Imate li veću/manju veličinu? | Do you have a larger/smaller size? |
| Samo gledam | I'm just looking |
| Može popust? | Is there a discount? |
| Primam/Ne primam kartice | We accept / do not accept cards |
| Vrećica, molim | A bag, please |
Tipp
On farmers' markets (tržnica) and with street vendors, <strong>subtle bargaining</strong> is acceptable — especially if you buy larger quantities (e.g., a kilo of figs or a bottle of olive oil). In stores, however, prices are fixed.
On the Go
Whether you're asking for directions, buying a bus ticket, or looking for a ferry — these phrases will help you.
| Croatian | German |
|---|---|
| Gdje je...? | Where is...? |
| Kako doći do...? | How do I get to...? |
| Lijevo | Left |
| Desno | Right |
| Ravno | Straight ahead |
| Blizu | Nearby |
| Daleko | Far |
| Autobusna stanica | Bus stop / Bus station |
| Željeznički kolodvor | Train station |
| Luka / Trajektna luka | Port / Ferry port |
| Zračna luka | Airport |
| Benzinska postaja | Gas station |
| Jednu kartu za..., molim | One ticket to..., please |
| Povratnu kartu | Return ticket |
| Kada ide sljedeći bus/vlak/trajekt? | When is the next bus/train/ferry? |
| Koliko traje vožnja? | How long does the ride take? |
| Gdje mogu parkirati? | Where can I park? |
| Je li ovo put za...? | Is this the way to...? |
| Zabranjen prolaz | No entry |
Emergencies
Hopefully, you'll never need these phrases — but if you do, they can be crucial.
| Croatian | German |
|---|---|
| Upomoć! | Help! |
| Zovite policiju! | Call the police! |
| Zovite hitnu pomoć! | Call an ambulance! |
| Trebam liječnika | I need a doctor |
| Gdje je bolnica? | Where is the hospital? |
| Gdje je ljekarna? | Where is the pharmacy? |
| Ozlijeđen/a sam | I am injured |
| Boli me ovdje | It hurts here |
| Alergičan/na sam na... | I am allergic to... |
| ...penicilin | ...Penicillin |
| ...orašaste plodove | ...Nuts |
| ...škampe/rakove | ...Seafood |
| ...gluten | ...Gluten |
| Ukraden mi je novčanik | My wallet was stolen |
| Izgubio/la sam putovnicu | I lost my passport |
| Požar! | Fire! |
| Ne govorim hrvatski | I don't speak Croatian |
| Trebam prevoditelja | I need a translator |
Achtung
In <strong>medical emergencies</strong>, always call <strong>112</strong> immediately — the operators can connect you with an English-speaking staff member if necessary. Clearly and slowly say: <strong>“I need help”</strong> or <strong>“Trebam pomoć”</strong> and state your location.
Numbers
You constantly need numbers — at the market, in the restaurant, when paying. Croatian numbers follow a logical structure.
1–20
| Number | Croatian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | nula | NOO-lah |
| 1 | jedan | YEH-dahn |
| 2 | dva | dvah |
| 3 | tri | tree |
| 4 | četiri | TSCHEH-tee-ree |
| 5 | pet | peht |
| 6 | šest | schehst |
| 7 | sedam | SEH-dahm |
| 8 | osam | OH-sahm |
| 9 | devet | DEH-veht |
| 10 | deset | DEH-seht |
| 11 | jedanaest | yeh-DAH-nah-ehst |
| 12 | dvanaest | dvah-NAH-ehst |
| 13 | trinaest | tree-NAH-ehst |
| 14 | četrnaest | tscheh-ter-NAH-ehst |
| 15 | petnaest | peht-NAH-ehst |
| 16 | šesnaest | scheh-SNAH-ehst |
| 17 | sedamnaest | seh-dahm-NAH-ehst |
| 18 | osamnaest | oh-sahm-NAH-ehst |
| 19 | devetnaest | deh-veht-NAH-ehst |
| 20 | dvadeset | DVAH-deh-seht |
Tens, Hundreds, Thousands
| Number | Croatian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | trideset | TREE-deh-seht |
| 40 | četrdeset | TSCHEH-ter-deh-seht |
| 50 | pedeset | PEH-deh-seht |
| 60 | šezdeset | SCHEHZ-deh-seht |
| 70 | sedamdeset | SEH-dahm-deh-seht |
| 80 | osamdeset | OH-sahm-deh-seht |
| 90 | devedeset | DEH-veh-deh-seht |
| 100 | sto | stoh |
| 200 | dvjesto | DVYEH-stoh |
| 500 | petsto | PEHT-stoh |
| 1,000 | tisuću | TEE-soo-tschoo |
Compound numbers work like in English (not like in German!): 25 = dvadeset pet (twenty five, NOT five and twenty). This makes it easier!
Example: 347 = tristo četrdeset sedam (three hundred forty seven)
Tipp
At the market, you often hear the short forms: <strong>“pet kuna”</strong> is outdated (since the switch to the Euro), but many older Croatians still convert to kuna. 1 € ≈ 7.53 kuna. If someone says “petnaest” and you're not sure if they mean euros or kuna: just ask!
Menu Translator
Croatian menus can be a challenge — especially in authentic Konobas without English translations. This table is your cheat sheet for the restaurant.
Meat (Meso)
| Croatian | German | Info |
|---|---|---|
| janjetina | Lamb | Often on a spit (ispod peke), a specialty of the islands and the hinterland |
| teletina | Veal | - |
| svinjetina | Pork | - |
| govedina | Beef | - |
| piletina | Chicken | - |
| puretina | Turkey | - |
| pršut | Prosciutto | Air-dried, similar to Prosciutto; from Dalmatia or Istria |
| kobasica | Sausage | Kulen = spicy paprika sausage from Slavonia |
| ćevapčići / ćevapi | Minced meat rolls | Grilled meat, served with Lepinja bread and Ajvar |
| pljeskavica | Minced steak | Like a burger patty, often filled with cheese |
| ražnjići | Meat skewers | Grilled pork or chicken skewers |
Fish & Seafood (Riba i morski plodovi)
| Croatian | German | Info |
|---|---|---|
| riba | Fish | General |
| brancin / lubin | Sea bass | The classic on the coast, often grilled (na žaru) |
| orada | Gilt-head bream / Dorade | Also a grill classic |
| tuna | Tuna | Fresh, not canned! Often as a steak |
| škampi | Scampi / Prawns | Na buzaru = in garlic-white wine sauce |
| dagnje | Mussels | Often na buzaru or in pasta |
| lignje | Squid / Calamari | Grilled or fried, a must-try |
| hobotnica | Octopus | Salad (salata od hobotnice) is a classic |
| srdele | Sardines | Grilled, a simple, affordable fish dish |
| školjke | Shellfish (general) | - |
| jastog | Lobster | Luxury! Often in Buzara or as a pasta side |
| bakalar | Cod / Stockfish | Traditional dish, especially during holidays |
| crni rižot | Black risotto | Colored with squid ink, a Dalmatian specialty |
Soups & Starters (Juhe i predjela)
| Croatian | German | Info |
|---|---|---|
| juha | Soup | - |
| maneštra | Thick vegetable soup | Istrian specialty with beans and pasta |
| brudet / brujet | Fish stew | Various fish in tomato sauce, served with polenta |
| pašticada | Dalmatian pot roast | Beef in sweet and sour sauce with gnocchi — THE festive dish |
| štrukli | Cottage cheese strudel | Zagorje specialty, cooked or baked |
| soparnik | Swiss chard flatbread | UNESCO heritage! Thin, crispy, from the hinterland of Omiš |
Sides & Basics
| Croatian | German |
|---|---|
| kruh | Bread |
| salata | Salad |
| mješana salata | Mixed salad |
| pommes / pomfrit | French fries |
| riža | Rice |
| njoki | Gnocchi |
| palenta | Polenta (cornmeal) |
| blitva s krumpirom | Swiss chard with potatoes |
| sir | Cheese |
| paški sir | Pag cheese |
| maslinovo ulje | Olive oil |
| ocat | Vinegar |
| sol | Salt |
| papar | Pepper |
| češnjak | Garlic |
| luk | Onion |
| rajčica | Tomato |
| paprika | Bell pepper |
Cooking Methods
| Croatian | German |
|---|---|
| na žaru | grilled |
| pečeno | baked / fried |
| kuhano | boiled |
| pohano | breaded |
| ispod peke | under the bell (Peka) |
| na buzaru | in garlic-wine-tomato sauce |
| na gradele | grilled on the grate |
| dimljeno | smoked |
| mariniran | marinated |
Desserts (Deserti)
| Croatian | German | Info |
|---|---|---|
| palačinke | Crêpes / Pancakes | With Nutella, jam, or walnuts |
| rožata | Crème Caramel | Dubrovnik specialty with rose liqueur (Rozalin) |
| kremšnita | Cream slice | Vanilla pudding pastry, Samobor specialty |
| fritule | Small doughnuts | With powdered sugar, raisins, orange peel — Christmas specialty, but available year-round |
| kroštule | Fried dough strips | Crispy, dusted with powdered sugar |
| sladoled | Ice cream | - |
Drinks (Pića)
| Croatian | German | Info |
|---|---|---|
| voda | Water | gazirana = with carbonation, negazirana = without |
| vino | Wine | crno = red, bijelo = white, ružičasto = rosé |
| gemišt | Wine spritzer | White wine + soda, the standard summer drink |
| bevanda | Red wine spritzer | Red wine + water, Dalmatian classic |
| pivo | Beer | Ožujsko (Zagreb), Karlovačko, Pan — the big three |
| rakija | Schnapps / Fruit brandy | Travarica (herbs), lozovača (grapes), šljivovica (plum), medica (honey) |
| kava | Coffee | Standard is a small strong espresso |
| kava s mlijekom | Coffee with milk | Similar to a cappuccino |
| čaj | Tea | - |
| sok | Juice | sok od naranče = orange juice |
| cedevita | Effervescent drink | Croatian cult drink since the 80s — orange, lemon, or forest berry |
Tipp
In a genuine Konoba, always order the <strong>daily special</strong> or what the host recommends — it's guaranteed fresh. “<strong>Što imate danas?</strong>” (What do you have today?) is the magic question. And if “<strong>ispod peke</strong>” (under the bell) is on the menu: definitely order it, even if you have to wait 2 hours. It's worth it!
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