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Living in Serbia? Here's how to actively improve your Serbian skills with real people and real-life experiences:
1. Join a speaking cafe or language exchange
Find a language exchange group or speaking cafe. In Belgrade, these are popular and the best way to practice Serbian with native speakers. You’ll chat with locals in a relaxed environment, improve your speaking, and meet new people. Look on Facebook or Meetup to find a group that fits you!
2. Make serbian friends
Serbs love to talk, so don’t hesitate to speak with locals! Whether you’re out for coffee or attending an event, ask questions and practice speaking Serbian. It’s OK to make mistakes, they’ll help you get better, and you’ll get a real feel for the language.
3. Participate in local events and activities
Join local clubs, sports teams, or volunteer groups. Whether it’s a football game or a cooking class, immersing yourself in these activities lets you practice real-world Serbian with others. Plus, you’ll build a social circle and feel more connected.
4. Visit cafes and markets
Next time you’re in a cafe or market, order your food or ask for directions in Serbian. These are everyday situations where you can practice speaking in context, and the locals will usually be happy to help you if you get stuck!
5. Attend festivals or local gatherings
Serbia is full of festivals, markets, and public events. Go to a local concert, art exhibit, or street festival and start talking to people. You’ll not only improve your Serbian but also experience local culture up close!
6. Use serbian in daily conversations
Instead of speaking English, try using Serbian in your daily chats. If you’re talking to a store clerk, a taxi driver, or classmates, just switch to Serbian! The more you push yourself to speak, the faster you’ll improve.
Serbian is best learned in the real world, through actual conversations and experiences. So go out, talk to locals, and immerse yourself fully in Serbian life, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your skills grow!
Milos, OLS Community Manager - Serbian