Language in Croatia – The Most Important Expressions and Phrases

Anyone who has already been to Croatia has surely noticed that the residents of the country, especially in the coastal regions, speak good German and English. The menus in some restaurants are even printed in German. So why should a tourist learn Croatian? Because you will find your way around Croatia much better if you know the most important everyday terms! Additionally, it is always appreciated when tourists speak a little Croatian and show interest in the country and its people.

Basic Croatian Expressions

Greetings and Politeness

A few words in Croatian can really make a difference and show that you appreciate the local culture. Here are some greetings and polite phrases that will help you in Croatia:

• Dobar dan– Good day: You can say this all day long and it always makes a good impression.
• Dobro jutro– Good morning: Perfect for the early hours of the day.
• Dobra večer– Good evening: Ideal for greeting someone in the evening.
• Hvala– Thank you: A simple but important word that should not be missing in any language.
• Molim– Please: Can be used both as "Please" and "You're welcome".
• Izvolite– Here you go: When you offer or hand something to someone.
• Oprostite– Sorry: Useful for apologizing or politely getting someone's attention.

Important Phrases for Everyday Life

To help you navigate everyday life even better, here are some useful phrases you might encounter:

• U redu– Okay: This phrase is super versatile and fits many situations. For example, in a restaurant, when you want to tell the waiter to keep the change.
• Može. Nema problema– Okay. No problem
• Sredit ćemo– Will be done: A reassuring response that your request will be taken care of. In Istria, it might also be Čemo riješiti.
• Sutra– Tomorrow and ujutro– Tomorrow morning: Good to know to better understand time indications.
• Odmah– Immediately: It means "immediately", but don't take it too literally – Croatians are more relaxed about it.
• Nemam pojma– No idea: You'll hear this when someone really has no clue.
• Ne znam– I don't know: Similar to "No idea".

At the Hotel and Accommodation

Requests and Inquiries

When you are in a hotel or accommodation in Croatia, you will surely have a few requests or inquiries. Here are some useful phrases that can help you:

• Mogu li dobiti još jedan ručnik?– Can I get another towel?
• Imate li slobodnu sobu?– Do you have a free room?
• Mogu li dobiti kasniji check-out?– Can I get a late check-out?
• Gdje je najbliža plaža?– Where is the nearest beach?
• Možete li preporučiti neki restoran?– Can you recommend a restaurant?
• Možete li pozvati taksi za mene?– Can you call a taxi for me?

Problems and Solutions

Sometimes things don't go as planned and there are small problems. Here are a few phrases that can help you in such situations:

• Ne radi klima uređaj– The air conditioning is not working
• Nema tople vode– There is no hot water
• Izgubio sam ključ– I have lost my key
• Svjetlo u kupaonici ne radi– The light in the bathroom is not working
• Ima li negdje gdje mogu napuniti telefon?– Is there a place where I can charge my phone?
• Možete li mi pomoći?– Can you help me? (A general question when you need assistance.)

On the Go and Traveling

Asking for Directions

When you are traveling in Croatia, it can be helpful to ask for directions. Here are some practical phrases that can help you:

• Gdje je...– Where is...: The beginning for many questions. For example: Gdje je najbliža plaža?– Where is the closest beach?
• Kako da dođem do...– How do I get to...: Helpful when you need precise directions. For example: Kako da dođem do glavnog trga?– How do I get to the main square?
• Možete li mi pokazati na karti gdje se nalazim?– Can you show me on the map where I am?: If you have a map and want to know where you are.
• Koliko je to daleko?– How far is it?: Good to know to estimate the distance.
• Koji je najbolji način da stignem do...– What is the best way to get to...: Practical to find out the best route.

Common Answers and Their Meanings

When you ask for directions, you will receive various answers. Here are some common answers and what they mean:

• Idite ravno– Go straight: A clear instruction to just keep going straight.
• Skrenite lijevo– Turn left
• Skrenite desno– Turn right
• To find the exact street you need to turn into:
  • Prva ulica– First street
  • Druga ulica– Second street
  • Treća ulica– Third street
• Iza ugla– The destination is just around the corner.
• Blizu je– The destination is not far away.
• Daleko je– It is far: You have to expect a longer distance.
• Nemam pojma– No idea: You will hear this when someone really has no clue.
• Ne znam: Similar to "No idea"

More Useful Phrases

Communication Difficulties

It can happen that you don't understand something or can't express yourself clearly. Here are a few phrases that can help you in such situations:

• Ne razumijem– I don't understand: Useful when you don't understand something.
• Možete li ponoviti, molim?– Can you repeat that, please?: When you want someone to say something again.
• Govori li netko ovdje engleski?– Does anyone here speak English?
• Govori li netko ovdje njemački?– Does anyone here speak German?
• Polako, molim– Slowly, please: A request to speak more slowly.
• Kako se kaže– How do you say...?: When you want to know how to say something in Croatian.

Agreement and Disagreement

To express your agreement or disagreement, these phrases are helpful:

• Da– Yes: Simple and clear.
• Ne– No: Also simple and direct.
• Možda– Maybe: When you're not sure.
• Slažem se– I agree: To show your agreement.
• Ne slažem se– I disagree: When you don't agree.
• U redu– Okay: Can mean both agreement and acceptance.
• Nije u redu– That's not okay: When something is not okay.

Congratulations and Good Luck

Sometimes you want to wish someone good luck or cross your fingers for them. Here are some appropriate phrases:

• Sretno!– Good luck!
• Držim fige.– I'm crossing my fingers.
• Čestitam!– Congratulations!
• Sve najbolje!– All the best!
• Bravo!– Well done!

Regional Specialties

Istria and Dalmatia

Croatia has many beautiful regions, each with its own unique characteristics. Istria and Dalmatia are two of the most well-known and offer unique cultural and linguistic features.

• Istria: This region in the northwest of Croatia is heavily influenced by Italy. You can notice this not only in the architecture and cuisine but also in the language. Many Istrians speak Italian and use Italian-sounding expressions.
• Dalmatia: This region on the Adriatic coast is known for its relaxed lifestyle and breathtaking scenery. Dalmatians are proud of their culture and have some unique idioms and customs.

Regional Greetings and Forms of Address

In different parts of Croatia, there are various forms of greetings and addresses:

• Sinjorina– Miss: In Istria and Dalmatia, you will often be addressed with this Italian expression as a lady.
• Šjor– Mister: Also common in Istria and Dalmatia to respectfully address a man.
• Bog– Hello: A casual greeting used throughout Croatia, especially among friends.
• Dobar tek– Enjoy your meal: Often said before meals to add a pleasant touch to dining.

Lifestyle and Colloquial Language

The lifestyle and colloquial language in Croatia can vary greatly depending on the region:

• Dalmatia: Known for its relaxed lifestyle, often described as pomalo– slowly, bit by bit. Here, life is taken more leisurely, and people are not easily stressed.
• Fjaka: A well-known Dalmatian term that describes a state of complete relaxation and idleness. It is more than just laziness; it is a way to let the soul unwind.
• A šta ćeš?– What can you do?: A common phrase in Dalmatia expressing acceptance of a situation.
• Tako je kako je.– It is what it is.: A similar phrase that shows acceptance.
• Jebiga: A frequently used word that can vary in intensity depending on the context, similar to the English "damn" or "shit". It is often used to express frustration or resignation but is not always taken literally.

Fascinated by Croatian culture? In our handpicked villas and holiday homes with pool you can comfortably use and deepen your Croatian language skills. Or read our travel guide to dive even deeper into Croatian culture.