From the magazine HRVATSKI! 1/2024: Two Interviews – Dva intervjua
Why I’m Learning Croatian
Zašto učim hrvatski
You can read this interview in English on our blog. Compare Croatian and English version of this interview by opening the magazine HRVATSKI 1/2024 on page 49.
Kurt is retired and has been living in Bavaria very close to the Ammersee Lake for many years. He loves nature, hiking in the mountains, and enjoys riding his bike. He has been learning Croatian for many years. After several interruptions, he started learning again and is still learning Croatian. Besides learning Croatian, he has started playing the guitar again, which he also enjoys. In the following text you can read about how Kurt decided to learn Croatian, what problems he faced, and what he especially likes about the Croatian language.
You have been learning Croatian for many years. How did it come about?
Inspired by Croatian friends here in Germany, we went on vacation to Croatia on the island of Krk. And since then we have been going back to “our island” again and again. It’s quick to get there by car, the climate is perfect and you have access to the sea everywhere. Since then, swimming in the sea has become my great passion.
Do you remember your first Croatian word?
Yes, „Dobrodošli“. When you drive over the bridge from the mainland to Krk, you are greeted with this word again and again.
Which learning methods helped you the most (Croatian language courses in Germany, Croatian courses in Croatia, talking with friends, reading, listening to the radio, watching television, traveling to Croatia)?
I think that live courses (on-site, “face-to-face courses”) in Germany are the best, but online courses are also very useful and above all practical.
How much time do you dedicate daily to learning Croatian?
Half an hour a day would be great, but unfortunately I’m not always that consistent.
Many students of the Croatian language say that Croatian is a difficult language. What do you think is important in learning Croatian?
Immediately put each newly learned word into a short, simple sentence and talk, talk, talk… For me, grammar is the biggest obstacle. And that is completely my personal problem.
Do you have any personal advice?
Learn vocabulary, form simple sentences and speak, regardless of whether everything is correct. It is important that the person taking part in a conversation (your interlocutor) understands you.
What surprised you the most about learning Croatian?
What surprised me most was that the pronunciation wasn’t as difficult as I thought.
What do you particularly like about Croatian?
I like the fact that in Croatia you can immediately use what you have learned. And your effort is appreciated.
What is the biggest challenge for you when learning Croatian?
For me, the biggest challenge is to exercise consistently every day.
If you could remove something from the Croatian language, what would it be?
I would like to reduce the cases in the grammar to a minimum. But that probably remains just theory.
Do you have a favorite Croatian word (or favorite Croatian sentence)?
Yes. When I’m shopping or at a restaurant, I often use these expressions:Imate li…?, Mogu li dobiti…?, Ja želim…
What are your plans for the future?
Continue to learn Croatian because I will continue to travel to Croatia more often in the future.
And finally, can you reveal (tell) us what your greatest desire is related to learning the Croatian language?
My biggest wish is to be able to talk to Croats.
What would you like to say to everyone who wants to learn Croatian or is already learning Croatian?
Just start without fear and speak without the “German fear” of doing something wrong.
Photos: Kurt and Shutterstock
