Should I learn Cyrillic or Latin script?

Focus on Latin script first. While Serbian officially uses Cyrillic, Latin is widely understood and used in tourist areas. Most signs in Belgrade and tourist zones show both scripts.

How similar is Serbian to other Slavic languages?

Very similar to Croatian and Bosnian - they're mutually intelligible. If you learn basic Serbian, you'll understand much of what you hear in Croatia and Bosnia. Less helpful for Czech, Polish, or Russian.

Do most Serbians speak English?

In Belgrade and major tourist areas, yes - especially younger people and hospitality workers. In smaller towns and rural areas, English is less common, making basic Serbian phrases much more valuable.

What's the most important phrase to learn?

Ne govorim srpski (I don't speak Serbian) followed by Govorite li engleski? (Do you speak English?). This immediately signals you're a tourist and most people will switch to whatever English they know or find someone who can help.

How to Learn Basic Serbian Before Your Trip

Focus on essential phrases for greetings, directions, food ordering, and emergencies. Download a language app 2-3 weeks before departure and practice 15-20 minutes daily. Serbian uses both Cyrillic and Latin scripts, but Latin is widely understood by tourists.

Start with essential survival phrases. Master 15-20 key phrases: Zdravo (hello), Hvala (thank you), Izvinite (excuse me), Koliko košta? (how much?), Gde je...? (where is...?), Ne govorim srpski (I don't speak Serbian), Govorite li engleski? (do you speak English?). Write them phonetically and practice pronunciation using Google Translate's audio feature.
Learn numbers 1-20 and basic directions. Numbers are crucial for prices, addresses, and time. Practice jedan (1), dva (2), tri (3), through dvadeset (20). Learn levo (left), desno (right), pravo (straight), ovde (here), tamo (there). These solve 80% of navigation issues.
Focus on restaurant and shopping vocabulary. Learn food basics: meso (meat), riba (fish), hleb (bread), voda (water), pivo (beer), vino (wine), račun (bill). For shopping: prodavnica (store), apoteka (pharmacy), banka (bank), toalet (toilet). Practice ordering: Ja bih... (I would like...).
Download Duolingo or Babbel 3 weeks before departure. Use Duolingo's Serbian course for 15-20 minutes daily. Focus on travel and restaurant modules. Babbel has better pronunciation guides. Skip grammar lessons - focus purely on practical phrases and vocabulary you'll actually use.
Practice with native speakers online. Use HelloTalk or Tandem apps to find Serbian speakers learning English. Even 2-3 ten-minute conversations will improve your confidence dramatically. Focus on pronunciation over perfect grammar.

Should I learn Cyrillic or Latin script?: Focus on Latin script first. While Serbian officially uses Cyrillic, Latin is widely understood and used in tourist areas. Most signs in Belgrade and tourist zones show both scripts.
How similar is Serbian to other Slavic languages?: Very similar to Croatian and Bosnian - they're mutually intelligible. If you learn basic Serbian, you'll understand much of what you hear in Croatia and Bosnia. Less helpful for Czech, Polish, or Russian.
Do most Serbians speak English?: In Belgrade and major tourist areas, yes - especially younger people and hospitality workers. In smaller towns and rural areas, English is less common, making basic Serbian phrases much more valuable.
What's the most important phrase to learn?: Ne govorim srpski (I don't speak Serbian) followed by Govorite li engleski? (Do you speak English?). This immediately signals you're a tourist and most people will switch to whatever English they know or find someone who can help.