Music should be a part of your learning routine if you are serious about mastering the Serbian language. Not only is Serbian culture rich in music, ranging from ex-YU (ex-Yugoslavian) rock hits to turbo-folk pieces, but the Serbian language itself is very melodic and rich in phonetics, dialects, cultural idioms, etc.
How to Use Songs to Learn Vocabulary and Pronunciation
We are going to give you some simple and clear pointers and guidelines to follow when it comes to learning Serbian vocabulary and pronunciation through music.
Simple Learning Routine
- Listen once for enjoyment
- Listen again and read the lyrics
- Repeat key lines out loud, like a chorus (shadowing)
- Look up unfamiliar words and note recurring ones
Top Serbian Songs for Language Learners
We have created an easy-to-follow list that we divided into three separate categories: beginner-friendly, intermediate level and advanced level songs for you to pick and choose from based on your Serbian language level. All songs will have YouTube links you can visit and give them a listen right away. If you want to challenge yourself, you can always aim for the advanced level, however, we advise going through all, and building your way up there.
Beginner-Friendly
- ,,Tamo daleko” (Traditional): Slow tempo, and simple vocabulary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njTmtSXtS_I&list=RDnjTmtSXtS_I&start_radio=1
- ,,Molitva” – Marija Šerifović: Clear pronunciation, and emotions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbi08wfT7mA&list=RDKbi08wfT7mA&start_radio=1
- ,,Kad zamirišu jorgovani” – Vesna Zmijanac & Dino Merlin: Romantic theme, great for verbs and adjectives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HS7eJEUYtyU&list=RDHS7eJEUYtyU&start_radio=1
Intermediate Level
- ,,Ti si mi u krvi” – Zdravko Čolić: Smooth phrasing, and everyday expressions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nBnRu6o4sM&list=RD9nBnRu6o4sM&start_radio=1
- ,,Eto” – Zoi: Modern vocabulary, and love-related language.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL1O7LMyy6g&t=3s
- ,,Plavi safir” – Bajaga: Excellent for rhythm and stress patterns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpDNIHwk-D0&list=RDwpDNIHwk-D0&start_radio=1
Advanced Level
- ,,Balkan” – Azra: Fast lyrics, cultural slang and idioms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks91PHuH-Xs&list=RDKs91PHuH-Xs&start_radio=1
- ,,Ne spavaj mala moja muzika dok svira” – Bijelo Dugme: Poetic, expressive, great for flow and intonation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyLm7ODD654&list=RDHyLm7ODD654&start_radio=1
Final Tips
- Make a playlist of 10–15 songs mixing genres and levels based on your comprehension and preferences.
- Sing out loud to improve pronunciation naturally. There is no shame in wanting to learn, let alone sing. In Serbia we say: ,,Ko peva, zlo ne misli.’’ (One that sings, means no harm.)
- Use lyric videos or karaoke versions for repetition.
- Enjoy it – learning should be fun.
Do You Want More?
The information and tips you receive through these blog posts is just a tidbit of what we have to offer. There are countless writings we did regarding Serbian Grammar, Culture, Idioms, Vocabulary, Kafanas, and much more you can check out here, and some of the materials we use in classes here. If you want to check out our lesson types, you can go here, and contact us for more information.
Join us, and we can sing these songs together – without shame!
