Learning a new language is always an exciting journey, and reaching the B2 level in Bosnian is a significant milestone. At this stage, you should be able to understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity, and produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects. To help you on this journey, this article will introduce you to some essential Bosnian words and phrases that are crucial for B2 level learners.

Everyday Vocabulary

As you continue to expand your vocabulary, it’s important to familiarize yourself with words that are commonly used in everyday conversations.

Vrijeme – Time/Weather
Example: Koliko je vrijeme? (What time is it?) / Kakvo je vrijeme danas? (What is the weather like today?)

Vijesti – News
Example: Jesi li čuo najnovije vijesti? (Did you hear the latest news?)

Sastanak – Meeting
Example: Imam sastanak u 3 sata. (I have a meeting at 3 o’clock.)

Raspored – Schedule
Example: Moj raspored je veoma zauzet. (My schedule is very busy.)

Posao – Work/Job
Example: On je pronašao novi posao. (He found a new job.)

Putovanje – Travel
Example: Volim putovati po svijetu. (I love to travel around the world.)

Porodica – Family
Example: Moja porodica je veoma važna za mene. (My family is very important to me.)

Expressing Emotions

Being able to express your emotions accurately is crucial for effective communication. Here are some words and phrases that will help you convey your feelings in Bosnian.

Sretan – Happy
Example: Osjećam se sretno danas. (I feel happy today.)

Tužan – Sad
Example: Ona je bila tužna zbog vijesti. (She was sad because of the news.)

Uznemiren – Upset
Example: Bio sam uznemiren zbog situacije. (I was upset about the situation.)

Iznenađen – Surprised
Example: Bio sam iznenađen njenim dolaskom. (I was surprised by her arrival.)

Zadovoljan – Satisfied
Example: Svi su bili zadovoljni rezultatom. (Everyone was satisfied with the result.)

Uplašen – Scared
Example: Dijete je bilo uplašeno zbog buke. (The child was scared because of the noise.)

Zaljubljen – In love
Example: On je zaljubljen u nju. (He is in love with her.)

Describing People and Objects

Descriptive language allows you to give more information about people, places, and things. Here are some useful adjectives and phrases.

Visok – Tall
Example: On je veoma visok. (He is very tall.)

Nizak – Short
Example: Ona je niska. (She is short.)

Lijep – Beautiful
Example: Ovo je lijep grad. (This is a beautiful city.)

Ružan – Ugly
Example: Ovaj tepih je ružan. (This carpet is ugly.)

Star – Old (for people and objects)
Example: Moj djed je star. (My grandfather is old.)

Mlad – Young
Example: Ona je mlada i energična. (She is young and energetic.)

Brz – Fast
Example: Ovo je veoma brz automobil. (This is a very fast car.)

Spor – Slow
Example: Internet je danas spor. (The internet is slow today.)

Useful Verbs

To express actions and states effectively, you need a good command of verbs. Here are some essential verbs for B2 level learners.

Razumjeti – To understand
Example: Da li me razumiješ? (Do you understand me?)

Govorit – To speak
Example: On govori tri jezika. (He speaks three languages.)

Naučiti – To learn
Example: Želim naučiti novi jezik. (I want to learn a new language.)

Putovati – To travel
Example: Volimo putovati zajedno. (We love to travel together.)

Jesti – To eat
Example: Volim jesti voće. (I like to eat fruit.)

Spavati – To sleep
Example: Potrebno mi je više spavanja. (I need more sleep.)

Čitati – To read
Example: Volim čitati knjige. (I love to read books.)

Connecting Words

To form coherent and cohesive sentences, it’s important to use connecting words and phrases effectively.

Jer – Because
Example: Nisam došao jer sam bio bolestan. (I didn’t come because I was sick.)

Ali – But
Example: Volim sladoled, ali je nezdrav. (I like ice cream, but it’s unhealthy.)

Stoga – Therefore
Example: Bilo je kasno, stoga sam otišao kući. (It was late, therefore I went home.)

Dok – While
Example: Čitao sam dok je ona kuhala. (I was reading while she was cooking.)

Iako – Although
Example: Iako je umoran, otišao je na zabavu. (Although he is tired, he went to the party.)

Ako – If
Example: Ako imaš vremena, dođi kod mene. (If you have time, come to my place.)

Common Expressions

In addition to individual words, it’s helpful to learn common expressions and phrases that are often used in everyday conversations.

Kako si? – How are you?
Example: Kako si? Dobro sam, hvala. (How are you? I’m fine, thank you.)

Šta ima? – What’s up?
Example: Šta ima? Ništa posebno. (What’s up? Nothing much.)

Vidimo se – See you
Example: Vidimo se sutra! (See you tomorrow!)

Hvala puno – Thank you very much
Example: Hvala puno za pomoć. (Thank you very much for the help.)

Molim te – Please
Example: Molim te, zatvori vrata. (Please, close the door.)

Izvini – Excuse me/Sorry
Example: Izvini, nisam te vidio. (Excuse me, I didn’t see you.)

Nema na čemu – You’re welcome
Example: Hvala ti. Nema na čemu. (Thank you. You’re welcome.)

Advanced Vocabulary

As you reach the B2 level, it’s important to start incorporating more advanced vocabulary into your language use.

Komunikacija – Communication
Example: Dobra komunikacija je ključna za timski rad. (Good communication is key for teamwork.)

Informacija – Information
Example: Trebam više informacija o projektu. (I need more information about the project.)

Odgovornost – Responsibility
Example: On ima mnogo odgovornosti na poslu. (He has a lot of responsibilities at work.)

Strategija – Strategy
Example: Trebamo novu strategiju za marketing. (We need a new marketing strategy.)

Rezultat – Result
Example: Rezultati istraživanja su fascinantni. (The research results are fascinating.)

Analiza – Analysis
Example: Uradili smo detaljnu analizu podataka. (We did a detailed analysis of the data.)

Projekt – Project
Example: Radim na velikom projektu u firmi. (I am working on a big project at the company.)

Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions are phrases that have a figurative meaning different from their literal meaning. Learning these will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Imati puno posla – To be very busy (literally: to have a lot of work)
Example: Ovaj tjedan imam puno posla. (This week I am very busy.)

Ustati na lijevu nogu – To get up on the wrong side of the bed (literally: to get up on the left foot)
Example: Danas sam ustao na lijevu nogu. (Today I got up on the wrong side of the bed.)

Biti na sedmom nebu – To be on cloud nine (literally: to be on the seventh heaven)
Example: Kada je dobio vijest, bio je na sedmom nebu. (When he got the news, he was on cloud nine.)

Imati debelu kožu – To have thick skin
Example: U ovom poslu moraš imati debelu kožu. (In this job, you need to have thick skin.)

Pasti s kruške – To be clueless (literally: to fall from the pear tree)
Example: Izgleda kao da je pao s kruške. (He looks like he is clueless.)

Proći kao bos po trnju – To go through a difficult situation (literally: to walk barefoot through thorns)
Example: Prošao sam kao bos po trnju da bih postigao uspjeh. (I went through a difficult situation to achieve success.)

Practice and Application

One of the best ways to solidify your understanding of these words and phrases is to practice using them in context. Here are a few strategies to help you integrate this new vocabulary into your language use:

1. **Language Exchange**: Find a language partner who is a native Bosnian speaker. Practicing conversations will help you become more comfortable using new vocabulary.

2. **Writing Exercises**: Write short essays, diary entries, or even social media posts using the new words and phrases you’ve learned.

3. **Flashcards**: Create flashcards with the Bosnian word on one side and the English translation on the other. Regularly test yourself.

4. **Reading and Listening**: Engage with Bosnian media, such as newspapers, books, podcasts, and TV shows. Pay attention to how these words are used in context.

5. **Speaking Practice**: Try to incorporate new vocabulary into your daily conversations, even if you’re speaking to yourself.

By continually practicing and applying these words and phrases, you’ll find that your proficiency in Bosnian will steadily improve. Remember, consistency is key, and the more you immerse yourself in the language, the more natural it will become. Happy learning!