Learning a new language can be a thrilling yet challenging endeavor. When you reach the B2 level in Croatian, you are moving from an intermediate level to an upper-intermediate level, which implies a significant leap in your language proficiency. At this stage, you should be able to communicate more fluently and spontaneously without much searching for expressions. You should also be able to understand and produce complex texts on a wide range of topics. In this article, we will explore some essential Croatian words and phrases that you need to know to excel at the B2 level.

Everyday Vocabulary

Expanding your everyday vocabulary is crucial for reaching the B2 level. Here are some common words and phrases that you should incorporate into your daily conversations.

1. Razumjeti – To understand
– Example: “Razumijem što govoriš.” (I understand what you are saying.)

2. Razgovarati – To talk
– Example: “Razgovarali smo o filmu.” (We talked about the movie.)

3. Objasniti – To explain
– Example: “Možeš li mi objasniti zadatak?” (Can you explain the task to me?)

4. Sastanak – Meeting
– Example: “Imamo sastanak u pet sati.” (We have a meeting at five o’clock.)

5. Pokušati – To try
– Example: “Pokušat ću ponovno sutra.” (I will try again tomorrow.)

6. Pitanje – Question
– Example: “Imam pitanje za tebe.” (I have a question for you.)

7. Odgovor – Answer
– Example: “Nisam dobio tvoj odgovor.” (I didn’t get your answer.)

8. Posao – Job
– Example: “Tražim novi posao.” (I am looking for a new job.)

9. Zadatak – Task
– Example: “Zadatak je vrlo težak.” (The task is very difficult.)

10. Važno – Important
– Example: “Ovo je vrlo važno pitanje.” (This is a very important question.)

Advanced Adjectives

To express yourself more precisely, you’ll need a range of advanced adjectives.

1. Izvrstan – Excellent
– Example: “Njegova izvedba bila je izvrsna.” (His performance was excellent.)

2. Zanimljiv – Interesting
– Example: “Knjiga je bila vrlo zanimljiva.” (The book was very interesting.)

3. Kompliciran – Complicated
– Example: “Ovaj problem je vrlo kompliciran.” (This problem is very complicated.)

4. Ugodan – Pleasant
– Example: “Imali smo ugodan razgovor.” (We had a pleasant conversation.)

5. Dosadan – Boring
– Example: “Film je bio dosadan.” (The movie was boring.)

6. Ljubazan – Kind
– Example: “Tvoj prijatelj je vrlo ljubazan.” (Your friend is very kind.)

7. Sretan – Happy
– Example: “Osjećam se vrlo sretno danas.” (I feel very happy today.)

8. Tužan – Sad
– Example: “Vijest je bila vrlo tužna.” (The news was very sad.)

9. Veseo – Cheerful
– Example: “On je uvijek veseo.” (He is always cheerful.)

10. Umoran – Tired
– Example: “Osjećam se vrlo umorno.” (I feel very tired.)

Useful Verbs

Knowing a variety of verbs is essential for describing actions, events, and states.

1. Putovati – To travel
– Example: “Volim putovati svijetom.” (I love to travel the world.)

2. Kupovati – To buy
– Example: “Kupujem novi automobil.” (I am buying a new car.)

3. Prodavati – To sell
– Example: “Prodajem svoju kuću.” (I am selling my house.)

4. Kuhati – To cook
– Example: “Volim kuhati razna jela.” (I like to cook various dishes.)

5. Pisati – To write
– Example: “Pišem pismo prijatelju.” (I am writing a letter to a friend.)

6. Čitati – To read
– Example: “Čitam zanimljivu knjigu.” (I am reading an interesting book.)

7. Slušati – To listen
– Example: “Slušam glazbu svaki dan.” (I listen to music every day.)

8. Učiti – To learn
– Example: “Učim hrvatski jezik.” (I am learning Croatian.)

9. Govoriti – To speak
– Example: “Govorim tri jezika.” (I speak three languages.)

10. Igrati – To play
– Example: “Igram nogomet s prijateljima.” (I play football with friends.)

Common Phrases

Phrases can help you sound more natural and fluent in conversation.

1. Kako si? – How are you?
– Example: “Kako si danas?” (How are you today?)

2. Što radiš? – What are you doing?
– Example: “Što radiš ovaj vikend?” (What are you doing this weekend?)

3. Gdje si bio? – Where have you been?
– Example: “Gdje si bio cijeli dan?” (Where have you been all day?)

4. Možeš li mi pomoći? – Can you help me?
– Example: “Možeš li mi pomoći s ovim zadatkom?” (Can you help me with this task?)

5. Koliko to košta? – How much does it cost?
– Example: “Koliko to košta u trgovini?” (How much does it cost in the store?)

6. Kako se zoveš? – What is your name?
– Example: “Kako se zoveš?” (What is your name?)

7. Što voliš raditi? – What do you like to do?
– Example: “Što voliš raditi u slobodno vrijeme?” (What do you like to do in your free time?)

8. Kada dolaziš? – When are you coming?
– Example: “Kada dolaziš kući?” (When are you coming home?)

9. Gdje živiš? – Where do you live?
– Example: “Gdje živiš u Zagrebu?” (Where do you live in Zagreb?)

10. Zašto kasniš? – Why are you late?
– Example: “Zašto kasniš na sastanak?” (Why are you late for the meeting?)

Expressions of Opinion

At the B2 level, you should be able to express your opinions clearly and effectively.

1. Mislim da… – I think that…
– Example: “Mislim da je film bio odličan.” (I think that the movie was excellent.)

2. Slažem se – I agree
– Example: “Slažem se s tobom.” (I agree with you.)

3. Ne slažem se – I disagree
– Example: “Ne slažem se s tvojim mišljenjem.” (I disagree with your opinion.)

4. Po mom mišljenju – In my opinion
– Example: “Po mom mišljenju, to nije dobra ideja.” (In my opinion, that is not a good idea.)

5. Smatram da… – I believe that…
– Example: “Smatram da je to važno.” (I believe that it is important.)

6. Vjerujem da… – I believe that…
– Example: “Vjerujem da će sve biti u redu.” (I believe that everything will be fine.)

7. Uvjeren sam – I am convinced
– Example: “Uvjeren sam da ćemo uspjeti.” (I am convinced that we will succeed.)

8. Čini mi se da… – It seems to me that…
– Example: “Čini mi se da je ovo najbolja opcija.” (It seems to me that this is the best option.)

9. Nisam siguran – I am not sure
– Example: “Nisam siguran u vezi toga.” (I am not sure about that.)

10. Možda… – Maybe…
– Example: “Možda ćemo kasniti.” (Maybe we will be late.)

Advanced Connectors

Using advanced connectors can help you create more complex and coherent sentences.

1. Međutim – However
– Example: “Volim pizzu, međutim, danas bih radije jeo salatu.” (I like pizza, however, today I would prefer to eat a salad.)

2. Iako – Although
– Example: “Iako je vani hladno, idem u šetnju.” (Although it is cold outside, I am going for a walk.)

3. Dakle – Therefore
– Example: “Nisam bio kod kuće, dakle, nisam mogao odgovoriti na tvoj poziv.” (I was not at home, therefore, I could not answer your call.)

4. Osim toga – Besides
– Example: “Volim tenis, osim toga, volim i plivanje.” (I like tennis, besides, I also like swimming.)

5. S obzirom na – Considering
– Example: “S obzirom na situaciju, mislim da je ovo najbolja odluka.” (Considering the situation, I think this is the best decision.)

6. Zbog toga – Because of that
– Example: “Kasnio sam na posao, zbog toga sam dobio opomenu.” (I was late for work, because of that, I got a warning.)

7. Unatoč – Despite
– Example: “Unatoč kiši, otišli smo na izlet.” (Despite the rain, we went on the trip.)

8. Naime – Namely
– Example: “Imam dva hobija, naime, slikanje i čitanje.” (I have two hobbies, namely, painting and reading.)

9. Osim – Except
– Example: “Svi su došli osim njega.” (Everyone came except him.)

10. Stoga – Hence
– Example: “Nisam imao vremena, stoga nisam mogao doći.” (I did not have time, hence I could not come.)

Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions can add color and depth to your language use.

1. Pasti s kruške – To fall from the pear tree (to be clueless)
– Example: “Izgledaš kao da si pao s kruške.” (You look like you fell from the pear tree.)

2. Imati petlju – To have the guts
– Example: “On stvarno ima petlju za to.” (He really has the guts for that.)

3. Kamen spoticanja – Stumbling block
– Example: “To je bio naš kamen spoticanja.” (That was our stumbling block.)

4. Pustiti korijenje – To put down roots
– Example: “Ovdje smo pustili korijenje.” (We put down roots here.)

5. Šutjeti kao riba – To be as silent as a fish
– Example: “Ona šuti kao riba.” (She is as silent as a fish.)

6. Trn u oku – Thorn in the eye (a nuisance)
– Example: “On mi je trn u oku.” (He is a thorn in my eye.)

7. Držati nekoga na oku – To keep an eye on someone
– Example: “Držim ga na oku.” (I am keeping an eye on him.)

8. Nemati dlake na jeziku – To not have a hair on one’s tongue (to be straightforward)
– Example: “On nema dlake na jeziku.” (He is straightforward.)

9. Biti na sedmom nebu – To be in seventh heaven
– Example: “Osjećam se kao da sam na sedmom nebu.” (I feel like I am in seventh heaven.)

10. Pasti u nesvijest – To faint
– Example: “Umalo sam pao u nesvijest.” (I almost fainted.)

Conclusion

Reaching the B2 level in Croatian is a significant achievement that allows you to communicate more fluently and understand more complex materials. By incorporating these essential words, phrases, and expressions into your daily practice, you can improve your proficiency and confidence in using the language. Remember to practice regularly, engage in conversations with native speakers, and immerse yourself in Croatian culture to continue advancing your skills. Happy learning!