Learning Croatian can be an enriching experience, especially if you plan to spend time in Croatia or engage with Croatian speakers. One of the essential areas of vocabulary to master is related to school and education. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or a parent, understanding the terminology used in educational settings can be incredibly beneficial. In this article, we’ll explore a comprehensive list of Croatian vocabulary related to school and education, complete with explanations and examples to help you get started.
Basic School Vocabulary
Let’s begin with some basic words that you’ll frequently encounter in a school setting. These terms will help you navigate through a Croatian school environment with ease.
– **Škola** – School
– **Učionica** – Classroom
– **Učitelj/Učiteljica** – Teacher (male/female)
– **Student/Studentica** – Student (male/female)
– **Učenik/Učenica** – Pupil (male/female)
– **Ravnatelj/Ravnateljica** – Principal (male/female)
– **Nastava** – Class/Instruction
– **Sjedalo** – Seat
– **Stol** – Table
– **Stolica** – Chair
– **Knjiga** – Book
– **Bilježnica** – Notebook
– **Olovka** – Pencil
– **Kemijska olovka** – Pen
– **Ravnalo** – Ruler
– **Školska torba** – School bag
– **Kreda** – Chalk
– **Ploča** – Blackboard
Examples in Sentences:
1. **Učiteljica** je već u **učionici**.
– The **teacher** is already in the **classroom**.
2. **Studentica** nosi svoju **školska torba** svaki dan.
– The **student** carries her **school bag** every day.
Subjects and Courses
Understanding the names of different subjects and courses is crucial for any educational journey. Here are some common subjects you’ll come across in a Croatian school.
– **Matematika** – Mathematics
– **Povijest** – History
– **Geografija** – Geography
– **Kemija** – Chemistry
– **Fizika** – Physics
– **Biologija** – Biology
– **Engleski jezik** – English Language
– **Hrvatski jezik** – Croatian Language
– **Glazbeni** – Music
– **Likovni** – Art
– **Tjelesni odgoj** – Physical Education
– **Informatika** – Computer Science
Examples in Sentences:
1. Volim **matematiku** jer je zanimljiva.
– I love **mathematics** because it is interesting.
2. **Povijest** je moj omiljeni predmet.
– **History** is my favorite subject.
School Activities and Routines
Daily activities and routines form a significant part of the school experience. Here are some terms that describe common school activities and routines in Croatian.
– **Zvoniti** – To ring (referring to the school bell)
– **Početak nastave** – Start of classes
– **Kraj nastave** – End of classes
– **Domaća zadaća** – Homework
– **Ispit** – Exam
– **Test** – Test
– **Pauza** – Break
– **Ručak** – Lunch
– **Školski izlet** – School trip
– **Sportski dan** – Sports day
– **Učiti** – To study
– **Pisati** – To write
– **Čitati** – To read
Examples in Sentences:
1. **Zvonilo** je, vrijeme je za **pauzu**.
– The bell **rang**, it’s time for a **break**.
2. Imam mnogo **domaće zadaće** večeras.
– I have a lot of **homework** tonight.
School Grades and Levels
Understanding the grading system and different levels of education is also important. Here are some terms that will help you navigate through these aspects.
– **Ocjena** – Grade/Mark
– **Razred** – Grade/Class
– **Prvi razred** – First grade
– **Drugi razred** – Second grade
– **Treći razred** – Third grade
– **Četvrti razred** – Fourth grade
– **Osnovna škola** – Elementary school
– **Srednja škola** – High school
– **Fakultet** – College/Faculty
– **Sveučilište** – University
– **Diploma** – Diploma
– **Svjedodžba** – Certificate
Examples in Sentences:
1. Dobio sam dobru **ocjenu** na **ispitu**.
– I got a good **grade** on the **exam**.
2. Moja sestra ide u **treći razred** **osnovne škole**.
– My sister is in **third grade** of **elementary school**.
School Supplies and Equipment
Knowing the names of different school supplies and equipment can be quite useful. Here are some common items you might need or encounter.
– **Bilježnica** – Notebook
– **Ruksak** – Backpack
– **Škare** – Scissors
– **Lijepilo** – Glue
– **Gumica** – Eraser
– **Zarezivač** – Pencil sharpener
– **Marker** – Marker
– **Flomaster** – Felt-tip pen
– **Atlas** – Atlas
– **Globus** – Globe
– **Kalkulator** – Calculator
Examples in Sentences:
1. Trebam novu **bilježnicu** za **matematiku**.
– I need a new **notebook** for **math**.
2. Moj **ruksak** je pun **školski pribor**.
– My **backpack** is full of **school supplies**.
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities are an important part of the school experience. Here are some terms that describe various extracurricular activities in Croatian.
– **Sportske aktivnosti** – Sports activities
– **Dramska sekcija** – Drama club
– **Školski zbor** – School choir
– **Debatni klub** – Debate club
– **Likovna sekcija** – Art club
– **Šahovski klub** – Chess club
– **Veslački klub** – Rowing club
– **Plesni klub** – Dance club
Examples in Sentences:
1. Pridružio sam se **debati klubu** prošle godine.
– I joined the **debate club** last year.
2. **Školski zbor** ima koncert sljedeći tjedan.
– The **school choir** has a concert next week.
Communication with Teachers and Staff
Effective communication with teachers and school staff is essential. Here are some phrases and terms that can help you in various situations.
– **Molim vas** – Please
– **Hvala** – Thank you
– **Izvolite** – Here you go/You’re welcome
– **Oprostite** – Excuse me/Sorry
– **Kako mogu pomoći?** – How can I help?
– **Imam pitanje.** – I have a question.
– **Trebam pomoć.** – I need help.
– **Mogu li razgovarati s vama?** – Can I talk to you?
– **Kad je sastanak?** – When is the meeting?
– **Gdje je ravnateljev ured?** – Where is the principal’s office?
Examples in Sentences:
1. **Molim vas**, **imam pitanje** o domaćoj zadaći.
– **Please**, **I have a question** about the homework.
2. **Trebam pomoć** s ovim zadatkom.
– **I need help** with this assignment.
Educational Institutions and Roles
Understanding the different types of educational institutions and roles can give you a broader perspective on the Croatian education system.
– **Vrtić** – Kindergarten
– **Osnovna škola** – Elementary school
– **Srednja škola** – High school
– **Gimnazija** – Gymnasium (a type of high school focused on academic learning)
– **Tehnička škola** – Technical school
– **Strukovna škola** – Vocational school
– **Sveučilište** – University
– **Fakultet** – Faculty/College
– **Dekanat** – Dean’s office
– **Profesor/Profesorica** – Professor (male/female)
– **Asistent/Asistentica** – Teaching assistant (male/female)
– **Pedagog/Pedagoginja** – Pedagogue (male/female)
– **Psiholog/Psihologinja** – Psychologist (male/female)
Examples in Sentences:
1. Moje dijete ide u **vrtić**.
– My child goes to **kindergarten**.
2. Želim upisati **sveučilište** sljedeće godine.
– I want to enroll in **university** next year.
Common Phrases and Expressions
To wrap up, here are some common phrases and expressions that are often used in the context of school and education. These can be quite handy in everyday conversations.
– **Kako je bilo u školi?** – How was school?
– **Što si naučio/la danas?** – What did you learn today?
– **Jesi li spreman/spremna za ispit?** – Are you ready for the exam?
– **Koja je tvoja omiljena knjiga?** – What is your favorite book?
– **Imate li raspored nastave?** – Do you have the class schedule?
– **Koliko traje pauza?** – How long is the break?
– **Kada je sljedeći ispit?** – When is the next exam?
– **Možete li mi pomoći s ovim zadatkom?** – Can you help me with this assignment?
Examples in Sentences:
1. **Kako je bilo u školi** danas?
– **How was school** today?
2. **Što si naučio** na **satu matematike**?
– **What did you learn** in **math class**?
By mastering these Croatian vocabulary terms and phrases related to school and education, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate through any educational setting in Croatia. Whether you’re attending school, teaching, or simply interacting with students, these words and expressions will help you communicate effectively and confidently. Happy learning!
