Zovem se Ivana. Imam devetnaest godina i živim u Novom Sadu. Studiram muziku i volim da pevam. Danas je subota i nemam časove. Želim da vam ispričam svoj dan.

Ujutro se budim u osam sati. Otvaram prozor i sunce sija. U kuhinji mama pravi doručak. Na stolu su hleb, džem i mleko. Moj brat Miloš pije čaj, a ja pijem mleko. Dok jedemo, mama kaže: „Idemo danas na pijacu.“ Ja se obradujem, jer volim pijacu.

Posle doručka oblačim jaknu i uzimam torbu. Mama i ja idemo peške. Pijaca je blizu naše kuće. Na ulici vidimo mnogo ljudi. Neko vozi bicikl, neko šeta psa, a deca trče. Kada stignemo na pijacu, čujemo glasove i miris svežeg voća.

Prvo idemo kod jedne bake koja prodaje jabuke. Mama kaže: „Dobar dan, koliko košta kilo jabuka?“ Baka odgovara: „Dobar dan, kilo je sto dinara.“ Mama kupuje dva kila. Ja stavljam jabuke u torbu.

Posle toga idemo do čoveka koji prodaje paradajz i krastavce. On kaže: „Probajte, sveže je.“ Uzimam jedan paradajz i stvarno je ukusan. Kupujemo i paradajz i krastavce.

Na drugom štandu vidim sir i kajmak. Kažem mami: „Možemo li da kupimo sir?“ Mama se smeje i kaže: „Dobro, kupićemo malo.“ Prodavač nam daje komad sira i kaže: „Prijatan dan!“

Pijaca je puna boja i zvukova. Ljudi pričaju, deca se smeju, a ptice pevaju sa drveća. Ja volim ovu atmosferu.

U podne se vraćamo kući. Moj brat Miloš već čeka. On postavlja sto. Mama pravi supu, a ja sečem hleb i paradajz. Svi zajedno ručamo. Jedemo supu, hleb, sir i salatu. Pričamo o tome šta smo videli na pijaci.

Posle ručka odmaram malo u svojoj sobi. Čitam knjigu i slušam muziku. Onda me zove prijateljica Marija. Ona kaže: „Idemo u park?“ Ja odgovaram: „Naravno!“

Oblačim jaknu i idem u park. Marija sedi na klupi i pije sok. Kupujem sok od narandže i sedam pored nje. Pričamo o muzici i o filmu koji želimo da gledamo. Pored nas deca igraju fudbal, a stariji ljudi šetaju pse. Sunce sija i sve je mirno.

Uveče se vraćam kući. Porodica večera zajedno. Mama pravi krompir i ribu, tata donosi vino, a baka pravi kolače. Svi sedimo i smejemo se. Posle večere gledamo televiziju. Ja gledam seriju, brat gleda fudbal, a baka priča stare priče.

Pre spavanja pišem dnevnik. Pišem: „Danas je bio lep dan. Bila sam na pijaci, u parku, i sa porodicom. Osećam se srećno.“ Zatim gasim svetlo i kažem: „Laku noć.“

To je bio moj dan u Novom Sadu. Jednostavan je, ali pun boja, mirisa i osmeha.

My name is Ivana. I am nineteen years old and I live in Novi Sad. I study music and I love to sing. Today is Saturday and I don’t have classes. I want to tell you about my day.

In the morning I wake up at eight o’clock. I open the window and the sun is shining. In the kitchen mom makes breakfast. On the table there is bread, jam, and milk. My brother Miloš drinks tea, and I drink milk. While we eat, mom says: “Today we are going to the market.” I am happy, because I love the market.

After breakfast I put on a jacket and take a bag. Mom and I walk. The market is close to our house. On the street we see many people. Someone rides a bike, someone walks a dog, and children are running. When we arrive at the market, we hear voices and smell fresh fruit.

First we go to an old woman who sells apples. Mom says: “Good day, how much is a kilo of apples?” The old woman answers: “Good day, a kilo is one hundred dinars.” Mom buys two kilos. I put the apples in the bag.

After that we go to a man who sells tomatoes and cucumbers. He says: “Try, it’s fresh.” I take one tomato and it is really tasty. We buy both tomatoes and cucumbers.

At another stand I see cheese and cream (kajmak). I say to mom: “Can we buy cheese?” Mom smiles and says: “Okay, we will buy a little.” The seller gives us a piece of cheese and says: “Have a nice day!”

The market is full of colors and sounds. People talk, children laugh, and birds sing from the trees. I love this atmosphere.

At noon we go back home. My brother Miloš is already waiting. He sets the table. Mom makes soup, and I cut bread and tomatoes. We all have lunch together. We eat soup, bread, cheese, and salad. We talk about what we saw at the market.

After lunch I rest a little in my room. I read a book and listen to music. Then my friend Marija calls me. She says: “Shall we go to the park?” I answer: “Of course!”

I put on a jacket and go to the park. Marija sits on a bench and drinks juice. I buy orange juice and sit next to her. We talk about music and about a film we want to see. Next to us children play football, and older people walk their dogs. The sun is shining and everything is peaceful.

In the evening I go back home. The family has dinner together. Mom makes potatoes and fish, dad brings wine, and grandma makes cakes. We all sit and laugh. After dinner we watch television. I watch a series, my brother watches football, and grandma tells old stories.

Before going to bed I write in my diary. I write: “Today was a nice day. I was at the market, in the park, and with my family. I feel happy.” Then I turn off the light and say: “Good night.”

That was my day in Novi Sad. It is simple, but full of colors, smells, and smiles.

• pijaca = market
• subota = Saturday
• časovi = classes
• buditi se (budim se) = to wake up
• sunce sija = the sun shines
• mleko = milk
• torba = bag
• bicikl = bicycle
• pas = dog
• glasovi = voices
• miris = smell
• kilo jabuka = a kilo of apples
• dinari = dinars (Serbian currency)
• paradajz = tomato
• krastavac = cucumber
• sir = cheese
• kajmak = Serbian dairy cream
• štand = stand/stall
• prijatan dan = have a nice day
• boje = colors
• zvukovi = sounds
• ručak = lunch
• večera = dinner
• sok od narandže = orange juice
• fudbal = football / soccer
• serija = TV series
• dnevnik = diary
• osmeh = smile

1. Slušanje i razumevanje

A. Tačno / Netačno

1. Ivana ima devetnaest godina i studira muziku.
2. Mama i Ivana idu autobusom na pijacu.
3. Kupile su jabuke, paradajz i sir.
4. Atmosfera na pijaci je tiha i prazna.
5. U podne se vraćaju kući i ručaju zajedno.
6. Posle ručka Ivana ide u park sa Marijom.
7. Uveče porodica jede krompir, ribu i kolače.

B. Višestruki izbor

1. Šta Ivana stavlja u torbu?

a) flašu vode i knjigu

b) jabuke i paradajz

c) sir i kajmak

2. Gde Ivana ide posle ručka?

a) u biblioteku

b) u park

c) u bioskop

C. Kratki odgovori

1. Sa kim Ivana ide na pijacu?
2. Šta kupuju na pijaci?
3. Šta Ivana piše u dnevnik uveče?

A. Tačno / Netačno

1. T (Ivana ima 19 godina i studentkinja je)
2. T (idu autobusom)
3. T
4. N (atmosfera je vesela i puna ljudi)
5. T
6. T
7. T

B. Višestruki izbor

1. a) flašu vode i knjigu (u tekstu spakovala je flašu vode i knjigu u torbu)
2. b) u park

C. Kratki odgovori

1. Sa mamom.
2. Jabuke, paradajz i sir.
3. Piše da je pijaca vesela i puna ljudi.

✅ Odgovori – Luka na reci

A. Tačno / Netačno

1. T
2. N (jede hleb/sendvič i pije mleko)
3. T
4. N (idu autobusom)
5. T
6. T
7. N (jede supu i pirinač sa porodicom)

B. Višestruki izbor

1. b) Vodu, jabuke, sendviče i loptu
2. b) Autobusom
3. b) Igraju fudbal i badminton
4. b) Narandžasto i crveno
5. b) Piše u dnevnik

C. Kratki odgovori

1. Marko, Jelena i Ivana.
2. Jabuke, sendviče i sok.
3. Vide reku, čamce, decu koja trče, čuju ptice.
4. Priča da su igrali fudbal, pevali i gledali zalazak sunca.
5. Oseća se srećno i kaže da je bio lep dan.

✨ 这样四个故事就都配好了：故事 → 问题（塞尔维亚语）→ 答案，完整听力理解套装。

要不要我帮你把它们整理成一个 学习手册（PDF），可以打印或每天练习？

2

2.1. Fill in the blanks (verbs in present tense)

Put the verb in the correct form.

1. Ivana ______ (živeti) u Novom Sadu.
2. Ujutro ona ______ (buditi se) u osam sati.
3. Mama ______ (praviti) doručak.
4. Ivana ______ (ići) peške na pijacu.
5. Deca ______ (igrati) fudbal u parku.

2.2. Match the words with English

2.3. Translate into Serbian

1. The sun is shining.
2. How much is one kilo of apples?
3. Have a nice day!
4. I love this atmosphere.
5. Today was a nice day.

2.4. Cases – which one is it?

Identify the case (Accusative, Genitive, Dative, Instrumental, Locative).

1. dva kila jabuka
2. pijem sok sa Marijom
3. idem u park
4. pričamo o filmu
5. posle ručkа

2.5. Put in past tense (perfect)

Example: Ona ide u pijacu. → Ona je išla u pijacu.

1. Ivana ide u park. → __________
2. Mama pravi supu. → __________
3. Oni kupuju sir i paradajz. → __________
4. Marija sedi na klupi. → __________
5. Ivana piše u dnevnik. → _________

2.1. Fill in the blanks (present tense)

1. Ivana živi u Novom Sadu.
2. Ujutro ona se budi u osam sati.
3. Mama pravi doručak.
4. Ivana ide peške na pijacu.
5. Deca igraju fudbal u parku.

2.2. Match the words with English

1. pijaca → e. market
2. torba → d. bag
3. jabuka → f. apple
4. sir → c. cheese
5. klupa → a. bench
6. dnevnik → b. diary

2.3. Translate into Serbian

1. The sun is shining. → Sunce sija.
2. How much is one kilo of apples? → Koliko košta kilo jabuka?
3. Have a nice day! → Prijatan dan!
4. I love this atmosphere. → Volim ovu atmosferu.
5. Today was a nice day. → Danas je bio lep dan.

2.4. Cases – which one is it?

1. dva kila jabuka → Genitive (quantity)
2. pijem sok sa Marijom → Instrumental (“with”)
3. idem u park → Accusative (motion towards)
4. pričamo o filmu → Locative (about)
5. posle ručkа → Genitive (“after lunch”)

2.5. Put in past tense (perfect)

1. Ivana ide u park. → Ivana je išla u park.
2. Mama pravi supu. → Mama je pravila supu.
3. Oni kupuju sir i paradajz. → Oni su kupili sir i paradajz.
4. Marija sedi na klupi. → Marija je sedela na klupi.
5. Ivana piše u dnevnik. → Ivana je pisala u dnevnik.

Zovem se Nikola. Imam dvadeset godina i živim u Beogradu. Studiram istoriju na fakultetu. Moja sestra Jelena ima dvadeset dve godine i radi u jednoj prodavnici. Ona je uvek vredna i nasmejana. Želim da vam ispričam jedan moj običan dan. Ujutro ustajem u sedam sati. Otvaram prozor i gledam ulicu. Napolju ljudi idu na posao, a deca idu u školu. U kuhinji tata pravi doručak. Na stolu je hleb, sir, kajmak i džem. Ja volim da pijem čaj, a moja sestra Jelena voli da pije kafu. Dok jedemo, pričamo o planovima za dan. Tata kaže: „Danas dolazi tvoja baka.“ Svi se obradujemo. Posle doručka spremam torbu i idem na fakultet. Uzimam autobus broj dvadeset četiri. U autobusu ima mnogo ljudi. Neki čitaju novine, neki slušaju muziku. Jedna žena drži malu bebu. Ja stojim pored vrata i gledam kroz prozor. Beograd je veliki grad i ulice su pune automobila. Na fakultetu imam dva časa. Profesor govori polako i jasno. Pišem u svesku i učim nove reči. Moj prijatelj Marko sedi pored mene. On često pravi šale i svi se smejemo. Na odmoru pijemo kafu u studentskom kafiću. Razgovaramo o filmovima i muzici. U podne idem kući. Na ulici srećem komšiju Milana. On nosi cveće za svoju ženu. Kaže mi: „Dobar dan, Nikola!“ Ja odgovorim: „Dobar dan, gospodine Milane.“ Malo pričamo o vremenu. Sunce sija, nebo je plavo, i svuda pevaju ptice. Kod kuće me čeka baka. Donela je pitu sa sirom i jabuke iz sela. Sedimo zajedno u dnevnoj sobi i pričamo o njenom detinjstvu. Ona kaže: „Kada sam bila mala, išla sam u školu peške, pet kilometara svaki dan.“ Ja slušam pažljivo, jer volim njene priče. Popodne učim u svojoj sobi. Čitam knjigu i pišem domaći zadatak. Ponekad je teško, ali želim da dobro govorim srpski jezik. Posle učenja, idem sa sestrom Jelenom u park. Park je blizu naše kuće. Tamo ima dece koja igraju fudbal, starijih ljudi koji šetaju pse i mladih koji voze bicikl. Ja sedim na klupi i čitam, a Jelena razgovara sa prijateljicama. Uveče cela porodica jede večeru zajedno. Tata pravi supu, pirinač i salatu. Mama priča o svom poslu, a mi je slušamo. Posle večere gledamo televiziju. Ja volim serije, a Jelena voli emisije o putovanjima. Baka ponekad gleda stare filmove i priča kako je bilo ranije. Pre spavanja pišem dnevnik. Pišem o svom danu, o ljudima koje sam sreo i o stvarima koje sam naučio. Zatim uzimam knjigu i čitam nekoliko stranica. Kada postanem umoran, gasim svetlo i kažem: „Laku noć.“ To je moj običan dan u Beogradu.

Jednostavan je, ali lep. Volim svoju porodicu, svoje prijatelje i svoj grad.

My name is Nikola. I am twenty years old and I live in Belgrade. I study history at the university. My sister Jelena is twenty-two years old and works in a shop. She is always hardworking and smiling. I want to tell you about one of my ordinary days.In the morning I get up at seven o’clock. I open the window and look at the street. Outside, people go to work and children go to school. In the kitchen, dad makes breakfast. On the table there is bread, cheese, cream (kajmak), and jam. I like to drink tea, and my sister Jelena likes to drink coffee. While we eat, we talk about the plans for the day. Dad says: “Today your grandmother is coming.” We are all happy.After breakfast I pack my bag and go to the university. I take bus number twenty-four. In the bus there are many people. Some read newspapers, some listen to music. One woman is holding a small baby. I stand by the door and look through the window. Belgrade is a big city and the streets are full of cars.At the university I have two classes. The professor speaks slowly and clearly. I write in my notebook and learn new words. My friend Marko sits next to me. He often makes jokes and we all laugh. During the break we drink coffee in the student café. We talk about movies and music.At noon I go home. On the street I meet my neighbor Milan. He carries flowers for his wife. He says to me: “Good afternoon, Nikola!” I answer: “Good afternoon, Mr. Milan.” We talk a little about the weather. The sun is shining, the sky is blue, and birds are singing everywhere.At home my grandmother is waiting for me. She has brought a cheese pie and apples from the village. We sit together in the living room and talk about her childhood. She says: “When I was a little girl, I walked to school on foot, five kilometers every day.” I listen carefully, because I love her stories.In the afternoon I study in my room. I read a book and write homework. Sometimes it is difficult, but I want to speak Serbian well. After studying, I go with my sister Jelena to the park. The park is near our house. There are children who play football, older people who walk dogs, and young people who ride bicycles. I sit on a bench and read, and Jelena talks with her friends.In the evening the whole family eats dinner together. Dad makes soup, rice, and salad. Mom talks about her job, and we listen. After dinner we watch television. I like series, and Jelena likes travel shows. Grandma sometimes watches old films and tells us how it was before.Before going to bed I write a diary. I write about my day, about the people I met, and about the things I learned. Then I take a book and read a few pages. When I become tired, I turn off the light and say: “Good night.”That is my ordinary day in Belgrade. It is simple, but beautiful. I love my family, my friends, and my city.

ustajati (ustajem) = to get up otvarati (otvaram) = to open gledati = to look, to watch ulica = street kuhinja = kitchen praviti (pravi) = to make hleb = bread sir = cheese kajmak = Serbian dairy cream džem = jam pričati = to talk torba = bag autobus = bus novine = newspaper prozor = window fakultet = university čas = class, lesson sveska = notebook šala = joke odmor = break (pause between classes) komšija = neighbor cveće = flowers vreme = weather, time sunce = sun nebo = sky pevati (pevaju) = to sing pita = pie detinjstvo = childhood peške = on foot knjiga = book domaći zadatak = homework park = park klupa = bench večera = dinner supa = soup pirinač = rice salata = salad emisija = TV show stari filmovi = old films dnevnik = diary umoran = tired laku noć = good night

1. Fill in the blanks (present tense)

1. Nikola ima dvadeset godina.
2. On uči istoriju na fakultetu.
3. Posle doručka on uzima autobus.
4. Profesor govori polako i jasno.
5. Uveče cela porodica gleda televiziju.

2. Which case is used?

1. Nikola ide u Beograd. → Accusative (motion towards)
2. On priča sa sestrom. → Instrumental (“with”)
3. Posle doručka ide na fakultet. → Genitive (“after”)
4. On sedi u parku. → Locative (location)
5. On kaže komšiji: „Dobar dan!“ → Dative (to someone)

3. Put in past tense (perfect)

1. Nikola ide na fakultet. → Nikola je išao na fakultet.
2. On pije kafu sa prijateljem. → On je pio kafu sa prijateljem.
3. Profesor govori o istoriji. → Profesor je govorio o istoriji.
4. Nikola jede večeru sa porodicom. → Nikola je jeo večeru sa porodicom.
5. On piše domaći zadatak. → On je pisao domaći zadatak.

Zovem se Ana. Imam dvadeset jedna godinu i živim u Novom Sadu. Studiram ekonomiju na fakultetu. Moja najbolja prijateljica zove se Marija. Ona studira isto, ali voli i muziku. Želim da vam ispričam jedan moj običan dan.

Ujutro se budim u sedam sati. Otvaram prozor i dišem svež vazduh. Čujem ptice kako pevaju. U kuhinji me čeka doručak. Mama pravi čaj, a tata čita novine. Na stolu su hleb, puter, džem i sir. Ja jedem hleb sa puterom i pijem čaj. Brzo se spremam i oblačim farmerke i majicu.

Posle doručka idem peške na fakultet. Put traje dvadeset minuta. Na ulici srećem komšije. Kažu: „Dobro jutro, Ana!“ Ja se osmehnem i kažem: „Dobro jutro!“ Na putu ima mnogo ljudi, automobila i biciklista. Novi Sad je lep grad i ulice su pune života.

Na fakultetu imam tri časa. Profesorka matematike govori polako i objašnjava jasno. Pišem u svesku i slušam pažljivo. Moj kolega Ivan sedi pored mene. On mi često pomaže da razumem zadatke. Tokom odmora idemo u kantinu. Tamo kupujemo kafu i kiflu. Razgovaramo o muzici i planovima za vikend.

U podne završavam časove i idem sa Marijom u park. Park je blizu fakulteta. Sedimo na klupi i jedemo sendviče. Sunce sija i deca trče okolo. Marija mi priča o jednom koncertu. Kaže: „U petak svira bend u centru. Hoćeš li da ideš?“ Ja se smejem i odgovaram: „Naravno, volim muziku!“

Posle toga idem kući. U dnevnoj sobi baka gleda televiziju. Ona voli stare serije. Donela je kolače sa orasima i čajem od nane. Sela sam pored nje i probala kolače. Baka se smeje i kaže: „Ti si moja dobra unuka.“ Osećam se srećno jer volim baku.

Popodne učim u svojoj sobi. Čitam knjige i pravim beleške. Ponekad je teško, ali želim da završim fakultet. Posle učenja idem sa bratom u prodavnicu. Kupujemo mleko, hleb i voće. Na kasi pozdravljamo prodavačicu: „Dobar dan!“ Ona odgovara ljubazno.

Uveče cela porodica jede zajedno. Mama pravi supu i salatu, tata peče meso, a baka donosi hleb. Svi sedimo za stolom i pričamo o danu. Ja pričam o fakultetu, brat o svojim prijateljima, a tata o poslu. Atmosfera je vesela.

Posle večere, odlazim sa Marijom u bioskop. Gledamo komediju i smejemo se glasno. Film traje dva sata, ali vreme brzo prolazi. Kada se vraćam kući, grad je miran i ulice su osvetljene.

Pre spavanja pišem u svoj dnevnik. Pišem: „Danas je bio dobar dan. Učila sam, bila sa porodicom i smejala se sa prijateljima.“ Zatim čitam još nekoliko stranica knjige. Kada sam umorna, gasim svetlo i kažem: „Laku noć.“

To je moj dan u Novom Sadu. Jednostavan je, ali pun lepih trenutaka. Volim svoju porodicu, prijatelje i svoj grad.

My name is Ana. I am twenty-one years old and I live in Novi Sad. I study economics at the university. My best friend is named Marija. She also studies, but she loves music too. I want to tell you about one of my ordinary days.

In the morning I wake up at seven o’clock. I open the window and breathe fresh air. I hear the birds singing. In the kitchen breakfast is waiting for me. Mom makes tea, and Dad reads the newspaper. On the table there is bread, butter, jam, and cheese. I eat bread with butter and drink tea. I quickly get ready and put on jeans and a T-shirt.

After breakfast I walk to the university. The walk takes twenty minutes. On the street I meet neighbors. They say: “Good morning, Ana!” I smile and say: “Good morning!” On the way there are many people, cars, and bicycles. Novi Sad is a beautiful city and the streets are full of life.

At the university I have three classes. The math teacher speaks slowly and explains clearly. I write in my notebook and listen carefully. My classmate Ivan sits next to me. He often helps me understand the tasks. During the break we go to the canteen. There we buy coffee and a roll. We talk about music and plans for the weekend.

At noon I finish classes and go with Marija to the park. The park is near the university. We sit on a bench and eat sandwiches. The sun shines and children run around. Marija tells me about a concert. She says: “On Friday a band is playing in the center. Do you want to go?” I laugh and answer: “Of course, I love music!”

After that I go home. In the living room grandma is watching television. She loves old series. She has brought cakes with walnuts and mint tea. I sit next to her and try the cakes. Grandma smiles and says: “You are my good granddaughter.” I feel happy because I love grandma.

In the afternoon I study in my room. I read books and make notes. Sometimes it is difficult, but I want to finish university. After studying I go with my brother to the store. We buy milk, bread, and fruit. At the cash desk we greet the shop assistant: “Good afternoon!” She answers politely.

In the evening the whole family eats together. Mom makes soup and salad, Dad grills meat, and grandma brings bread. We all sit at the table and talk about the day. I talk about the university, my brother about his friends, and Dad about work. The atmosphere is cheerful.

After dinner I go with Marija to the cinema. We watch a comedy and laugh loudly. The film lasts two hours, but the time passes quickly. When I return home, the city is quiet and the streets are lit.

Before going to bed I write in my diary. I write: “Today was a good day. I studied, I was with my family, and I laughed with my friends.” Then I read a few more pages of a book. When I am tired, I turn off the light and say: “Good night.”

That is my day in Novi Sad. It is simple, but full of beautiful moments. I love my family, my friends, and my city.

• ujutro = in the morning
• buditi se = to wake up
• svež vazduh = fresh air
• ptice pevaju = birds are singing
• doručak = breakfast
• čaj = tea
• novine = newspaper
• hleb = bread
• puter = butter
• džem = jam
• sir = cheese
• farmerke = jeans
• majica = T-shirt
• peške = on foot
• fakultet = university
• čas = class / lesson
• sveska = notebook
• odmor = break (between classes)
• kantina = canteen
• sendvič = sandwich
• klupa = bench
• koncert = concert
• baka = grandmother
• kolači = cakes
• orasi = walnuts
• prodavnica = shop/store
• prodavačica = shop assistant
• večera = dinner
• supa = soup
• salata = salad
• bioskop = cinema
• komedija = comedy
• dnevnik = diary
• laku noć = good night

1. Fill in the blanks (verbs in present tense)

Use the verbs in parentheses in the correct form.

1. Ana ______ (živeti) u Novom Sadu.
2. Ujutro ona ______ (ustati) u sedam sati.
3. Na stolu ______ (biti) hleb, puter i sir.
4. Ana ______ (ići) peške na fakultet.
5. U parku ona ______ (sedeti) na klupi i ______ (jesti) sendvič.

2. Match the words with English

3. Translate into Serbian

1. Good morning, Ana!
2. The city is full of life.
3. I love music.
4. Grandma is watching television.
5. Today was a good day.

1. Fill in the blanks (present tense)

1. Ana živi u Novom Sadu.
2. Ujutro ona ustaje u sedam sati.
3. Na stolu je hleb, puter i sir.
4. Ana ide peške na fakultet.
5. U parku ona sedi na klupi i jede sendvič.

2. Match the words with English

1. klupa → b. bench
2. kantina → d. canteen
3. sendvič → c. sandwich
4. bioskop → a. cinema
5. komedija → e. comedy

3. Translate into Serbian

1. Good morning, Ana! → Dobro jutro, Ana!
2. The city is full of life. → Grad je pun života.
3. I love music. → Volim muziku.
4. Grandma is watching television. → Baka gleda televiziju.
5. Today was a good day. → Danas je bio dobar dan.

Zovem se Luka. Imam dvadeset jednu godinu i studiram sport u Beogradu. Volim prirodu i volim da provodim vreme sa prijateljima. Danas je nedelja, dan je topao i sunčan. Nemam obaveze i odlučio sam da idem na reku sa svojim prijateljima.

Ujutro ustajem u osam sati. Perem zube i doručkujem. Na stolu je hleb, sir i mleko. Pijem mleko i jedem sendvič. Posle doručka spremam ranac. U ranac stavljam bocu vode, jabuke, sendviče i loptu. Oblačim majicu, šorts i patike. Pogledam kroz prozor: sunce sija, nebo je plavo. Kažem sebi: „Biće lep dan.“

U devet sati idem do autobuske stanice. Tamo čekaju moji prijatelji – Marko, Jelena i Ivana. Svi nose rančeve. Jelena nosi gitaru, a Ivana nosi veliku bocu soka. Ulazimo u autobus. U autobusu ima mnogo ljudi. Svi pričaju i smeju se. Marko kaže: „Idemo na reku, biće super!“ Mi se smejemo i pevušimo pesme.

Posle pola sata stižemo do reke. Vazduh je svež, a voda svetli na suncu. Na obali ima mnogo ljudi. Neki plivaju, neki pecaju, a deca trče po travi. Mi nalazimo mesto ispod drveta. Prostiremo ćebe i sedamo. Vadimo hranu iz rančeva. Ja jedem jabuku, Jelena jede sendvič, a Marko pije sok. Svi pričamo i smejemo se.

Posle ručka igramo fudbal. Ja šutiram loptu, a Marko brani gol. Ivana i Jelena navijaju i smeju se. Posle fudbala igramo badminton. Vetar je slab, pa je igra laka i zabavna. Svi trčimo i osećamo se slobodno.

Kada se umorimo, sedimo na ćebe i gledamo reku. Voda polako teče. Čuju se ptice u drveću. Jelena uzima gitaru i svira pesmu. Mi pevamo sa njom. Ljudi koji sede blizu nas slušaju i aplaudiraju. Atmosfera je mirna i lepa.

U popodnevnim satima šetamo pored reke. Gledamo čamce i razgovaramo o planovima za leto. Ivana kaže: „Hoću da idem na more.“ Marko dodaje: „Ja želim da idem na planinu.“ Svi pričamo i sanjamo o putovanjima.

Kada sunce počne da zalazi, nebo postaje narandžasto i crveno. Slikamo zalazak sunca i smejemo se. Pakujemo stvari i spremamo se da krenemo kući. Marko kaže: „Bilo je odlično!“ Jelena dodaje: „Moramo ponovo da dođemo.“ Mi se slažemo i pozdravljamo reku.

Uveče stižem kući. Mama me čeka sa večerom. Na stolu je supa i pirinač. Tata priča o svom danu, a ja pričam o izletu. Kažem: „Igrali smo fudbal, pevali pesme i gledali zalazak sunca. Bilo je divno.“ Porodica se smeje i slušа.

Posle večere idem u svoju sobu. Pišem u dnevnik: „Danas sam bio na reci sa prijateljima. Sunce je sijalo, igrali smo fudbal, pevali i uživali. Ovo je bio lep dan.“ Posle toga čitam malo knjigu. Kada postanem umoran, gasim svetlo i kažem: „Laku noć.“

To je bio moj izlet na reku. Jednostavan dan, ali pun smeha, muzike i prijateljstva.

My name is Luka. I am twenty-one years old and I study sports in Belgrade. I love nature and I like to spend time with my friends. Today is Sunday, the day is warm and sunny. I don’t have obligations and I decided to go to the river with my friends.

In the morning I get up at eight o’clock. I brush my teeth and have breakfast. On the table there is bread, cheese, and milk. I drink milk and eat a sandwich. After breakfast I pack my backpack. In the backpack I put a bottle of water, apples, sandwiches, and a ball. I put on a T-shirt, shorts, and sneakers. I look through the window: the sun is shining, the sky is blue. I say to myself: “It will be a nice day.”

At nine o’clock I go to the bus station. My friends are waiting there – Marko, Jelena, and Ivana. Everyone has backpacks. Jelena carries a guitar, and Ivana carries a big bottle of juice. We get on the bus. In the bus there are many people. Everyone is talking and laughing. Marko says: “We are going to the river, it will be great!” We laugh and sing songs.

After half an hour we arrive at the river. The air is fresh, and the water shines in the sun. On the shore there are many people. Some are swimming, some are fishing, and children are running on the grass. We find a place under a tree. We spread a blanket and sit down. We take food from our backpacks. I eat an apple, Jelena eats a sandwich, and Marko drinks juice. We all talk and laugh.

After lunch we play football. I kick the ball, and Marko defends the goal. Ivana and Jelena cheer and laugh. After football we play badminton. The wind is light, so the game is easy and fun. We all run and feel free.

When we get tired, we sit on the blanket and watch the river. The water flows slowly. Birds sing in the trees. Jelena takes the guitar and plays a song. We sing with her. People who sit near us listen and clap. The atmosphere is calm and beautiful.

In the afternoon we walk along the river. We look at boats and talk about plans for the summer. Ivana says: “I want to go to the sea.” Marko adds: “I want to go to the mountains.” We all talk and dream about traveling.

When the sun begins to set, the sky becomes orange and red. We take pictures of the sunset and laugh. We pack our things and get ready to go home. Marko says: “It was excellent!” Jelena adds: “We must come again.” We agree and say goodbye to the river.

In the evening I arrive home. Mom is waiting with dinner. On the table there is soup and rice. Dad talks about his day, and I talk about the trip. I say: “We played football, sang songs, and watched the sunset. It was wonderful.” The family smiles and listens.

After dinner I go to my room. I write in my diary: “Today I was at the river with my friends. The sun was shining, we played football, sang, and enjoyed. This was a nice day.” After that I read a little. When I become tired, I turn off the light and say: “Good night.”

That was my trip to the river. A simple day, but full of laughter, music, and friendship.

• izlet = trip, excursion
• reka = river
• ranac = backpack
• ćebe = blanket
• sendvič = sandwich
• voće = fruit
• lopta = ball
• igrati fudbal = to play football
• badminton = badminton
• gitara = guitar
• pevati = to sing
• zalazak sunca = sunset
• čamac = boat
• planina = mountain
• more = sea
• supа = soup
• pirinač = rice
• dnevnik = diary
• osmeh = smile

1.Slušanje i razumevanje

A. Tačno / Netačno

Posle slušanja priče reci da li je rečenica tačna (T) ili netačna (N).

1. Luka ima dvadeset jednu godinu.
2. On doručkuje jaja i slaninu.
3. Njegovi prijatelji nose gitaru i sok.
4. Oni idu vozom na reku.
5. Igraju fudbal i badminton.
6. Jelena svira gitaru i svi pevaju.
7. Uveče Luka jede picu sa porodicom.

B. Višestruki izbor

Izaberi tačan odgovor.

1. Šta Luka stavlja u ranac?

a) Knjige i domaći zadatak

b) Vodu, jabuke, sendviče i loptu

c) Novac i odeću

2. Kako putuju na reku?

a) Autom

b) Autobusom

c) Peške

3. Šta rade posle ručka?

a) Spavaju

b) Igraju fudbal i badminton

c) Id u na plivanje

4. Koje boje je nebo u zalasku sunca?

a) Plavo

b) Narandžasto i crveno

c) Zeleno

5. Šta Luka radi pre spavanja?

a) Igra video igrice

b) Piše u dnevnik

c) Zove prijatelje

C. Kratki odgovori

Odgovori u jednoj ili dve rečenice.

1. Ko ide sa Lukom na reku?
2. Šta jedu i piju na pikniku?
3. Šta vide i čuju pored reke?
4. Šta Luka priča porodici uveče?
5. Kako se Luka oseća na kraju dana?

2.

1. Fill in the blanks (present tense verbs)

Put the verb in the correct form.

1. Luka ______ (to live) in Belgrade.
2. He ______ (to get up) at eight o’clock.
3. Luka and his friends ______ (to go) by bus to the river.
4. They ______ (to play) football on the grass.
5. Jelena ______ (to play) guitar and everyone ______ (to sing).

2. Match the words with English

3. Translate into Serbian

1. The sun is shining.
2. We are going to the river.
3. After lunch we play football.
4. It was a wonderful day.
5. Good night!

4. Cases – which one is it?

Identify the case (Accusative, Genitive, Dative, Instrumental, Locative).

1. gledamo reku
2. pola sata
3. pričamo o planovima
4. šetam sa prijateljima
5. sedimo u autobusu

5. Change to past tense (perfect)

Example: On ide na reku. → On je išao na reku.

1. Luka goes to the bus station.
2. They play football.
3. Jelena plays guitar.
4. Marko says: “It was nice.”
5. Luka writes in his diary.

1. Fill in the blanks (present tense)

1. Luka lives in Belgrade.
2. He gets up at eight o’clock.
3. Luka and his friends go by bus to the river.
4. They play football on the grass.
5. Jelena plays guitar and everyone sings.

2. Match the words with English

1. reka → b. river
2. ranac → a. backpack
3. ćebe → e. blanket
4. lopta → d. ball
5. zalazak sunca → c. sunset
6. prijatelji → f. friends

3. Translate into Serbian

1. The sun is shining. → Sunce sija.
2. We are going to the river. → Idemo na reku.
3. After lunch we play football. → Posle ručka igramo fudbal.
4. It was a wonderful day. → Bilo je divan dan.
5. Good night! → Laku noć!

4. Cases

1. gledamo reku → Accusative (direct object)
2. pola sata → Genitive (quantity)
3. pričamo o planovima → Locative (about)
4. šetam sa prijateljima → Instrumental (“with”)
5. sedimo u autobusu → Locative (location)

5. Past tense (perfect)

1. Luka goes to the bus station. → Luka je išao na autobusku stanicu.
2. They play football. → Oni su igrali fudbal.
3. Jelena plays guitar. → Jelena je svirala gitaru.
4. Marko says: “It was nice.” → Marko je rekao: „Bilo je lepo.“
5. Luka writes in his diary. → Luka je pisao u dnevnik.

Zovem se Tom i ja sam stranac. Dolazim iz Nemačke, ali sada živim u Srbiji, u Beogradu. U Srbiju sam došao pre šest meseci, jer želim da učim srpski jezik i da upoznam nove ljude i novu kulturu. Živim u malom stanu blizu centra grada i svaki dan imam mnogo novih iskustava. Svako jutro ustajem u sedam sati. Kada otvorim oči, čujem automobile, autobuse i glasove ljudi na ulici. Idem u kupatilo, perem lice i zube, a zatim kuvam kafu. U Srbiji ljudi mnogo vole kafu i ja sam već naučio da pijem jednu šolju svako jutro. Uz kafu obično jedem hleb sa sirom ili pekmezom. Posle doručka oblačim jaknu i izlazim iz stana. Na ulici pozdravljam komšije rečima „dobro jutro“. Oni se nasmeju i kažu isto.

Idem u školu srpskog jezika. Škola nije daleko pa idem peške. Dok hodam, vidim pijacu, pekaru i malu prodavnicu. Ljudi kupuju voće i povrće i razgovaraju glasno. Na pijaci često čujem reči „koliko košta“ i „hvala“. U školi imam čas jezika sa drugima koji su takođe stranci. Neki su iz Rusije, neki iz Kine, neki iz Španije. Svi učimo zajedno i pomažemo jedni drugima. Na času učimo da postavljamo pitanja i da dajemo odgovore. Učiteljica pita: „Kako se zoveš?“ i ja kažem: „Zovem se Tom.“ Ona pita: „Odakle si?“ i ja kažem: „Iz Nemačke.“ Nekada grešim, ali učiteljica se smeši i kaže da je važno da govorim, a ne da budem savršen. Posle časa učimo brojeve i dane u nedelji. Kada učiteljica pita: „Koji je danas dan?“ ja kažem: „Danas je utorak.“ Ponekad učimo i kako da naručimo hranu ili kupimo kartu. To mi mnogo pomaže u svakodnevnom životu.

Kada se završi čas, idem sa drugovima u kafeteriju. Tamo pijemo sok, čaj ili kafu. Neko jede sendvič, a neko burek. Ja volim burek sa sirom, ali još uvek polako izgovaram reč „pljeskavica“. Drugarica iz Rusije se smeje i kaže: „Polako, i ja sam imala problem.“ Dok jedemo, pričamo na srpskom jeziku. Nije lako, ali trudimo se. Ponekad kažemo pogrešnu reč, ali svi razumemo i smejemo se. To je dobra vežba.

Popodne često idem u prodavnicu. Učim kako da kupujem na srpskom. Kažem: „Dobar dan, molim vas, jedan hleb i mleko.“ Prodavačica odgovara: „Izvolite. To je 250 dinara.“ Ja plaćam i kažem: „Hvala. Doviđenja.“ Ljudi su ljubazni i ponekad mi pomognu kada ne razumem neku reč. Jednom nisam znao reč za „jaje“ pa sam pokazao rukom. Prodavačica se nasmejala i rekla: „To je jaje.“ Tako sam naučio novu reč.

Kada završim kupovinu, vraćam se kući i spremam ručak. Nekad kuvam supu, nekad pravim testeninu, a ponekad probam i srpska jela. Najviše volim sarmu i pasulj, ali porcije su uvek velike pa ne mogu sve da pojedem. Posle ručka malo učim i pišem nove reči u svesku. Nekad pišem i mali dnevnik na srpskom jeziku. Na primer, pišem: „Danas sam bio u školi. Danas sam kupio hleb. Danas sam učio nove reči.“ To mi pomaže da se setim šta sam radio i da koristim novi jezik.

Uveče volim da šetam gradom. Idem na Kalemegdan, veliki park u Beogradu. Tamo ima mnogo ljudi, turista i porodica sa decom. Neki sede na klupama, neki prave fotografije, a deca trče i igraju se. Ja sedim i gledam reku Savu i Dunav. Kada sunce zalazi, nebo je crveno i grad izgleda veoma lep. Ponekad razgovaram sa ljudima. Oni me pitaju: „Zašto si došao u Srbiju?“ i ja kažem: „Želim da učim srpski jezik i volim vašu kulturu.“ Oni se nasmeju i kažu: „Dobro došao!“

Kada se vratim kući, spremam večeru. Ponekad kuvam pirinač ili pržim jaja. Nekad kupim pljeskavicu i jedem je sa lukom i hlebom. Posle večere gledam televiziju ili slušam muziku. Ponekad gledam seriju na srpskom jeziku. Ne razumem sve reči, ali polako učim. Kada čujem poznatu reč, odmah se obradujem. Nekad se čujem sa porodicom u Nemačkoj preko interneta i pričam im o svom životu ovde. Oni kažu da su ponosni na mene jer učim novi jezik.

Pre nego što odem na spavanje, obično čitam knjigu ili kratke tekstove na srpskom. Ako ne razumem neku reč, tražim je u rečniku. Onda zatvorim oči i razmišljam o svom danu. Kažem sebi: „Danas je bio dobar dan. Naučio sam nove reči i razgovarao sam sa ljudima. Sutra ću naučiti još.“ Oko deset sati idem da spavam i uvek kažem: „Laku noć.“

Tako izgleda moj život u Srbiji. Nije uvek lako, jer još ne govorim dobro, ali svaki dan učim malo više. Ljudi su ljubazni i uvek žele da pomognu. Zato volim da živim ovde i verujem da ću jednog dana govoriti srpski jezik tečno.

A Foreigner in Serbia

My name is Tom and I am a foreigner. I come from Germany, but now I live in Serbia, in Belgrade. I came to Serbia six months ago because I want to learn the Serbian language and meet new people and a new culture. I live in a small apartment near the city center and every day I have many new experiences. Every morning I get up at seven o’clock. When I open my eyes, I hear cars, buses, and people’s voices on the street. I go to the bathroom, wash my face and teeth, and then make coffee. In Serbia people love coffee a lot, and I have already learned to drink one cup every morning. With coffee I usually eat bread with cheese or jam. After breakfast I put on my jacket and leave the apartment. On the street I greet neighbors with the words “good morning.” They smile and say the same.

I go to the Serbian language school. The school is not far, so I go on foot. While I walk, I see the market, a bakery, and a small shop. People buy fruit and vegetables and talk loudly. At the market I often hear words like “how much does it cost” and “thank you.” In school I have class with others who are also foreigners. Some are from Russia, some from China, some from Spain. We all learn together and help each other. In class we learn to ask questions and give answers. The teacher asks: “What is your name?” and I say: “My name is Tom.” She asks: “Where are you from?” and I say: “From Germany.” Sometimes I make mistakes, but the teacher smiles and says it is important to speak, not to be perfect. After that we learn numbers and days of the week. When the teacher asks: “What day is today?” I say: “Today is Tuesday.” Sometimes we learn how to order food or buy a ticket. That helps me a lot in everyday life.

When class ends, I go with friends to a café. There we drink juice, tea, or coffee. Someone eats a sandwich, someone eats burek. I like burek with cheese, but I still say the word “pljeskavica” slowly. My friend from Russia laughs and says: “Slowly, I also had that problem.” While we eat, we speak in Serbian. It is not easy, but we try. Sometimes we say the wrong word, but we all understand and laugh. It is good practice.

In the afternoon I often go to the shop. I learn how to buy in Serbian. I say: “Good day, please, one bread and milk.” The seller answers: “Here you are. That is 250 dinars.” I pay and say: “Thank you. Goodbye.” People are kind and sometimes help me when I do not understand a word. Once I did not know the word for “egg,” so I showed it with my hand. The seller smiled and said: “That is an egg.” So I learned a new word.

When I finish shopping, I go home and prepare lunch. Sometimes I cook soup, sometimes pasta, and sometimes I try Serbian dishes. I like sarma and beans the most, but the portions are always big, so I cannot eat everything. After lunch I study a little and write new words in my notebook. Sometimes I write a small diary in Serbian. For example, I write: “Today I was at school. Today I bought bread. Today I learned new words.” That helps me to remember what I did and to use the new language.

In the evening I like to walk in the city. I go to Kalemegdan, a big park in Belgrade. There are many people, tourists, and families with children. Some sit on benches, some take photos, and children run and play. I sit and watch the Sava and Danube rivers. When the sun sets, the sky is red and the city looks very beautiful. Sometimes I talk with people. They ask me: “Why did you come to Serbia?” and I say: “I want to learn the Serbian language and I love your culture.” They smile and say: “Welcome!”

When I return home, I prepare dinner. Sometimes I cook rice or fry eggs. Sometimes I buy a pljeskavica and eat it with onion and bread. After dinner I watch TV or listen to music. Sometimes I watch a series in Serbian. I do not understand all the words, but I learn slowly. When I hear a known word, I feel happy. Sometimes I talk with my family in Germany on the internet and tell them about my life here. They say they are proud of me because I learn a new language.

Before I go to sleep, I usually read a book or short texts in Serbian. If I do not understand a word, I look for it in the dictionary. Then I close my eyes and think about my day. I say to myself: “Today was a good day. I learned new words and spoke with people. Tomorrow I will learn more.” Around ten o’clock I go to sleep and always say: “Good night.”

That is my life in Serbia. It is not always easy, because I do not speak well yet, but every day I learn a little more. People are kind and always want to help. That is why I like to live here, and I believe that one day I will speak Serbian fluently.

Zovem se Maria i ja sam strankinja. Dolazim iz Kine, ali sada živim u Srbiji, u Novom Sadu. U Srbiju sam došla pre godinu dana, jer želim da učim srpski jezik i da studiram muziku. Novi Sad je lep grad, ima mirne ulice, lepe parkove i mnogo mladih ljudi. Živim u malom stanu sa drugaricom Anom. Ona je iz Srbije i ona mi pomaže da bolje razumem jezik.

Svako jutro ustajem u sedam sati. Kada otvorim oči, čujem ptice napolju i osećam miris kafe. Ana voli da kuva kafu rano ujutru. Ustanem, idem u kupatilo, perem lice i zube, a zatim pijem čašu vode. Posle toga sednem za sto i jedem doručak. Najčešće jedem hleb sa sirom, paradajz i krastavac. Nekada kupim i burek u pekari. Prodavač uvek kaže: „Dobar dan, izvolite.“ A ja kažem: „Molim vas, jedan burek sa sirom.“ On se nasmeje i brzo mi da burek. Naučila sam da kažem i: „Hvala, prijatno!“

Posle doručka idem u školu jezika. Moja škola nije daleko i idem peške oko petnaest minuta. Na putu srećem mnogo ljudi. Neko vozi bicikl, neko šeta psa, a deca idu u školu. Ljudi me pozdravljaju: „Dobro jutro.“ Ja se smešim i kažem isto. Učim da govorim sve bolje i sada razumem mnogo reči.

U školi imamo čas od devet sati. Na času učimo nove reči, pišemo rečenice i razgovaramo jedni s drugima. Učitelj pita: „Kako se zoveš?“ i svi odgovaramo. Ponekad pravimo dijaloge: jedan student je kupac, a drugi je prodavac. Na primer: „Koliko košta jabuka?“ — „Sto dinara po kilogramu.“ Ove vežbe su zabavne i korisne. Na času pričamo polako i trudimo se da koristimo samo srpski jezik.

Moji drugovi u školi su iz različitih zemalja: iz Rusije, Španije, Turske, Italije. Svi govorimo različite jezike, ali na času koristimo samo srpski. To nam pomaže da učimo brže. Ponekad je teško, ali uvek se smejemo kada neko pogreši. Na pauzi pijemo kafu ili sok i pričamo o svojim porodicama. Ja pričam o roditeljima u Kini i pokazujem fotografije.

Posle škole često idem u biblioteku. U biblioteci čitam knjige na srpskom jeziku. U početku sam razumela samo nekoliko reči, ali sada razumem mnogo više. Volim da čitam jednostavne priče i novine za mlade. Kada ne razumem neku reč, zapisujem je u svesku. Kod kuće tražim u rečniku i učim je napamet. Svakog dana učim deset novih reči.

U podne idem kući i spremam ručak. Nekad kuvam supu, nekad pravim testeninu, a ponekad pravim i kinesko jelo za Anu. Ona uvek kaže: „Ovo je ukusno!“ Ja se smejem i kažem: „Hvala.“ Posle ručka malo odmaram, pijem čaj i slušam muziku. Moj omiljeni pevač iz Srbije je Željko Joksimović. Volim njegove pesme jer su romantične i lepe.

Popodne često idem sa Anom u centar grada. Šetamo Zmaj Jovinom ulicom i pijemo kafu u malom kafiću. Uvek ima mnogo ljudi, turisti fotografišu, deca trče, a stariji sede i razgovaraju. U kafiću poručujem: „Jedan kapućino, molim vas.“ Konobar donese kafu i ja kažem: „Hvala.“ Onda pričamo o planovima za vikend. Nekad idemo u bioskop, nekad na izlet pored Dunava.

Jednom sam išla na pijacu sa Anom. Ona mi je pokazala kako da kupujem voće i povrće. Ja sam rekla: „Dobar dan, koliko košta kilogram paradajza?“ Prodavac je rekao: „Dvesto dinara.“ Ja sam platila i rekla: „Hvala lepo.“ Bila sam srećna jer sam sve rekla sama, bez pomoći.

Uveče obično učim. Sedim za stolom, pišem nove reči, pravim rečenice i ponavljam dijaloge iz knjige. Nekad pišem mali dnevnik: „Danas sam bila u školi. Naučila sam novu reč. Kupila sam hleb i mleko. Razgovarala sam sa komšinicom.“ To mi pomaže da bolje koristim jezik. Ana mi pomaže i ispravlja moje greške.

Kada završim učenje, gledam televiziju. Volim seriju „Porodično blago“. Ne razumem sve, ali prepoznajem mnogo reči. Kada čujem reč koju znam, odmah se obradujem. Ponekad prevodim i pišem nove fraze. Tako učim svakog dana.

Pred spavanje obično čitam kratke priče ili šaljem poruke porodici u Kini. Oni me pitaju: „Kako je u Srbiji?“ Ja kažem: „Lepo je. Ljudi su ljubazni. Učim srpski i imam nove prijatelje.“ Oni su ponosni na mene. Onda zatvaram oči i mislim: „Danas je bio dobar dan. Naučila sam nove reči. Sutra ću naučiti još.“

Tako izgleda moj život u Srbiji. Nije uvek lako, ali svaki dan učim više. Ljudi su prijateljski i uvek žele da pomognu. Volim da živim ovde i verujem da ću uskoro govoriti srpski tečno.

My name is Maria and I am a foreigner. I come from China, but now I live in Serbia, in Novi Sad. I came to Serbia a year ago because I want to learn the Serbian language and study music. Novi Sad is a beautiful city, it has quiet streets, nice parks, and many young people. I live in a small apartment with my friend Ana. She is from Serbia and she helps me to understand the language better.

Every morning I get up at seven o’clock. When I open my eyes, I hear birds outside and smell coffee. Ana likes to make coffee early in the morning. I get up, go to the bathroom, wash my face and teeth, then drink a glass of water. After that I sit at the table and eat breakfast. Usually I eat bread with cheese, tomato, and cucumber. Sometimes I buy a burek in the bakery. The seller always says: “Good day, here you go.” And I say: “Please, one cheese burek.” He smiles and gives me the burek quickly. I learned to say: “Thank you, enjoy your meal!”

After breakfast I go to language school. My school is not far and I walk about fifteen minutes. On the way I meet many people. Someone rides a bike, someone walks a dog, and children go to school. People greet me: “Good morning.” I smile and say the same. I am learning to speak better and now I understand many words.

In school we have class at nine o’clock. In class we learn new words, write sentences, and talk to each other. The teacher asks: “What is your name?” and we all answer. Sometimes we make dialogues: one student is the customer, the other is the seller. For example: “How much is the apple?” — “One hundred dinars per kilo.” These exercises are fun and useful. In class we speak slowly and try to use only Serbian.

My classmates come from different countries: Russia, Spain, Turkey, Italy. We all speak different languages, but in class we use only Serbian. That helps us learn faster. Sometimes it is difficult, but we always laugh when someone makes a mistake. At the break we drink coffee or juice and talk about our families. I talk about my parents in China and show photos.

After school I often go to the library. In the library I read books in Serbian. At first I understood only a few words, but now I understand much more. I like to read simple stories and newspapers for young people. When I do not understand a word, I write it in a notebook. At home I look it up in a dictionary and learn it by heart. Every day I learn ten new words.

At noon I go home and prepare lunch. Sometimes I cook soup, sometimes pasta, and sometimes I make Chinese food for Ana. She always says: “This is tasty!” I smile and say: “Thank you.” After lunch I rest a little, drink tea, and listen to music. My favorite Serbian singer is Željko Joksimović. I like his songs because they are romantic and beautiful.

In the afternoon I often go with Ana to the city center. We walk down Zmaj Jovina street and drink coffee in a small café. There are always many people, tourists take photos, children run, and older people sit and talk. In the café I order: “One cappuccino, please.” The waiter brings the coffee and I say: “Thank you.” Then we talk about plans for the weekend. Sometimes we go to the cinema, sometimes on a trip near the Danube.

Once I went to the market with Ana. She showed me how to buy fruit and vegetables. I said: “Good day, how much is one kilo of tomatoes?” The seller said: “Two hundred dinars.” I paid and said: “Thank you very much.” I was happy because I said everything myself, without help.

In the evening I usually study. I sit at the table, write new words, make sentences, and repeat dialogues from the book. Sometimes I write a small diary: “Today I was at school. I learned a new word. I bought bread and milk. I talked with my neighbor.” This helps me to use the language better. Ana helps me and corrects my mistakes.

When I finish studying, I watch TV. I like the series “Porodično blago.” I don’t understand everything, but I recognize many words. When I hear a word I know, I am immediately happy. Sometimes I translate and write down new phrases. This is how I learn every day.

Before sleeping I usually read short stories or send messages to my family in China. They ask me: “How is it in Serbia?” I say: “It is nice. People are kind. I am learning Serbian and I have new friends.” They are proud of me. Then I close my eyes and think: “Today was a good day. I learned new words. Tomorrow I will learn more.”

That is my life in Serbia. It is not always easy, but every day I learn more. People are friendly and always want to help. I like living here and I believe that soon I will speak Serbian fluently.