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Greek for Beginners: From Alphabet to Conversation

Are you interested to learn Greek?
Then here some tips how to go from the Greek alphabet to conversations; —>start Greek with the right foundations

Learning Greek is not just about grammar and vocabulary.

It’s about:

  • Speaking with locals

  • Feeling closer to the culture

  • Understanding songs

  • Reading signs without translating

  • Connecting to history, philosophy, and everyday life in Greece

But every journey needs a first step.

Greek has a reputation for being a “difficult language”…

But in reality, most students struggle not because Greek is impossible,
–> they struggle because they start without a clear plan.

After 30 years of teaching Greek at Omilo, to international students, we’ve seen one thing again and again:

When beginners follow the right order, Greek becomes logical, structured, and even fun.

This article gives you:

  • A clear guide for beginners

  • The most important things to learn first

  • Practical learning tips

  • Links to videos, exercises, and eBooks

  • Guidance for both self-learners or course participants

Whether you are learning for travel, personal interest, family roots, or long-term studies…
this guide will help you start with confidence.

Let’s build your foundation

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Step 1: Start with the Greek Alphabet
(but don’t get stuck there)

Why the Alphabet Matters?

The Greek alphabet is consistent and phonetic.
Once you learn the sounds, you can read almost anything.

Focus on:

  • Letter recognition

  • Basic pronunciation

  • Understanding stress marks

But don’t aim for perfection.

We often see beginners spending weeks only on the alphabet. That’s not necessary.
Focus a bit on a daily basis, but move forward confidently at the same time, learning vocabulary

The good news?
It’s much easier than it looks.

You don’t need weeks.
With the right method, you can learn it in a few days.

Free Alphabet YouTube video 1 – the 24 letters  (small and capital letters)

As in any language, it is not only about 24 letters, there are also some extra combinations of vowels and consonants

Free Alphabet YouTube video 2 – the vowel combinations

Free Alphabet YouTube video 3 – the consonant combinations


  If you are looking for more examples and exercises with answer keys,
then check out this useful Alphabet eBook

Important Tip

Don’t aim for perfection.
Many beginners stay too long in “alphabet mode” and delay real learning.

And other beginners believe the alphabet does not matter, and they can survive with “greeklish”
Read this article, learn the difference between greeklish and Greek, and why the Greek Alphabet really matters..


Step 2: Learn Sounds Before Grammar

Greek pronunciation is very consistent.

Once you understand:

  • vowel combinations (αι, ει, οι, ου)

  • stress marks

  • basic sound rules

you can read AND pronounce almost anything.

You can listen to the pronunciation in our videos mentioned above, but..

Greek alphabet

modern greek alphabet

   If you would prefer to learn together with a teacher,
and practice your pronunciation

then check out the Omilo Alphabet mini-course

This builds immediate confidence.

When you can read, you feel empowered.

 

Step 3:  Speak from Day One

This is where many learners hesitate.

They think:
“I need more grammar first.” or “I need to memorize words with an app!”

Language is not mathematics, or single words after each other, neither a written exam
It’s communication!
Yes, grammar and vocabulary are very important, but..

Start with easy sentences:

  • Greetings

  • Introducing yourself

  • Ordering coffee

  • Simple everyday phrases

How to greet in Greek Click here to download your FREE ebook “How to Greet in Greek”
Even with limited vocabulary, you can communicate, or create connection

Confidence grows when you use the language,  not when you wait for perfection.
Dare to make mistakes!

 

Step 4: Discover the Logic of Greek Grammar

Yes, Greek grammar has structure, a lot of it.

So it is not chaos!

Verbs follow patterns, Nouns have clear endings, Word formation shows meaning connections

For example:

γράφω — I write

γράφεις — you write

γράφει — he/she writes

You already see the pattern, in order to conjugate a verb in the present tense, you need to know the  “endings”:
-ω
-εις
-ει

Now look at the noun:

γράμμα — letter

γραφή — writing

υπογραφή — signature

The root γραφ– stays the same.

When students see this, something changes.

Instead of memorizing separate words, they begin to recognize word families.

They understand that:

  • Word endings show grammar

  • Roots show meaning

  • Patterns repeat

Also for you, when you start seeing connections like this, Greek becomes fascinating.

GREEK VERBS A1 CATEGORY  Learn more about conjugating verbs in present tense

  Click here to watch the FREE Video explaining how to conjugate a verb –> To Write

The key is learning grammar in small, structured pieces,  not all at once.

TIP; learning verbs is the most useful grammar for beginners.
If you can not conjugate a verb correctly, then communication will become confusing

 

 

 

 

Step 5: Build Vocabulary the Smart Way

Memorizing long word lists rarely works.

Instead:

  • Learn words in context, learn only the words you need on a daily basis in Greece

  • Learn word families

  • Learn useful phrases, not isolated words

For example, instead of only learning:
σπίτι (house)

Also learn:

  • πάω σπίτι  – I am going home

  • στο σπίτι – at home

  • το σπίτι μου – at my home

    Greek speaking starter kit

This creates active language —> language you can actually use, from the day you arrive in Greece.

For this purpose, we have created the Greek Speaking Starter Kit, for Beginners
Click here for more info

 

greek coffeeAnd what about preparing yourself for your next visit to Greece, and order coffee in Greek?

With this FREE eBook, you will learn ;

» How to order your preferred  coffee (or another drink) in Greek,

» How to ask for extra sugar, the bill, etc,

» Helpful vocabulary, you can use everyday in Greece,

» Everyday useful sentences,

Click here for more info and download your FREE ebook

 

Step 6: Immerse Yourself (even at beginner level)
Enjoy the culture, the country, and stay motivated!

You don’t need to live in Greece to immerse yourself.

You can:

  • Listen to simple Greek songs, Watch slow, clear Greek videos, Read short beginner stories, Follow Greek content online

Even passive exposure builds familiarity.

Understanding 30% today becomes 50% tomorrow.

–> Articles about Greek songs

–> Articles about Greek culture
–> Articles about Greek food
–-> videos about Greek dancing on the YouTube Channel

Common Mistakes When Learning Greek

If you want to avoid frustration, avoid these:

  1. Waiting too long before speaking

  2. Trying to understand every grammar detail immediately

  3. Comparing Greek to English constantly

  4. Using too many random apps without any structure  (one of the biggest mistakes students make the last 5 years…)

  5. Expecting fast results without steady practice

Greek rewards patience and structure.

Dare to make mistakes…you are not the only ones 🙂

—> read here some more funny mistakes which were made by others

Should You Learn Alone or Join a Course?

Self-study works if you:

  • Follow a clear roadmap , Practice consistently, Use structured material

A group course helps if you:

  • Want correction, Prefer interaction, Need accountability, Enjoy community learning

At Omilo, we combine structured lessons with cultural experience and small groups,
online and in Greece.

AthensClick here for info about Online Greek lessons

Click here for our 1-and 2-week Intensive Group courses in Greece (all levels)
(Greek Language and Culture Holidays –
you can choose a course in different locations; Athens, Nafplion, Syros or Lefkada)

How to continue,
when you are already beyond Absolute Beginner Level?

Beginner A1–A2 levels 

If you already:

  • Know the Greek alphabet

  • Use present tense verbs

  • Can introduce yourself and read simple texts

but still feel unsure or slow when speaking … this is completely normal.

At the advanced beginner level, you need more structured practice.

This means:

  • Strengthening verb patterns

  • Expanding everyday vocabulary

  • Building longer sentences

  • Listening to slightly more complex dialogues

  • Gently preparing for past tenses

That’s why we offer dedicated materials for this level,
including structured practice eBooks, short story collections, vocabulary modules, and guided online lessons.

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eBooks for Advanced Beginner Levels

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Greek verbs for beginnersLearn How To Conjugate Greek Verbs of Group B1 and B2 , With Grammar Intro & Videos

→ Learn how to conjugate verbs of those 2 categories, with grammar explanations and useful sentences, + exercises and answer key
–>  https://masaresi.com/product/learn-how-to-conjugate-greek-verbs-b-category/

Boost your Greek - Practice bookBoost Your Greek – Practice Books for A1–A2 Level

–>This beginner-friendly eBooks helps you improve reading, vocabulary, grammar, and listening skills
through 20 practical exercises per eBook and engaging text.
Includes audio, video with Greek and English text (so you can read along) and answer key.
Ideal for self-study or as extra support for your Greek course.–> https://masaresi.com/product-category/ebooksgreek/boost-your-greek/

Lydia Easy readerThe Lydia (1) Easy Reader ; “A Summer In Greece”

You can purchase the eBook or Hard Copy, as well as extra companion eBooks; verb book, workbook and vocab books
–> https://masaresi.com/product/lydia-easy-reader-audio/

lydia easy reader package
Even better, the Complete Lydia Package
The Lydia (1) Easy Reader ; WORKBOOK AND VERB-BOOK
–>https://masaresi.com/product/special-offer-lydia-ebook-package/

 

greek lessons

Greek online lessons with Zoom

 

Online lessons with an Omilo teacher

Omilo’s online Greek lessons offer structured progression, and personal guidance from experienced teachers.
They are designed to help you build real confidence , step by step, in a supportive and interactive environment.
–> https://omilo.com/course/greek-skype-lessons/

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Publications and online materials to learn Greek

Improving your Greek with publications and online materials, 
any time, any place

Which Greek Publication or eBook is right for you?

At Omilo, we know that every Greek learner is unique ;  some love grammar, others prefer listening, and many just want to speak and be understood while enjoying Greek culture.

That’s why we’ve created a wide range of eBooks, designed to help you improve your Greek at your own pace and level.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, an intermediate speaker, or getting close to fluency, we love to help you out.

But we also know it can be confusing to choose the right material , especially since some topics (like proverbs or songs) are enjoyable for everyone, no matter the level!

So to help you out, here’s an overview of our eBooks, organized by language level and learning focus.

Take a look below and find your next favorite Greek resource!

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Where can you purchase those materials?

At Omilo, our main focus is organizing high-quality Greek language courses in Greece ;
fun 1- or 2-week programs,  with small groups, cultural activities, and personal attention.
Since we dedicate most of our time to teaching and supporting our students, or creating materials when we have no groups running,
we chose not to run a web shop ourselves.

Instead, all our eBooks are available through our trusted partner masaresi.com ;
an independent online shop specialized in Greek learning materials and cultural products.

On masaresi.com, you can easily:

  • Browse all the Omilo eBooks

  • Pay securely with debit or credit card

  • Download your materials instantly

This allows us to focus on what we do best —> teaching Greek !
And in the meantime,  you still get fast and reliable access to the resources you need.

Visit masaresi.com to view all Omilo eBooks »


Ready?
Then scroll down and find the Best Materials for your level!

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Beginner (A1–A2)

If you’re just starting to learn Greek,  or you know a few basic words and phrases but still feel unsure in conversations,
then you’re likely at the Beginner level (A1–A2).

At this stage, the focus is on:

  • Building simple vocabulary, daily Greek language

  • Learning everyday expressions or wishes, which you can use every day.

  • Understanding basic grammar, and how to conjugate verbs

  • Practicing pronunciation and reading

It’s the perfect time to develop a strong foundation, and the eBooks below are designed to help you do exactly that.

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eBooks for Beginner Levels

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Intermediate (B1–B2)

 

At the Intermediate level, you’re no longer a beginner . μπράβο!!

You can already handle basic conversations, read short texts, and understand the general idea of spoken Greek.

Now it’s time to:

  • Expand your vocabulary

  • Use more complex grammar (like verb tenses and cases)

  • Improve your listening and speaking confidence

  • Understand and join real-life conversations

The eBooks in this section will help you break through the “intermediate plateau” and move closer to fluency.

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eBooks for Intermediate levels

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  • Mastering Greek Prepositions

     

    → When it comes to forming sentences and thoughts in the Greek language, using the correct preposition is necessary.  In this e-book, we will analyze some very important prepositions, their meaning, and their syntax. At the same time you will find examples of several sentences (translations in English included), exercises, and answer key.
    https://masaresi.com/product/greek-prepositions/

  • The Lydia (2) Easy Reader; “A new life in Greece

     

  • → Easy reader in Greek,  intended for A2 – early stages of B1 Greek learners, and accompanied by the MP3 AUDIO-Book
    Hard copy; https://masaresi.com/product/lydia-2-hardcopy/
    eBook; https://masaresi.com/product/lydia-2-ebook/

 

  • «Φύγαμε για ελληνικά!»

  • → Improve your Greek reading/listening skills and enrich your vocabulary while learning about Greek culture and everyday life in modern Greece! The book is also accompanied by MP3 down-loadable audio files. Intended for Intermediate Greek learners (B1-B2 levels).
    available in Hard Copy or eBook format
    Hard copy; https://masaresi.com/product/fygame-yia-ellinka-printed/
    eBook; https://masaresi.com/product/fygame-yia-ellinika/

     

  • The Easy Greek Stories ( PODCAST /YouTube & NOTEBOOKS)

  • Listen to the Omilo “Easy Greek Stories Podcast” for Intermediate Learners in Greek, and improve your Greek with the accompanying digital and printable notebooks, including Greek transcript, English translation, vocab list, grammar exercises,  video link + Greek subtitles, and useful info about Greece related to the story.
    As of February 2026, 38 stories are written, and we continue..
    For all links and info, go to https://omilo.com/podcasts/greek-stories/
    You can also download a free sample at : https://omilo.com/for-free/easy-greek-stories-podcast-notebook/

     

  • Learn how to conjugate Greek passive verbs of C1 and C2 groups

     

  • →  This eBook is also useful for advanced levels, but when you are at Intermediate 2 level, you will start encounter those verbs.
    Learn more about the passive verbs, the syntax phenomena, with videos, exercises, answer key, etc..
    https://masaresi.com/product/conjugate-greek-passive-verbs/

 


Advanced (C1–C2)

 

If you’re at the Advanced level, you’re probably already using Greek regularly.
Maybe you are  living in Greece, working, or visiting Greek very often, or  just for the love of the language.

At this stage, your goals often include:

  • Understanding native-level content (news, stories, idioms)

  • Expressing opinions clearly and naturally

  • Refining your grammar and pronunciation

  • Sounding more like a native speaker

Our advanced eBooks are designed to challenge you, help you grow, and enjoy the richness of modern Greek language and culture.

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eBooks for Advanced Levels

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  • Greek Compound Verbs and Prepositions, for Advanced Levels

  • → deepen your understanding of Greek prepositions and the compound verbs you can form with them.
    Starting with the meaning of key Greek prepositions, it lays the groundwork for mastering more complex verb structures.
    Complete with exercises, an answer key, and English translations, this eBook is the perfect tool to refine your grammar and boost your vocabulary.
    https://masaresi.com/product/compound-verbs-and-prepositions/

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What do learners say about the Omilo eBooks?

Over the years, many students from around the world have used our eBooks to support their Greek learning journey.
Some students have attended a course in Greece, others used the materials with teachers abroad, and others use it to study by themselves from home.

Here’s what some of them have shared:

Hello Omilo-team

I would like to share how much I love your materials! Really and truly, I learn so much from them.
Sometimes I’m too quick to read them once and move on, when I should stick with one story longer, practicing it longer.
I have just about everything from your site. I really enjoyed the easy short story #12, about Φάνης και Ντίλαν. It made me laugh.

Thank you for all the work you all do to help us learn the beloved Greek language!

Regards, Lisa Efthymiou, USA

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Since a few years my study-buddy and I practice Greek together via Skype. Now that we have reached a certain level in grammar, reading, writing and speaking, we find it important to make listening a spearhead. Because listening and understanding what is being said is the most difficult thing in a foreign language. But we want to practice in a fun way. Omilo’s Podcasts offer us that opportunity. They are fun stories, to listen to at different speeds. The stories are spoken by professional native speaker in a very nice way, so nice to listen to, and the exercises in the Notebook give us the depth we need. In addition, we also have a lot of fun with Figame sta ellinika. Fun listening exercises and varied challenging assignments. This keeps us motivated to keep improving our Greek. Thank you, Omilo!

ilse I, The Netherlands

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podcast testimonial

fygame book reference gonda van steen

 

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International Greek Language Day | Omilo

Every year on February 9th, people around the world celebrate International Greek Language Day (Παγκόσμια Ημέρα Ελληνικής Γλώσσας).
This day honours the Greek language and its important role in literature, science, philosophy, and world culture. Greek, known as “Ελληνικά”  in Greek, is one of the world’s oldest recorded living languages, with a history spanning over 3,400 years. It has influenced many other languages, including English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE IN GREEK, AND LISTEN TO THE GREEK AUDIO FILE

 

Read more

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Let’s watch a Greek Movie – Christmas Tango

Let’s watch a  Greek Movie; Christmas Tango! It looks like the ideal movie to watch around Christmas!   Here we’re presenting you a Greek drama film, Christmas Tango (in Greek: Το Τανγκό των Χριστουγέννων), which was directed by Nikos Koutelidakis and based on a novel by Yannis Xanthoulis. It is a story about love, loss and vulnerability.

Click here to read the article in Greek

Read more

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A Contemporary Greek Movie: Worlds Apart

If you are looking for a contemporary Greek movie, then Worlds Apart is a movie we can recommend.
Watching films in Greek is a fun way to spend an evening at home and improve your Greek listening skills at the same time.
At Omilo, we often organise film nights during the 1- and 2-week Greek language and culture courses – because learning does not have to stop in the classroom!

Watching a movie under the stars, while sipping a glass of wine, definitely feels like holidaying in Greece!

Click here to read the article in Greek

Read more

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Learning Greek songs and singing along :-)

Learning Greek songs is always a popular activity during the 1- and 2 week  Omilo  courses.
There is a reason why we named our Greek Programs “Omilo Greek Language and Culture“, back in 1996!
There is no language without culture, and at Omilo the culture is as important as the language!
One of the activities usually incorporated in our intensive 1- and 2-week programs are “Learning Greek songs”.
Many students learning Greek, started their Greek Language Journey by listening to Greek music.
Greek music is very diverse, and there are many different styles. Impossible to get bored with Greek music!

Read more

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Ano Syros – A Journey through History and Culture

Visiting Ano Syros is like a journey through History and Culture.

When you visit the island of Syros, do not miss the opportunity to go for a beautiful walk, and witness some traditional Cycladic architecture.  Just a ten-minute taxi or bus ride to Ano Syros, from the capital and the port of the island, Hermoupolis.

Get ready to get lost in its little cobblestone alleys with the whitewashed walls, the colourful window shutters, numerous little churches and the blooming bougainvilleas! It is the perfect location for a walk with beautiful views to the Aegean Sea.

Read more

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The Omilo song! Performed and created by Omilo students :-)

The Omilo song is there! After 27 years of organizing Omilo Greek Language and Culture courses, we are very happy to finally have a song!
And even more amazing that it is created and performed, by Omilo-students 🙂

We thank Stephanie (Canada) and Ellen (USA), for their  cooperation  during the Syros September course in 2023, and their  little concert .
Both students met for the first time during a Syros course, and joined forces.
Ευχαριστούμε πολύ.
We are definitely going to sing it together again 🙂

Under the video, you will find the lyrics, so you can sing along 🙂

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Learning Greek on Naxos Island | Omilo

Note: The Naxos course will take a little break in 2026 and it won’t take place that year.
We’re not yet sure about 2027, so stay tuned!
For the latest updates on all current courses and locations, please visit the page below.
The information here remains useful for your reference or for future Omilo courses.
https://omilo.com/greek-language-courses/year-overview/

Do you want to join us and learn Greek on Naxos island?
Learning to speak Greek is usually more fun and easier when you are in Greece, and that is also the reason why the Omilo school started organizing Greek Language and Culture courses  in Greece. Since 1997 we have welcomed participants in various locations, such as Athens, Nea Makri, Limni (Evia), Hydra, Andros, Syros, Nafplion, Lefkada….
Because many students return every year and like to go to different areas in Greece, in 2023 we decided to add one more location to our programme….the island of Naxos.

Read more

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Easy Reader in Greek + Audiobook – “Lydia: A summer in Greece!”

In May 2019 the Greek Easy Reader was published at Omilo, and since then proved to have made Greek language learners very happy!
The  ‘Λυδία: Ένα καλοκαίρι στην Ελλάδα!’ (Lydia: A summer in Greece!) is written for students at the Beginner levels in Greek.

Click here to read this article in Greek

 Read more

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