Slovenian vs Serbian: The Key Differences Every Learner Should Know

Slovenian and Serbian are both Slavic languages, but they’re more like distant cousins than siblings. While they share some vocabulary and grammatical structures, the differences can trip up learners. Here’s what you need to know.

Alphabet and Writing Systems

The most obvious difference is the alphabet. Slovenian uses the Latin script, just like English. Serbian, on the other hand, uses both Cyrillic and Latin scripts, though Cyrillic is the official script in Serbia. If you’re learning Serbian, you’ll need to master both.

Grammar: Cases and Verb Conjugation

Both languages have complex grammar, but Slovenian takes it up a notch. Slovenian retains six grammatical cases (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative, locative, and instrumental), while Serbian has seven (adding the vocative).

Verb conjugation is another area where they differ. Serbian verbs have a simpler aspect system (perfective vs. imperfective), whereas Slovenian has more nuanced forms, including a rare dual number for verbs.

Pronunciation and Accent

Slovenian pronunciation is relatively straightforward, with consistent stress patterns. Serbian, however, has pitch accent - meaning the tone of a syllable can change the meaning of a word. This is rare in European languages and can be tricky for learners.

Vocabulary Overlap and False Friends

There’s some shared vocabulary due to their Slavic roots, but false friends lurk everywhere. For example, the Slovenian word hvala means 'thanks', while in Serbian, hvala means 'praise'.

Which One Should You Learn?

If you’re drawn to the Balkans, Serbian might be more practical - it’s mutually intelligible with Croatian and Bosnian, giving you access to a wider region. Slovenian, meanwhile, is spoken by just over 2 million people but offers a unique linguistic challenge.

For more on Slavic languages, check out our guide on the unique features of Bulgarian.