Slovenia (SI)
Slovenia is a small, prosperous Central European republic nestled at the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean, and the Pannonian Plain — the first former Yugoslav country to join both the EU (2004) and the Eurozone (2007).
Learning the Language in Slovenia
Courses, certifications, funding, and online resources to reach fluency.
Slovenian (slovenščina) is the official language of Slovenia and is spoken by approximately 2.5 million people worldwide — making it one of the smallest major Slavic languages by speaker count. It is a South Slavic language, closely related to Croatian and Serbian but with significant differences. Slovenian is renowned for its difficulty: it retains the dual grammatical number (dualis — a form for exactly two things, rare in modern European languages), has six grammatical cases, complex verbal aspect system, and significant regional dialectal variation. Despite this, learning Slovenian is transformative for integration — Slovenians are deeply touched when foreigners make the effort, and even A1/A2 competence opens doors significantly. The B2 level is required for Slovenian citizenship.
Integration Course for Migrants
Non-EU immigrants with a temporary or permanent residence permit issued by Slovenia. Some categories of EU citizens in special integration programmes may also be eligible.
Free for eligible participants (state-funded through ZRSZ integration programmes)
120–300 contact hours (A1 to B1 typically)
A1 or B1 Slovenian language certificate from an accredited institution. Basic functional competence in everyday Slovenian: shopping, healthcare, workplace communication.
Contact your local ZRSZ regional office (ess.gov.si). They will assess eligibility and direct you to an accredited language provider. In Ljubljana: contact the Ljubljana ZRSZ office and they will recommend the nearest integration programme provider.
State-Supported Slovenian Language Courses
The Slovenian government funds free or heavily subsidised Slovenian language courses for legal residents through various channels: ZRSZ integration programmes for non-EU immigrants, publicly-funded adult education programmes (Javni razpis za sofinanciranje izobraževanja odraslih) through approved adult education centres (Andragoški centri), and university-level courses for international students.
Varies by programme: non-EU immigrants on valid permits for integration courses; EU citizens in some programmes; students enrolled at Slovenian universities.
Free for eligible integration programme participants. Subsidised (50–80% discount) for other participants in publicly-funded adult education.
Contact ZRSZ for integration programmes. For adult education courses: contact your local Andragoški center or the Centre for Slovene as Second and Foreign Language (cmepius.si).
Language Levels — What Each Means
Can introduce yourself, greet people, and handle basic transactions (buying tickets, ordering food). Understands simple written notices.
Required for: Non-EU long-term resident permit application (stalno prebivanje). Recommended before starting work.
Can communicate in simple everyday situations — workplace basics, healthcare visits, banking, and navigating public services with help.
Required for: Some integration programmes completion. Comfortable daily life.
Can handle most everyday situations independently — discussing health with a doctor, workplace conversations, understanding official letters, and following news.
Required for: Completion of most free integration courses. Some employment requirements.
Can communicate fluently and effectively in most professional and social situations. Understand nuanced written and spoken Slovenian. Can give presentations and handle complex official interactions without assistance.
Required for: MANDATORY for Slovenian citizenship (naturalisation). Required for some regulated professions. Highly recommended for all long-term residents.
Near-native fluency for professional purposes. Suitable for demanding academic, legal, or journalistic contexts.
Required for: Some professional roles in regulated sectors requiring native-level communication (e.g., judiciary, diplomacy, senior public service).
Near-native Slovenian proficiency in all four skills.
Required for: Translation, interpretation, academic publishing and the highest-level professional roles in Slovenian.
Courses & Community Learning
Center za slovenščino kot drugi in tuji jezik (Centre for Slovene)
€200–800 per module depending on level and durationUniversity of Ljubljana centre that runs the official Slovenian language and culture programmes for foreigners. The gold standard for Slovenian language learning — teaches the examined levels required for citizenship and residence.
centerslo.si ↗Berlitz Ljubljana
€50–80/hour private; group courses €400–900 per moduleInternational language school with Slovenian programmes. More expensive but flexible scheduling and internationally recognised methodology.
www.berlitz.si ↗Private tutors (zasebni učitelji slovenščine)
€20–40/hour for private tutoringMany Slovenian students and teachers offer private Slovenian language tuition. Find via university noticeboards, expat Facebook groups, Superprof, or italki.
Tandem Ljubljana (language exchange)
FreeFree language exchange programme pairing Slovenian speakers wanting to learn foreign languages with foreigners wanting to learn Slovenian. Informal, social, and effective for conversational practice.
Andragoški center Slovenije
€50–200 per course (heavily subsidised)National adult education centre with subsidised Slovenian language programmes across Slovenia. Multiple locations. Good value for employed adults.
www.acs.si ↗Official Certifications
| Certificate | Provider | Levels | When Needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slovenian Language Examination (Izpit iz slovenščine) | Center za slovenščino kot drugi in tuji jezik, Univerza v Ljubljani | A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 (all CEFR levels) | B2 required for citizenship (naturalisation). A1 required for non-EU permanent residence permit. A2/B1 for some employment and integration milestones. | €80–150 per examination attempt (varies by level) |
| Slovenian Language Proficiency Test (SSSI) | Ministrstvo za notranje zadeve (Ministry of Interior) | A1, A2, B1, B2 | A1 required for non-EU long-term resident status. B2 required for citizenship. | €50–100 per attempt |
Online Resources
Slovenian on Duolingo
FreeSlovenian is available on Duolingo. Limited depth but excellent for building vocabulary habit. Best used as a supplement to structured learning.
www.duolingo.com ↗Learn Slovenian Online (Janes)
FreeFree self-study portal from the Centre for Slovene — comprehensive grammar and vocabulary exercises at all levels. Created by the official Slovenian language centre.
ucimose.centerslo.si ↗iTalki (Slovenian tutors)
PaidOnline platform connecting you with professional Slovenian tutors and community tutors for one-on-one video sessions. Good English-speaking tutors available.
www.italki.com ↗Memrise (Slovenian)
FreeCommunity vocabulary decks for Slovenian — useful for memorising words and phrases alongside structured learning.
www.memrise.com ↗RTV Slovenija (national broadcaster)
FreeWatch/listen to Slovenian radio and television — an excellent immersion tool for intermediate learners. News programmes at standard rate; some cultural programmes at slower speech.
www.rtvslo.si ↗Val 202 (Slovenian youth radio)
FreeRTV Slovenia's youth and music channel — spoken Slovenian at natural pace with modern vocabulary. Excellent for tuning your ear.
www.rtvslo.si/val202 ↗Funding Your Language Courses
Free integration courses through ZRSZ for eligible non-EU immigrants. Subsidised adult education courses through Andragoški centri (50–80% subsidised). EU funding through Erasmus+ programmes for formal language learning. Some employers offer Slovenian language training as part of employee benefits — ask your HR. ZRSZ can fund language courses as part of active employment measures (aktivne politike zaposlovanja) for registered unemployed persons including foreigners.
Practical Tips
-
Start Slovenian immediately upon arrival — the citizenship requirement is B2 after 10 years, and Slovenian is genuinely difficult for non-Slavic speakers. Starting early removes time pressure.
-
The dual number (dualis) is unique and initially confusing — don't let it discourage you. Most Slovenians will understand you even if you use plural instead of dual.
-
Regional dialects (narečja) are very pronounced in Slovenia — Ljubljana Slovenian (knjižni jezik — standard language) is most widely understood and what you should target for learning.
-
Slovenians are genuinely delighted and encouraging when foreigners attempt their language — even basic phrases open doors significantly.
-
Watching Slovenian television with subtitles is an excellent complement to formal study — RTV Slovenija has a good online archive.
-
Slavic language knowledge (Russian, Polish, Czech, Croatian, Serbian) provides a significant head start — many vocabulary items are similar. Croat and Serb speakers have a natural advantage.
-
B2 is achievable in 2–3 years of dedicated study for most adults — factor this into your citizenship planning timeline.
Language Learning
Unlock the complete Language Learning guide for Slovenia — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere