Why a few words go a very long way
Novi Sad is a city genuinely worth a visit - the Danube, the fortress, the cafe-lined streets, and, if you time it right, the Exit festival. Knowing even a little of the transport and places vocabulary makes every corner friendlier. From the railway station to Petrovaradin Fortress, here are the words that will get you around - and help you feel at home the moment you arrive.
Transport and getting around
Serbian public transport vocabulary is straightforward, and many of the words will look familiar. Learn the ones you need for your trip, and the rest will come in time.
| Serbian | English |
|---|---|
| autobus | bus / coach |
| voz | train |
| trolejbus | trolley-bus |
| tramvaj | tram |
| bicikl | bicycle |
| avion | plane |
| autobuska stanica | bus station |
| polazak / polasci | departure / departures |
| dolazak / dolasci | arrival / arrivals |
| zeleznicka stanica | railway station |
| aerodrom | airport |
| autobuska karta | bus ticket |
| vozna karta | railway ticket |
| ulaznica | entrance ticket / admission |
Places in the city
Whether you are looking for a museum, a cafe, or the nearest police station, these are the words that will help you ask and understand the answer.
| Serbian | English |
|---|---|
| ulica | street |
| glavna ulica | main street |
| most | bridge |
| park | park |
| reka | river |
| skola | school |
| hotel | hotel |
| crkva | church |
| katedrala | cathedral |
| muzej | museum |
| pozoriste | theatre |
| restoran | restaurant |
| pab | pub |
| kafe | cafe |
| bolnica | hospital |
| centar grada | city centre |
| zooloski vrt | zoo |
| pijaca | market |
| soping centar | shopping centre |
| kamp | campsite |
| tvrdjava | fortress |
| Petrovaradinska tvrdjava | Petrovaradin Fortress |
| policajac | policeman |
| policijska stanica | police station |
| konzulat | consulate |
| ambasada | embassy |
The phrases you will actually use
Vocabulary is only half the story - you also need to be able to ask the question. These two structures will take you further than any phrasebook:
- HOW MUCH IS...? = Koliko kosta...?
- WHERE IS...? = Gde je...?
And when you get an answer, here are the direction words you are likely to hear:
- tamo - there
- skreni - turn (informal command)
- levo - left
- desno - right
- idi / idite - go (informal / formal)
- pravo - straight ahead
Pronunciation note: the stress and rhythm of these short words can sound quite different from the spelling. Listening to audio alongside reading is really helpful here - check the pronunciation video linked on this blog to hear these direction words spoken naturally.
One sentence to keep handy
If you learn only one full sentence before your trip, make it this one:
"Koliko kosta autobuska karta do centra?"
(How much is a bus ticket to the centre?)
It combines two of your most useful words - "koliko kosta" and "autobuska karta" - into one real, complete question. The local bus network in Novi Sad is a comfortable and affordable way to move around the city, and knowing how to ask for a ticket will make you feel immediately more independent.
Frequently asked questions
Do locals understand English in Novi Sad?
Many young people do, especially in the city centre, at hotels, and around festival venues. That said, making even a small effort in Serbian is always appreciated - locals warm up immediately when a visitor tries a few words. Think of your Serbian phrases as a social tool as much as a practical one.
Is EXIT the same word as "izlaz" in Serbian?
Yes - "izlaz" means exit, and "ulaz" means entrance. You will see these signs everywhere: on buses, in shopping centres, at the festival gates. The festival chose the English name, but the Serbian words are just as easy to learn: izlaz and ulaz, two short words that differ by one letter.
How do I get to Petrovaradin Fortress?
Start with your key question: "Gde je Petrovaradinska tvrdjava?" - that will get you pointed in the right direction straight away. The Fortress is across the river from the main city centre, so you will be crossing a "most" (bridge), and you can reach it by tram or on foot along the riverside. Once you know the words for bridge, tram, and fortress, the route almost explains itself.
Novi Sad is a city I find myself recommending to every learner who asks where to practice their Serbian in real life. The pace is relaxed, the people are welcoming, and even your first stumbling attempt at "Gde je..." will earn you a smile. I am Marina Petrovic, and I put together this phrase list from the questions my students asked before their own visits. I hope it makes yours a little smoother and a lot more fun.
More ready-to-use phrases: browse the Serbian Phrases category.