If you want to visit Jerusalem or any other region of Israel, you should learn Hebrew. Learning Hebrew provides several advantages, including the ability to comprehend Jewish rituals, Israeli history, and Israeli culture, as well as communicate effectively when in Israel.
You may already have favorite tools and platforms that have helped you learn other languages, but sticking to the same old roads may not always be the best option.
While listening to the radio can help you learn Hebrew, there are other ways to master it faster. There are a number of free and paid Hebrew courses available.
Table of contents
Why Learn Hebrew?
Hebrew is an old and modern language. It is the premier example of a classical language restored as the living language of a world society and the idiom of their daily lives, with an unbroken literary heritage spanning more than 3,000 years. Learning Hebrew has a lot of promise for linking you to Israel’s culture and life, but that’s not all.
The revival, modernization, and secularization of Hebrew, as well as its metamorphosis into a spoken cultural medium, provide unique possibilities for you to learn about the evolution and purposes of a language, as well as its role in forming and sustaining communities around the world.
The Hebrew language is one of Israel’s two official languages. Over five million people speak it as their first language, and over nine million people speak it worldwide. Prior to its rebirth, Hebrew functioned as a bridge between communities all over the world, demonstrating the power of language to bring people together over time and distance.
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How Hard is it to Learn Hebrew?
If all you want to do is recite a few words with your friends or family, you can probably say it’ll be rather simple to learn. When compared to someone who wishes to live in Israel and work for an Israeli company, language acquisition may be more difficult.
“What languages do I know or am familiar with?” is the next question you should ask yourself. When opposed to monolinguals, bilinguals have an easier time learning a new language. As a result, if you’ve had any previous exposure to another language, it’ll probably come more naturally to you. However, even if this is your first language, you may still obtain a high level of competency if you put in the time and effort.
What Is The Best Way To Learn Hebrew?
Hebrew is an ancient and beautiful language, and we’re here to provide you with some pointers on how to get started learning it.
1. Start speaking before reading
The Hebrew aleph-bet is quite easy to learn; after all, there are only twenty-two letters. However, we suggest that you first learn basic Hebrew words.
You will acquire new words and gain a better understanding of Hebrew grammar by conversing with native Hebrew speakers, which will be lost if you solely learn new terms by reading.
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2. Reading Hebrew – Start Small
Do you hold a special place in your heart for the printed word? Is it possible that your primary goal is to read Hebrew? That’s fine, but read a news piece or a short story before reading the Bible or David Grossman’s latest book. Because the texts are short, most people who are just learning Hebrew start with children’s books.
Adults, on the other hand, may find it frustrating, so we propose reading publications in simple Hebrew. Ivrit Magazine, published by the Jerusalem Post, maybe just be what you’re looking for. It’s a Hebrew magazine with stories written in three levels of Hebrew: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The articles provide short dictionaries for new words as well as vowel signals (nikud).
3. Watching movies and listening to music can both be educational
Listening to Hebrew songs and viewing Hebrew-language movies and TV episodes are two of the most enjoyable ways to learn a new language. By doing something you enjoy, you will acquire new words and phrases while also practicing your listening comprehension skills.
You can listen to Israeli radio stations online or locate a lot of Hebrew songs on YouTube. If you have Netflix, you’re surely aware that the service includes Israeli TV series and films. Begin by watching shows with English subtitles, then move on to shows with Hebrew subtitles once you’ve gained confidence in your Hebrew reading abilities. You’ll be binge-watching for the sake of education.
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4. Read Something Familiar (in Hebrew)
You’ve just decided to read a novel, book, or magazine in Hebrew to test whether you can understand it without using nikud, dictionaries, or other aids. That’s fantastic; however, we recommend that you start with something you’re acquainted with, such as that Harry Potter book you’ve read ten times or the sports section of the newspaper because you’ll know exactly what you’ll be reading about. Reading something familiar is much easier than reading something unfamiliar, and it’s also a terrific method to practice Hebrew.
5. Use Online Material
You can study Hebrew with the help of online Hebrew courses, free worksheets, blogs, magazines, and other resources.
6. Be Consistent
It takes time and effort to learn a new language. Taking the time and dedicating a few hours each week to enhance your Hebrew is the most effective strategy to achieve your objective of learning Hebrew. Learning Hebrew can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable. Talking on the phone, watching TV, going to cultural events, listening to music, and reading periodicals are all good ways to learn Hebrew. The most important thing is to persevere until you have mastered Hebrew.
Which Tools Can I Use To Learn Hebrew?
1. Pimsleur
Monthly costs range from $14.95 to $500. To get started, you get a free week trial period. Pimsleur’s online Hebrew courses are designed to teach you how to speak in Hebrew. Grammar, reading, and writing aren’t given much attention.
The lessons are audio-based, 30 minutes long, well-structured, and include native speaker listening. Lessons are well-structured, making learning easy.
Pros
- The use of audio-based training is an excellent technique to learn Hebrew words.
- With a focus on speaking, you can improve your vocabulary and pronunciation more quickly.
- Learning from natives aids in the development of conversational abilities.
Cons
- Lessons can be tedious.
- Writing and reading materials are limited.
- There isn’t much visual content to watch.
2. Italki
Italki allows you to study Hebrew at your own speed and in your preferred learning method. The hourly rate begins at $4. They provide free trials so that you can select fluent or native instructors based on your budget.
Italki is a cost-effective and user-friendly platform. You can choose your Hebrew tutor based on your goals, whether you want to improve your Hebrew vocabulary, study commonly used nouns and verbs, new phrases, or write.
Pros
- Affordably priced and flexible learning options
- A free community to assist you in learning Hebrew.
Cons
- The quality of a teacher can vary.
- There isn’t a feature for instant lessons.
3. HebrewPod101
Prices range from $8 per month to $47 per month.
The program includes a large library of podcasts as well as video sessions taught by a native speaker. All of the accompanying films, transcripts, and lesson notes are entirely downloaded, allowing you to practice on any device.
Grammar, such as verb conjunctions and prepositions, are emphasized in the classes, as well as listening and comprehension.
Pros
- a Hebrew language talent that you have mastered
- Downloadable study resources to aid with the memorization of Hebrew words
- It focuses on Jewish heritage and makes intriguing themes.
Cons
- Rather than immersing the learner in the Hebrew language, videos rely on English.
- A little feedback to see whether you’re making progress
- Not well-organized
4. Hebrew Podcast
Have you been invited to a dinner party in Israel and have no idea what to say? To get started, a Hebrew podcast will offer you audio content. Podcasts are approximately 15 minutes long. Depending on your skill level, you can choose what to listen to.
Learners can study Hebrew online in a dynamic and exciting way with Hebrew Podcast’s video translations, flashcards, quizzes, and games. The explanations are all written in English.
Pros
- There are a lot of resources to help you improve your reading and writing skills.
- Ten lessons are included in the trial class.
Cons
- The Hebrew teachings are similar, making them appear to be monotonous.
5. Memrise
Memrise is a smartphone app and website for language learning that focuses on real-world settings. Each session includes video clips of native speakers having ordinary conversations as well as a large number of audio recordings, allowing users to see and hear the language they are learning at all times.
It comes in both free and premium editions.
Pros
- You can select vocabulary based on your need.
- It’s a terrific idea to leverage user-generated content.
Cons
- There isn’t much cultural background for Hebrew in training.
- It’s not the best way to learn grammar or language structure.
6. Duolingo
Duolingo is a free language learning program that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. It allows you to learn Hebrew on the go. The Hebrew lessons last 5 minutes. They also have a feature called “Word of the Day.”
Beginners should use Duolingo since it makes writing Hebrew words easier. The audio content aids in the development of your spoken language.
Pros
- It combines various components of learning Hebrew
- Hebrew can be learned at any level.
- Lessons in small chunks
- Learning becomes more fun with gamification.
Cons
- Audio resources are limited.
- The Hebrew alphabet should not be memorized through application.
7. Mango Languages
You can access over 60 languages for $7.99 per month.
Mango is a language learning app that is available for both mobile and desktop. Before breaking down vocabulary, pronunciation, and Israeli culture into little, manageable bits, the program gives you a list of goals and subjects to cover in each class.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- It’s available for free at libraries and institutions.
- It has a fun format.
Cons
- There is very little video footage that is dull when it comes to producing instructions.
8. FSI
FSI is a completely free educational portal.
FSI has a wealth of audio and PDF files to assist you in mastering Hebrew. The materials’ quality is unquestionable, despite the fact that they are rarely changed.
Pros
- Downloadable content can be accessed from any location.
- Any digital gadget can access it.
- Podcasts or textbooks can be used to learn.
Cons
- Learning resources that haven’t been updated
- There are no genuine conversation chances.
9. Udemy
Udemy is a platform for online learning. Courses can be taken for free or for a fee.
There is a range of Hebrew language courses to choose from. Basic to advanced courses are available, with varying lengths of study.
The majority of the course content is delivered via video lessons. Downloadable resources are available for offline access and practice.
Pros
- Courses are available for a lifetime.
- A wide selection of subjects are available to aid in the development of Hebrew vocabulary.
- Money-back guarantees are available.
Cons
- The quality of training and the manner in which it is delivered differs from one course to the next.
- Some courses are quite costly.
10. Learn Hebrew Easily
It’s completely free to learn Hebrew with Easy Learn Hebrew.
If you have no prior knowledge of Hebrew, this course is for you. The Hebrew aleph-bet, vowels, and consonants are all covered in-depth on the website.
Even if you have no prior knowledge of Hebrew, you can join this course. This path, however, will not go you very far. It is only appropriate for beginners.
Pros
- The basics of alphabets and pronunciation are covered first.
- It’s perfect for a novice.
Cons
- Content is outdated
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11. Rosen Hebrew School
It costs roughly $1200 to study Hebrew. Tutors are natural Hebrew speakers, according to their website. Virtual classrooms are used to teach Hebrew to students.
Pros
- Video education is combined with traditional textbook instruction.
- Beginner to advanced Hebrew speakers can enroll in a leveled course.
Cons
- Expensive and rigid
12. Glossika
With a two-week free trial, the price starts at $39 a month or $299.88 per year.
Glossika has a large number of Hebrew audio lessons that cover everything from hearing to speaking to comprehension to vocabulary. The course is divided into three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Pros
- There are a lot of audio files to assist you improve your spoken Hebrew.
- All languages have the same pricing.
- Lessons are well-structured and simple to comprehend.
Cons
- When compared to similar platforms, it is pricey.
- There are no grammar explanations.
13. Classical Hebrew YouTube Playlist
The Classical Hebrew YouTube channel is the greatest place to start if you want to learn biblical Hebrew. The lessons are designed to help you understand the Hebrew translation of the Bible.
The lecturer places a strong emphasis on oral training. This YouTube channel, on the other hand, is not the ideal place to learn Hebrew writing.
Pros
- The lecturer draws on his previous experience when conducting lectures.
- The lessons are organized in a chronological order, making it straightforward to learn Hebrew.
Cons
- There are no updates to the content.
Visit Classical Hebrew YouTube Playlist
14. Rosetta Stone
The world’s most popular language-learning software is Rosetta Stone. For only $169, you can get started. Subscription plans are available if you want to learn for a shorter length of time. The basic technique of instruction is picture matching.
Pros
- All levels are immediately accessible.
- Any digital gadget can access it.
Cons
- Pay is based on language, thus it’s pricey.
- Beginners will find it challenging because no English is utilized.
- There is a scarcity of information about Israel’s society.
15. Mondly
Mondly offers a free version as well as a premium version that costs $9.99 a month.
Mondly is built around a daily lesson that includes games and translations into Hebrew, as well as a chatbot and unique augmented reality capabilities. Audio and a chatbot are used to provide instruction. This combination puts you on the edge of your seat.
Pros
- You’ll be entertained by the innovative features.
- Quizzes to help you evaluate what you’ve learnt
- It’s possible to access it via the web or an app.
Cons
- Grammar isn’t given much weight.
- Only one language is covered by the monthly cost.
- There is no way to slow down the audio.
16. Transparent Language
Transparent Language integrates the two techniques to language acquisition that is required. It’s an engaging self-study program that teaches vocabulary and natural language in a realistic setting. A fascinating feature is the recording function, which allows you to intrude into conversations.
Pros
- It’s a good idea to use the recording option to practice speaking Hebrew.
Cons
- Doesn’t teach the Hebrew language’s cultural context.
- It’s pricey.
- The lessons are dull since they are repetitious.
17. Lingualift
Are you interested in learning a new language? Lingualift is a great location to start learning a new language. Monthly fees begin at $29 per month.
Lingualift focuses on using culture to teach the Hebrew language. This will assist you in comprehending Jewish history and customs.
The information is well-structured, with levels ranging from beginner to advanced. It can be accessed via a mobile app.
Pros
- For the price of one, you can learn three languages.
- The curriculum is well-organized.
- Through the app, you may communicate with a tutor.
Cons
- Reading is the primary focus, which is a difficult approach to learn Hebrew.
- Instead than immersing the learner in the language, it relies on English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can learn Hebrew for free with apps.
Because of the numerous vowels, Hebrew is not an easy language to master. However, with constant practice, mastering Hebrews will be simple.
Yes, absolutely. Hebrew is worthwhile to study because it is spoken by tens of thousands to millions of people.
Conclusion
Learning Hebrew might be challenging at first, especially when learning the essentials like reading words from left to right. On the other hand, our top picks for Hebrew online learning resources can help you build the skills you’ll need to master the language without wasting time on materials that won’t help.
References
- Learn Hebrew: 23 Best Hebrew Courses
- Best Courses, Apps + Resources For Learning Hebrew
- LEAD WITH HEBREW
- What is the best way to learn Hebrew?
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