Looking for the best Greek textbooks?
Some people like learning with Greek courses. Others want language apps. And some people like learning with textbooks.
And Greek textbooks are a simple way to learn Greek. Why?
Books guide you from page 0, to page 1, to page 3… to page 100. From your first words to your first conversation. You learn tons of words and grammar rules along the way. So, in this guide, you get…
10+ Best Greek Textbooks for Beginners
1. Living Language Greek, Complete Edition
Living Language makes the list of “best Greek textbooks” because of everything you get. What do you get?
You get 3 course-books (beginner, intermediate and advanced), 9 CDs and online resources.
So, you get “quite enough” to get you up and speaking with Greek.
Living Language teaches you the must-know grammar and words in each chapter. Then, at the end of each chapter, they bring it all together so that you can use the rules, make your own sentences and master what you’ve learned.
Plus, the 9 CDs are there to help you hear Greek and guide you through all of the exercises in the book.
2. Get Your Greek On!: Basic Greek in Two Week
If you’re brand new to the Greek language, this quick 60-page book is a perfect gateway.
It introduces you to the alphabet. Then moves you onto words. Then onto basic grammar and phrases. Easy to finish. Of course, this won’t be your first and last Greek book given its size, but it’ll do the job for any beginner.
3. Learn to Read Greek in 5 Days
Ambitious title isn’t it? But, does it fulfill its promise? Well…
It does. This 50-page book teaches you one letter at a time, across 9 quick units. You get plenty of pronunciation guides along with romanizations to make it easy to “sound” the letters out.
And plenty of exercises to drill them all into your head. On top of it all, it teaches you 150+ words. So, a good little Greek book to start with.
4. Read and Speak Greek for Beginners with Audio CD, 2nd Edition
Definitely one of the best Greek textbooks here.
The book covers all the basics: the alphabet, counting, greetings, basic conversations, ordering food, and much more.
If you want to use the CD alone, don’t. You need to be using the book first, otherwise you’ll be lost. The CD is there to help you with pronunciation, so you’re not just reading things and pronouncing them on your own terms.
5. Learn Greek – Quick / Easy / Efficient: 2000 Key Vocabularies
You know what you need to speak a lot of Greek?
A lot of words.
So, if you’re looking for a book that will load your brain up with words… try this one. Just 84 pages long.
The one thing to remember is… vocabulary teaching books are not fun to read for long periods of time. So, pace yourself. Otherwise, you’ll get tired.
6. Eleni’s Greek Phrase Book: A Beginner’s Guide to Greek Culture and the Greek Language
You know what else helps?
Learning phrases.
Yes, it’s important to have a large vocabulary. But, phrases are good to know too because now you know actual things to say. So, this 25o page book teaches you over 1000 words and phrases across 60 different topics like: Telling Time, Food, Weather, Hobbies, Conversations, and more.
Great for anyone who wants to speak more Greek.
7. Greek Essential Grammar (Routledge Essential Grammars)
Now, if you’re looking to level up your Greek and speak on a more native level… you’ll need grammar. You’ll need to know the different kinds of sentence patterns so that you can express yourself better.
And this is where the Greek Essential Grammar book comes in.
This is a good book for Beginners that are not just wanting to get their feet wet…but who want to improve and are planning to study the language for years. It’s 298 pages long and has 12 chapters filled with grammar rules and explanations. However, it does lack exercises.
As with vocabulary books, grammar books can be “heavy” to take on. So, I wouldn’t advise spending hours at a time. Study in short spurts.
8. The Routledge Modern Greek Reader
Are you an upper beginner or an intermediate level learner and want to put your Greek skills to use?
Well, then now’s a good time to get reading.
This 180-page book has 25 stories, vocabulary lists, and exercises for each one. The one complaint others have is that it’s a bit “up” there. So, if you’re a true blue beginner, you’ll struggle with this.
9. Learn to Read Greek: Part 1, Textbook and Workbook Set
If I know my Greek learners… then quite a bit of you are learning ancient Greek.
So, I had to include this book on the list of best Greek textbooks.
“Learn to Read Greek” is both, a textbook and a workbook, and since it covers Ancient Greek, it’s on the pricy side. That aside, it’s not a simple 50-page read either. The chapters are big. There are tons of exercises. And if you want the answer key, you should email the author.
10. Berlitz Phrasebook & Dictionary Greek(Bilingual dictionary)
Berlitz is well known for their language books and dictionaries.
And a dictionary, while not a textbook, will still be very useful to any Greek learner.
Mostly geared towards travelers, this 224-page book promises to teach you over 8000 words and phrases. It also includes phonetic guides to help you pronounce the words. Good little book to have as reference for words.
These are some of the best Greek textbooks I’ve found so far.
But, if you want something a little more than a “book,” then I recommend GreekPod101.
GreekPod101 is a Greek learning program. You get audio/video lessons made by real teachers. The lessons get you speaking in minutes and are just 3-15 minutes in length. Just press the play button below to check out a lesson.
So, if you want to HEAR real Greek and learn faster with a program, I recommend them.
Click here to get a Free Lifetime Account at GreekPod101.com.
– The Main Junkie
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