Language/Croatian/Culture/Daily-Life-and-Customs

Croatian Culture → Croatian Culture and Society → Daily Life and Customs

As a Croatian language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I believe that learning the language is only one part of truly understanding the culture and society in Croatia. In this lesson, I will introduce you to various aspects of daily life and customs in Croatia, such as social norms, etiquette, and family life. By understanding these customs and traditions, you will gain a better appreciation and understanding of the wonderful country and its people.

Social Norms

Social norms are an important part of daily life in Croatia and play a significant role in social interactions. Here are a few social norms that are commonly observed in Croatia:

• Greetings: Croatians generally greet each other with a handshake or a kiss on each cheek, starting from the left cheek. Men usually shake hands, while women usually exchange kisses. It is important to maintain eye contact and use polite greetings, such as "dobro jutro" (good morning), "dobar dan" (good afternoon), or "dobra večer" (good evening).

• Dress code: Croatians generally dress in a casual yet neat fashion. Business attire is typically more formal, especially in larger cities. Beachwear and revealing clothing are generally not acceptable in public places, such as shops, museums, and churches.

• Punctuality: Croatians value punctuality and expect others to arrive on time. Being late without an acceptable excuse is considered disrespectful.

• Communication style: Croatians tend to communicate in a direct and honest manner. They may use gestures and facial expressions to emphasize their point. Interrupting someone while they're talking is considered impolite, and it's important to wait until someone has finished speaking before responding.

Etiquette

Croatians pride themselves on their hospitality and polite behavior. Here are some important etiquette tips to keep in mind when interacting with Croatians:

• Table manners: Croatians value good table manners, which include keeping your elbows off the table, waiting for everyone to be served before starting to eat, and using the correct utensils. It is also customary to raise your glass and say "živjeli" (cheers) before taking a drink.

• Gift-giving: Bringing a small gift, such as flowers or chocolates, when visiting someone's home is appreciated in Croatia. It is also customary to send a thank-you note or call the next day to express your gratitude.

• Respect for elders: Respecting elders is an important value in Croatian culture. It is customary to address older people with formal titles and show deference to their opinions and experiences.

• Public behavior: Croatians value public decorum and expect others to behave in an appropriate manner. Loud or boisterous behavior, especially in public places, is considered disrespectful.

Family Life

Family is highly valued in Croatia, and it plays an important role in the daily life of its people. Here are a few important customs and traditions related to family life:

• Family structure: Croatians generally place a strong emphasis on the nuclear family, although extended family is also highly valued. Families tend to be close-knit and regularly gather for holidays, celebrations, and meals.

• Important milestones: Celebrating important milestones, such as baptisms, weddings, and graduations, is a significant part of family life in Croatia. These events are often marked with traditional customs and religious ceremonies.

• Food and drink: Sharing food and drink is an important part of family life in Croatia. Traditional meals often involve multiple courses and several dishes, and they are typically enjoyed with wine or other alcoholic beverages.

• Respect for ancestors: Croatians place a strong emphasis on maintaining respect for their ancestors. It's common to visit cemeteries and light candles in memory of loved ones who have passed away.

I hope this lesson has given you a deeper understanding of daily life and customs in Croatia. By understanding these social norms, etiquette, and family traditions, you will be able to interact with Croatians in a more authentic and respectful manner. Remember, learning the language is only one part of truly appreciating the culture and society in Croatia.

Sources

• 11 Things You Should Know About Croatian Culture

Table of Contents - Croatian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Nouns and Pronouns

• Nouns: Gender and Number
• Personal Pronouns

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense of Regular Verbs
• Present Tense of Irregular Verbs

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Daily Activities

• Common Activities
• Hobbies and Interests

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives: Gender and Number
• Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

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Food and Drink

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

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Croatian Culture and Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Music and Dance

Related Lessons

• Travel and Tourism
• Traditions and Festivals
• Croatian Society and Politics
• Sports and Recreation in Croatia
• Religion and Spirituality in Croatia
• Arts and Entertainment
• Croatian Folklore and Mythology
• Education and Intellectual Life
• Society and Lifestyle in Modern Croatia