Online lessons Β· Croatian Β· English Β· German

Online Croatian, English & German Lessons
Learning a language is not only a subject,
it's your way into the world.

Personal 1-on-1 lessons with a tutor who speaks six languages and understands exactly what it feels like to learn one from scratch. For adults and children.

Book a free trial lesson How it works β†’
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Hrvatski
For foreigners & expats
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English
From beginner to fluent
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Deutsch
All levels welcome
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6 languages spoken by your tutor
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Adults & kids – all ages welcome
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100% online – learn from anywhere
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Free trial – no commitment
What I teach

Three languages,
one dedicated tutor

Whether you're a Croatian learning English for work, a child starting German, or a foreigner falling in love with Croatian, this is the right place.

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Croatian
Native language

Born and raised speaking Croatian, I teach it with the nuance, warmth, and cultural depth that only a native speaker can offer. Perfect for expats, travellers, and anyone enchanted by the Adriatic.

For: foreigners wanting to learn Croatian
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English
Fluent speaker

English for careers, travel, exams, or everyday life. I know the struggles Croatian speakers face, from false friends to that tricky th sound, and I know how to solve them.

For: Croatians of all ages, adults & kids
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German
Fluent speaker

German grammar can feel overwhelming; the cases, the word order, the compound nouns. As a fluent speaker who learned it myself, I make it click, step by step.

For: Croatians moving to Germany or Austria
Marina Toto – online Croatian and English tutor based in Kastav, Croatia
6 languages spoken
About your tutor

Learning a language...
ist nicht leicht – non Γ¨ facile – ni lahko.

I'm Marina Toto, a Croatian tutor based in Kastav, a medieval hilltop town near Rijeka, with an MA in Sociology and a passion for language that spans six languages; none of them came easy, especially German 🫠. I draw on TESOL methodology, focused on real communication rather than just grammar rules. Learning from the inside out is something I know well: the frustration, the shame of making mistakes, the breakthroughs, the patience it takes to get there.

I offer warm, structured, and flexible online lessons tailored to you; whether you're a complete beginner, preparing for an exam, moving to a new country, or raising a bilingual child.

Every lesson is 1-on-1. No big groups, no generic lesson plans. Just us, your goals, and a plan that works.

πŸ‡­πŸ‡· Croatian
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ English
πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ German
+ 3 more languages
The process

Simple, friendly, effective

Getting started is easy. No complicated onboarding, no pressure. Just a conversation about where you are and where you want to go.

1

Free trial lesson

We meet online, chat about your goals and have a taster lesson – completely free and with no strings attached.

2

Your personal plan

Based on your level and goals, I put together a learning plan just for you, flexible to fit around your life.

3

Weekly lessons

We meet via video call each week. Lessons are interactive, practical, and always a little fun.

4

You start speaking

Real progress you can feel – conversations, confidence, and the satisfaction of truly knowing a language.

Investment

Honest, transparent pricing

Occasional
Pay as you go
€25
per lesson
  • 1 lesson at a time
  • 60-minute session
  • Any language
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Free first trial
Get started
Most popular
Monthly pack
€80
per month Β· 4 lessons
  • 4 lessons per month
  • 60-minute sessions
  • Any language
  • Fixed weekly slot
  • Homework & materials
  • Progress tracking
Get started
Intensive
Twice a week
€140
per month Β· 8 lessons
  • 8 lessons per month
  • 60-minute sessions
  • Any language
  • Priority scheduling
  • Full materials included
  • Best for rapid progress
Get started

If none of these feel right, just reach out - we can always talk and find something that works for you.

What students say

In their own words

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"I'd tried apps and group classes before, but nothing clicked until these 1-on-1 lessons. After two months I had much more confidence when speaking English, and my vocabulary improved noticeably."

MK
Maja K.
Zagreb Β· Improving English
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"My daughter (age 9) looks forward to every lesson. The approach with kids is so natural, she doesn't even realise how much German she's picked up."

TB
Tomislav B.
Split Β· His daughter learning German
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"I moved to Rijeka from the UK for work and wanted to get familiar with the locals. The lessons felt like a chat with a friend, not a textbook. I'm far from fluent but can now shop, do a small chat with neighbours, get around."

SH
Sophie H.
London β†’ Rijeka Β· Learning Croatian
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Everything you might want to know before your first lesson.

Do I need any Croatian before I start?
No prior knowledge needed at all. Whether you're a complete beginner or already know a few words, lessons are shaped around exactly where you are. We start from zero if needed β€” no rush, no pressure.
How difficult is Croatian for English speakers?
Croatian has 7 grammatical cases and complex verb aspects, which can feel daunting at first. But as a native speaker who has learned several foreign languages from scratch myself, I know exactly where English speakers get stuck β€” and how to make it click, step by step.
How long before I can hold a basic conversation?
Most students can handle everyday interactions β€” greetings, shopping, asking for directions β€” within 2 to 3 months of regular weekly lessons. Progress depends on how often you practise between sessions, but small wins come quickly and they add up.
What platform do we use for lessons?
We use Zoom or Google Meet β€” whichever works best for you. All you need is a laptop, tablet, or phone with a stable internet connection. No special software or equipment required.
Is the free trial lesson really free?
Yes, completely. No credit card, no commitment, no strings attached. It's a relaxed 30-minute session to see how we work together, understand your goals, and find out if we're a good fit. If we are, great. If not, no hard feelings.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel a lesson?
Life happens. Just let me know at least 24 hours in advance and we'll find another time that works. I keep scheduling flexible β€” mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekdays and weekends.
Do I need to buy any books or materials?
No β€” I prepare everything myself, tailored to your level and goals. There's nothing to buy before your first lesson. Everything you need comes from me.
Do you teach children learning Croatian as well as adults?
Yes β€” I teach all ages. With younger learners I use more games, songs, and visuals to keep things engaging. With adults we can go deeper into grammar and structured learning. The approach changes; the quality doesn't.
Any practical tips before I start learning Croatian?
  • β†’Keep your expectations realistic. Fluency is a long road, and that's okay. What most people actually need β€” reading signs, chatting with neighbours, getting around β€” is very much within reach.
  • β†’English habits won't always transfer. Croatian leaves out a lot of words English considers essential, and vice versa. The sooner you stop translating in your head, the faster you'll progress.
  • β†’Grammar is a big part of the journey. Croatian grammar is genuinely complex β€” but it's learnable. We work through it gradually, not all at once.
  • β†’Other European languages give you a head start. German, Spanish, and French all share more structural DNA with Croatian than English does. If you speak any of them, you'll notice it quickly.
  • β†’Give yourself time. Learning a language is a years-long process β€” I know this firsthand. It took me the better part of two decades to feel truly comfortable in English. Progress is real even when it feels slow.
  • β†’Surround yourself with the sounds. Croatian music is a great low-pressure way to train your ear. You won't understand much at first β€” that's fine. The Easy Croatian site has songs worth exploring.
  • β†’Native speakers make surprisingly unhelpful teachers. Ask a Croatian why something is said a certain way and you'll often get "that's just how it is." They've never had to think about it. That's exactly why working with someone trained to teach makes a difference.
Get in touch

Book your free trial lesson

Fill in the form and I'll get back to you within 24 hours to schedule your first lesson. No commitment, no pressure.

Or book directly in my calendar β†’

I'd love to hear from you

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Based in Kastav, Croatia Teaching students worldwide online
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hello@saltandsyntax.com I reply within 24 hours
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WhatsApp & Viber 004915773410010
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Flexible scheduling Morning, afternoon, and evening slots – weekdays and weekends

The first lesson is always free.
No payment details needed upfront. Let's just meet, chat, and see if we're a good fit.