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Marina Dag

A1 Course (Part 1) - Beginner Level

46 lessons - 12 hours - 4 quizzes

Real-life dialogues, vocabulary, grammar, explanations and lots of practice with versatile materials for all kinds of learning styles.

Lessons are in English with detailed explanations and lots of practice.

The course have JUST been updated with They   seamlessly integrate vocabulary, text, listening, and practical application of every tiny thing you learn.

Read more

A1 Course (Part 1) - Beginner Level

46 lessons - 12 hours - 4 quizzes

Real-life dialogues, vocabulary, grammar, explanations and lots of practice with versatile materials for all kinds of learning styles.

Lessons are in English with detailed explanations and lots of practice.

The course have JUST been updated with They   seamlessly integrate vocabulary, text, listening, and practical application of every tiny thing you learn.

  • Real-World Readiness: We prioritize real-world scenarios, ensuring you're not just learning phrases but acquiring practical language skills for immediate application.

  • Cultural Connection: Our multimedia content brings the language to life, connecting you with the cultural context in which Russian is spoken.

  • Your Success, Our Priority: Join a community of learners who have transformed their language journey with our unique, application-focused approach.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Foreign language
  • Russian
  • Speaking and understanding russian
  • Reading and understanding in russian

Syllabus

Russian Alphabet

Learn all the letters and how to read and write in Russian

Chapter 1

"What is this?" / "Who is this?"

Read more

"Hi! What's your name? How are you doing?" (First Conversation)

"I don't know what it is." (Complex Sentences)

"Where is it? - Here it is!" (Gender or nouns)

I / You / He / She / It / We / They (Pronouns)

Jobs: Doctor / Teacher / Sportsman / Journalist / Engineer / Lawyer

My / Your / His / Her / Its / Our / Their (Possessive Pronouns)

"What is HER/HIS name? What does HE/SHE do for a living?" (Introducing others)

Talking about FAMILY

"I know. You think. She works." (Verbs - 1)

"I read. I listen. I have dinner."

(Verbs Vocabulary)

"I love YOU!"

(Accusative case of pronouns)

"I have ... "

"I am doing GREAT because ..."

(Not only "I have ... " for possessions)

Numbers (1-10)

Numbers (11-20)

Numbers (20-1000)

"Computer/Computers, Car/Cars, Person/People"

(Plural Nouns)

"MY computers, YOUR cars, HIS children, HER students"

(Possessive Pronouns in Plural)

"I SPEAK Russian, you SPEAK English"

(Verbs type II + Languages)

"to REMEMBER vs. to UNDERSTAND"

(Confusing Verbs)

"I EAT. I DRINK. I LOVE. I WANT."

(Common Verbs)

"I love CARS."

(Accusative Case of Nouns)

Talking about a CITY

"My dog is IN THE PARK. I am AT HOME."

(Prepositional Case)

"I PLAY tennis. You PLAY the guitar." + "AT"

(Verb "to play" + Prepositions "в" vs. "на")

Talking about COUNTRIES

"to GO TO work" and "to GO BY car"

(Verbs of Movement - Introduction)

"ABOUT"

(Prepositional Case)

"I want to talk ABOUT HIM."

(Prepositional Case of Pronouns)

Months of the Year

"Love DOING" vs. "Want TO DO"

(2 Consequent Verbs)

"I get up. I have a shower. I sleep."

(Common Verbs)

My Day

"How often?"

(Adverbs of Frequency)

"1 phone. 2 phones. 5 phones."

Plural Masculine Forms (1 / 2-3-4 / more than 5)

"1 car. 2 cars. 5 cars."

Plural Feminine Forms (1 / 2-3-4 / more than 5)

"THIS city - THESE cities" + to BE CALLED

"THAT country - THOSE countries" + to COST

"WHEN do you read books? - I read books IN THE EVENING."

"I WAS in England in March."

(Past Tense of "TO BE")

"I WORKED a lot LAST YEAR."

(Past Tense of Verbs)

My Day

(Past Tense)

- Have you had breakfast YET?

- Yes, I have ALREADY had breakfast.

"WHEN the sun rose, I WAS still DANCING."

(Complex Sentences with "WHEN")

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on real-world scenarios, which ensures learners acquire practical language skills for immediate application in everyday conversations
Integrates vocabulary, text, listening, and practical application, which caters to diverse learning styles and reinforces new concepts
Covers essential topics such as the Russian alphabet, basic greetings, and family vocabulary, which builds a strong foundation for further language study
Includes quizzes at the end of each chapter, which allows learners to assess their understanding and track their progress
Requires learners to understand grammatical concepts such as the accusative, prepositional, and past tenses, which may be challenging for some

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Reviews summary

Effective first steps in russian

According to learners, "Russian for Beginners (A1 - Part 1) with Marina" is a highly effective and accessible entry point into the Russian language. Many highlight Marina's exceptional teaching skills, finding her explanations clear, engaging, and easy to follow. The course content is well-structured, providing a solid foundation in basic grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation at a suitable pace for complete beginners. Learners appreciate the practical focus on real-life dialogues and useful phrases. While the course excels in building foundational knowledge, some students note the need to actively seek out speaking practice opportunities independently to complement the learning. Recent updates have been well-received, enhancing the overall learning experience.
Focuses on real-life conversations.
"Useful vocabulary and phrases for common scenarios."
"The dialogues feel very real and are useful for everyday situations."
"I liked learning phrases I could immediately imagine using."
"The focus on practical communication is a major plus."
"It's not just abstract grammar, but language for real interactions."
Pace is suitable for beginners.
"The pace is just right for a complete beginner. It builds confidence step by step."
"Lessons are well-organized and flow logically from one topic to the next."
"The bite-sized lessons make it easy to fit learning into a busy schedule."
"The course structure is excellent, starting with the alphabet and gradually adding complexity."
"I appreciated how new concepts built upon previous lessons."
Offers a strong start in Russian basics.
"This course gave me a solid foundation in reading and understanding basic Russian."
"I feel confident now with the alphabet and basic sentence structures thanks to this course."
"It covers all the essential A1 topics thoroughly."
"A great starting point if you know absolutely no Russian."
"I learned key vocabulary and phrases I can actually use."
Grammar concepts are explained clearly.
"The way grammar is broken down in this course is fantastic. It finally makes sense!"
"Complex Russian cases are explained very clearly. This course helped me grasp them."
"Grammar points are introduced gradually and explained with helpful examples."
"I struggled with Russian grammar before, but this course's approach was very clear and logical."
"Explanations of verb conjugations and noun genders are particularly helpful."
Marina's teaching style is widely praised.
"Marina is an excellent teacher, she makes everything crystal clear and is very encouraging."
"Her explanations are super clear and easy to follow, even for someone who has never learned a language before."
"I really enjoyed Marina's energy and passion for teaching Russian. It made the lessons engaging."
"The instructor explains grammar concepts simply and effectively. Top marks for teaching!"
"Marina's personality shines through, making learning fun and less intimidating."
Speaking practice needs supplementing.
"While great for listening and reading, I need to find other ways to practice speaking Russian."
"The course teaches pronunciation, but you'll need external resources for conversational fluency practice."
"I wished there were more interactive speaking opportunities within the course."
"It's a fantastic course, but definitely supplement it with speaking partners or tutors."
"Good for understanding and basic production, but actual speaking fluency requires more."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Russian for Beginners (A1 - Part 1) with Marina with these activities:
Review the Cyrillic Alphabet
Reinforce your knowledge of the Cyrillic alphabet to improve reading and writing skills in Russian.
Show steps
  • Review the shapes and sounds of each letter.
  • Practice writing each letter.
  • Read simple words and phrases.
Explore 'Russian for Dummies'
Gain a broader understanding of Russian language and culture through a beginner-friendly guide.
View Russian For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters on basic greetings and introductions.
  • Review the sections on common phrases and expressions.
  • Explore the cultural insights provided in the book.
Read 'The New Penguin Russian Course'
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive textbook that provides additional explanations and exercises.
Show steps
  • Read the introductory chapters on pronunciation and grammar.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
  • Use the book as a reference for grammar and vocabulary.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Verb Conjugation
Solidify your understanding of Russian verb conjugations through repetitive exercises.
Show steps
  • Choose a set of common Russian verbs.
  • Conjugate each verb in all six personal pronouns.
  • Repeat the exercise daily for one week.
Create Flashcards for Vocabulary
Reinforce vocabulary learning by creating flashcards with Russian words and their English translations.
Show steps
  • Select 20-30 new words from each chapter.
  • Write the Russian word on one side of the flashcard.
  • Write the English translation on the other side.
  • Review the flashcards regularly.
Practice Conversational Russian
Improve speaking skills by practicing conversational Russian with a language partner.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner online or in person.
  • Prepare a list of topics to discuss.
  • Practice speaking Russian for at least 30 minutes.
  • Provide feedback to each other.
Write a Short Paragraph in Russian
Practice writing skills by composing a short paragraph about yourself or your daily routine in Russian.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic to write about.
  • Use vocabulary and grammar learned in the course.
  • Write a paragraph of 5-7 sentences.
  • Review and correct your writing.

Career center

Learners who complete Russian for Beginners (A1 - Part 1) with Marina will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Translator
A translator converts written material from one language to another. This course in Russian helps build a foundation in the language, crucial for accurately conveying meaning and context. The course provides a structured approach to learning Russian, with lessons that cover grammar, vocabulary, and real-life dialogues, all of which are essential for a translator. The focus on practical application and cultural connection gives prospective translators an understanding of the nuances of the Russian language. Someone who wishes to start a career as a translator should take this course in particular.
Interpreter
An interpreter converts spoken language from one language to another, often in real-time. To become an interpreter, one needs a solid base in Russian vocabulary, grammar, and cultural context. This course provides a basis in speaking and understanding Russian, with lessons that incorporate real-life dialogues. The versatile materials, focus on practical application, and focus on cultural connection give learners the ability to transition to intermediate level study. This course may be useful for those who want to become interpreters.
Travel Guide
A travel guide leads tours and provides information to travelers. This course in Russian helps build a foundation in the language, enabling one to communicate with locals and provide a more immersive experience for tourists. The course provides a base in practical language skills for immediate application. The focus on real-world scenarios and cultural connection helps travel guides engage with the tourists. Any travel guide that wishes to operate in Russia should consider this course.
Foreign Correspondent
A foreign correspondent reports on events and issues in a foreign country. This course helps build a foundation in Russian language and culture, enabling one to communicate with sources and understand the local context. The course's emphasis on real-life dialogues and cultural connection helps a correspondent navigate social situations. The vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing components of this course help support work as a foreign correspondent. Foreign correspondents should consider this course.
Historian
A historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the past, often specializing in a particular period or region. For a historian specializing in Russia, this course helps build basic language skills for understanding historical texts and sources. The course's focus on practical application will allow one to perform basic research. The vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and understanding components of this course are important. This course should be taken for anyone who wants to become a historian.
Cultural Liaison
A cultural liaison facilitates communication and understanding between people of different cultural backgrounds. This course provides a framework for the Russian language and culture, enabling one to bridge gaps and foster positive relationships. The emphasis on real-world scenarios and cultural connection enables one to have insight into everyday interactions. The vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing components of this course will also be quite helpful. Anyone who wants to become a cultural liaison should consider this course.
International Business Consultant
An international business consultant advises companies on strategies for global expansion and operations. This course helps build a foundation in the Russian language and culture, valuable for understanding the business environment and building relationships with clients. The course helps develop practical language skills for immediate application. The focus on real-world scenarios and cultural connection allows one to better engage with clients. Any international business consultant that wants to engage in business with Russia should consider this course.
Journalist
A journalist investigates and reports on news and current events. This course gives the basis for understanding the Russian language and culture, which is valuable for gathering information and communicating with sources. The course enables one to have practical language skills for immediate application. The focus on real-world scenarios will help build a network of contacts. All journalists who want to report on stories related to Russia must take this course.
Diplomat
A diplomat represents their country's interests in international relations. This course may be useful since it helps build a foundation in the Russian language, which is valuable for communicating with officials and understanding the political landscape. The focus on real-life dialogues and cultural connection provides skills in diplomacy work. The grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, speaking, and understanding components of this course provide a foundation. Those who want to become diplomats may consider this course.
Localization Specialist
A localization specialist adapts content, such as software or websites, for a specific region or market. This course in Russian may be useful for anyone who wants to become a localization specialist. It helps build a foundation in the language and culture. The course's emphasis on real-world scenarios and cultural connection provides a relevant skill set. Knowing how to read and write in Russian may be valuable in this career role. This course may be considered by anyone who wants to become a localization specialist.
Intelligence Analyst
An intelligence analyst gathers and analyzes information to support national security or law enforcement efforts. This course may be useful, as a good base in Russian helps understand communications, documents, and cultural nuances. The course helps build a foundation for further language study. The focus on real-life scenarios and cultural connection provides a broader understanding of the Russian-speaking world. Those who want to become intelligence analysts may consider this course.
Market Research Analyst
A market research analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. For one working in Russia or with Russian-speaking markets, this course may be useful. The course may help them understand consumer behavior, cultural nuances, and market trends. The course's emphasis on real-world scenarios and cultural connection will enable analysts to have insight into the Russian-speaking world. This course may be helpful for those who want to become market research analysts.
ESL Teacher
An English as a Second Language Teacher who speaks Russian possesses a distinct advantage, particularly when instructing Russian-speaking students. This course may be useful, as it provides a framework for understanding the challenges that Russian-speaking learners might face when acquiring English. The course focuses on grammar, vocabulary, and practical application, mirroring the elements that an ESL teacher would emphasize in their lessons. In addition, the real-life dialogues, could be used for comparison. This course may be useful for those who want to become ESL teachers.
Archivist
An archivist assesses, collects, organizes, preserves, and controls records and archives of historical and enduring value. For one working with Russian historical documents, this course may be useful. The course may help them understand the language used in these historical documents. The course's emphasis on reading, writing, speaking, and understanding will enable archivists to engage with the material. This course may be helpful for those who want to become archivists.
Librarian
A librarian helps people find information and resources, manage collections, and provide library services. For a librarian working with a large Russian-language collection, this course may be useful as it provides basic Russian language skills. The course's emphasis on reading and understanding will enable librarians to navigate the catalog. This course may be helpful those who want to become librarians.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Russian for Beginners (A1 - Part 1) with Marina.
Comprehensive beginner's course in Russian, covering grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. It aligns well with the course's A1 level and provides a structured approach to learning the language. It is particularly useful for learners who prefer a textbook-style approach with clear explanations and exercises, supplementing the course's real-life dialogues and practice materials.
Offers a lighthearted and accessible introduction to the Russian language. It covers basic grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights, making it a good supplementary resource for beginners. It is especially helpful for learners who want a less formal approach and appreciate practical tips and cultural context, complementing the course's focus on real-world readiness and cultural connection.

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