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Are you in the mood for love? Great, because in the Balkans, romance is in the air year-round. If you wish to date a local, Serbian relationship vocabulary is just what the doctor ordered.
Consider this list your dating dictionary while you search for a summer fling or a soulmate — whatever you’re up for at the moment. So, open your heart, put on pink sunglasses, and let the romance lead the way.
Serbs have a passion for… well, pretty much everything. They’re famously warm-blooded, and when it comes to romance, they don’t hold back — partners often get showered with affection, attention, and the occasional grand gesture.
It’s no wonder they have a good reputation on the dating scene (and yes, the good looks don’t hurt either).
On the flip side, a little jealousy is sometimes seen as a sign of love — even a compliment. Of course, that’s the stereotype talking. If you want to know what Serbian romance is really like, there’s only one way to find out: date a Serb.
And to help you on that quest, here are the top Serbian relationship expressions you’ll need.
The starring roles in each relationship are a dečko (boyfriend) and a devojka (girlfriend), or any combination of the two. Of course, in true Balkan style, parents sometimes like to make a cameo… but that’s a story for another day.
Examples:
Ovo je moj dečko, Mihajlo.
(This is my boyfriend, Mihajlo.)
Njegova devojka radi u banci.
(His girlfriend works in a bank.)
When two people start dating, they enter a relationship. In Serbian, it’s called veza. Depending on compatibility and luck, veza can be prolazna (short-lived) or ozbiljna (serious).
Example:
Oni su u vezi već godinu dana.
(They’ve been in a relationship for a year already.)
Sometimes, though, there can be more than two in a relationship. When this is consensual, we’re talking about otvorena veza (open relationship).
Before the relationship is official, there’s that sweet period full of excitement when two people are going out. While the romance is still developing, the phrase viđati se fits the bill.
Example:
Viđamo se već neko vreme, ali idemo polako.
(We’ve been seeing each other for a while, but we’re taking it slow.)
Once things move forward, it’s time to define the relationship. Sometimes it happens naturally, other times there’s the talk. Either way, zabavljati se is the verb that captures the dating stage.
Example:
Počeli smo da se zabavljamo prošlog leta.
(We started dating last summer.)
While you’re seeing someone, you’ll likely spend lots of time planning and enjoying dates together. Sastanak is any date, but it can also be prvi sastanak (first date) and sastanak na neviđeno (blind date).
Example:
Imamo sastanak u subotu uveče.
(We have a date on Saturday night.)
Speaking of first dates, most folks spend them at a cafe or restaurant. The cinema or a picnic in nature are also popular, though.
Sometimes romance takes a slightly more complicated turn. A švaler (male lover) or švalerka (female lover) is someone involved in a secret or discreet romantic relationship. Think of it as the sneaky and often messy side of love.
Examples:
Njegova švalerka živi u drugom gradu.
(His lover lives in another city.)
Ona ima švalera na poslu.
(She’s got a lover at work.)
Another way to describe affair partners is ljubavnik (male) and ljubavnica (female).
Not all relationships are meant to last forever. Raskinuti is the verb (to break up), and raskid is the noun (breakup). In the Balkans, breakups can be dramatic — often involving emotional phone calls, tears, and a lot of talking among friends.
Examples:
Oni su raskinuli prošlog meseca.
(They broke up last month.)
Još uvek nije preboleo raskid.
(He still hasn’t gotten over the breakup.)
Sometimes romance doesn’t need a label, and that’s where kombinacija comes in. It’s a casual relationship, a fling, or something in-between — perfect for those who enjoy the fun without the full commitment.
Example:
Vremenom, kombinacije je prerasla u ozbiljnu vezu.
(Over time, the fling grew into a serious relationship.)
If a relationship takes the next big step, you get a verenik (male fiancé) or verenica (female fiancée). Engagements (veridba) in Serbia are often celebrated with family gatherings, gifts, and sometimes a small party — it’s the official we’re serious stage before the wedding.
Example:
Verenik i ja planiramo svadbu sledeće godine.
(My fiancé and I are planning the wedding next year.)
Finally, it’s time to tie the knot. Once that happens, your fiancé becomes your muž (husband) or žena (wife).
Examples:
Moja žena obožava mačke.
(My wife loves cats.)
Njen muž je moj kolega.
(Her husband is my coworker.)
Sadly, marriage (brak) sometimes ends in divorce (razvod). Then, your spouse turns into your bivša žena (ex-wife) or bivši muž (ex-husband).
Before we wrap up, here’s more Serbian relationship vocabulary that locals often use.
Serbian | English |
simpatija | crush |
prvi poljubac | first kiss |
ex-boyfriend | bivši |
ex-girlfriend | bivša |
to flirt | flertovati |
Volim te. | I love you. |
Sviđaš mi se. | I like you. |
Nedostaješ mi. | I miss you. |
And that’s a wrap on our Serbian relationship vocabulary list. Sure, Serbia might not be Paris, but romance is thriving, so if you’re looking for an international fling (or marriage), why not head to the Balkans?
Of course, communication is the backbone of every quality relationship. If you agree, join our online Serbian group lessons and learn the language of love in a relaxed and stimulating environment. See you in class! ♥️
Are you in the mood for love? Great, because in the Balkans, romance is in the air year-round. If you wish to date a local,
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