Keep “Posle ručka se kratko odmaramo.” intact while changing its surrounding story. With “Moja komšinica se preselila u aprilu.”, change the sentence itself but preserve the intended meaning.




From the very first lesson, one gets to learn that funny "se" in the sentence: "Zovem se... " (My name is...). Often times it doesn't mean anything, or simply isn't translated into English. That's why you need to do a lot of exercises to get accustomed to this form. 

Serbian 301 - Word Order with SE

Let's start with the first exercise where you simply need to say how much these sentences are true for you. Try using the following phrases:


Exercise with Word Order with SE

Now, that you are familiar with these sentences, you can easily do the following exercise - putting the words in order. Have fun!


Front the Time or Place, Then Place the Clitic

The clitic se normally occupies the second-position cluster, measured by the first meaningful phrase rather than the first written word. Move time, place or subject to the front and listen for where se settles.

Latin scriptCyrillic scriptEnglish
Posle ručka se kratko odmaramo.После ручка се кратко одмарамо.After lunch we rest briefly.
Moja komšinica se preselila u aprilu.Моја комшиница се преселила у априлу.My neighbour moved in April.
U toj sali se održavaju koncerti.У тој сали се одржавају концерти.Concerts are held in that hall.
Kada se vraćaš sa putovanja?Када се враћаш са путовања?When are you returning from your trip?
Nismo se juče čuli zbog nestanka struje.Нисмо се јуче чули због нестанка струје.We did not speak yesterday because of the power cut.

Give SE Its Natural Serbian Position

Practise “Posle ručka se kratko odmaramo.” slowly, “Moja komšinica se preselila u aprilu.” conversationally and “U toj sali se održavaju koncerti.” from memory; accuracy should survive all three speeds.

Five Sentences with Moving Beginnings

Finish with “Kada se vraćaš sa putovanja?” and “Nismo se juče čuli zbog nestanka struje.”. One should become a short dialogue; the other should be recorded twice, with clearer rhythm and more confident recall on the second attempt.

Reorder Every Clause without Stranding SE

Translate all five meanings without copying. Use “Kada se vraćaš sa putovanja?” only as a final reference point, and supply both Serbian scripts before checking the complete answers.

  1. After lunch we rest briefly.
  2. My neighbour moved in April.
  3. Concerts are held in that hall.
  4. When are you returning from your trip?
  5. We did not speak yesterday because of the power cut.

Answers and both Serbian scripts

  1. Posle ručka se kratko odmaramo.
    После ручка се кратко одмарамо.
  2. Moja komšinica se preselila u aprilu.
    Моја комшиница се преселила у априлу.
  3. U toj sali se održavaju koncerti.
    У тој сали се одржавају концерти.
  4. Kada se vraćaš sa putovanja?
    Када се враћаш са путовања?
  5. Nismo se juče čuli zbog nestanka struje.
    Нисмо се јуче чули због нестанка струје.