LearnCro app attracts over 3,300 users in first weeks

ZAGREB, 26 April 2026 (Hina) – A newly launched free web and mobile application for learning Croatian at intermediate (B1) level has generated strong early interest, attracting nearly 3,400 users within less than three weeks of its release.

The LearnCro platform, developed by the Central State Office for Croats Abroad in collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Zagreb, was officially presented to the public on 12 March. By the end of the month, it had recorded 3,343 users.

The majority of users accessed the application in English (2,811), while 532 opted for the Spanish interface, reflecting its growing international reach.

The app has been designed primarily to meet the needs of the Croatian diaspora, many of whom are increasingly returning to Croatia. However, officials say it is also expected to be valuable for foreign workers who need to learn the language.

Speaking at the launch, State Secretary Zvonko Milas emphasised that the application is not intended to replace traditional classroom learning but to complement it. He highlighted its flexibility, allowing users to learn at their own pace in a more relaxed environment.

LearnCro builds on earlier digital initiatives aimed at making Croatian language learning accessible “anytime and anywhere”. Previous online courses at beginner levels (A1 and A2) have already demonstrated significant demand.

The A1 course, available since 2018, has attracted nearly 37,000 participants from 130 countries across six continents. The highest number of users came from the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Canada and Australia – countries with large Croatian diaspora communities.

Interest in the more advanced A2 course has been lower but still notable, with just under 3,000 participants from 96 countries over a seven-year period.

Both courses were developed in cooperation with Croaticum, the Centre for Croatian as a Second and Foreign Language, and offer additional support, including two hours of weekly consultation with language instructors. They remain permanently free of charge.

According to the Croatian Government’s latest annual report, €18,000 was allocated in 2025 for the maintenance of the A1 and A2 online courses. Overall, Croatia invested nearly €161 million in programmes supporting Croats abroad last year, representing a 37% increase compared to the previous year.