In times of crisis and disaster, effective communication becomes paramount, and learning some Serbian disasters vocabulary can make a world of difference between a healthy human body and a spell in a hospital eating meals through a straw.
For English speakers traveling in Serbia, knowing essential disaster vocabulary and phrases in Serbian can make a significant difference in ensuring personal safety and understanding instructions from authorities. Today, we will explore essential Serbian disaster vocabulary and phrases that will help you navigate emergency situations, seek assistance, and communicate effectively during times of crisis.
Emergency Services And Assistance
Let’s kick off with some translations that might be useful during emergencies:
English | Serbian | Pronunciation |
Emergency services | Hitna pomoć | HEET-nah POH-mohtch |
Police | Policija | poh-LEE-see-yah |
Firefighters | Vatrogasci | VAH-troh-gahs-tsee |
Rescue service | Spasilačka služba | SPAH-see-lahch-kah SLOOZH-bah |
Evacuation | Evakuacija | EH-vah-koo-AH-tshee-yah |
Call for help | Poziv u pomoć | POH-zev oo POH-mohtch |
Where is the nearest hospital? | Gde je najbliža bolnica? | GDAY yeh NYE-blee-zhah BOHL-nee-tsah |
Natural Disasters
Floods (Poplava)
Some parts of Serbia can be prone to natural disasters, including flooding and landslides following periods of heavy rain. If you find yourself in an area of severe rainfall, it is crucial that you follow the advice given by the authorities.
Forest Fires (Šumski požar)
If you are visiting Serbia when the weather is hot and dry, it is a good idea to take care when traveling through woodland areas. Lighting fires and barbecues should be avoided, and smokers should be sure that their cigarette butts are properly extinguished and disposed of in a proper receptacle.

Earthquakes (Zemljotresi)
Although severe earthquakes are not a common occurrence, Serbia does lie in an active seismic zone, and tremors are common. On 3 November 2010, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake was felt nationwide. The shock caused the deaths of two people, and more than 100 suffered injuries. Nearly 6,000 structures experienced some level of damage, and 138 were declared damaged beyond repair. An emergency situation was declared throughout the Kraljevo region, where power lines, phone lines, and water supplies were put out of action.
There are plenty of websites available in English and Serbian language that explain what to do during an earthquake and are well worth having a look at before traveling to Serbia, just in case.
English | Serbian | Pronunciation |
Earthquake | Zemljotres | ZEHM-yoh-tres |
Flood | Poplava | POH-plah-vah |
Fire | Požar | POH-zhar |
Tornado | Tornado | TOR-nah-doh |
Severe storm | Olujno nevreme | OH-loo-yoh NEH-vreh-meh |
Catastrophe | Katastrofa | KAH-tahs-troh-fah |
Natural disaster | Prirodna nesreća | PREE-rohd-nah NEH-streh-chah |
Safe place | Bezbedno mesto | BEHZ-behd-noh MEHS-toh |

Safety Precautions And Instructions
English | Serbian | Pronunciation |
Stay calm | Ostanite smireni | OH-stah-NEE-teh SMI-reh-nee |
Avoid danger | Izbegavajte opasnost | EEZ-beh-gah-vah-yeh-teh oh-PAH-stnost |
Follow instructions | Pratite uputstva | PRAH-tee-teh oopootst-vah |
Stick together | Držite se zajedno | DRZH-ee-teh seh ZAH-yeh-dnoh |
Stay safe | Budite bezbedni | BOO-dee-teh BEHZ-behd-nee |
Health Risks
Although, with a few precautions, Serbia is generally safe for travel, here are a few health risks to be aware of:
West Nile Virus
Around a dozen fatalities and more than 100 cases have been recorded in Belgrade and other geographical parts of Serbia. Wearing clothing that covers your body when mosquitoes are most active (at sunrise and sunset) is always a top tip in countries where the virus is prevalent. Spraying on some mosquito repellent is also a good idea if you want to avoid being bitten.
Measles
Around 3,000 cases have been reported in Serbia since the end of 2017. Those traveling to Serbia should ensure they are up-to-date with vaccinations and booster jabs.
Air Pollution
Air pollution in Serbia can get quite bad at certain times of the year, so it is worth checking the quality of the air before traveling, especially if you suffer from respiratory problems.
Being prepared and knowledgeable in disaster-related vocabulary and phrases in foreign languages is crucial when visiting another country. This understanding allows you to seek help, have a phone conversation, understand instructions, and communicate effectively in emergency situations.
Whether facing natural disasters, wild animals, household appliances, or unforeseen crises, knowing Serbian vocabulary and the most important verbs and phrases will enhance your personal safety and that of your family members. It will also enable you to assist others and contribute to a more efficient and coordinated response. Stay safe, be vigilant, and remember that effective communication can save lives.
Phrases For Seeking Help And Giving Directions
English | Serbian | Pronunciation |
Help! | Pomoć! | POH-mohtch |
Please, I need emergency assistance | Molim vas, trebam hitnu pomoć | MOH-leem vahs, TREH-bahm HEET-noo POH-mohtch |
Where can I find help? | Gde mogu pronaći pomoć? | GDAY MOH-goo proh-NAH-chee POH-mohtch |
Please show me the way to a safe place | Molim vas, pokažite mi put do sigurnog mesta | MOH-leem vahs, poh-KAH-zhee-teh mee poot doh SEE-goor-nohg MEHS-tah |
Show me the way to the nearest evacuation zone | Pokažite mi put do najbliže evakuacione zone | poh-KAH-zhee-teh mee poot doh NYE-blee-zheh eh-vah-koo-AH-tsee-oh-neh ZOH-neh |
Learn More Serbian Disasters Vocabulary With Ling App
Don’t panic! That is the best way to deal with any disaster you might encounter when traveling in Serbia. A great way to avoid panicking is to have a language app like Ling app on your phone. With Ling app on your hand, you will always have access to all the vocabulary you might need to help you avoid disaster.
And Serbian isn’t the only language you can learn with Ling! You’ll find lessons in over 60+ languages from around the world, with a gamified interface that makes learning easy and fun. So give Ling app a go today by clicking on Google Play or the App Store.