How to Say Happy New Year in Croatian

This guide is designed to walk you through the many ways to say "Happy New Year" in Croatian, starting with the most common phrase, Sretna Nova godina, and diving into variations you might hear among friends, in formal settings, or during festive gatherings.

Croatian may seem tricky at first (hello, rolled R’s and unfamiliar accents!), but don’t worry. Even just learning a few phrases can go a long way toward making your New Year’s greeting more meaningful and memorable.

Pair these expressions with a smile and maybe a glass of rakija, and you’re already halfway to celebrating like a local.

Why Learn to Say Happy New Year in Croatian?

In Croatia, New Year’s Eve (Nova godina) is a festive time filled with music, fireworks, and warm wishes for a fresh start. While Sretna Nova godina (Happy New Year) is the standard greeting, there are other ways to share your good wishes—whether you want to sound more casual, a bit more formal, or just extra friendly.

Learning these phrases isn’t just about the language—it’s a way to connect more deeply with the culture and show genuine thoughtfulness, especially if you’re celebrating with Croatians or traveling in the region.

To help you start the year off right, we’ve put together a quick guide with 10 ways to say "Happy New Year" in Croatian.

10 Ways to Say “Happy New Year” in Croatian

Below is a list of 10 Croatian phrases you can use to wish someone a Happy New Year, along with their English translations and suggestions for when to use them:

How to Use Different Ways to Say “Happy New Year” in Croatian

Below are translations of the phrases from the list above, along with notes on when to use them and how to pronounce each one correctly.

Sretna Nova godina (Happy New Year)

“Sretna Nova godina” is the standard and most widely used way to say “Happy New Year” in Croatian. It’s short, friendly, and appropriate in just about any situation—whether you’re wishing it to close friends, coworkers, or someone you just met.

You’ll hear it everywhere on December 31st and January 1st, from street celebrations to family dinners. It’s perfect for cards, text messages, or raising a toast at midnight.

How to pronounce it: sret-nah noh-vah go-dee-nah

Sretnu i uspješnu Novu godinu (A happy and successful New Year)

“Sretnu i uspješnu Novu godinu” is a more thoughtful and complete New Year’s wish. It means you’re not only hoping someone is happy, but also successful in the year ahead—great for more formal or heartfelt greetings.

This version is often used in professional settings, speeches, or when writing New Year’s wishes in cards or emails. It adds a little extra warmth and intention to your greeting.

How to pronounce it: sret-noo ee oos-pyehsh-noo noh-voo go-dee-noo

Sve najbolje u Novoj godini (All the best in the New Year)

“Sve najbolje u Novoj godini” is a warm, well-rounded wish that works great in both formal and informal situations. You’ll often hear it in cards, emails, and quick New Year’s messages.

This phrase isn’t overly festive—it’s more of a thoughtful, general well-wish. Perfect when you want to be kind and polite without going over the top.

How to pronounce it: sveh nah-yboh-lyeh oo noh-vohy go-dee-nee

Želim ti sretnu Novu godinu (I wish you a Happy New Year — informal)

This one is personal and friendly. “Želim ti sretnu Novu godinu” uses the informal “ti,” so it’s great for someone you know well (for example, if you are talking with a friend, partner, or sibling).

Use it when you want to be a bit warmer and more expressive than just saying the standard greeting. 😊

How to pronounce it: zheh-leem tee sret-noo noh-voo go-dee-noo

You might say this when:

• Sending a New Year’s text to a friend
• Chatting with a cousin at a party
• Writing in a personal holiday card

Želim vam sretnu Novu godinu (I wish you a Happy New Year — formal or plural)

This is the formal or plural version of the phrase above. “Želim vam sretnu Novu godinu” is respectful and polished, perfect for professional or group settings.

Use this in emails, business cards, or when speaking to someone you don’t know very well (but still want to be kind and thoughtful).

How to pronounce it: zheh-leem vahm sret-noo noh-voo go-dee-noo

Sretna i blagoslovljena Nova godina (Happy and blessed New Year)

“Sretna i blagoslovljena Nova godina” is a bit more formal and carries a spiritual or religious tone. It’s good if you want to add a blessing to your wishes, especially around formal family gatherings or church events.

How to pronounce it: sret-nah ee blah-goh-slov-lyeh-nah noh-voh go-dee-nah

Neka ti Nova godina donese sreću (May the New Year bring you luck)

This phrase is nice and warm, it's great to express a sincere wish for good fortune in the year ahead. It’s casual but meaningful. Great for close friends and family.

How to pronounce it: neh-kah tee noh-vah go-dee-nah doh-neh-seh sreh-choo

Puno sreće u Novoj godini (Lots of luck in the New Year)

This one is a cheerful and friendly phrase to wish someone lots of luck for the upcoming year. Perfect for more informal chats, or in social media posts, or even to add a positive vibe to any greeting 😊

How to pronounce it: poo-no sreh-cheh oo noh-vohy go-dee-nee

Sretna Nova godina svima (Happy New Year to everyone)

This phrase is great when talking to groups, like at parties or in social media posts. It’s quite friendly and casual.

You might say this when:

• Toasting a crowd at a New Year’s Eve party
• Posting a general greeting on social media
• Sending a group text or email

How to pronounce it: sret-nah noh-vah go-dee-nah svee-mah

Uživaj u Novoj godini (Enjoy the New Year)

A relaxed and casual way to wish someone a joyful start to the year. It’s pretty good for friends, younger people, or informal messages.

How to pronounce it: oo-zhee-vahy oo noh-vohy go-dee-nee

How Is New Year in Croatia?

New Year’s is one of the most important holidays in Croatia. It’s a time when many people travel back to their hometowns to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s with their families.

Families usually gather around the table to enjoy traditional dishes such as peka (meat and vegetables slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid), sarma (cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice), and bakalar (dried salted cod, often served during Christmas). These dishes are more than just food — they represent comfort, history, and togetherness.

Church attendance is common during this period, with many people attending Christmas and New Year’s services. Faith plays an important role, and the holiday season is seen as a time of reflection and hope.

When Croatians say “Sretna Nova godina!” (Happy New Year!), they’re sending wishes of happiness and good fortune for the coming year. The word “sretna” means happy or lucky, emphasizing the hope for positivity and luck ahead. Other important words connected to New Year wishes include:

• “Sreća” (luck or happiness)
• “Zdravlje” (health)
• “Blagoslov” (blessing)

These expressions highlight what Croatians value most during the holidays — health, happiness, luck, and spiritual wellbeing.

More Resources to Learn Croatian

If you want to continue improving your Croatian skills, here are some useful articles to check out:

👉 How to Say Merry Christmas in Croatian — Learn the best ways to wish someone merry christmas in Croatian.

👉 Learn Croatian with Music — Discover how songs can boost your language learning.

👉 How Long Does It Take to Learn Croatian? — Get realistic expectations about your learning journey.

👉 How to Learn Croatian Step-by-Step — A clear guide to build your skills effectively.

Conclusion

Phrases like Sretna Nova godina, Želim ti sretnu Novu godinu, and Blagoslovljena Nova godina each have their own meaning and use. Knowing them helps you sound more natural when speaking Croatian.

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