
Coffee Break Italian
With Coffee Break Italian you can learn Italian where and when it suits you. In Season 1, you'll join teacher Mark, learner Katie and native speaker Francesca in our 15-minute lessons, and build your confidence in the language, learning Italian from scratch. Take your learning further with Season 2 in which Mark and Francesca are joined by learner Isla. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Aug 18, 2022 • 25min
CBI Mag 2.09 | La Serenata: una dedica musicale
Welcome back to the Coffee Break Italian Magazine! This time, we’re talking about the origins of a well-known romantic tradition - La Serenata. While listening to a text about this ancient tradition, we learn about the following grammar points: basta che + subjunctive, the ce n’è structure, and how to use il proprio / la propria as an alternative to il suo/ la sua. As always, there’s lots of new vocabulary to take note of along the way, such as chitarra, liuto and promessi sposi. In keeping with the theme of this episode, our ciliegina sulla torta is something musical! Listen until the end to hear this new Italian idiom.There will be a total of 10 episodes in Season 2 of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine. If you'd like to benefit from lesson notes, transcripts, vocabulary lists and exercises, you can access the premium version of the Magazine on the Coffee Break Academy.Don't forget to follow Coffee Break Italian on Facebook where we post language activities, cultural points and review materials to help you practise your Italian. Remember - a few minutes a day can help you build your confidence in the language. Access the Coffee Break Italian Facebook page here.If you'd like to find out what goes on behind the scenes here at Coffee Break Languages, follow @coffeebreaklanguages on Instagram, and check out our videos for language learners on our YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 4, 2022 • 28min
CBI Mag 2.08 | I Monti Azzurri – I Sibillini
In this episode of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine, we're talking about the Sibillini Mountains - a mountain chain in central Italy which includes a beautiful natural park. Join Mark and Francesca as they discuss a text highlighting what these impressive mountains have to offer while talking about some key vocabulary and grammar points including: si dice che + present or imperfect subjunctive, and the present subjunctive in the passive form. We finish the episode with our ciliegina sulla torta about a common Italian saying which has something to do with mountains.There will be a total of 10 episodes in Season 2 of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine. If you'd like to benefit from lesson notes, transcripts, vocabulary lists and exercises, you can access the premium version of the Magazine on the Coffee Break Academy.Don't forget to follow Coffee Break Italian on Facebook where we post language activities, cultural points and review materials to help you practise your Italian. Remember - a few minutes a day can help you build your confidence in the language. Access the Coffee Break Italian Facebook page here.If you'd like to find out what goes on behind the scenes here at Coffee Break Languages, follow @coffeebreaklanguages on Instagram, and check out our videos for language learners on our YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 21, 2022 • 30min
CBI Mag 2.07 | Dante: il padre della lingua italiana
In this episode, we delve into the life and work of Dante Alighieri, the greatest poet and 'father' of the Italian language. We discuss his influence on Italian literature, his meeting with Beatrice, and his famous works 'Vita Nova' and 'Divine Comedy'. We also explore the use of Latin and vernacular language in literary works during the 14th century and how Dante's use of the Florentine dialect helped spread its use. Plus, we provide tips on Italian pronunciation and highlight free online resources for Dante's works.

Jul 7, 2022 • 33min
CBI Mag 2.06 | Pandoro o Panettone? Questo è il dilemma!
In this episode of the podcast, the hosts debate between Pandoro and Panettone, two traditional Italian Christmas cakes. They discuss the differences, flavors, and traditions associated with each cake. They also explore the use of 'venire' in passive structures and introduce the Coffee Break Italian Q&A CD. Additionally, they explain the usage of 'nono stante' with the subjunctive verb 'abi'. The hosts also provide tips for preparing cream for tiramisu and suggest pairing it with pandoro or panettone.

Jun 23, 2022 • 24min
CBI Mag 2.05 | Tempio del Valadier: un tempio scavato nella roccia
In this episode, the hosts discuss a special temple built inside a cave in Marche, exploring language points and vocabulary related to the topic. They also share an interesting phrase for expressing shock. The podcast delves into the construction and features of the Tempio del Valadier, as well as the nearby Madonna Infrasaxa church. The beauty of the temple, its hidden location, and positive connotations of being turned to stone are also highlighted. Additionally, the episode covers expressions related to sculpture and mentions bonus lessons and sponsor support.

Jun 9, 2022 • 27min
CBI Mag 2.04 | Samantha Cristoforetti: un’italiana alla Stazione Spaziale Internazionale
Learn about Samantha Cristoforetti, the first female Italian astronaut, and her impressive life and work. The podcast discusses interesting grammar points and idiomatic expressions related to her job. It also explores the experiences and training involved in preparing for a space mission, as well as the achievements and inspiration she provides as a role model for aspiring scientists.

May 26, 2022 • 31min
CBI Mag 2.03 | La Festa del Primo Maggio
In this episode, Mark and Francesca discuss how Labor Day is celebrated in Italy. They explore the origins of May 1st as International Workers' Day, including the protests in Chicago in 1886. They also talk about the sacrifices made by Italian workers and the confusion surrounding the word 'fiend'. Additionally, they touch on the significance of the Festa del Primo Maggio in Italy, where schools and shops remain closed, and the use of negative expressions in Italian.

May 12, 2022 • 26min
CBI Mag 2.02 | Castelluccio di Norcia: la perla dell’Umbria
In this week's episode of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine we're heading to Castelluccio di Norcia, a village between the regions of Marche and Umbria in Central Italy. As we hear a text about this village, Mark and Francesca discuss the interesting language points along the way. We look at verbs requiring the addition of -isc-, superlative adjectives and then finish with our ciliegina sulla torta which is a saying including the word lenticchie.There will be a total of 10 episodes in Season 2 of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine. If you'd like to benefit from lesson notes, transcripts, vocabulary lists and exercises, you can access the premium version of the Magazine on the Coffee Break Academy.Don't forget to follow Coffee Break Italian on Facebook where we post language activities, cultural points and review materials to help you practise your Italian. Remember - a few minutes a day can help you build your confidence in the language. Access the Coffee Break Italian Facebook page here.If you'd like to find out what goes on behind the scenes here at Coffee Break Languages, follow @coffeebreaklanguages on Instagram, and check out our videos for language learners on our YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 28, 2022 • 24min
CBI Mag 2.01 | Italo Svevo: uno scrittore dalla doppia identità
Welcome to Season 2 of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine! Join our hosts Mark, Francesca and Silvia as they explore a range of cultural topics and grammar points to help you improve your language skills. In this episode we're talking about the famous 20th century Italian writer, Italo Svevo. We explore the language used in the text, including the use of the adjective grande before and after nouns; adjectives ending in -issimo/a (absolute superlative); as well as some interesting vocabulary like nome d’arte and doppia identità. There will be a total of 10 episodes in Season 2 of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine. If you'd like to benefit from lesson notes, transcripts, vocabulary lists and exercises, you can access the premium version of the Magazine on the Coffee Break Academy.Don't forget to follow Coffee Break Italian on Facebook where we post language activities, cultural points and review materials to help you practise your Italian. Remember - a few minutes a day can help you build your confidence in the language. Access the Coffee Break Italian Facebook page here.If you'd like to find out what goes on behind the scenes here at Coffee Break Languages, follow @coffeebreaklanguages on Instagram, and check out our videos for language learners on our YouTube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 4, 2022 • 9min
Coffee Break Italian News - 4th April 2022
In this special episode, Mark provides an update on all things Coffee Break Italian including the return of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine in late April 2022; the launch of the Coffee Break books, available from June in your local bookshop and from online retailers; and the Coffee Break Italian Club, where you can get your daily dose of Italian activities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.