Coffee Break Italian

Coffee Break Italian

CBI 3.30 | Modified nouns, adjectives and verbs | I consigli dell’architetto

Welcome back to another episode of Coffee Break Italian Season 3! In this episode we are learning about modified nouns and verbs, for example maritino, casetta and salterellare. Have you heard of these before? We then listen to a dialogue between architect Pizzi and signora De Marinis about renovation work that is underway in her

Coffee Break Italian

CBI 3.29 | Pronominal and phraseological verbs| Te la stai cavando alla grande!

In this new episode of Coffee Break Italian Season 3 we are learning about pronominal and phraseological verbs! We then go on to listen to a dialogue between an anxious exchange student and their reassuring professor. As always, listen out for verbs like farcela and mettercela tutta and our cosina: qui pro quo.

Coffee Break Italian

CBI 3.28 | The gerund | Insieme per l’ambiente

Welcome back to a new episode of Coffee Break Italian! In this episode Mark and Francesca go through all you need to know about the gerund. We then listen to a dialogue between two colleagues Tiziana and Carlo, who are discussing how a more environmentally friendly lifestyle could have a positive impact on the future

Coffee Break Italian

CBI 3.27 | Passive structures | La festa di quartiere

In this episode of Coffee Break Italian Season 3 we are learning about passive structures! You may have heard of this grammar point being mentioned in previous Coffee Break Italian series but in this episode we are finally analysing it in detail. You will then hear many examples in the context of a dialogue about

Coffee Break Italian

CBI 3.26 | Hypothetical clauses | Sognare non costa niente

In this episode of Coffee Break Italian Season 3 we are focusing on all of the possible ways to form a hypothetical clause (or ‘if’ clause) in Italian. We listen to a dialogue between two friends Michele and Giada, who are discussing the prospect of Michele losing his job and how a lottery win would

Coffee Break Italian

CBI 3.24 | Imperfect subjunctive | Casa dolce casa

Welcome back to a new episode of Coffee Break Italian Season 3! In this episode we continue our learning of the subjunctive by focusing on the imperfect subjunctive. We hear some examples of it in context through a dialogue between two friends who are attending a property viewing! Be sure to listen out for key

Coffee Break Italian

CBI 3.23 | Consolidation of present subjunctive | Il cliente ha sempre ragione!

We are back with another episode of Coffee Break Italian Season 3! In this episode we are consolidating our learning of the present subjunctive which was covered in the previous episode. We listen to a dialogue between a client and a bank clerk on the topic of credit cards. Listen out for some useful vocabulary

Coffee Break Italian

CBI 3.22 | Present subjunctive | Il regalo perfetto

Welcome to the latest episode of Coffee Break Italian! In this episode we are focusing on the structure of the present subjunctive and we will look at both regular and irregular forms. We will also listen to its use in context through a shopping dialogue. Listen out for the expression: a caval donato non si

Coffee Break Italian

CBI 3.21 | Introduction to subjunctive | Dai, diamoci da fare!

Welcome back to another episode of Coffee Break Italian! In this episode we are introducing a new topic – the long awaited subjunctive! We then hear a dialogue based on the ups and downs of the workplace. Listen out for some key words and phrases throughout the episode such as: lancio, impegni, avere a cuore

Coffee Break Italian

CBI Mag 2.10 | Corsa alla Spada e Palio di Camerino: un tuffo nel passato

We have reached the tenth and final episode of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine Season 2! We’re stepping back in time as we’re discussing two Renaissance events which take place in the region of Marche in May. Join Mark and Francesca one last time in this series as they explore masculine words ending in -a and qualche (some) and ogni

Coffee Break Italian

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

Coffee Break Italian

CBI 3.20 | Preterite | Storie di emigrazione

Welcome to the latest episode of Coffee Break Italian! In this episode we will be focusing on the passato remoto (past historic), on it’s formation and it’s use. We will then listen to a story from Carlotta’s grandfather about his family migrating from Italy to New York. Listen out for some key vocabulary such as

Coffee Break Italian

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:

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CBI 3.19 | Pluperfect indicative | La mamma è sempre la mamma

The latest episode of Coffee Break Italian we’re introducing a new past tense – the trapassato prossimo, also referred to as the “pluperfect”. Listen out for some handy phrases including: essere a pezzi, a proposito and ci sto! Don’t miss our ancora una cosina at the end of the episode.

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CBI Mag 2.07 | Dante: il padre della lingua italiana

The topic of this Coffee Break Italian Magazine episode is the life and work of Italy’s greatest poet and ‘father’ of the Italian language: Dante Alighieri. We review various grammar points in this episode, including: the historical present, relative superlative adjectives, the passive with venire and si passivante. Be sure to listen until the end of the episode to hear

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CBI 3.18 | Irregular plurals | Vacanze in Turchia

In this episode of Coffee Break Italian we’re covering the topic of irregular plurals both in terms of nouns and adjectives. In the dialogue featured in this lesson, Elisa meets her friend and tells her about her recent summer holiday in Turkey. She mentions the topics of food, methods of transport and a cycling injury.

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CBI Mag 2.06 | Pandoro o Panettone? Questo è il dilemma!

Pandoro o Panettone? That is the question Mark and Francesca are discussing in this episode of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine! While listening to a text about these traditional Italian Christmas cakes, take note of any new words or phrases you hear, such as tanto che, dibattito infiammato and brevettare. We also learn about the passive structures with venire instead of essere; nonostante +

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CBI Mag 2.05 | Tempio del Valadier: un tempio scavato nella roccia

In this episode of the Coffee Break Italian Magazine we’re exploring a very special temple built inside a natural cave in the region of Marche. After hearing a text about this impressive piece or architecture, Mark and Francesca explain a variety of language points including: how to express nuances of colours; the present participle, and