Learn English with Casablanca

In Casablanca, Morocco in December 1941, a cynical American expatriate meets a former lover, with unforeseen complications.

Why learn English with Casablanca?

"Casablanca" is a classic love story set during World War II. The movie takes place in Casablanca, Morocco, a city full of refugees trying to escape to America. You'll meet Rick, an American who owns a café, and Ilsa, his former love. Their romance is rekindled, but complicated by Ilsa's husband, Victor Laszlo, a resistance leader. The story is full of drama, intrigue, and difficult choices. Learning English with this movie will expose you to vocabulary related to war, travel, and emotions like "cynical," "refugee," "visa," "despise," and "sacrifice." This movie is full of powerful emotions like love, loss, and sacrifice. The dialogue is witty and engaging, using a mix of formal and informal language. You'll hear characters express hope, desperation, and resilience. The movie also explores themes of duty, neutrality, and choosing sides in a conflict. Paying attention to the characters' conversations can help you understand different tones of voice and how English is used to express complex feelings. The movie also features some memorable quotes that have become part of popular culture. "Casablanca" is a great choice for English learners because it offers a captivating story, rich vocabulary, and realistic dialogue. The clear pronunciation of the actors makes it easy to follow along. You'll learn how to express a wide range of emotions in English. Because it's such a famous movie, discussing it with others will give you a chance to practice your English conversation skills. Plus, learning about the historical context of World War II can expand your general knowledge.

Words from Casablanca

Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in Casablanca:

imprison: to put someone in jail or a place they cannot leave
desperately: very much or extremely, especially in difficult situations
embarkation: getting onto a ship or plane
roundabout: not done or said directly or clearly, in a way that is longer and more complicated than necessary
torturous: causing severe pain, difficulty, or distress
refugee: a person who has been forced to leave their country because of war or political reasons
mediterranean: relating to the Mediterranean Sea or the countries surrounding it
rim: the outer edge of something circular
fortunate: having good luck
exit: leaving a place, especially out of a building, vehicle or highway
visa: an official mark, usually in your passport, that gives you permission to enter or leave a particular country
scurry: to run with quick short steps
courier: a person who transports packages or documents
murderer: a person who has killed somebody illegally and on purpose
accomplice: a person who helps someone else to commit a crime