If you’ve decided to learn Bulgarian, you’ve probably already noticed a big problem.

Most of the popular language learning apps - like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone - don’t offer Bulgarian.

Because Bulgarian is a smaller language (spoken by about 8-9 million people), big companies often ignore it. This can be very frustrating for beginners who just want a clear path to get started.

But don’t worry.

I can tell you that there are actually some fantastic resources out there. You just have to know where to look.

To truly learn a language, you need a mix of different tools. You need input (listening and reading) and output (speaking and writing).

Below, I’ve curated a list of the best apps and resources that I personally recommend for learning Bulgarian.

Why isn’t Bulgarian on Duolingo?

I get asked this question all the time.

The simple answer is that Bulgarian is a Slavic language with a Cyrillic alphabet, complex grammar, and a smaller user base compared to Spanish or French.

However, this is actually a blessing in disguise.

Apps like Duolingo can be fun, but they are rarely enough to make you fluent. They often rely too much on translation and not enough on context or real conversation.

Because you have to look for alternatives, you will likely end up with resources that are actually better for your long-term learning.

Best audio and video courses

If you want to understand people when they speak (which is the hardest part of learning), you need to listen to native speakers.

BulgarianPod101

This is widely considered the best overall digital course for Bulgarian.

BulgarianPod101 uses a podcast-style format. You listen to a conversation between native speakers, and then the hosts break down the grammar and vocabulary.

Why I like it:

It teaches you language in context. Instead of just memorizing the word for “bread,” you hear someone buying bread in a bakery.

They also cover cultural nuances. For example, they might explain how formal you need to be when speaking to a shopkeeper in Sofia versus a friend in Plovdiv.

Talk In Bulgarian

I’m biased of course, but this is the best and most comprehensive Bulgarian course you’ll find anywhere online.

Hundreds of high quality audio lessons from absolute beginner right through to intermediate.

The best part is: low cost and no subscription necessary.

Best gamified apps for vocabulary

Since you can’t use Duolingo, what should you use for those 5-minute study sessions on your phone?

Ling App

The Ling App is probably the best alternative to Duolingo for lesser-studied languages.

It features mini-games, flashcards, and quizzes. What makes it special is that it actually teaches you how to write the alphabet on your screen.

It also has a chatbot feature where you can practice typing responses to common questions.

Mondly

Mondly is another popular app that supports Bulgarian.

It focuses heavily on daily phrases rather than individual words. It uses a lot of images and audio to help you create associations.

A note on dialects:

Most apps, including Mondly and Ling, teach Standard Bulgarian. However, in real life, you will hear regional variations.

For example, people in Eastern Bulgaria (like Varna) might pronounce the letter ‘e’ (ya) slightly differently than people in Western Bulgaria (Sofia). Apps generally won’t teach you this, but it is good to be aware of it.

Memrise

Memrise is excellent for pure vocabulary memorization.

While there isn’t an “official” Memrise Bulgarian course anymore, there are many community-created decks. These are great for drilling the 1,000 most common words.

Finding tutors and speaking practice

You cannot learn to speak Bulgarian just by tapping a screen. You need to speak to humans.

italki

italki is my number one recommendation for any language learner.

It connects you with online tutors for 1-on-1 video lessons. You can find:

• Professional Teachers: They have a degree and a structured curriculum.
• Community Tutors: They are native speakers who offer informal conversation practice.

For Bulgarian, this is incredibly affordable. You can often find tutors for as little as $8 to $10 USD per hour.

Tip: If you are nervous, you don’t have to speak immediately. You can ask your tutor to describe pictures or tell you stories while you listen. This is a great way to get “comprehensible input.”

Textbooks and grammar guides

Sometimes, you just need a book to explain why the verb changes that way.

Intensive Bulgarian (Vol 1 & 2)

By Ronelle Alexander

This is the “gold standard” academic textbook. It is dense and used in universities. If you are a serious learner who loves grammar tables and deep explanations, this is for you.

Step by Step: Bulgarian Language and Culture

This is much more beginner-friendly. It is colorful, has pictures, and moves at a slower pace than Intensive Bulgarian. It is perfect for self-study.

Quick comparison table

Here is a quick summary to help you decide which resource fits your budget and learning style.

Summary

Learning Bulgarian is a challenge because resources are scarce, but it is definitely possible.

If I were starting from scratch today, here is exactly what I would do:

1. Start with Talk In Bulgarian.
2. Move on to BulgarianPod101 for additional lesson content.
3. Use Ling App for 15 minutes a day to learn new words.
4. Buy the Step by Step textbook for grammar reference.
5. Book a tutor on italki once a week to practice what I learned.

Consistency is key.

Uspeh! (Success!)