8 Best Books to Learn Bulgarian: Our Top Picks

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You’ll find that the Bulgarian language is extremely useful, as it is commonly used in countries like Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and more. In fact, about 5.5 million people worldwide have it as a first language!

Want to learn Bulgarian but don’t know where to start? Don’t sweat it! 

Check out these eight best books to learn Bulgarian. From comprehensive textbooks to bilingual dictionaries, there are plenty of materials out there that suit all levels, whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced student.

1. Intensive Bulgarian (Volume 1): A Textbook & Reference Grammar

Starting this list is the first volume of Intensive Bulgarian, a full-scale textbook designed for various skill levels. 

This edition, in particular, introduces the basics of Bulgarian vocabulary and grammar, while incorporating cultural themes. It contains reading selections, sample dialogues and sentences, grammar sections, exercises, culture notes, and an English-Bulgarian glossary.

In short, this book is best for English speakers who wish to proficiently read, write, and speak contemporary Bulgarian. You may also check out Volume 2, should you need additional content.

Key features:

• A user-friendly guide to beginner Bulgarian
• 15 lessons with exhaustive tutorials and exercises
• Text is compared with English examples for easy reference

2. Complete Bulgarian

Complete Bulgarian is a great book for beginner and intermediate learners alike!

With a particular focus on communication, Teach Yourself has, yet again, crafted a fun, interactive, and well-structured course where you can study Bulgarian swiftly and effortlessly. Divided into thematic units, this textbook deals with everyday situations and comes with numerous exercises to help keep track of your progress.

All in all, this will build your Bulgarian vocabulary, grammar, dialogue, and pronunciation skills pretty fast! This course can also be bought with a double CD (or as a double CD) depending on your preference. 

Key features:

• Develops reading, writing, and speaking skills
• Equipped with author insights and exercises
• Prepares learners for Level B2 of the Common European Framework for Languages

3. Grammar Matters: Bulgarian Grammar in Charts

Want to polish your Bulgarian grammar? Then check out Grammar Matters: Bulgarian Grammar in Charts. 

As the name suggests, this textbook contains 44 units that thoroughly explain Bulgarian grammar concepts. Inside, you can find lists on verb conjugations and reflexives, word building, English and Bulgarian translations, and more. 

In general, this book caters to English-speaking intermediate students, but you’ll find it to be quite useful for many cases. Whether you’re a beginner in need of assistance or an advanced learner looking for a quick reference, it’ll definitely come in handy!

Key features:

• Systematic reference book for Bulgarian grammar 
• Each unit includes charts, explanations, and examples
• Suitable for all proficiency levels

4. Step by Step: Bulgarian Language and Culture for Foreigners

Step by Step: Bulgarian Language and Culture for Foreigners is an A1-level textbook made for absolute beginners.

In just 12 units, it comprehensively discusses the ins and outs of vocabulary, grammar, and dialogue through fun lessons and exercises. On top of that, its appendices include listening activities (with scripts), culture notes, and word lists to help immerse readers into the Bulgarian language and lifestyle. 

In addition, you can purchase the A1 workbook for added exercises and appendices on grammar, pronunciation, and spelling rules. And, if you’re ready to level up, have a look at the A2 textbook and workbook while you’re at it!

Key features:

• Textbook on Bulgarian vocabulary, grammar, and dialogue
• Extensive resources for A1-level learning
• Best used with the workbook (sold separately)

5. Colloquial Bulgarian

Clear and well-composed, Colloquial Bulgarian is a book that will help develop your conversation and comprehension skills.

Reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities are progressively covered inside this textbook, accompanied by exercises and vocabulary lists. Just keep a dictionary (or a supplementary resource) close by, since a few vocabulary and grammar concepts are not explained before some lessons. 

Nevertheless, this is an excellent guide for independent students who want to get a head start in studying Bulgarian. You may also buy its audio materials to get the full learning experience.

Key features:

• Discusses Bulgarian vocabulary, grammar, and dialogue
• Has exercises (with full answer key), a grammar summary, and bilingual glossaries 
• Great for self-study or group sessions

6. Bulgarian Vocabulary for English Speakers 

Bulgarian Vocabulary for English Speakers will train you to read and write in Bulgarian, focusing on the most commonly used Bulgarian words. 

This dictionary makes use of the Cyrillic alphabet and provides simple transcriptions. Moreover, it expounds on 256 different vocabulary topics, such as basic greetings, travel terms, and the like, which makes it a rather versatile guide. 

So, if you want to spice up your Bulgarian lessons, then give this book a try! Use it as a supplement to your studies or as a travel accompaniment. 

Key features:

• 9,000-word English-Bulgarian dictionary
• Contents arranged into 256 learning categories
• Intended for beginner and advanced students

7. Conversational Bulgarian Quick and Easy

When hunting for books to learn Bulgarian, this guide stands out for its refreshingly simple approach.

Rather than drowning you in complex grammar or rigid formality, the Nitzany Method focuses strictly on the most common words used in everyday life. It’s designed to get you speaking in the present tense quickly, making it perfect for anyone who wants to chat with relatives or navigate a trip to Sofia without a headache.

If you’re looking for academic perfection, keep moving; but if you want functional, real-world fluency fast, this is your shortcut.

Key features:

• Skips the intimidating grammar rules to focus on words you’ll actually use
• Gets you conversational in the shortest time possible.
• Simplifies the learning curve by prioritizing present tense

8. Bulgarian Frequency Dictionary

Lastly, the Bulgarian Frequency Dictionary is perfect for those hoping to widen their vocabulary. This book takes you from level A1 to B1, covering both the written and spoken language.

What makes this Bulgarian-to-English dictionary unique is the way it is organized. By arranging words by frequency of use, learners can gain fluency quickly and progress naturally.

Furthermore, it comes with English translations, sample sentences, Cyrillic romanization, and detailed part-of-speech lessons—making it one of the greats out there! 

Key features:

• Compiles the 2,500 most common Bulgarian words
• Created for beginners and intermediate students
• Three categories: General frequency, part of speech, and alphabetical order

Conclusion

Picking up a new language might seem like a challenge, but don’t let that stop you! With these top-notch books to learn Bulgarian, you’ll boost your Bulgarian skills in no time.

For a holistic experience, try out some apps to learn Bulgarian too. As long as you consistently study and practice, you’ll be able to master Bulgarian.