This article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see the disclaimer here.
Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone… these are some of the biggest names you’ll hear in the realm of language learning, so naturally, you’d want to try them out for yourself.
However, if it’s the Bulgarian language that you want to study, then I’ve got bad news for you: None of these apps has a course for it and a Duolingo Bulgarian is not an option right now
The next best thing to do is to find a Bulgarian Duolingo alternative—and luckily, we’ve got just the right ones for you.
Why is there no Bulgarian on Duolingo?
That’s the million-dollar question! Unfortunately, Duolingo has made no announcement of developing a Bulgarian course.
While the reason behind this is unclear at the moment, we’ve done a little sleuthing to try and figure out why.
The language isn’t popular with English speakers
Duolingo tends to create courses that resonate with native English speakers. That being said, it’s likely that a Duolingo Bulgarian course hasn’t been developed yet because there is a low demand for it.
Statistics show that, from the 8 million Bulgarian speakers, a good majority of 5.7 million people come from Bulgaria itself (which is outside the company’s target audience).
However, since they’ve provided lessons for “small”, endangered, and fictional languages before, user demand isn’t necessarily the sole deciding factor!
It uses a different writing system
Duolingo might be having a hard time adapting Bulgarian into game-like lessons since it makes use of the Cyrillic alphabet. After all, it’s a Category III or “hard” language to teach, according to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute (FSI).
But on the other hand, they already have a Russian course that also makes use of the same writing system, so this shouldn’t be the main reason why we can’t learn Bulgarian on Duolingo.
Duolingo ended their volunteer contributor program
From this list of speculations, the most plausible cause I can think of is Duolingo not having enough native speakers and/or professionals on their team.
Since it stopped working with volunteer contributors and shut down the Duolingo Incubator last 2021, they’re currently limited to in-house linguists; and, judging by these signs, it seems to me that they don’t have enough Bulgarian experts at this time.
Apps to learn Bulgarian other than Duolingo:
Instead of waiting for an update from Duolingo, why not look for another Bulgarian learning app instead? Try these three fun alternatives for size:
1. Mondly
If you’re missing your old leaderboard streak and gamified lessons, then say no more—because Mondly’s got your back!
With high-quality audio and a unique hands-free integration, this is the perfect thing to start with. In fact, its bite-sized Bulgarian tutorials cater to all proficiency levels, should that be beginner, intermediate, or advanced!
What’s great about their Bulgarian course is that it develops your reading, writing, and speaking skills altogether. Tackling subjects like travel, business, emergencies, and public transportation, this app won’t just help you speak the language, but it’ll also prepare you for real-life scenarios.
Check out this detailed Mondly review to know more.
Key features:
- Light and simple platform
- Wide coverage of vocabulary, grammar, and dialogue lessons
- Comes with a hands-free feature for learning on the go
2. Talkpal
If you’re ready to stop collecting digital trophies and start actually speaking, Talkpal is a total game-changer.
This app is a GPT-powered AI tutor that ditches boring drills for immersive, real-time conversations. Whether you’re practicing reading, listening, or speaking, the app keeps things spicy with game-like challenges and insightful questions.
You can dive into Roleplay to simulate real-world Bulgarian encounters, test your logic in Debates, or chat with unique personalities in Character Mode, all while receiving instant feedback to sharpen your grammar.
Key features:
- Realistic conversations allowing for natural practice
- Instant feedback on grammar and pronunciation
- Games and challenges that focus on conversational skills
3. LingChat
LingChat is an innovative language-learning app designed to bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and real-world fluency, especially for languages like Bulgarian.
Regular conversations with native speakers are key, but they’re not always within reach. LingChat helps solve this problem by featuring a rich collection of AI characters designed for all ages and language levels. You can engage in fun role-playing games with the AI, simulating various real-life situations—from ordering food to a business meeting—or even creating custom scenarios tailored exactly to your needs.
What makes LingChat so effective is its focus on immediate, actionable feedback during these chats. It provides real-time grammar corrections and instant speaking improvement suggestions so you can refine your skills as you practice. Plus, the app incorporates proven study techniques like spaced repetition and flashcard methods for effective review.
Key features:
- Lets you practice real-life conversations with AI characters
- Instant grammar and speaking improvement feedback
- Utilizes spaced repetition and flashcard methods for effective review
Other great resources to learn Bulgarian
Enhance your studies with these Bulgarian learning resources! From Bulgarian learning books to games, audio to video—with a just little digging, you’ll find that there’s a lot of material to go around.
Preply: Whether you want to learn Bulgarian for travel or business, you’ll find highly-rated, native-speaking Bulgarian tutors on Preply. This is one of the best platforms for affordable lessons at flexible schedules!
italki: italki features a variety of Bulgarian language tutors—from community teachers to professional instructors—whom you can schedule online classes with.
Cudoo: Whether for professional or personal objectives, Cudoo’s CEFR-based courses can meet your needs. You’ll learn applicable vocabulary and essential grammar while also honing your pronunciation and conversational skills.
Clozemaster: Clozemaster will teach you Bulgarian through context-based games and media. Highly recommended for intermediate and advanced learners!
Step by Step: Bulgarian Language and Culture for Foreigners: Written for A1-A2 students, this extensive textbook will teach you the basics of Bulgarian vocabulary, grammar, and dialogue.
Udemy: This online marketplace offers a variety of video-based Bulgarian classes focusing on fundamentals like the Cyrillic alphabet, essential grammar, practical beginner phrases, and more. It’s a great platform for self-paced, affordable learning, offering lifetime access to the courses you purchase—perfect for dipping your toes in and getting a strong, foundational grasp of the language.
Intensive Bulgarian: If you want to focus on Bulgarian grammar, then head on over to this two-volume book series—complete with readings, exercises, and cultural notes. (Just make sure to master the Cyrillic alphabet beforehand, as it’s designed for intermediates.)
BulgarianPod101: This app hosts a great number of audio and video Bulgarian tutorials that you could easily tune into.
Simply Learn Bulgarian: This phrasebook app features a wide array of flashcards for your viewing. They don’t just show important words and phrases, but these also come with audio recorded by native speakers. That’s twice the action!
Bulgaro.io: Inspired by Duolingo, this website will build your Bulgarian skills from the ground up through detailed lessons and gamified exercises.
Bulgarian Language Academy: From small talk to in-depth discussions, this YouTube channel will expose you to different words and phrases which you will find useful in real life!
Conclusion
It’s a shame that Duolingo Bulgarian hasn’t been developed, for there are lots of good reasons to have it! Apart from being the official language of Bulgaria, it’s also used in several European countries—so really, there are only advantages to including it on the roster.
Nevertheless, you’re not completely out of options, since these three amazing alternatives have enough lessons, games, and exclusive features to get your studies going!