Macedonian is written in a Cyrillic alphabet of 31 letters, and a beginner's textbook from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje says words are mostly spelled the way they sound, with some exceptions. Comprehensible input is Macedonian you can mostly understand, so the words you know help you work out the few you don't.
What Comprehensible Input Looks Like
Each row is a sentence. Gray bars are words you know, and the purple bar is new.
About one unfamiliar word per sentence, while you still follow the meaning.
Treat that as a flexible starting point, and pick something easier if you lose the thread.
Your Roadmap by Level
Bubblegum describes its six levels with sentences like these. The other resources don't use them, so read a few lines before you settle on one.
- Letters First, If Needed
I need help reading Macedonian Cyrillic.
The free course teaches the letters in English. Practice short words alongside it.
Macedonian Alphabet course - Level 1
I can sound out words but not much else
Read the bakery lesson below, then the free phrase lessons with audio on 50LANGUAGES.
50LANGUAGES Macedonian - Level 2
I can read simple sentences.
Postcard from Skopje is slow, simple Macedonian with a transcription and a translation you can download.
Postcard from Skopje - Level 3
I can read short stories and messages.
Short Story in Easy Macedonian has a slower version with the text. When it feels easy, try Makedonkast, a podcast in slow Macedonian.
- Level 4
I can read longer texts about everyday life.
Pick a short SBS Macedonian report on a topic you know, and check that you can say its main point.
SBS Macedonian - Level 5
I can follow complex topics, but miss some details.
- Level 6
I can follow detailed arguments and different writing styles.
Read longer writing and talk about it. The official dictionary explains new words in Macedonian.
Dictionary of the Macedonian language
Move on when a row feels easy, and go back if you stop on almost every line.
Try It on a Real Lesson
Bubblegum is a language app where Poppy, an AI tutor, writes Macedonian lessons for your level and interests. Here's a real Level 1 lesson from its public library, a visit to a bakery, with its English translation.
A Level 1 Bakery Visit
Добар ден
Good day!
Good day! How are you?
I am well, thank you.
One loaf of bread, please.
Here you go! Have a nice day!
Thank you, have a nice day!
Марко asks for еден леб. See if the bakery tells you what that is before you check the English.
Frequently Asked Questions About Comprehensible Input
Do I need to finish the alphabet before I start reading?
No. Learn letters and short words together, and go back to the free course whenever you need a letter.
How much time should I set aside?
Plan three to five hours a week, in sessions of at least 15 to 30 minutes, mostly reading and listening.
Which app should a beginner choose?
If you are serious about learning Macedonian, start with Bubblegum. Poppy writes lessons at your level about things you like. For more apps with Macedonian to read, watch and listen to, see the best apps for Macedonian comprehensible input.
Is Bubblegum free?
Yes. The lesson library is free for everyone, because we believe everyone should be able to learn. It holds lessons that other learners asked Poppy for. A new custom lesson costs us real money to make, so your first one is free, and Bubblegum Pro gives you unlimited custom lessons.
Sources
- Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Македонски со мака (beginner textbook: 31 Cyrillic letters, spelling that follows the sounds with some exceptions)
- Bubblegum: Добар ден (Level 1 Macedonian lesson)
- Bubblegum: Macedonian Alphabet course
- 50LANGUAGES: Macedonian for free (100 lessons with MP3 audio)
- Macedonian Language Corner: Postcard from Skopje, slow and simple Macedonian for beginners
- Macedonian Language Corner: Short Story in Easy Macedonian (natural and slower versions, with text and translation)
- Macedonian Language Corner: Makedonkast
- LingQ: Macedonian courses (Mini Stories)
- SBS Macedonian: news, radio and podcasts
- MRT Play: news and reports from North Macedonia's public broadcaster
- Readlang: new languages, including Macedonian (June 2024)
- Government of North Macedonia: dictionary of the standard Macedonian language
