Darija mixes Arabic roots with words from Amazigh, French, and Spanish, so a phrase you hear in Morocco may not appear in any Arabic textbook. A phrasebook can tell you that شنو سميتك؟ asks "What's your name?". The question starts to come to you naturally after you've heard it in many short scenes you already follow. Comprehensible input is the name for that kind of Darija: language you mostly understand, where each new word turns up with plenty of help around it.
What Comprehensible Input Looks Like
Think of each row below as a line of Darija and each bar as one word. Known words show up gray, and the one you haven't met is purple.
About one unfamiliar word per sentence, while you still follow the meaning.
With the rest of the line familiar, you can work out the purple word from the scene. Early on, that means a two-line order at a cafe. Later, a podcast episode gives you enough context to guess a word on your own. When most lines leave you lost, ease off to something simpler.
Your Roadmap by Level
Each of Bubblegum's six levels is described the way a learner might put it. Pick the closest one, and treat the courses and podcasts as a loose match, since they have no levels of their own.
- First Steps
I can't read Arabic letters yet.
Bubblegum writes Darija in Arabic script, so learn the letters first while you listen to easy Darija.
Bubblegum's free Arabic Alphabet course - Level 1
I can read Arabic letters, but need help with words.
Read the cafe lesson further down this page at Level 1, and play its audio. Order the same drink in your head as you read.
Level 1 lessons at a Moroccan cafe - Level 2
I can read simple sentences.
Darija School's free beginner courses need no sign-up. Pair one unit with a Bubblegum lesson on the same topic.
Darija School - Level 3
I can read short chats and stories in written Moroccan Arabic.
Listen to a Daily Darija episode two or three times. Transcripts and vocabulary summaries come with a paid subscription, if you want them.
Daily Darija - Level 4
I can read longer texts about everyday life.
Playaling has real videos in Maghrebi Arabic, mostly Moroccan Darija, with Arabic transcripts and English translations. Watch one short clip a few times.
Playaling - Level 5
I can follow complex topics, but miss some details.
The Armchair Arabist shares clips from Moroccan TV shows and films, with word-by-word transcripts and translations. Listen first, then check the transcript for the parts you missed.
The Armchair Arabist - Level 6
I can follow detailed arguments and subtle meanings in written Moroccan Arabic.
Follow Moroccan comedy, songs, and posts written in Darija. Notice when people switch to French mid-sentence, and why.
Try the next row when the current one needs little help. If nearly every line needs the dictionary, go back one.
Try It on a Real Lesson
Poppy, your AI tutor in the language app Bubblegum, writes Darija lessons for your level and interests. Here is one of hers, set at a Moroccan cafe. One Bubblegum lesson in its full form also has audio, a dictionary, and grammar notes.
One Cafe, Six Levels
From Bubblegum’s guide Ordering Food and Drinks at a Moroccan Cafe. It works here the way it works inside Bubblegum.
I know a few words, or I can sound out words but not much else.
At the Market: Bread and Mint
Youssef is at the market.
He wants bread and mint.
Peace be upon you, please how much is this bread?
Two dirhams, and the mint is one dirham.
Youssef bought the bread and mint and left happily.
Read the order at Level 1, then switch to Level 3. Words from the first version come back, so the new ones stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Comprehensible Input
Should I Read Darija in Latin Letters?
Read lessons in Arabic script, because Latin spellings of Darija vary from person to person. Learn the online style later from friends, once you know how the words sound.
How Much Time Should I Set Aside?
Give Darija three to five hours a week, in sittings of 15–30 minutes or more. Spend most of it on reading and listening, and some to chatting with a tutor or a friend from Morocco.
Which App Should a Beginner Choose?
If you are serious about learning Moroccan Arabic, start with Bubblegum. Poppy writes lessons at your level about things you like. Our Moroccan Arabic comparison also lists audio courses, tutors, and free videos.
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
- Wikipedia, Moroccan Arabic (loanwords, how it is written, and common phrases such as شنو سميتك؟)
- Darija School: free courses
- Live Lingua: Peace Corps Moroccan Arabic course
- Daily Darija (free podcast episodes; transcripts and vocabulary with a paid subscription)
- Playaling: Maghrebi Darija Arabic videos with transcripts and translations
- The Armchair Arabist: Moroccan TV and film clips with word-by-word transcripts and translations
