Learn Arabic Online: Free Courses, Apps and Resources
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There are many useful ways to learn Arabic online, from structured courses and audio lessons to dictionaries, reading tools and native-speaker videos.
Before you choose a resource, decide which Arabic you need. Modern Standard Arabic is used across formal writing, news and many educational settings, while everyday speech varies by region. A learner planning conversations in Cairo may choose different audio from someone preparing to read news or study in Beirut.
Use this list as a menu rather than trying everything. Pick one main course, one source of listening and one tool for reviewing vocabulary. Check the provider’s current free tier before committing, because plans and availability change.
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A note from the Fluent in 3 Months team before we get started: You can chat away with a native speaker for at least 15 minutes with the “Fluent in 3 Months” method. All it takes is 90 days. Tap this link to find out more.
5 Free Online Audio & Podcasts to Help You Learn Arabic
Audio is a great way to learn Arabic. You can take it with you wherever you go, like on your commute or when you’re running out to the corner shop. You can also listen while you do chores around the house.
In this list, I’ve opted for Arabic podcasts and audio that provide a step-by-step Arabic class, or that teach Arabic as it’s spoken in the real world.
Here’s where to start with Arabic language audio:
1. ArabicPod101
The Innovative Language podcasts are a favorite resource of the Fluent in 3 Months team. That’s why I advise you to try out ArabicPod101.
ArabicPod101 offers material from beginner to advanced levels. Registration is free, while some lessons and features require a paid plan; check the current offer before starting.
2. Language Transfer
Language Transfer is a popular Arabic language course that’s designed for intensive learning. It’s similar to the Michel Thomas method.
3. TuneIn
You can listen to radio from many Arabic speaking countries on TuneIn. Test out a few stations based on the dialect you’d like to learn, see what catches your attention.
4. Forvo
Forvo is a great place to listen to Arabic words spoken by a native speaker. It has a large database and is a good reference for pronunciation.
5. LanguageGuide.org
LanguageGuide.org is a well-curated collection of Arabic vocabulary with audio accompaniment.
YouTube: Free Video Arabic Lessons
YouTube is an excellent place to learn Arabic online. Video has the added benefits of letting you see facial expressions, body language and other non-verbal aspects of the Arabic language.
The following channels will give you many hours of free Arabic lessons:
1. ArabicPod101
In addition to their free podcast lessons, ArabicPod101 also has an excellent YouTube channel with hours of free content.
2. Easy Arabic
I love the Easy Languages channel because it offers you a lot of local culture and context.
In the Easy Arabic series, the hosts go out onto the streets of Cairo, Egypt and interview the people they meet there.
It’s a great way to hear the way people speak real Arabic. You’ll pick up conversational Arabic expressions, and improve your listening comprehension.
3. Learn Arabic with Maha
Maha is a popular Arabic language teacher on YouTube. Her channel has dozens of short, fun videos.
4. Learn Arabic with Zakaria
The bite-sized, animated cartoons on Learn Arabic with Zakaria are a cute way to learn the language. The channel is aimed at kids, but is ideal for any beginner learner.
5. Learn Lebanese with Hiba Najem
If you’re interested in learning the Lebanese dialect of Arabic, the channel Learn Lebanese Arabic with Hiba Najem will be of particular interest. It currently has more than 75 lessons.
Free Online Arabic Courses and Systems
When you’re just starting out with Arabic, it can be helpful to follow a structured Arabic course. Here are two of my favourite free Arabic courses:
1. Live Lingua
Live Lingua hosts Arabic coursebooks and audio from sources including the Peace Corps and the US Foreign Service Institute, covering several varieties.
2. Madinah Arabic
Madinah Arabic has two free online courses for Arabic language learners. One course is for those who don’t yet read the script and another for those who can.
It teaches MSA (Modern Standard Arabic).
Free Arabic Language Apps
Apps are a handy way to learn a new language, especially for those who like to study on the go.
1. Memrise
Memrise and Anki are flashcard systems that you can use to create your own Arabic vocabulary decks. You can also download decks already created by other users.
Memrise is a freemium course platform, while Anki lets you create or import flashcard decks. Anki’s desktop app is free; its official iOS app is paid.
2. Duolingo
Duolingo is a popular language learning app that introduces you to both Arabic vocabulary and grammar. It’s a gamified platform, so it’s fun to learn and easy to maintain your daily streaks.
3. Drops
Drops helps you build your Arabic vocabulary.
Drops focuses on short vocabulary sessions. Its free allowance and paid features can change, so check the current plan in the app.
4. Clozemaster
Clozemaster uses cloze (fill in the blank) to help you master new vocabulary in Arabic.
Free Online Arabic Language Resources for Advanced Arabic Learners
Take a Free Online Course in Arabic
MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) not only offer Arabic language courses, but they also offer courses on other subjects in Arabic.
If you’d like to use Arabic to learn more about something you’re passionate in, taking an online course in Arabic can be a useful way to do two things at once.
1. Coursera
Coursera’s Arabic-language catalogue changes regularly. Use the language filter to see which current courses offer Arabic instruction or subtitles.
2. EdX
EdX also changes its Arabic-language catalogue over time. Use the current search filters instead of relying on a fixed course count.
Watch Arabic Vloggers on YouTube
Arabic vloggers cover everything from comedy to fashion to food, so you’re sure to find a YouTube personality who covers a topic that you’re interested in.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Noor Stars is one of the most well known Arabic-speaking vloggers on YouTube. She covers lifestyle themes, fashion, and makeup.
- Shady Srour is known for his comedic and relatable videos, Shady is a popular Arabic language Youtuber.
- EyshElly’s host speaks Peninsular Arabic (Saudi Arabia). It features reviews of viral videos, comedy skits and more.
- Njoud features videos that cover everything from Youtube challenges to comedy.
- Laila Mourad is a channel for those interested in fitness or travel. Laila documents her daily life, travel and workout routines.
- MjrmGames features a mix of videos including pranks, gameplay and music videos.
- The Saudi Reporters are twin brothers from Saudi Arabia. On their channel, they host challenges, share comedic skits, do food tasting and science experiments.
Free Arabic Language Reading Materials
There’s a decent selection of Arabic reading resources available to you as a learner online for free. These include:
1. Wikipedia
Use Wikipedia to read short articles in Arabic. You can switch back to your native language to check your comprehension.
2. LingQ
LingQ is a popular online learning system that helps you acquire new vocabulary through its reading interface. It’s free to sign up, though if you want to use it long-term you’ll need to opt for a paid plan.
For a broader Arabic study plan, see Benny’s Arabic learning resources. If you want a simple system for organising new words, Vocab Vault can help you turn them into regular retrieval practice.
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