How to Learn Darija When You’re Busy (and Not in Morocco!)

Guess what one of the most common searches on my blog is? Right after finding the best Moroccan food recipes, figuring out how to open a business in Morocco, or (believe it or not) searching for a “big Moroccan ass,” people are eager to learn Darija!

What’s even more interesting? Most of them don’t even live in Morocco. I know how hard it is to learn a language when you’re not surrounded by it, but as a language methodologist, I believe that nothing is impossible! Technology can be a pain sometimes, but when it comes to language learning, it’s a game-changer. There are plenty of amazing resources available online.

Here’s my updated list of practical and engaging ways to learn Darija, even if you don’t have daily exposure to it or find traditional classroom courses boring.

1. Podcasts & YouTube Videos – Perfect for the Lazy Learner

YouTube is full of Darija lessons, so whether you prefer structured courses or casual conversational videos, you’ll find something that suits your style. A quick search will give you plenty of options.

If you prefer audio lessons, check out “3-Minute Moroccan Arabic” on Amazon. It’s a series of 25 short lessons designed for busy learners. You can definitely squeeze in 3 minutes a day, right?

✅ Best for: People who want to learn on the go—while commuting, cooking, or even working out.

2. Online Grammar Courses – For the Perfectionists

Not living in Morocco has its advantages. You can focus on building a solid grammar foundation without being overwhelmed by fast native speech.

A linguist friend of mine created a comprehensive Darija grammar course for foreigners, and he’s offering a 50% discount for my readers! Check it out if you’re serious about mastering the structure of the language.

Udemy also has plenty of Arabic courses, including some focused on Moroccan Darija. I personally tried and liked this one (100% recommended!).

✅ Best for: Learners who love structure, rules, and mastering the why behind the language.

3. Books – For the Traditionalists

I love paper books. I hate e-books. That’s why I spend way too much money on paperbacks!

If you’re like me and enjoy flipping through pages, check out Amazon for a variety of Moroccan Arabic books, including slang phrasebooks and basic language guides.

I wrote a full post about my favorite Darija books—you can read it here.

✅ Best for: Book lovers who like to study at their own pace and take notes in the margins.

4. Watching Moroccan Movies – Fun & Immersive

Not everyone agrees with me, but I’m a big fan of Moroccan cinema. Watching movies helps you hear real conversations and absorb pronunciation naturally.

Some of my personal favorites:
🎬 Ali Zaoua – A powerful drama about street kids in Casablanca.
🎬 Marock – A controversial film about love and cultural differences in Morocco.
🎬 Rock the Kasbah – A mix of drama and humor, with a great soundtrack.
🎬 Road to Kabul – A hilarious comedy that blends Moroccan and Afghan cultures.

For more recommendations, MarocMama wrote an article about 10 movies filmed in Morocco. They’re not all in Darija, but they still give you a taste of the country’s culture and landscapes.

✅ Best for: Visual learners who prefer context-based learning over memorization.

5. Language Apps – For the Tech-Savvy Learners

I’m old-school when it comes to learning languages, but I can’t deny that apps can be super helpful.

A lot of people in my Facebook group recommended Memrise for learning Darija. I haven’t personally used it, but I’ve heard great feedback from fellow learners.

✅ Best for: Those who like gamified learning with bite-sized lessons.

6. Online Tutoring – If You Want to Practice Speaking

When I first moved to Morocco, one-on-one online Darija courses didn’t exist. Now, they’re everywhere! There are many native Moroccan tutors offering lessons via Skype or Zoom.

If you want real conversation practice, this is by far the fastest way to improve.

✅ Best for: People who want to start speaking ASAP and get instant feedback.

What’s Your Favorite Way to Learn a New Language?

Have you tried any of these methods? Or do you have your own secret language-learning hacks? Drop a comment below and let’s share some tips!

Save this post for later and follow Bewildered in Morocco for more insider tips on Morocco, culture, and language learning!