Learn Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha), step by step from A1 to C1
Nour explains every rule and every word in English, step by step — the shared formal Arabic used across the Arab world, in the Quran, the news, books, and official writing.
Try the first unit freeWhat is Modern Standard Arabic, and where do you start?
Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) is the shared formal, written register used across every Arabic-speaking country — it's the language of the Quran, classical and modern literature, news media, books, and official documents. It's distinct from the spoken dialects (like Moroccan Darija) that vary from country to country. Many learners already understand pieces of it passively from religion, media, or school, but reading, writing, and speaking it fluently and correctly is a separate, structured skill. You start at A1 either way: A2 gives everyday reading and writing basics, B1 lets you follow simpler news and texts, B2 brings real fluency in reading and formal writing, and C1 is full command of the language.
What do you learn?
A curriculum referenced against the CEFR framework — the scale increasingly used by schools and universities to describe Arabic proficiency.
Arabic A1
The alphabet, reading basics, your first words and sentences.
A2Arabic A2
Simple everyday reading and writing, basic conversations in Fusha.
B1Arabic B1
Following simpler news and texts, real independence in reading and writing.
B2Arabic B2
Reading books and articles, writing formally with real confidence.
C1Arabic C1
Full command — close to native fluency in reading, writing, and speaking.
How you learn with Lerniyo
Listening
You hear real Modern Standard Arabic from the first lesson, at a beginner's pace.
Reading
Texts grow with you — from single letters and words to full paragraphs.
Writing
You write Arabic script, and Nour corrects you instantly.
Speaking
You speak from day one — recorded exercises or a real conversation with Nour.
Vocabulary
Words from real situations, plus the formal vocabulary used in news and writing.
Grammar
Explained in English, no jargon, with examples that click immediately.
Is Lerniyo right for you?
- You want to read the Quran and classical texts with real understanding
- You want to follow the news and read books and articles in Fusha
- You want a formal, pan-Arab Arabic understood the same way in every Arabic-speaking country
- You already speak a dialect like Darija and want to build on what you passively understand
- You're starting from zero in reading and writing Arabic script
- You want real reading and writing practice, not just multiple-choice questions
How long does each level take?
A realistic estimate at 15-20 minutes a day — not a promise, it depends on your consistency, and on how much vocabulary you already recognize from Darija.
Which level do you need?
- You want to start from zero, including the alphabetA1
- Read the Quran and classical texts with real understandingB1 to B2
- Follow the news and read books or articlesB2
- Write formally — for study, work, or official documentsB2 to C1
Frequently asked questions
Is Modern Standard Arabic the same as Darija?
No. Darija is the spoken Moroccan dialect; Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) is the shared formal, written Arabic used across every Arabic-speaking country — in the Quran, the news, books, and official documents. Many Darija speakers already understand pieces of it passively, but speaking and writing it fluently is a separate skill Lerniyo teaches from zero.
Is there an official exam for Modern Standard Arabic, like IELTS or DELF?
Not in the same way. Unlike English, French, Spanish or Italian, there's no single official diploma body for MSA. CEFR levels are increasingly used by language schools and universities to describe Arabic proficiency, and some institutions — mainly in the US — instead use a different scale called ACTFL, which isn't directly equivalent to CEFR. Lerniyo's own certificate follows our CEFR-referenced curriculum; it isn't a substitute for any specific institution's own admission test.
Do I need to know how to read Arabic script already?
No — A1 starts with the alphabet and reading basics, explained in English.
How long does it take to reach B1?
About 7 months at 15-20 minutes daily — faster than an unrelated language, since Darija speakers already recognize real chunks of MSA vocabulary. Still an estimate, not a promise.
Can I start for free?
Yes — the first A1 unit is free forever, no signup and no card.
Do I need a lot of time every day?
No. 15 minutes a day is enough for steady progress — consistency matters more than duration.
Start for free, no signup and no card
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