Bulgarian classes for foreigners

You can decide which Bulgarian course suits you the best based on your goals and preferences. Berlitz offers Bulgarian lessons for all ages and learning styles:

• Private classes are a preferred choice for students who are looking for the undivided attention of their instructor to improve their skills either in person or online.
• Semi-private courses are made for those who enjoy learning together with a partner, combining the benefits of personal guidance with the motivation of shared progress.
• Group lessons allow students to express themselves through natural conversations with each other and progress together in a small group.
• Online language classes are perfect for learners who value flexibility, allowing you to join live lessons with native-fluent instructors from anywhere.
• Our intensive language programs are perfect for professionals or students who want to boost their confidence quickly and achieve measurable results within 1-2 weeks.
• Language training is made for professionals who need to master the language of their industry, from everyday communication to specialized terminology.
• Language courses for kids and teens are designed to make learning both fun and effective, helping young learners build skills for school, future studies, and global opportunities.

At Berlitz Bulgaria, we offer:

• In person language classes at our Sofia language center, located on Tsar Asen street, where you can learn in a professional and supportive environment.
• Online lessons led by native-fluent instructors, giving you the flexibility to start Bulgarian language learning from anywhere in Bulgaria.

Before you start learning Bulgarian with Berlitz Bulgaria, one of our instructors will conduct an oral evaluation with you to ensure we provide you with the most suitable course. You can also take our online placement test to assess your current language level. After completing the oral test, our expert team will recommend a course that is adapted to your level.

If you want to learn the Bulgarian language, it is important to speak the language actively. Your progress can be supported with a number of learning techniques that help you improve your skills naturally:

• watching TV shows
• listening to music
• reading books in Bulgarian

You can also enroll for Bulgarian language learning with Berlitz Bulgaria:

1. Choose whether you want to learn in a group or take a private Bulgarian language course.
2. Contact us to determine your current language level with a language test. You can also complete our online placement test to get an estimate of your level.
3. Sign up for a course of your preference.
4. Study with a native-fluent instructor and start speaking Bulgarian from your very first class.
5. Receive feedback and progress reports from your teacher.
6. Reach your language learning goals quickly and effectively.

You can learn Bulgarian fast by taking an intensive language course with Berlitz. To see results quickly:

1. Join Berlitz's Bulgarian immersion program.
2. Choose the intensity of your classes and how many hours you want to spend on studying.
3. Focus on actively speaking Italian with your instructors.
4. Practice Bulgarian during lunch with your instructor in an informal setting.
5. Have real-life conversations.
6. Personalize your lessons to your needs.
7. Improve your language skills by 1 Berlitz level in a matter of a week.

With our Bulgarian course, you will:

• Understand and use relevant language in different social situations.
• Improve your communication skills by actively speaking Bulgarian.
• Learn to navigate in both familiar and new environments.
• Develop your confidence in using Bulgarian in everyday conversations.

The most widely recognized Bulgarian language exams are the Bulgarian as a Foreign Language (BFL) certificates, issued by accredited universities such as Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski. These tests are officially accepted by Bulgarian universities, government institutions, and employers as proof of language proficiency. For foreigners who wish to study at a Bulgarian university, the BFL certificate is often required for admission. It is also commonly used when applying for Bulgarian citizenship or for professional purposes. Holding such a certificate not only strengthens your CV but also demonstrates that you can use Bulgarian effectively in academic, professional, and everyday life.

Bulgarian proficiency is commonly described using the CEFR framework (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), which is widely accepted across Europe, including Bulgaria. At Berlitz, we also use our own Berlitz Language Level system (1–10), which aligns closely with CEFR and provides a more detailed breakdown of skills. This makes it simple to track progress and set clear learning goals.

Here’s how the two systems compare, along with the functional abilities at each stage:

Functional Ability

Berlitz Level 1 | CEFR A1

You can introduce yourself and ask simple questions (e.g., where someone lives, how they are, or what they like). You can answer such questions about yourself and take part in very simple conversations, provided the other person speaks slowly and repeats if necessary.

Berlitz Level 2 | CEFR A2.1

You can understand and communicate simple, everyday messages. You manage clear, basic information and short conversations, and describe routine activities at home or work. You can ask about and understand daily needs such as shopping, travel, or booking hotels.

Intermediate Ability

Berlitz Level 3 | CEFR A2.2

You understand the gist of conversations on familiar topics in both social and work contexts. You can initiate, maintain, and end conversations, give basic professional instructions, raise problems and suggest solutions. You can also express agreement, disagreement, or complaints.

Berlitz Level 4 | CEFR A2.3

You can discuss familiar topics in more detail, make professional contacts, offer advice, and give suggestions. You can handle practical tasks like exchanging goods or canceling orders, and you’re able to write notes, short messages, or personal letters.

Upper Intermediate Ability

Berlitz Level 5 | CEFR B1.1

You can comfortably discuss a variety of everyday and workplace topics. You’re able to explain or describe processes, ask and answer work-related questions, and give general instructions. You feel at ease in familiar professional settings, for example discussing the quality of a product or service.

Berlitz Level 6 | CEFR B1.2

You can communicate effectively in most professional and personal contexts, find alternative ways to express yourself, and manage a variety of topics. You can take part in group discussions with native speakers, handle projects, share opinions, and manage longer calls or travel arrangements with ease.

Advanced Ability

Berlitz Level 7 | CEFR B1.3

You can clearly express and defend your views in discussions, understand idiomatic expressions, and manage challenging situations or disagreements. You can give presentations, summarize facts, and use the language accurately in complex work situations.

Berlitz Level 8 | CEFR B2.1

You can participate naturally in demanding conversations, both social and professional. At this level you are able to conduct meetings, give clear presentations, and express nuanced ideas confidently.

Professional Ability

Berlitz Level 9 | CEFR B2.2

You communicate efficiently with varied audiences on both familiar and new topics. You can lead discussions and meetings, defend ideas with detailed arguments, and write professional documents (emails, reports, proposals) with accuracy and clarity.

Berlitz Level 10 | CEFR C1–C2

CEFR C1: You express yourself fluently and spontaneously, handle challenging texts with ease, and use language flexibly in both social and professional contexts. You can produce clear, well-structured communication, even on complex topics.

CEFR C2: Your command of the language is comparable to an educated native speaker. You understand virtually everything you read or hear, and you can produce precise, nuanced communication even in complex or specialized contexts.

This combined system makes it simple to identify your current level, track your progress, and set clear learning goals. In Bulgaria, both CEFR and Berlitz levels are widely recognized and help learners demonstrate their Bulgarian proficiency to schools, employers, and international institutions.

The time it takes to reach fluency depends on several factors — your starting level, your goals, and the type of course you choose. At Berlitz, progress is measured in Berlitz Levels (1–10), which correspond to international CEFR standards (A1–C2). On average, learners can advance by one Berlitz level in a set number of lessons or weeks, depending on course intensity:

• Intensive language courses – With daily immersion (6–12 lessons per day, 5 days a week), you can advance one Berlitz level in just 1–2 weeks.
• Private courses – With fully personalized lessons tailored to your pace, most learners advance one level after 40 lessons (10–12 weeks).
• Group courses – With 60 hours of guided learning and peer practice, you typically move up one level in 10–20 weeks, depending on course intensity.
• Semi-private courses – Progress speed is similar to private lessons, but also depends on joint scheduling and intensity.

Overall, fluency is not achieved overnight — it’s a gradual process of building vocabulary, mastering grammar, and practicing communication. But with the right course intensity, it’s possible to make noticeable progress in weeks rather than years.