Free Resources for Learning Urdu

Language learning can be daunting. We want to help you on your journey to communicating well in Urdu.  

Choosing the right materials or resources make a huge difference when learning a foreign language, especially if you are trying for self-study. The good news is: You are not the first person learning Urdu – and there are some resources that can help you.

Resources Developed by Zubaan

Short Urdu Lessons from Zubaan

Urdu Grammar Workbook (online)

Practice Pronouncing Urdu Words

Learn More About the Urdu Language

Other Free Resources

Below is a list a resources, some of which we have reviewed, tested, and used in our Urdu language classes. If you find something especially helpful, please let us know! We will do our best to update this list regularly.

Urdu Vocabulary (beginner/intermediate)

Select your mother tongue and then Urdu on the top of the page; then select a topic (e.g. beverages, emotions) and get started. Includes pictures, audio, transliteration in Roman script and Urdu script of each word. A great resource to increase your vocabulary.

Urdu Phrasebook – Wiki Voyage
A concise reference for Urdu letters, numbers, words, and phrases for a variety of situations. 

Urdu Spelling

This is a fun way to practice the spelling of some basic vocabulary. You can choose a category (e.g. vegetables or cities) and
then practice both your spelling and basic vocabulary.


Urdu Listening (intermediate/advance)

Free Listening Resources (includes classical stories such as Uncle Tom’s Cabin)

Paid Listening Resources

Urdu Reading & Writing for Beginners

Urdu Seekhiye:
Learn the sound each letter makes in the Urdu alphabet, how to write it, and various words that begin with the letter.


Rekhta Learning (Previously free):
An e-learning platform built to give a unique experience of learning the Urdu language, literature, and culture. 

Urdu Reading & Listening (intermediate/advance)

BBC Urdu:
For those who are not so interested in politics or current affairs, check out the “Science” Section for interesting articles. The website also includes videos, often with Urdu subtitles.

Deutsche Welle (DW) Urdu:
Germany’s international broadcaster and one of the most successful and relevant international media outlets. They provide journalistic content in 32 languages, including Urdu.


Urdu Reading (advance)

PDF Books PK:
This website includes a huge range of books that can be downloaded as a pdf or read online. It is one of the websites that not only offers Urdu literature and poetry, but also computer books (e.g. MS Office 2010 in Urdu), books related to general interest, health topics as well as some famous series (e.g. Inspector Jamshed Series).