A0–A1 · Self-paced

Swahili Beginner · Msingi

From zero to your first real conversations.

About this course

Start from absolute zero and build the confidence to greet, introduce yourself, shop, order food and hold simple everyday conversations. Taught by native speakers with real East African audio throughout.

What you’ll learn

  • Greet people and introduce yourself naturally
  • Count, tell the time and talk about dates
  • Order food, shop and ask for directions
  • Build sentences with the core noun classes
  • Understand slow, clear spoken Swahili
  • Hold a 5-minute everyday conversation

Curriculum

34 video lessons · 7.9 hours · 10 free

1Karibu! Introduction to Swahili (Jambo, Habari)FREE12 min2Swahili PronunciationFREE12 min3Unique Swahili SoundsFREE6 min4Swahili Greetings & IntroductionsFREE26 min5Polite essentials: please, thank you, sorryFREE14 min6Numbers 1–20 and counting thingsFREE8 min7Exchange of news: finding out how someone really isFREE11 min8Introduction to Swahili verbsFREE12 min9Practice 25 Common Swahili verbsFREE11 min10Introduction to Swahili sentencesFREE15 min
11Asking simple questions (nani? nini? wapi?)14 min🔒
12Everyday objects around the home12 min🔒
13Mini conversation practice: meeting someone new16 min🔒
14The M-WA noun class (people)15 min🔒
15Present tense verbs with -na-16 min🔒
16Food & drink vocabulary13 min🔒
17Ordering at a café or restaurant15 min🔒
18Numbers 20–1,000 and money13 min🔒
19Shopping & bargaining politely15 min🔒
20The KI-VI noun class (things)15 min🔒
21Telling the time: saa ngapi?14 min🔒
22Describing people & things (adjectives)15 min🔒
23Conversation practice: at the market16 min🔒
24Places in town & getting around13 min🔒
25Asking for and giving directions15 min🔒
26The past tense -li-16 min🔒
27Talking about your day14 min🔒
28The future tense -ta-15 min🔒
29Making plans with friends14 min🔒
30Weather & seasons in East Africa12 min🔒
31Negation: saying 'not'16 min🔒
32Culture: greetings, respect & elders13 min🔒
33Final conversation: your first 5-minute chat18 min🔒
34Exchanging Greetings and News in Swahili10 min🔒
£79

One-time payment · lifetime access · learn on any device

🔔 Enrolment opens soon

We are putting the finishing touches to this course. Start the free lessons now and you will be first to know when enrolment opens.

Start the free lessons →
  • Taught by native speakers
  • Downloadable notes with every lesson
  • Finish a level, unlock the next at 50% off