Dari and Iranian Farsi are about 80-90% mutually intelligible, comparable to Brazilian and European Portuguese. Dari has preserved certain classical Persian poetic forms and incorporates more Arabic words, plus some Turkic and Mongolian loanwords inherited from Afghan history. The main differences lie in pronunciation (Dari is often considered closer to classical Persian), in a handful of expressions, and in accent. A Dari speaker can watch Iranian television and vice versa.

Does learning Dari help me understand Pashto?

Not directly, Dari and Pashto are distinct languages. Pashto is an Eastern Iranian language with a different phonology (retroflex sounds) and a more complex grammatical structure. That said, in daily life in Afghanistan, many Pashtuns speak Dari as a second language. For working with Afghans in France, Dari covers a broader population (all ethnic groups use it).

How many Afghans live in France?

The Afghan community in France has surged since 2021, estimated at 80,000 to 120,000 people, with a strong proportion of Hazaras (Dari speakers). Paris, Lyon, Grenoble and Bordeaux host the largest communities. For asylum lawyers, social workers, doctors and teachers, even a few months of Dari radically transforms the quality of interactions.

Is the Dari alphabet difficult to learn?

Dari is written in the Perso-Arabic alphabet (28 Arabic letters plus 4 additional Persian letters). Like Arabic, it is written right to left and short vowels are generally not written. Most learners can read the basic letters within 3 to 4 weeks. For practical oral use (conversations, social work), it is possible to make progress with phonetic transcriptions while building up alphabet mastery.

Can you read Rumi's poetry by learning Dari?

Rumi wrote in classical Persian (close to Dari), and understanding his poems requires an advanced level. However, exposure to modern Dari brings you closer to this extraordinary poetic tradition. Many of our Dari students are motivated precisely by the desire to read Rumi, Hafez or Saadi in the original, and our teachers incorporate excerpts from these poets as early as the intermediate levels.

How much do Dari courses cost on Targumi?

Targumi offers 3 plans: monthly, quarterly, and lifetime access. All plans include live small-group classes with native teachers, interactive lessons, and the community. See full pricing on the pricing page.

Are the Dari courses online or in person?

100% online. Live classes happen in small groups via Google Meet. You can join from anywhere in the world. The mobile and web app stay accessible 24/7 for interactive lessons.

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes. Targumi offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. If you are not satisfied, just email [email protected] for a full refund.

How do I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel anytime from your profile (“My subscriptions” section) with no hidden fees. Your access stays active until the end of your paid period.

Resources

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Dari level test

Assess your CEFR level in 5 minutes. 30-day learning plan included.

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Dari survival kit

A hundred words and thirty key phrases as a printable PDF, free.

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Dari cultural quiz

How well do you know Dari culture? Films, music, traditions.

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Dari articles

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Dari vocabulary

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Cultural resources

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Guides & articles

Guides to learn Dari

Complete Guide

Learn Dari (Afghan Persian): A Practical Guide

Dari is the Afghan variety of Persian, spoken by over 25 million people. This practical guide covers the Perso-Arabic alphabet, grammar, vocabulary, and learning strategies.

14 min read→

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Reviews

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“Been on Targumi for 3 months. The small group format is exactly what I needed. My teacher takes time to correct accent, it's precious. Made more progress in 3 months than in 2 years of regular apps.”

CamilleVerified purchase

“What sold me is you actually speak from class one. No 10 hours of theory before opening your mouth. And the platform between classes is well-built, I revise on the morning commute.”

DamienVerified purchase

“Honestly I had doubts at first because I'd tried plenty of methods without sticking. This is different, the teacher knows their stuff, adapts to your level, and we have fun on top of it. 6 months in and still motivated.”

SorayaVerified purchase

“Really good experience overall, the rhythm between live classes and independent practice is well-balanced. Small note: the mobile app lags sometimes, but the teaching content is well worth the price.”

AntoineVerified purchase

“The thing that makes a real difference compared to other platforms: teachers are native and trained. You feel it, especially on accent and everyday expressions you don't learn in textbooks.”

EmilyVerified purchase

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Regular live small-group classes: real practice. Schedule on the platform, everything on replay so you never miss out. Join in or not, no obligation.
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