The 9 Best Books to Learn Turkish in a Flash

Langoly is supported by our readers. We review products independently, but we may earn affiliate commissions if you buy through links on this page. As an Amazon Associate, Langoly earns from qualifying purchases. Please read our full disclosure for more information.

Turkish is a language that is becoming more well-known around the world. But if you’re interested in learning it, knowing where to start can be difficult. Books are always a great resource to begin with. In this guide, you will find the best 9 books to learn Turkish with detailed explanations that will help you choose the right fit for you! 

Best Books to Learn Turkish

Turkish is a fascinating and unique language spoken by more than 75 million people worldwide. It’s among the most spoken languages in Europe. Learning Turkish can open doors to new opportunities, both personally and professionally, as well as enrich your understanding of the cultural heritage of Turkey. 

Turkey is a popular tourist destination. Its stunning landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cities attract millions of visitors each year. Knowing Turkish can significantly enhance your travel experience, as it allows for more meaningful interactions with locals and a deeper understanding of the country’s history and culture. 

Also, Turkey’s economy is growing quickly and is an important player in international trade. Learning Turkish can give you a competitive advantage in business and open up new career opportunities.

What Are The Best Books To Learn Turkish?

To find the best books to learn Turkish, I searched the internet to find some of the most popular options. Then, I researched each book to see who could benefit from it and what the book teaches best. Next, I compiled the favorites into this list. Every book has been purchased many times on Amazon and has great reader reviews.

Here is the list of the best books to learn Turkish. Scroll down to read more about each one.

The Delights of Learning Turkish is an effective book for improving all your language skills. This book will take you from being a complete beginner to an intermediate level. The author’s engaging style and clear explanations make the book easy to read and understand. The book covers all the essential aspects of Turkish grammar and vocabulary, including verb conjugations, sentence structure, and common expressions. It includes a range of practical exercises and activities, accompanied by audio recordings. 

The author also provides cultural insights throughout the book, which adds depth to the learning experience. This will be helpful especially if you are planning to live or travel in Turkey. Most reviewers liked that the grammar was explained clearly and in detail and that the book was well organized. See what you think about the book here.

Key Features

• Covers all aspects of learning the Turkish language
• Turkish-English and English-Turkish glossary
• Learn both formal and colloquial language

Complete Turkish is a comprehensive resource for those beginning to learn Turkish. This book provides a thorough and accessible guide to Turkish vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills. The book has 18 chapters, each covering a different aspect of the language. The book’s layout is easy to follow, with clear explanations and examples provided throughout. This makes it an excellent resource for self-study.

The book covers both spoken and written Turkish, making it a comprehensive resource. Some learners may find the book overwhelming because it covers a lot of material in a relatively short space. However, this can help you if you want to learn the language quicker. See if this book is right for you here.

Key Features

• 18 learning units
• Verb reference and word glossary and revision section
• Tips and skills on how to be a better language learner

Learn Turkish in One Week is an ambitious guide that helps you acquire a basic understanding of the Turkish language in just seven days. The book focuses on practical conversation skills, and each chapter contains a dialogue that introduces new vocabulary and grammar in context. This approach allows you to quickly gain familiarity with common expressions and phrases used in everyday situations. Additionally, the book includes pronunciation tips and cultural notes that provide context for the language and its usage.

Due to its condensed format, the book does not provide in-depth explanations of grammar rules, which may be challenging for learners who are new to the language. Nevertheless, this book can serve as a useful starting point for those who want to quickly familiarize themselves with basic Turkish vocabulary and phrases.

Key Features

• 4,000 of the most commonly used daily words and phrases
• Travel guide on the most popular and interesting places to visit in Turkey
• Pronunciation guide for each letter of the Turkish alphabet

Turkish Tutor: Grammar and Vocabulary Workbook is great if you want a structured approach to learning Turkish. The book covers all the essential aspects of Turkish grammar and provides opportunities for practice through exercises and quizzes. This interactive workbook has 200 activities covering a variety of grammatical and vocabulary topics with clear objectives, concise explanations, and practical tasks. 

The book is made up of 25 short learning units with communication objectives, grammar explanations, vocabulary presentations, as well as activities, reading and writing sections, and personal tutor hints and tips. It is designed for A2 Beginner to B2 Upper Intermediate learners and can be used as a supplementary resource in addition to other Turkish language books.

Key Features

• 200 activities across a range of grammar and vocabulary points
• Personal tutor hints and tips
• Unique visuals and infographics

Turkish Grammar in Practice is designed for both beginners and intermediate learners. It gives clear explanations and example sentences for a wide range of grammatical concepts. One of the key strengths of Turkish Grammar in Practice is its practical focus on language application. It has over 2,000 sample sentences and around 3,000 practice questions that use the most common Turkish words. Additionally, the book includes an answer key, allowing you to check your understanding as you work through the exercises.

Instead of organizing the units sequentially, the most fundamental grammar concepts are taught in the first units. This book is meant to be a reference and can be used to answer questions about grammar or alongside a more comprehensive book. Reviewers agreed that this is one of the best Turkish reference books available. Learn more about the book here.

Key Features

• Sample sentences and conversations that use grammar in real-life situations
• Dictionary at the end of the book
• Full answer key

Turkish Short Stories for Beginners is a useful resource if you’re looking to improve your reading and comprehension skills in Turkish. The book contains twenty short stories, each followed by a summary, comprehension questions, and vocabulary lists. The stories are engaging and have a good mix of vocabulary and grammar structures.

The book is suitable for beginners and intermediate learners, and the stories are an excellent way to improve reading fluency. The stories are entertaining but focus on everyday situations and include realistic dialogues. Reviewers thought this book was a great supplement to a more comprehensive textbook or other learning method. See what you think about the book here.

Key Features

• Stories with realistic dialogues and common situations.
• List of the most important vocabulary in the story
• Set of comprehension questions for each story

Easy Turkish Grammar presents tricky grammar concepts in a simplified and accessible manner, making it a good choice for beginner-level learners. For students who are interested in learning Turkish for the first time, Easy Turkish Grammar serves as a self-study reference and practice book. It teaches current standard Turkish, the dialect heard on TV and in newspapers. There is an overview of Turkish word order, spelling, pronunciation, and parts of speech guide at the beginning of the book. 

Each unit focuses on a different aspect of grammar and explains it using examples from everyday life. Although Easy Turkish Grammar is designed for beginners, it also serves as a useful reference for more advanced learners who want to review certain aspects of Turkish grammar.

Key Features

• Examples are translated into English
• Extensive set of exercises at the end of the units
• Includes 11 supplementary lessons

2000 Most Common Turkish Words in Context is an essential resource for language learners looking to expand their vocabulary and improve their understanding of how Turkish words are used in context. The book includes the 2000 most frequently used words in the Turkish language, which are presented in both alphabetical order and grouped by themes such as family, work, and travel.

Each word is accompanied by a Turkish sentence and its English translation, which helps you see how the word is used in everyday conversation. Additionally, the book includes pronunciation guides and grammatical explanations for each word, providing a comprehensive understanding of the word’s usage.

Key Features

• A list of 2000 of the most common words in Turkish and their translations
• Tips and tricks on how to improve your learning
• An example sentence for each word in both Turkish and English

Collins Turkish Phrasebook and Dictionary is a 3000-word, pocket-sized resource that provides essential phrases and vocabulary. It covers a wide range of situations you might encounter while visiting Turkey. The phrasebook covers topics such as dining, shopping, and transportation, and includes practical information on Turkish customs and etiquette.

This phrasebook is easy to use with its color-coded sections and alphabetical organization. The phrases are in Turkish and English, along with a phonetic pronunciation guide to help learners accurately pronounce words. The book also includes cultural tips and information, such as proper greetings, gestures, and etiquette when entering a Turkish home.

Key Features

• 3000-word dictionary
• Helpful travel information and cultural tips
• Easy to carry around

Why You Should Use Books To Learn the Turkish Language

While there are various methods available for learning Turkish, such as online courses, language apps, and other online resources, books remain a fundamental and indispensable tool. 

Books offer a structured approach to learn Turkish by providing a clear layout of grammar rules, vocabulary, and cultural context. They often include exercises and activities that help you develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience. Furthermore, books allow you to study at your own pace and refer back to previous sections as needed, promoting a deep understanding of the language.

How To Use Books To Learn Turkish

Knowing how to learn Turkish effectively is important. First, select a book that fits with your current level of Turkish and caters to your learning preferences. Consider factors such as the author’s expertise, the book’s structure and content, and if it includes audio or online resources. Secondly, set realistic goals by establishing clear objectives for your language learning journey, such as mastering a specific grammar concept or expanding your vocabulary within a given timeframe. 

Third, dedicate a specific amount of time each day or week to studying Turkish, ensuring that you maintain a consistent learning routine. It’s also helpful to use a variety of books to cover different aspects of the language, such as grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills. This will provide a comprehensive and balanced learning experience. Lastly, apply what you have learned from the books to real-life situations by practicing your spoken Turkish with native speakers.

Best Books To Learn the Turkish Language: Final Thoughts

Books are an invaluable tool for learning Turkish, offering a comprehensive, structured, and reliable approach. By selecting the best books, setting realistic goals, studying consistently, combining resources, and practicing regularly, you can effectively use books to improve your language skills. The books mentioned in this guide are highly recommended resources for Turkish language learners of various proficiency levels and learning preferences.

Best Books To Learn Turkish: FAQ