Is There a Duolingo for Dothraki? (And What to Use Instead)
Is There a Duolingo for Dothraki? (And What to Use Instead)
If you searched Duolingo for Dothraki and came up empty, you're not alone. Dothraki has never launched on the platform, and there's no indication it will soon. Interestingly, Duolingo does offer High Valyrian — another language created by David J. Peterson for Game of Thrones — but the horse lords' language has been left out.
Here's what you can use instead, ranked by learning effectiveness.
Why Duolingo Doesn't Have Dothraki (But Has High Valyrian)
High Valyrian launched on Duolingo in 2017, backed by HBO as part of their promotional support for Game of Thrones Season 7. It was the first time a TV network had actively partnered with Duolingo to create a course for a show's fictional language.
Dothraki was presumably part of those discussions, but it wasn't included. The likely reasons are complex: perhaps the production timeline, perhaps licensing specifics, perhaps the decision to prioritize one language for the partnership. Regardless, Dothraki learners have been left to find their own resources.
The Best Alternatives
1. Tengwar — Best Structured Lessons
Tengwar offers grammar-focused Dothraki lessons alongside Elvish and Klingon. The structured approach ensures you learn why things work the way they do, not just memorize phrases. If you want to actually understand Dothraki, this is the right starting point.
2. David J. Peterson's Book — Best Deep Reference
The Language of the Dothraki (2014) is the authoritative text. Peterson explains:
- The complete grammar system
- Vocabulary and word formation principles
- His design decisions and their cultural logic
- Sample texts with analysis
This is the Dothraki equivalent of Marc Okrand's The Klingon Dictionary — essential for serious learners.
3. Living Language Dothraki Course
The Living Language course published alongside Peterson's book includes audio tracks and structured exercises. It's a more traditional language learning format with listening and repetition components that complement the grammar-heavy book.
4. Anki Flashcard Decks
The Anki shared deck library has community-built Dothraki vocabulary decks. These vary in quality, so check reviews and creation dates, but the best ones are well-maintained with hundreds of words and example sentences.
Anki's spaced repetition algorithm is particularly effective for vocabulary retention, making it a strong complement to any grammar-based course.
5. Reddit: r/DothrakiLanguage
The Dothraki subreddit is the most active online community for learners. It's a good place to:
- Ask grammar questions
- Verify translations
- Find resources others have discovered
- Practice writing in Dothraki
The community is smaller than the Klingon or Elvish communities but knowledgeable and welcoming.
6. Game of Thrones Episodes (Primary Audio Material)
There's no better listening practice than the source material. Watch Game of Thrones scenes with Dothraki dialogue — particularly Season 1 and Season 6 — using subtitles to follow along. Peterson's coaching is audible in the professional cast's delivery.
Building a Complete Learning System
Here's a recommended approach:
- Start: Tengwar structured lessons for grammar foundation
- Vocabulary: Anki flashcard deck for daily review
- Deep dive: Peterson's book for grammar details
- Audio: Game of Thrones scenes for listening practice
- Community: r/DothrakiLanguage for questions and practice
This combination covers everything Duolingo would provide — and considerably more. The grammar-forward approach also ensures you can construct new sentences rather than just recognizing learned phrases.
Start your structured Dothraki journey at learningelvish.com.
Related Reading
- Duolingo for Dothraki: Real Alternatives That Actually Exist
- The Best App to Learn Dothraki in 2026 (I Tested Every Option)
- How to Learn Dothraki: The Complete 2026 Guide for Beginners
Learn Dothraki with Tengwar
Tengwar offers free Dothraki lessons in a Duolingo-style format — the only mainstream platform teaching Dothraki, Elvish, and Klingon together. Start free →. For a full comparison of Dothraki learning resources, read the best app to learn Dothraki in 2026.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does Duolingo have a Dothraki course?
No, Duolingo does not offer Dothraki. It does have High Valyrian (another Game of Thrones language created by David J. Peterson), but Dothraki is not available on the platform.
What is the best way to learn Dothraki online?
The best approach combines Tengwar's structured lessons, David J. Peterson's book 'The Language of the Dothraki,' Anki flashcard decks, and the r/DothrakiLanguage community for practice and questions.
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