Everything You Need To Learn Latin

Everything You Need To Learn Latin

Latin is an ancient language of Europe and the Middle East that was once widely spoken by the people of Rome, but is now used almost exclusively in religious ceremonies.

The first evidence of written Latin appeared during the first century BCE, but its use became widespread only by the 4th century CE. The language continued to be used until around 700 CE, when it began to give way to other languages.

Latin is still taught today as an academic subject in many educational institutions around the world, both high school and college level.

Latin is the ancestor of modern Romance languages like Italian, French, Spanish, Romanian and Portuguese. Even English is indirectly related to Latin; many of its words are borrowings from the language. As such, a knowledge of Latin is an asset for any serious student of the Romance languages.

(Read how you can use Latin to speak to people in multiple languages.)

For a dead language, the number of learning materials is surprisingly plentiful. We’ve listed those we believe will be most useful to you as you commence your Latin journey.

Latin Language Learning Books

Using a Latin course/study book is the preferred (and often only) method to learn Latin. With a Latin textbook, you learn everything you need to know, such as useful vocabulary, etymology, grammar etc. There are plenty of very good books written on the subject, so you definitely have your pick.

The Everything Essential Latin Book: All You Need to Learn Latin in No Time
Amazon.com
The Everything Essential Latin Book: All You Need to Learn Latin in No Time
A Latin Dictionary
Amazon.com
A Latin Dictionary
Latin for Beginners (Usbourne)
Amazon.com
Latin for Beginners (Usbourne)
Latin Key Words: 2,000-word Vocabulary Arranged by Frequency
Amazon.com
Latin Key Words: 2,000-word Vocabulary Arranged by Frequency
Oxford Latin Course, College Edition: Readings and Vocabulary
Amazon.com
Oxford Latin Course, College Edition: Readings and Vocabulary
Basics of Latin: A Grammar with Readings and Exercises
Amazon.com
Basics of Latin: A Grammar with Readings and Exercises
Latin for Children, Primer A
Amazon.com
Latin for Children, Primer A
Cambridge Latin Course: Unit 1
Amazon.com
Cambridge Latin Course: Unit 1
Minimus Pupil's Book: Starting out in Latin
Amazon.com
Minimus Pupil's Book: Starting out in Latin
Learn to Read Latin
Amazon.com
Learn to Read Latin
Latin For Dummies
Amazon.com
Latin For Dummies
Getting Started with Latin: Beginning Latin for Homeschoolers and Self-Taught Students
Amazon.com
Getting Started with Latin: Beginning Latin for Homeschoolers and Self-Taught Students

Latin Children’s Books

Lots of kids’ books have been translated into Latin. If you’re a fan of the originals, reading a copy of the story in Latin will improve your Latin skills immensely.

Latin kids’ books are great for adding new vocabulary in a fun way that won’t be too overwhelming. The language used in these types of books is often pretty basic, so they’re a nice starting point for beginners.

Winnie Ille Pu (Winnie the Pooh in Latin)
Amazon.com
Winnie Ille Pu (Winnie the Pooh in Latin)
Cattus Petasatus: The Cat in the Hat in Latin
Amazon.com
Cattus Petasatus: The Cat in the Hat in Latin
Quomodo Invidiosulus Nomine Grinchus Christi Natalem Abrogaverit: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, in Latin
Amazon.com
Quomodo Invidiosulus Nomine Grinchus Christi Natalem Abrogaverit: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, in Latin
Ubi Fera Sunt (Where the Wild Things Are, in Latin)
Amazon.com
Ubi Fera Sunt (Where the Wild Things Are, in Latin)
Regulus (The Little Prince in Latin)
Amazon.com
Regulus (The Little Prince in Latin)
Commentarii de Inepto Puero: Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Latin Edition
Amazon.com
Commentarii de Inepto Puero: Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Latin Edition

Latin Fiction

Take your Latin reading and comprehension skills further with some more complex Latin reading material. Latin-language books written for older readers tend to be full of advanced vocabulary and concepts, which will challenge your Latin skills.

Fairy Tales in Latin: Fabulae Mirabiles
Amazon.com
Fairy Tales in Latin: Fabulae Mirabiles
Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Latin edition)
Amazon.com
Harrius Potter et Philosophi Lapis (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Latin edition)

Latin Digital Courses

With a Latin e-course, you can not only hear how the language is supposed to be pronounced, but you’ll find it easier to put together your own sentences, and better understand spoken Latin.

Udemy offers a Classical Latin course for beginners, details of which we’ve included below. The course comes with 5 hours of video instruction, and dozens of downloadable worksheets to aid in your learning. Plus, you get lifetime access to the course, and can access it on almost any device.

LATIN UDEMY COURSES

Classical Latin Udemy

Latin Products

Sometimes it takes more to learn a language than just relying on books and courses. Latin flash cards, for instance, are great for vocabulary drilling, and have proven to be effective in making vocabulary stick. And a Latin-language card game is a fun way to learn and remember new Latin words.

1000 Latin Vocabulary Study Cards
Amazon.com
1000 Latin Vocabulary Study Cards
Latin Grammar: A Quickstudy Language Reference Guide
Amazon.com
Latin Grammar: A Quickstudy Language Reference Guide
Monkey Match Card Game - Learn Latin
Amazon.com
Monkey Match Card Game - Learn Latin

Free Latin Worksheets