Learn Latin vocabulary

Here are our 22 best tips for learning Latin vocabulary

1. Repeat briefly but regularly

‍ Learn everything the day before the exam — it's probably not a good idea to you. Instead, try to get one in good time study routine build up. Take yourself to a specific point in time Share your Latin words of the day. You'll get used to it over time and it'll be easier and easier for you to follow this routine. Remember when you do a daily Reminder created on the mobile phone.

2. Learn in context

Spontaneously think of a word for every Latin word example sentence. With that, you get yourself excited active use of language and remember the vocabulary even better.

3. Listen to Latin texts

Since Latin is perceived as a dead language, people unfortunately too often focus only on reading texts and on grammar. In doing so, it is important more senses to include. So just listen to Latin lyrics on YouTube to get a Sense of spoken language to get.

4. Read modern texts in Latin

The same applies to the selection of texts: At school, you probably won't have a choice, but at home you should go to Try out more modern translations. The great thing is that when reading privately at home, you don't have to disassemble every sentence structure, but can also skim through paragraphs to see the meaning. With this, too, you develop A feeling of language in a very relaxed way. You can also look up and write down interesting vocabulary - this will expand your vocabulary.

‍💡 TIP: Did you know that the Harry Potter series is also available in Latin? Discover more modern book titles in Latin in this wiki list.

5. Make up word images

The eye learns too! If you learn with flash cards, help design them word images. You draw a Latin word so that you can deduce the meaning from it. With this pictorial link Do you remember them even better.

6. Create vocabulary groups

You can combine or contrast some Latin words in groups. This technology makes the brain happy: Because it loves learning new things in Categories or associations to classify. It also helps you remember vocabulary better!

• Partner words: regina - rex (queen - king)
• Synonyms: Ire - cedere - vadere - meare (go)
• Word family: amor (love), amare (love), amabilis (affectionate), amator (lover)
• Opposites: magnus - parvus (small - big), pulcher - foedus (beautiful - ugly)
• topics: fructus (fruit), aristis (vegetable), cena (meal), cenare (eat) poculum (cup, drinking vessel), canteen (table)

📄 Vocabulary list Basic vocabulary Latin: Here you can find the free PDF list of “Basic Latin vocabulary” with 1000 words.

7. Make an appropriate gesture for the vocabulary

Neuroscientific studies have proven it: When you make a suitable movement as a vocabulary, you remember it faster and longer. For example, if you want to learn “pontis” (bridge), draw an arc in the air with your hands to visualize the vocabulary. If you don't feel like using so much “sign language” when learning vocabulary, you should check out our Vocabulary trainer cabuu Watch - this is because this is based on the learning method with gestures.

8. Use your voice

You also know the Latin words Learn onomatopoeic. Try saying “Clarus” (loud) out loud or “Laetus” (happy) with your happiest voice. After a few repetitions, you will combine the vocabulary with the sound of your voice and the appropriate meaning easier to remember.

9. Discover similarities with other languages

Latin is the origin of many words that you may already have from other languages Knows. If you combine Latin words with words from other languages, you'll find it easier to learn.

Latin foreign language + German translation

acidus (sour, spicy) acid (engl.) = acid

angulus (angle, corner) angle (engl.) = angle

dominatio (rule) dominer (French) = dominate

10. Learn with loanwords and foreign words

Foreign words from Latin have largely retained their original shape. With so-called Loanwords You often have to take a closer look because they have adapted to German.

Latin German loan word/ foreign word

Salire (jump) somersault

sentire (feel) sentimental, sensor

Tumultus (Restlessness) Tumult

Can you think of any other words that come from Latin?

11. Pay attention to the query direction when learning

At school, you mainly have to from Latin to German translate. You should therefore master your vocabulary in this query direction. But it also makes sense to regularly in both directions to train in order to strengthen your vocabulary even better.

12. Learn the gender

In Latin, as in German, there are three genera (genders): feminine, masculine, neuter. You have to learn these with the vocabulary, as they are common Distinguish from the German translation: such as “facies” (feminine) - German: the face (neuter). If you use flash cards, you can three different colors Use for Genera. When querying, you should always include the gender.

13. Learn the genitive

In Latin, there are the cases nominative, genitive, dative, accusative, ablative and vocative. In addition, a distinction is made between different Declination classes, such as the a-declination, o-declination and third declination. Although u and i declinations still exist, they are rather rare.

To use the declinations correctly, you must recognize the correct declination class. There's a trick for that: You always recognize them On the genitive.

rex → genitive: regis → ending “is” → 3rd declination

puella → genitive: “puellae” → ending “ä” → a-declination

puer → genitive: pueri → ending “i” → o declination

14. Learn the adjectives correctly

Even with the adjectives Should you the forms of all three sexes Learn in the nominative singular. In the vocabulary list in your textbook, you'll probably see them listed in order: masculine, feminine, neuter. Example: parvus, parva, parvum or parvus, -a, -um for short. Education differs depending on Type of adjective and depending on Declination class, so you simply learn these endings with you. It looks like a lot of extra work for now, but with this information, you'll be much more comfortable with Latin grammar.

There are three different types of adjectives:

One-ending adjectives

They form the same form in the nominative singular form of all sexes.

examples:

• Pauper (m)Pauper (f)Pauper (n)
• Sapiens (m), sapiens (f), sapiens (n)

Two-ended adjectives

Two-ended adjectives have the same endings in masculine and feminine (nominative singular), but a different one in neuter.

examples:

• Gravis (m), Gravis (f)Grave (n)
• Omnis (m)Omnis (f), omne (n)

three-ending adjectives

Three-ended adjectives have different endings in the nominative singular form of all genders.

examples:

• celeber (m), celebris (f), celebrate (n)
• acer (m), Acris (f), acre (n)

15. Learn the important verb forms

To correctly conjugate Latin verbs, you must learn the root forms. These are:

• Infinitive: See - videre
• 1st person singular present tense: I see - video
• 1st person singular in perfect: I've seen - vidi
• participle: seen - visa

In your textbook, you will see these forms of verbs and can learn them right away. Some important verbs are formed irregularly and so that you can recognize them in the text, you should know the root forms.

Examples of irregular verbs:

ire, eo, ii, itum = go

ferre, fero, tuli, latum = carry, bring

‍💡 TIP: With the Cabuu app Can you learn your Latin vocabulary using the root forms.

16. Translate and learn famous quotes

Veni, vedi, vici — you certainly know this Latin quote. Why don't you do some research for more interesting quotes and their meaning. In this way, you will learn new vocabulary and learn new things from history.

17. Learn with your senses

Some of our tips have already based on this principle: If you use a different vocabulary sensory impressions Connect, you'll remember them better. Our brain needs associationsto be able to remember new information easily. With our Vocabulary app cabuu Will be suitable for you Animations and graphics shown, which you must follow with your finger. In this way, different areas of the brain are included during learning, which Memorization increased.

21. Learn in pictures

If you just can't remember a Latin word, try this trick: Close your eyes and Visualize vocabulary, with as much detail as possible. Say it out a few times. This visualization again helps you to activate as many senses as possible.

22. Create a pleasant learning environment

If you want to learn your Latin words, Switch on all interference factors off. If you come up with something in between when studying that you would like to do later, write it down on a note and take care of it afterwards. Try to Focus on vocabulary learning to bet and ignore everything else. Otherwise, you prolong your learning, which is at the expense of your free time. And that would be a shame, wouldn't it?

Also don't forget, in between pauses to make. Your head needs some time to relax in between when you “feed” it with new vocabulary. Depending on the form of the day, you should every 25 to 45 minutes Stop learning vocabulary to relax. You could take a quick breath of fresh air, do a little sports exercise or listen to your favorite song: After that, you can continue feeling stronger.

What is the fastest way to learn Latin vocabulary?

Learning methods and materials

If you've read through the tips, you've probably already noticed that there are very different ways to learn Latin vocabulary. The most important thing is that you stick with it: Just with repetition Do the vocabulary get into your long-term memory and can be accessed at any time. Here are some learning methods that you can try out.

Learn vocabulary from a book or worksheet

The simplest method: simply open the book, cover a page and query the order. For a little repetition, this method is fine. However, only a few senses are used and the sequence is often learned by heart, hence the long-term learning effect and motivation on the track.

advantages:

• For a short term refresher Is this method okay - but nothing more. It shouldn't be your only learning method if you want to learn vocabulary correctly.

drawbacks

• No lasting learning success and no learning incentives, as too few sensory inputs are required. You'll most likely get bored quickly with this method.

Copy to the vocabulary book

Many swear by it: Only those who have copied the vocabulary at least once will remember it - Only those who write remain! Unfortunately, it is not that simple: Writing off can be used as a small memory exercise be viewed, but a regular repetition Latin vocabulary is absolutely necessary. There is also a lack of sensory impressions here again. Anyone who just writes down all their vocabulary on a daily basis will sooner or later give up annoyed.

advantages:

• All vocabulary is in Vocabulary book collected and can looked up become.
• Writing off is a small exercise - but only with a small effectif the vocabulary is not used repeatedly and actively.
• According to an assumption of “Goldlist” method After writing off, at least 30% of newly learned vocabulary remains stuck in long-term memory.

Disadvantages:

• Only a small percentage remains in memory. Another learning method with regular Repetition is absolutely necessary.
• Few sensory impressions prevent a long-term learning effect and reduce motivation.
• Die order is also learned, as mixing is not possible.

Listen to and visualize Latin words

This method is available at difficult to remember vocabulary Recommended: Close your eyes, say them out loud and imagine them figuratively. What does it look like, does it have a specific color or smell? Can you think of a mnemonic device as well? Since this method is very time-consuming, it is not suitable for all vocabulary that needs to be learned on a daily basis.

advantages:

• Through the use of different senses Do you remember the vocabulary better.
• You rain your fantasy so that learning vocabulary is no longer so boring.

Disadvantages:

• Because this learning method lots of time required, it is not suitable for learning long vocabulary lists. With difficult vocabulary Or simply for between meals, it is still a great addition about other learning methods.

The index card box

It is a classic, with a proven method: The secret of the success of the index box is based on spaced repetition effect. This means that you remember learning content better when you use it via a longer period learned away and Repeatedly at intervals become. The index cards are sorted into different compartments and slide further back the better you master the vocabulary. Die learning intervals lengthen in the process.

advantages:

• When used correctly, does a long-term learning effect.
• The flash cards can individually designed and audition aloud when queried to stimulate more senses.

Disadvantages:

• One high self-motivation is necessary: Learning success is only achieved with correct application and regular repetition one.
• The index card does not notice if it hasn't been touched for a long time. The cards in the back pockets may already be like this Forgotten a long time ago.
• Elaborate preparation: Before learning, they must Index cards prepared And the Vocabulary written off become. However, this can certainly be regarded as a “warm-up” (with a short learning effectif there is no repetition shortly after.)

Learn Latin vocabulary with an app

Almost all young people have a smartphone: According to Statista (2021), 95% of 12 - 15-year-olds are. It accompanies us in everyday life and is also a great learning companion. With a suitable Vocabulary trainer app Do you have a incredibly versatile tool for learning vocabulary. You activate different senses (audio, animations, pictures) and have the vocabulary always with you. In the best case, there is also one systematic learning support integrated, which accompanies you through to the vocabulary test and includes learning objectives. Learning memories help you stick with it. Learning vocabulary in the app should also offline work so you're not distracted by messages.

advantages:

• Depending on the app, activates your senses: with audio and appropriate animations or images.
• Learning memories help you set up a learning routine.
• Some apps also create a learning plan that works with targeted preparation helps.
• The smartphone is yours daily companion and so you can always learn when it's convenient.
• Well-made vocabulary apps also score points age-appropriate design and motivate with Learning incentives.

Disadvantages:

• Possible distraction due to messages: That's why the vocabulary app of choice should also work offline.

Are you still looking for a suitable vocabulary app for yourself?
‍With our Vocabulary trainer cabuu You will learn your Latin words with ease. Try it out for free now!

🚀 Become a vocabulary professional with variety and fun

This was a selection of learning methods for learning your Latin vocabulary. The best thing is that you don't have to choose one method, but can combine different ones. Most importantly, you Stay motivated and Have fun on the challenge.