When you start to learn Latvian, you’ll notice that there are not nearly as many resources as other European languages.

Because Latvian is a smaller language with fewer speakers, big companies often ignore it. This can make it frustrating for a beginner who just wants a clear path to fluency.

But don’t worry.

As someone who teaches Latvian and studies how people learn languages, I have tested almost everything out there. There are actually some excellent tools available if you know where to look.

Whether you want to improve your vocabulary, check your grammar, or just listen to native speakers, there is a tool for you.

Here’s my guide to the best apps and resources for learning Latvian today.

Best mobile apps for vocabulary and phrases

Many students ask me where they should start.

For beginners, you need a course or app that helps you memorize new words and simple sentence structures.

Talk In Latvian

I’m biased, but this really is your best starting point.

Talk In Latvian is the largest and most comprehensive Latvian course currently online.

It covers absolutely everything from the basics right up to B2 intermediate level.

Start with this one before proceeding.

Mondly

Mondly is currently one of the most popular apps for Latvian.

It is very good for visual learners. It uses pictures and audio to help you associate words with their meanings.

The structure is organized by topics, such as “Family,” “Travel,” or “Food.” This is helpful because you can choose what is relevant to you.

The app also has a “chatbot” feature. This lets you practice typing out answers in a simulated conversation. It is not perfect, but it helps you get used to typing Latvian special characters (like ā, č, ē).

Ling App

If you like games, Ling is a great choice.

It was designed specifically for “smaller” languages that other companies ignore. The lessons are short and gamified.

Ling covers grammar points a bit better than some other apps. It also has dialogues where you can listen to native speakers.

Why apps are good for beginners:

In language learning methodology, we talk about “low anxiety” environments. An app doesn’t judge you when you make a mistake. This makes it easier to start practicing.

Listening and audio resources

You cannot learn to speak if you do not listen.

Many students make the mistake of only reading books. Then, when they hear a real Latvian person speak, they are confused because real speech is fast.

Here are the best places to find spoken Latvian.

LSM.lv (Vienkāršā valoda)

This is my number one recommendation for learners who are past the absolute beginner stage.

LSM is the Latvian Public Media. They have a section called Ziņas vieglajā valodā (News in easy language).

Why is this amazing?

• The announcers speak slowly and clearly.
• They use simpler vocabulary.
• You can read the text while you listen to the audio.

This provides what we call “comprehensible input.” This means the content is just slightly above your level, which is the perfect zone for learning.

Glossika

Glossika is different from normal apps. It does not teach you grammar rules or ask you to match pictures.

It uses a method called “mass sentences.”

You simply listen to thousands of sentences and repeat them. The idea is that your brain will naturally learn the patterns of Latvian grammar, just like a child does.

It is intense, but it is very effective for improving your pronunciation and intonation.

Essential dictionaries and grammar tools

Please do not rely only on Google Translate. It has improved, but it still makes many mistakes with Latvian grammar, specifically with declensions.

You need a real dictionary.

Letonika.lv

Letonika is the gold standard. It is a guide to Latvian culture, literature, and language.

It includes a translation dictionary, an encyclopedia, and a collection of literature. If you are serious about Latvian, you should bookmark this site.

Tēzaurs.lv

This is a massive thesaurus and dictionary.

It is excellent for checking spelling and meanings. It often gives examples of how a word is used in a sentence, which is very important. Words in Latvian change their endings based on how they are used, so seeing them in context helps a lot.

Here is a quick comparison of these tools:

How to combine these resources effectively

Having the apps is not enough. You have to use them correctly.

A common mistake is jumping from one app to another without finishing anything.

Here is a simple study plan you can use:

1. Use Mondly or Ling for 15 minutes in the morning. This wakes up your brain and builds your vocabulary.
2. Use LSM.lv during your lunch break or commute. Listen to one news story. Try to understand the main idea.
3. Use Letonika or Tēzaurs when you are writing or want to look up a specific word you heard during the day.

A note on dialects

You might hear about “Latgalian” or other regional variations in Latvia.

Most apps and dictionaries will teach you Standard Latvian. This is what you should learn first. Everyone in Latvia understands Standard Latvian.

Once you are fluent, you can explore the beautiful regional differences, but don’t let them confuse you at the beginning.

Summary

Learning Latvian is a rewarding challenge. While we don’t have as many resources as English or Spanish learners, the tools we do have are high quality.

To recap, here are your essentials:

• Essential starting point: Talk In Latvian
• For vocab: Mondly or Ling
• For listening: LSM.lv (Easy News)
• For reference: Letonika.lv