Learn Latvian Online
8 expert Latvian teachers. Conversational Latvian, fintech and business language (Riga), and heritage diaspora lessons.
1.5 million speakers. EU official language. One of only two Baltic languages remaining.
Why Learn Latvian?
One of Only Two Baltic Languages
Latvian and Lithuanian are the sole surviving members of the Baltic language family — ancient descendants of Proto-Indo-European. Learning Latvian gives you access to a rare and historically rich linguistic tradition.
Riga Fintech & EU Business Hub
Riga hosts major European financial institutions and a fast-growing fintech sector. Latvia's EU membership and strategic Baltic location make Latvian a valuable asset for European business professionals.
UK/Ireland Diaspora Connection
Following EU free movement, large Latvian communities established in the UK and Ireland. Heritage and diaspora learning is among the most common reasons people seek Latvian instruction today.
Latvian's Macron Vowels: Length Changes Meaning
The four macron vowels — ā, ē, ī, ū — mark long vowels that are held approximately twice as long as short vowels. This is not a tonal mark; it is a length distinction. The difference is phonemic: masa (massage) vs māsa (sister), kaza (goat) vs kāza (wedding). Mastering macron vowels early is one of the most important steps in Latvian pronunciation.
Choose Your Latvian Learning Path
Conversational Latvian
Speak naturally for travel, daily life, and connecting with locals in Riga and beyond.
Business & Fintech Latvian
Professional Latvian for Riga's thriving fintech sector, EU institutions, and Baltic business networks.
Heritage Diaspora
Reconnect with Latvian roots. Tailored lessons for diaspora communities in the UK, Ireland, and North America.
Meet Some Latvian Teachers
Ilze K.
📍 Riga, Latvia
University of Latvia graduate with 10 years of online teaching. Makes Latvian grammar and macron vowels straightforward for beginners.
Artūrs M.
📍 Daugavpils, Latvia
Teacher from Latvia's second-largest city with deep knowledge of Latvian regional variation and cultural history.
Laima B.
📍 London, UK
Latvian native in London serving the large UK/Ireland Baltic diaspora. Specialises in helping adults and children reconnect with Latvian.
Latvian CEFR Level Guide
Linked to the official Latvian Language Proficiency Test (Latviešu valodas prasmes pārbaude), required for residency and citizenship.
Greetings, numbers, core vocabulary. Master macron vowels (ā ē ī ū) that change word meaning entirely.
Work, travel, and cultural contexts. Navigate Latvian media, podcasts, and business communication.
Professional and academic fluency. Read Latvian literature and handle formal written Latvian.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people speak Latvian?
Approximately 1.5 million people speak Latvian as a native language, mainly in Latvia. There are significant diaspora communities in the United Kingdom (especially post-2004 EU free movement), Ireland, Germany, and North America. Latvian is one of the 24 official EU languages.
What are the macron accent marks in Latvian?
Latvian uses macrons over four vowels: ā, ē, ī, ū. These marks indicate long vowels — they double the vowel length. This is not a tone mark like in Chinese; it signals duration. For example, 'masa' (massage) vs 'māsa' (sister). Getting macron vowels right is one of the first priorities for any Latvian learner, and a teacher who actively corrects your pronunciation is essential.
Is Latvian related to Lithuanian?
Yes — Latvian and Lithuanian are the only two surviving Baltic languages, and they are sister languages descended from Proto-Baltic. They share vocabulary and structural features, but are not mutually intelligible in everyday conversation. Knowing one gives a significant head start learning the other, particularly for vocabulary and grammatical patterns.
Is Latvia useful for tech and fintech careers?
Riga has developed one of the strongest fintech ecosystems in Northern Europe. Several major European financial institutions have established EU operations in Latvia. Combined with EU membership and English proficiency, Latvian language skills are an asset for professionals working in Baltic fintech, logistics, and EU policy.
What is the Latvian Language Proficiency Test?
The Latvian Language Proficiency Test (Latviešu valodas prasmes pārbaude) is administered by the State Language Centre. It is required for permanent residency and citizenship in Latvia. The test covers speaking, listening, reading, and writing across CEFR levels. Our teachers have experience preparing candidates for all levels.
Start learning Latvian today
Expert teachers. One of only two Baltic languages. EU official language. Trial lesson from $1.