Getting the Latinum after school: the options
In short
The Latinum is the German certificate of Latin proficiency that some university degree programmes require. If you need it after leaving school, you get it through a state supplementary exam: in writing an unseen text of about 180 words in 180 minutes, plus an oral exam. You can prepare in university courses, in intensive courses or on your own. University courses usually take one to three semesters.
The supplementary exam
The certificate is always awarded through an exam with the responsible authority, never through a course alone. The framework set by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education (Kultusministerkonferenz, KMK):
- Written: translating an unseen Latin text, about 180 words in 180 minutes. A dictionary is usually allowed.
- Oral: a text of about 50 words and an oral discussion, usually 20 minutes.
- Registration: with a statement of how you prepared. This means self-study is formally possible.
Who examines is up to the individual German federal states: in North Rhine-Westphalia the district governments (Bezirksregierungen), in Baden-Württemberg the regional councils (Regierungspräsidien), in Bavaria state Gymnasien (academic secondary schools). Note: admission is often tied to residence or enrolment in that state, for example in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Lower Saxony. In Lower Saxony the exam costs €90 according to the University of Göttingen.
Ways to prepare
| Route | Typical scope | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| University course | 1 to 3 semesters, depending on the university; plus a lot of work on your own | Students who need the Latinum for their degree |
| Intensive course in the semester break | a few weeks, daily | anyone who needs to progress quickly |
| Self-study with textbook and app | flexible, rather longer | working people and anyone who cannot attend a course |
The University of Regensburg expects four to five hours of preparation and follow-up per course session. It does not work without practising forms and vocabulary every day.
Laying the foundations on your own
The Latinum requires translating demanding texts, for example by Cicero. Before that come the foundations: producing every form reliably, identifying sentence elements, the accusative and infinitive, participles, the gerund and a core vocabulary.
These foundations are exactly what Disce ludens practises: 62 lessons in Disce ludens I and II, 1,565 words with a flashcard box and Verte ludens with sentences based on Caesar. To be honest: Disce ludens is foundation training, not a complete Latinum course. For reading and exam preparation you also need texts and ideally a teacher or a course. The app is in German: exercises, hints and meanings are German, as in the original.
Try it
A real exercise from Disce ludens:
Disce ludens II · Lesson 24 · More exercises on the accusative and infinitive, card 11
Magister Romanos bella multa ________ narrat.
Fill in the missing infinitive. Pay attention to the time relation! “The teacher says that the Romans waged many wars.” (gero, gessi, gestum – to wage)
Hint 1: The infinitive expresses prior action.
Hint 2: Perfect active infinitive
Error points: 0
© Disce ludensWhat Disce ludens does – and what it doesn’t
What Disce ludens does
- Practises the forms, syntax and vocabulary the Latinum requires.
- Leads up to translating sentences based on Caesar with Verte ludens.
- Can be used in short sessions alongside work or university.
What it doesn’t do
- Is not a complete Latinum course and not an examining body.
- Does not practise translating long texts by Cicero.
- Does not replace registering for the state exam.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get the Latinum later?
Yes, through a state supplementary exam. Who conducts it and who is admitted is up to the German federal states; often residence or enrolment in the state is required.
How long does it take to get the Latinum later?
University courses take one to three semesters, depending on the university, plus a lot of work on your own. In self-study it depends on prior knowledge and time.
Can you prepare for the Latinum on your own?
Formally yes: when registering for the exam you state how you prepared. Because of the reading, a course or lessons are still advisable.
What does the Latinum exam cost?
That differs from state to state. For Lower Saxony the University of Göttingen states a fee of €90.