Learning Latin as an adult

In short

Adults learn Latin for very different reasons: for university, for the Latinum certificate, to keep up with their children or for the love of the language. Their advantage: they learn more consciously and already know many words derived from Latin. If you had Latin at school, you will usually brush up the basics faster than you think – with 15 to 20 minutes on five days a week.

For returning learners: brush up first, then move on

If you had Latin at school, you often remember more than you think. A good start: a quick run through the basics in Disce ludens I – the cases, the verb forms, the accusative and infinitive. The error points show where you get stuck. After that you continue with the constructions in Disce ludens II. The app is in German: exercises, hints and meanings are German, as in the original.

How to keep going

Small, fixed sessions: with your morning coffee or on the train, at the same time every day.
Vocabulary with a box: the box tells you which words are due today; new ones are added in small portions.
A goal: for example the supplementary Latinum exam, a particular text or the lesson on your children’s current topic.
Enjoying texts: after Disce ludens II, translate short sentences based on Caesar in Verte ludens.

Typical goals and the right path

Latinum for university: the basics with the app, plus a course and the exam. Getting the Latinum later.
Supporting your children: do the same lessons as your child, then you can join in. For parents.
Out of interest: follow the order of Disce ludens at your own pace, then move on to texts.

Try it

A real exercise from Disce ludens:

Disce ludens I · Lesson 22 · Sentence elements trainer, card 2

Magistri saepe servi Graeci, non viri liberi erant.

Which sentence part is marked?

What Disce ludens does – and what it doesn’t

What Disce ludens does

Brushes up the basics in a fixed order.
Fits into short sessions, in the browser on any device.
Leads up to sentences based on Caesar.

What it doesn’t do

Does not replace a course for the Latinum.
Does not explain in conversation.
Has no pronunciation exercises.

Frequently asked questions

Can you still learn Latin as an adult?

Yes. Adults learn more consciously and already know many words derived from Latin. What matters is regular practice in short sessions.

How long will Latin take me as an adult?

For the basics a few months at 15 to 20 minutes a day. If you had Latin before, you are often faster.

Is Disce ludens suitable for adults?

Yes. It was created for school lessons, but it follows a clear order and works well for brushing up and for self-study.