Latinum Online — Online Course, App, or Self-Study: What Really Works
More and more students and working professionals want to earn their Latinum preparation online—without in-person classes, flexibly from home. This is possible, but not for every step: The exam itself still takes place in person. What can be done online—and works well—is the entire preparation process.
This guide explains what online options are available, what distance learning courses can (and cannot) do, and how you can practice daily with the right app—without commuting and without fixed class times.
- Distance Learning Course Comparison: SGD, ILS, Klett—What Do They Really Offer?
- Can I complete the Latinum entirely through self-study online?
- Realistically, how much time do I need to spend on online learning?
- Apps as Digital Study Companions: What Lapicida Offers
Can I earn the Latinum entirely online?
Latinum preparation can be done entirely online—through distance learning courses, apps, and self-study. The exam itself (supplementary exam), however, takes place in person at an exam office or a school. There is no online exam option that replaces the in-person Latinum exam. The good news: Preparation is the most time-consuming part—and it can be done entirely digitally.
More blog posts on this topic:
Comparing Latinum Distance Learning Courses — SGD, ILS, Klett, and More
Distance learning courses structure your preparation through course materials, assignments, and accompanying online seminars. They are no substitute for active practice—but they provide direction and feedback, which self-learners often lack:
| Providers | Format | Duration (approx.) | Cost (approx.) | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGD | Distance learning course (state-recognized) | 10 months | 800–1,100 € | A long-standing tradition; personalized tutor support |
| ILS | Distance learning course | 10–12 months | €800–1,200 | Similar to SGD; materials by mail + online |
| Klett Languages | Online self-study course | Flexible | 200–400 € | Study materials only, no support — an affordable way to get started |
| University language courses | Live online stream (where available) | 2 semesters | Low to free | For enrolled students only |
| Private tutors (online) | Video conference | One-on-one | Starting at 25 €/hour | Flexible, expensive — good for addressing specific weaknesses |
Understand Latin instead of cramming — try it right now.
Recommendation: For working professionals with no prior knowledge of Latin, a distance learning course (SGD or ILS) offers the most structured approach—supplemented by daily app practice. Those who already have some knowledge of Latin can jump right into preparation with Klett + the app.
What Really Works for the Latinum Online—and What Doesn’t
An honest assessment: Preparing for the Latinum online isn’t a sure thing. What works well, what’s difficult:
| Learning Area | Possible online? | Why / Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Learning vocabulary | ✅ Very good | App with spaced repetition — better than flashcards |
| Practicing grammar structures | ✅ Very good | Grammar Trainer: All declensions and conjugations interactively |
| Analyze sentences (sentence quiz) | ✅ Very good | Sentence quiz with real sentences by Cicero and Caesar |
| Reading / Original Texts | ✅ Good | App-based reading with vocabulary help—no printed book needed |
| Grammar explanations | ⚡ Limited | Online courses + grammar book required; the app alone is not enough |
| Oral exam preparation | ⚡ Limited | Video conference with a private tutor is helpful for exam simulation |
| The exam itself | ❌ Not online | In-person attendance required—no state allows online exams |
The most important takeaway: Taking the Latinum exam online is no worse than taking it in person—it just requires more self-motivation. Those who practice daily and set their own study schedule will pass. Those who wait until the course puts pressure on them need the external structure of a distance learning program.
Prepare for the Latinum online—vocabulary, verb forms, and reading in one app
Self-Study for the Latinum Online — A Realistic Weekly Schedule
Those who can manage without a distance learning course (due to existing knowledge of Latin or high self-motivation) can structure their preparation entirely on their own. A realistic weekly schedule for 20 weeks of preparation:
| Week | Focus | Daily Effort |
|---|---|---|
| 1–6 | Basic grammar: all declensions, present tense + imperfect active | 45–60 min |
| 7–12 | Advanced Grammar: Perfect/Passive/Participles + First Reading (Caesar) | 60–75 min |
| 13–18 | In-depth reading: Cicero + complex constructions (ACI, abl. abs.) | 60–90 min |
| 19–20 | Mock exam: Translating unknown texts under time pressure | 90–120 min |
Lapicida in this schedule:
- 15 min every morning — vocabulary with spaced repetition (Lapicida Vocabulary Trainer)
- 30 min in the evening — Grammar Trainer (Weeks 1–12) or Sentence Quiz + reading (Weeks 7–18)
- Weekend — longer reading session + one exam simulation (Week 15+)
The full version (€19.99/year) unlocks all Grammar Trainer levels, all reading texts, and unlimited vocabulary lists. That’s less than the cost of a single tutoring session.
Alongside the correspondence course, it’s worth actively practicing grammar and vocabulary—all trainers and materials are available under “Learn Latin.”
Frequently Asked Questions — Latinum Online
Is there an online Latinum exam?
No. The Latinum supplementary exam is administered in person nationwide—at a school or an examination office. There is no online exam option. Preparation can be done entirely online, but the exam itself cannot.
Which distance learning course is best for the Latinum?
SGD and ILS are the best-known state-recognized providers offering personalized tutor support. For those on a budget with prior knowledge of Latin, a self-study course (e.g., Klett Sprachen) combined with app-based practice is often sufficient. Daily active practice is crucial—the course alone is not enough.
Can an app prepare you for the Latinum?
An app alone isn’t enough—it’s a practice tool, not a complete course. Lapicida covers vocabulary, grammar forms, sentence quizzes, and reading passages. What the app doesn’t provide: systematic grammar explanations from the ground up. For beginners, the app is a supplement to the course—for advanced learners, it can handle the bulk of the preparation.
How long does online Latinum preparation take?
With a distance learning course: 10–12 months at about 10 hours per week. Through self-study using the app: 4–6 months at 60–90 minutes per day (for learners with prior knowledge of Latin). Without prior knowledge—expect at least 12 months.
What technology do I need for the online Latinum course?
A computer or tablet is sufficient. For distance learning courses: Internet access + email. For app-based training: smartphone (native Android, iOS as a PWA) or browser. A printed grammar book (Rubenbauer/Hofmann or your course’s school grammar book) is useful as a reference.
Latinum Online—With the Right Study Companion
Understand Latin instead of cramming — try it right now.
