Diacritical marks
Ā, č, ē, ģ, ī, ķ, ļ, ņ, š, ū and ž are integral parts of Latvian spelling.
Baltic language
Have Latvian translated
latviešu valoda
Latvian documents use a distinct Latin-based orthography. Exact spelling is particularly important for names, registers and older documents.
Latvian is spoken as a first language by approximately 1.5 million people.
Geographical distribution of Latvian
- Main areas of use
- Other regional use
- Selected diaspora communities
Latvia
Germany
United Kingdom
Schematic selection of key areas where the language is used. Language use does not always follow national borders; the map is not a comprehensive population statistic.
Language profile
Latvian at a glance
- Native name
- latviešu valoda
- Language family
- Baltic language
- Script
- Latin alphabet
- Language code
- lv
Documents and uses
Common uses for this language combination
The language alone is not decisive. ABBA-Sprachendienste also considers the document type, recipient, subject area, certification requirements and requested language direction.
Request a document review- Civil-status documents
- School and university certificates
- Employment and pension documents
- Evidence for recognition procedures
- Contracts and powers of attorney
Origin and development
How the language developed
Together with Lithuanian, Latvian belongs to the Baltic branch of the Indo-European languages. Printed Latvian texts are documented from the 16th century onwards.
The modern standard language developed particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Historical documents may show German or Russian administrative influence and older spelling conventions.
Good to know
What makes this language distinctive
Name endings
Foreign names are often adapted grammatically in Latvian. Comparison with the passport is important for use with German authorities.
Historical multilingualism
Older registers may combine Latvian, German and Russian designations.
A brief introduction to the language
Three introductory expressions
The transliteration is intended only as an initial guide. Pronunciation and regional forms may vary.
| Original | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Labdien | — | Good day |
| Paldies | — | Thank you |
| Lūdzu | — | Please |
Sources and classification
Further information
Speaker numbers are rounded estimates and may vary depending on the definition, survey year and whether second-language speakers are included.
- Latvian language
Wikipedia · language-specific overview
- Codes for the Representation of Names of Languages
Library of Congress / ISO 639-2 Registration Authority · Language codes and standardised language names
- Language and Locale Names
Unicode Common Locale Data Repository · Language, script and territory names and variants
- Glottolog 5.3
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology · Language families, classification and linguistic literature
Editorial sources current as at 14 July 2026. The information will undergo a specialist review before the production launch.
Other related service languages
Latvian FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Latvian
Can I have Latvian translated into German and German into Latvian?
Both directions can be requested. Binding confirmation is provided after the document type, subject area, certification requirements, appointment and intended use have been assessed.
Which documents are commonly relevant for Latvian?
Civil-status certificates, school and university certificates, employment and pension documents, and evidence for recognition procedures are typical examples. Other types of document can also be assessed from a clear photograph or PDF.
What does ABBA-Sprachendienste check in Latvian documents?
The review covers the language direction, document type, use of the Latin alphabet, names, stamps, subject area, intended use and any potential need for certification.
Do I need a certified translation of my Latvian document?
The receiving authority, court, notary or other requesting body decides this. Tell ABBA-Sprachendienste where the document will be submitted so that the requirements can be assessed appropriately.
Is a photo sufficient for the initial review?
Yes. A complete, sharp and clearly legible photo or PDF is usually sufficient for an initial quotation review. Depending on the assignment, the original may also be required later.
Have your specific Latvian ↔ German requirements assessed
Send a clear photo or PDF. ABBA-Sprachendienste will personally assess the language direction, document, intended use and certification requirements.
