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lettisch
Latvian
Refers to Latvia, its inhabitants, its language, or its culture.
example
Er spricht fließend Lettisch und Russisch.
He speaks fluent Latvian and Russian.
lettisch
Latvian
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'lettisch' (Latvian) is derived from the country 'Lettland' (Latvia). The ending '-isch' is typical for adjectives that describe origin or belonging to a country or region.
EXAMPLE
Die lettische Küste ist für ihre langen Sandstrände bekannt.
The Latvian coast is known for its long sandy beaches.
Use as a language
When 'lettisch' (Latvian) is used as the name of the language, it is capitalized and treated like a noun. It often appears with verbs such as 'sprechen' (to speak), 'lernen' (to learn), or 'verstehen' (to understand).
EXAMPLE
In der Schule habe ich ein Jahr lang Lettisch gelernt.
I studied Latvian for a year at school.
Common mistake
The adjective 'lettisch' (Latvian) describes things, but not people. To refer to a person from Latvia, use the nouns 'der Lette' (a Latvian man) and 'die Lettin' (a Latvian woman).
EXAMPLE
Meine neue Kollegin ist Lettin und kommt aus Riga.
My new colleague is Latvian and comes from Riga.
Compare with
lettisch vs baltisch
Baltic
'baltisch' and 'lettisch' can both refer to Latvia or to the Latvian language. 'lettisch' is specific and means Latvia, its people, culture, or language. 'baltisch' is more general and refers to the Baltic countries or the Baltic language family. The words can be confused because Latvia is a Baltic country and Latvian is a Baltic language. If you only mean Latvia, 'lettisch' is more natural. If you mean several countries or languages in this group, 'baltisch' fits.
lettisch
Frau Klein lernt lettische Sätze, um mit einem Freund in Riga zu sprechen.
Ms. Klein is learning Latvian sentences so she can speak with a friend in Riga.
baltisch
Nach der Nachricht las du einen Artikel über baltische Politik.
After the news, you read an article about Baltic politics.
In real life
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