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About this exam

A latin érettségi is the Hungarian secondary-school leaving examination in Latin, offered at két szint: középszint for a general certificate and emelt szint for a stronger, often university-oriented qualification. It suits students finishing gimnázium or szakgimnázium who have studied Latin for several years, and adults returning to the language for a degree in classics, history, archaeology, law or theology, where an emelt-szint result can count towards admission. The examination is built around real Latin texts rather than isolated grammar drills: you translate a continuous passage into Hungarian, answer comprehension and grammatical-analysis questions on it, handle verse where the level requires it, and show knowledge of Roman history, institutions, daily life and religion, together with the Hungarian reception of Latin literature. Preparation works best as a cycle: consolidate morphology and syntax with short daily parsing, build a core vocabulary with idioms, then read set authors aloud and translate under light time pressure, always checking your Hungarian against the Latin case and clause structure. Work through past papers from the official érettségi portal to learn the task types, and keep a personal error log of endings and constructions you repeatedly miss. The official vizsgakövetelmények and vizsgaszabályzat, published by the Oktatási Hivatal, define the current task structure, timing, marking and administrative rules for each level and examination year.

What you'll study

Common questions

About Érettségi Latin preparation

What is the difference between középszint and emelt szint?

Középszint tests solid comprehension and translation of manageable prose with basic cultural knowledge. Emelt szint demands longer and harder texts, more precise grammatical analysis, verse, and an oral component including sight translation and discussion. Emelt szint is the level usually required or rewarded for university admission in relevant fields.

Is there an oral examination?

Yes, but only at emelt szint. The oral component typically involves translating an unseen short passage, interpreting a set text, and discussing cultural-historical topics in Hungarian. Középszint is written only. Confirm the exact current structure in the official vizsgakövetelmények before you plan your revision.

How long is the exam and how many points are there?

These figures change and are set for each examination year, so no number should be assumed. The Oktatási Hivatal publishes the current task structure, time allowance and point allocation in the vizsgakövetelmények and related documents on its official site. Check them at the start of your preparation and again before the exam.

What is the pass mark?

The passing threshold and grade boundaries are fixed by the official examination regulations, not by schools or textbooks. They are published by the Oktatási Hivatal together with the annual examination information. Look up the current value on the official site rather than relying on older guides, because percentages and grade cut-offs can be adjusted.

How difficult is it compared with other language érettségi exams?

Latin rewards accuracy more than speed. The vocabulary is finite and the grammar is systematic, so steady work pays off. The real difficulty is translating into natural Hungarian while respecting case usage and subordinate-clause structure, which takes longer to master than recognising forms in a table.

Can I retake it, and how many times?

Retakes are governed by the vizsgaszabályzat, which sets the conditions, deadlines and any limits. The rules differ for középszint and emelt szint and can change between examination periods. Consult the current official regulations or your school's examination coordinator for the applicable procedure.

In what order should I study?

Start with morphology: the five declensions, the conjugations, and irregular verbs such as esse, posse, ferre, ire and velle. Then syntax: cases, participial constructions, the accusative-with-infinitive and subordinate clauses. Build vocabulary throughout, and only then move to timed translation of continuous passages and past papers.

What are the most common mistakes candidates make?

Ignoring case endings and translating word by word, missing the main verb in long periodic sentences, confusing passive and deponent forms, and mistaking ablative absolute for an ordinary phrase. In the cultural questions, vague general knowledge loses marks; precise names, dates and institutions score.

Where can I find official information and past papers?

The Oktatási Hivatal website publishes the vizsgakövetelmények, the vizsgaszabályzat, examination schedules and past papers with marking guides. Your Latin teacher and school examination coordinator are the best source for deadlines and registration. Treat unofficial summaries as hints only and verify everything against the official documents.