Latvian Naturalization Test flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Satversme adoption date

The Constitution of Latvia, the Satversme, was adopted on 15 February 1922. It is one of the oldest constitutions in Europe still in force.

Article 1 of Satversme

Latvia is an independent, democratic republic. This article establishes the state's form of government and its democratic foundation.

Article 2 of Satversme

Sovereign power in Latvia belongs to the people of Latvia. It expresses the principle of popular sovereignty and democratic legitimacy.

Article 3 of Satversme

The territory of Latvia consists of Vidzeme, Latgale, Kurzeme, and Zemgale within the borders defined by international agreements.

Article 4 of Satversme

The Latvian language is the state language. The flag is red-white-red, and the coat of arms and anthem are established by law.

Saeima composition

The Saeima is the unicameral parliament of Latvia with 100 members elected for four years in general, equal, direct, and secret elections.

President of Latvia

The President is elected by the Saeima for four years. The President represents the state and is commander-in-chief in wartime.

Cabinet of Ministers

The Cabinet of Ministers (Ministru kabinets) exercises executive power and is responsible to the Saeima, the parliament.

Constitutional Court

The Satversmes tiesa reviews whether laws comply with the Constitution. Courts in Latvia are independent in their work.

Proclamation of independence

Latvia proclaimed independence on 18 November 1918. The date is celebrated as a national holiday every year.

Restoration of independence

On 4 May 1990 Latvia declared the restoration of independence. De facto restoration followed on 21 August 1991.

National anthem

The Latvian anthem is 'Dievs, svētī Latviju!' composed by Kārlis Baumanis. It is a national symbol established by law.

Jāņi festival

Jāņi is the Midsummer festival celebrated on 23–24 June with Līgo songs, wreaths, and bonfires. It is a major Latvian tradition.

Song and Dance Festival

The Dziesmu un deju svētki is held roughly every five years and is inscribed on the UNESCO cultural heritage list.

Latvia in EU and NATO

Latvia joined NATO and the European Union in 2004. It adopted the euro as its currency in 2014.

Soviet and Nazi occupations

The first independence period ended with Soviet occupation in 1940, followed by Nazi German occupation from 1941 until 1944/45.

Naturalization residence requirement

Naturalization generally requires permanent residence in Latvia for five years, knowledge of Latvian, and knowledge of the Constitution and history.

Citizens' voting rights

Citizens may vote in Saeima and local elections, be elected, and participate in referendums and legislative initiatives.

Duties of citizens

Citizens must obey the law, respect others' rights, pay taxes, protect the environment, and defend the state when required.

Restrictions on rights

Rights may be restricted only by law to protect others' rights, democratic order, security, and public welfare under Article 116.

State Language Law

The State Language Law requires the use of Latvian in public administration, education, and public information in Latvia.

Naturalization refusal grounds

Naturalization is refused to persons acting against Latvia's independence and democratic order or convicted of serious crimes.

Listening task types

Listening includes multiple-choice questions on main ideas, true/false detail statements, and matching spoken information to written options.

Listening playback rule

Each recording in the listening section is played twice with a pause between playbacks. All recordings are in Latvian.

Reading question stems

Common stems: 'Kāda ir teksta galvenā doma?' for main idea, 'Kas teikts par...?' for detail, and 'Kāpēc...?' for reason.

Latvian time prepositions

Time expressions use 'no... līdz...' (from... until), 'pirms' (before/ago), 'pēc' (after/in), and 'kopš' (since).

Latvian diacritics

Latvian uses ā, č, ē, ģ, ī, ķ, ļ, ņ, š, ū, ž. Omitting diacritics can change meaning and lowers writing scores.

Writing task format

Writing includes a short personal message or email of 50–80 words and a brief opinion or description of 100–150 words.

Latvian word order

In statements the verb is in second position. Yes/no questions begin with the verb, and 'vai' introduces general questions.

Speaking test format

Speaking includes a 1–2 minute monologue, a dialogue or role-play with the examiner, and questions based on pictures or prompts.

Latvian stress pattern

Latvian stress typically falls on the first syllable. Vowel length is distinctive and can change word meaning.

Repair phrases in speaking

Useful phrases: 'Atvainojiet, vai varat atkārtot?' (please repeat) and 'Kā jūs teicāt?' (what did you say?).