Latvian Naturalization Test key terms

The formal name of Latvia's constitution, adopted in 1922 and restored in full in 1991. It sets out the state's foundations, the powers of the Saeima, the Cabinet, the President and the courts, and the basic rights of persons.

Latvia's unicameral parliament of 100 members elected for four years by proportional representation. It passes laws, approves the state budget, elects the President and confirms the Cabinet and its ministers.

The head of state, elected by the Saeima for four years. The President represents Latvia abroad, signs laws, may return them for reconsideration and nominates the candidate for Prime Minister, but holds no day-to-day executive power.

The Cabinet of Ministers, Latvia's government. Led by the Prime Minister, it runs state administration, prepares the budget and issues regulations, and is accountable to the Saeima for its work.

The Constitutional Court of Latvia. It reviews whether laws and other acts comply with the Satversme and may declare an unconstitutional provision invalid, but it does not hear ordinary civil or criminal appeals.

The judicial branch, exercised by district and regional courts, the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court. Judges are independent and subject only to the law, and court proceedings in Latvia are conducted in the state language.

The official state language, Latvian, as declared in the Satversme. It is used in state and municipal institutions, courts and public administration, and knowledge of it is required for citizenship and for many public posts.

The Latvian language, a Baltic language written in the Latin alphabet with diacritic marks such as ā, ē, ī, ū, ķ, ļ, ņ, ģ and š, ž, č. It is the mother tongue of the majority of residents and the language of the citizenship exam.

The required level of Latvian proficiency for naturalisation, set at an intermediate level of listening, reading, writing and speaking. The examination checks whether a candidate can cope with everyday and public-life communication.

The listening comprehension part of the language examination. Candidates hear recordings such as announcements, dialogues or short reports and answer questions or select correct information, showing they understand spoken Latvian at the required level.

The reading comprehension part of the examination. Candidates read short texts such as notices, letters, articles or forms and demonstrate understanding by answering questions, matching information or choosing the right option.

The writing part of the examination, where candidates produce short texts such as a message, letter or description on a given everyday topic. Assessment considers task fulfilment, vocabulary range, grammar and spelling.

The speaking section of the language examination. It usually includes a short monologue on a familiar topic and a dialogue with the examiner, testing fluency, pronunciation, range of vocabulary and ability to respond spontaneously.

A task in the oral examination in which the candidate talks with an examiner or another candidate in a realistic situation, for example asking for information, making arrangements or explaining a problem in Latvian.

The legal bond between a person and the Latvian state, granting rights such as voting and holding public office together with duties such as loyalty and obeying the law. It can be acquired by birth, descent, or naturalisation.

The process by which a non-citizen acquires Latvian citizenship on application. It requires a residence period, a lawful source of income, a language examination and a test on the Constitution, history and culture.

The citizenship examination taken by naturalisation applicants. It combines a Latvian language test with a test of knowledge about the Constitution and about Latvia's history and culture, and both parts must be passed.

The part of the citizenship examination that checks knowledge of the Constitution: the state's foundations, the Saeima, the President, the Cabinet and the courts, as well as the fundamental rights and duties it sets out.

The right of citizens to vote and stand for election, exercised in Saeima, municipal and European Parliament elections. In Latvia, voting in Saeima elections is limited to citizens, and participation is a core civic duty.

The fundamental rights guaranteed by the Satversme, such as freedom of expression, religion and assembly, privacy, property and a fair trial. They may be restricted only by law and only in a democratic society for a legitimate aim.

The duties that go with citizenship and residence, including obeying the law, respecting the rights of others, paying taxes, protecting the environment and, for citizens, loyalty to the state and defence of the country in the manner prescribed by law.

The Latvian national flag, dark red with a white horizontal stripe. Its proportions and colours are fixed by law, and it is flown on state holidays and official occasions as a symbol of the state.

The coat of arms of Latvia, showing a crowned lion and a griffin supporting a shield with a rising sun and three stars. It appears on official documents, seals and state buildings as a mark of state authority.

The national anthem of Latvia, 'Dievs, svētī Latviju!' (God, bless Latvia), with words and music by Kārlis Baumanis. It was first performed in the nineteenth century and became the state anthem in 1920.

The Latvian Song Festival, a mass choral celebration held since 1873 and inscribed on the UNESCO heritage list. It brings together thousands of singers and dancers and is a central expression of national identity.

The midsummer festival on the night of 23 to 24 June, also called Jāņi. It is celebrated with bonfires, wreaths of oak leaves and flowers, singing, cheese with caraway and beer, and is a public holiday in Latvia.

Official public holidays and commemorations, including 18 November (proclamation of the Republic), 4 May (restoration of independence) and 11 November (Lāčplēsis Day). On some of these days the flag is flown and public events are held.

The declaration of 18 November 1918 by which Latvia proclaimed itself an independent republic. It is the founding act of the Latvian state, marked each year as the country's national day.

The hero of the Latvian national epic by Andrejs Pumpurs, a strongman who defeats the German knight in battle. The name also refers to the Bear-Slayer order and to the day commemorating soldiers who fell for Latvia's freedom.

The First World War, during which Latvian territory was fought over and much of the population fled or was deported. Its aftermath created the conditions in which Latvia proclaimed independence in 1918.

The military occupation of Latvia, first by the Soviet Union in 1940, then by Nazi Germany, and again by the Soviet Union from 1944 until 1991. It involved deportations, repression and the loss of statehood, which was restored in 1991.

The barricades erected in Riga and other towns in January 1991 to defend the restored independence against Soviet forces. They symbolise peaceful resistance and are commemorated each January.

The Citizenship Law, which sets out who is a Latvian citizen, how citizenship is acquired and lost, the naturalisation requirements and the grounds on which naturalisation may be refused or postponed.

Parliamentary elections held every four years, in which Latvian citizens aged 18 and over vote for parties or alliances that must pass a threshold to win seats. The newly elected Saeima then confirms the government.

A local municipality such as a city or district council, elected by residents who are citizens, that manages local services, schools, roads and social support within the framework set by national law.

The principle that the state and its institutions act only on the basis of law and are accountable to it. It underpins the Satversme's rules on fundamental rights and the independence of the courts.

Freedom of expression, a fundamental right protected by the Satversme. It covers the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and share information, subject to restrictions set by law to protect the rights of others.

A person's native language. In the citizenship context it matters because applicants must show Latvian proficiency regardless of their mother tongue, and language use in public life is regulated by the state language rules.

The ability to write correctly and appropriately in Latvian, including spelling, grammar and the choice of a suitable register. It is assessed in the written part of the language examination through short practical tasks.

The ability to speak and understand spoken Latvian, covering pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary and the ability to take part in a conversation. It is assessed in the oral part of the examination.