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Some Italian words are universal: pizza, pasta, cappuccino… but beyond the realm of food, things can get a bit more complicated. Whatever your reasons for learning Italian, you’ll want to be prepared with the best possible chance of mastering it. To do that, you will need some books to learn Italian.
You are reading: Best learn italian books
As the Italians say, we are “buono come il pane” (good as bread, or as English speakers say, good as gold), which is why we have selected the ultimate guide to Italian grammar books, textbooks and audiobooks. and some extras to help you.
Editor’s note: To reach fluency faster, pair these books with popular apps like babbel and mondly, tune in to the famous pimsleur audio course, or sit down for full courses like mosalingua. more in this complete list of over 50 resources to learn Italian, including free ones!
best italian books for beginners
We all have to start somewhere, and this is where being realistic really helps.
if you’re a complete newbie, start there. If your last Italian class was more than a year ago, a beginner’s refresher course will not only make you feel like a genius, it will also motivate you to move on to more complex things.
Here are the best books to learn Italian for beginners.
1. Italian: A Self-Study Guide (2nd Edition)
Apart from an Italian-English dictionary, this should be the first book you buy if you’re completely new to Italian.
covers the basics, from telling the time to the days of the week, and goes into basic grammar rules. learn the essential vocabulary and try some of the practice questions.
Explanations are in English to help you understand the most fundamental structures of Italian.
This book is best for:
- beginners who don’t know where to start
- introduce basic grammar before going into details
- learn essential vocabulary and put it into sentences
- learn by doing (there are practice questions at the end of each section)
2. Italian vocabulary builder: 2222 Italian phrases to learn Italian and grow your vocabulary
Speaking of dictionaries, sometimes they can even overwhelm you when trying to learn a new language. If you need help figuring out what words to look up or what you need to know, I recommend investing in a vocabulary builder.
This one in particular is great for getting familiar with Italian words and phrases with proper explanations. Each chapter contains practical phrases that you will really need and will come in handy when you move on to reading longer Italian texts.
This book is best for:
- building your Italian vocabulary
- learning useful phrases and what context they belong in
- covering everything from adjectives to animals with detailed explanations
3. easy italian step by step
The word “grammar” may send a chill down your spine, but all language learners know it’s a necessary evil. There’s not much practical use in knowing a bunch of Italian phrases but not being able to change tenses.
Fortunately, this book takes a gentle approach to presenting Italian grammar rules and vocabulary simultaneously. learn the patterns of language, and the rest will soon follow.
This is one of the best value for money guides out there – packed with information, but not overwhelming for beginners.
This book is best for:
- beginners who need more time to familiarize themselves with the rules of Italian grammar
- students who like a no-nonsense approach who struggle with memorization tests
- a comprehensive tool guide to master grammar, vocabulary and comprehension without unnecessarily complicated tasks
4. practice makes perfect: complete italian all-in-one (1st edition)
This is a combination of a self-study guide and a textbook in Italian.
The overall physical quality is nothing to get excited about, but it’s lightweight and easy to transport. what is more important is the quality of the content, and on that front I have good news.
If you want to have all your language lessons in one place, this is a great place to start. Beginners who need a workbook that doesn’t include complex grammar terms or intense vocabulary lists should invest in this book.
This book is best for:
- trainees who want to go it alone but need space to practice and get started
- beginners who like to consolidate their work
- value for money tips and lessons
5. Italian stories for beginners: 20 captivating stories to learn Italian & grow your vocabulary in a fun way!
once you’ve stopped being a complete novice, you’ll probably be looking for a way to challenge yourself. If you are approaching the intermediate level, a great way to expand your comfort zone is to see the vocabulary you just learned in practice.
At a glance, this book may seem complicated. I can hear you now: “how the hell am I supposed to read a whole story in Italian? I just learned the word for cat!”
stay calm.
Each story highlights useful vocabulary, and at the end you can read a summary in Italian and English, to make sure you got the gist right.
This book is best for:
- beginners advancing to intermediate levels of Italian who need a challenge
- understand Italian colloquialisms in the right context
- discern precise and natural conversations without pressure are available in the book)
Also read: Learn Italian: 50+ free apps, podcasts, online courses and resources
best grammar books to learn Italian
Grammar can seem difficult when learning a new language because your brain is programmed to use its default setting: native.
Contrary to popular belief, it is actually quite easy to become familiar with Italian grammar rules. probably the hardest part is learning articles and prepositions, of which there are many. master them and voila.
here are some grammar book recommendations to learn Italian.
6. practice makes perfect: complete italian grammar (3rd edition)
everyone has to start somewhere. Beginners who want easy explanations and space to practice their new grammar skills should opt for this book.
It summarizes the basics of Italian grammar and has 250 exercises for you to try. however, the kindle edition of this book does not allow you to complete these exercises interactively.
so if you don’t like to copy from a screen, go for the physical copy.
This book is best for:
- Italian learners who like to work on paper
- beginners who need detailed but easy to understand grammar rules
- extensive practice questions with varied content
- extensive practice questions with varied content
7. schaum scheme of italian grammar (4th edition)
this is my personal favorite for beginners. The book begins by reviewing the rules of Italian pronunciation. Contains lots of examples and space for you to practice – there are over 400 practice questions.
If you’re not a language buff and are put off by complicated grammatical terms, don’t worry. schaum explains what they mean so you don’t get confused.
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This is a great addition to complement your Italian lessons, either through self-study or tuition.
This book is best for:
- beginner and intermediate level students
- provides a simple and broad understanding of Italian grammar
- easy to follow advice with accompanying practice questions
8. practice makes perfect: pronouns and prepositions in Italian
Here’s one for intermediate level Italian learners who have hit a brick wall.
Like I said, those pesky pronouns and prepositions can make learning Italian seem impossible. it is not, and this is the guide that will clear the fog that clouds your brain.
I know it’s another set of practice makes the perfect set, but this is the guide that took my confusion away. If, like me, you have trouble with traditional classroom methods, this did what my teachers couldn’t: understand where I was going wrong.
This book is best for:
- intermediate learners who struggle with particular grammar rules
- students who like a methodical approach
- concentrated and focused attention on a common obstacle to learning Italian
9. Italian grammar exercises (3rd edition)
Those of us who have learned other languages will be familiar with the complicated nouns favored by grammar teachers. Unfortunately, there is no way to learn them other than by getting used to them.
Traditional class methods in terms of efficiency are debatable, but if you like that approach then mocks are the way to go. This one has plenty of practice questions and detailed explanations before you get excited to try it.
This book is best for:
- people who have already learned another language (other than Italian) or are familiar with grammatical terminology
- those who learn best through repetition and memory exercises
- intense chapters to learn particular grammar rules
10. Italian grammar you really need to know (teach yourself)
Finally, this is a basic guide for those of you who are bravely going it alone on your Italian learning journey.
For less than ten dollars, this guide takes a clear and concise approach to teaching you Italian grammar. It is no more or less than what it claims to do: it covers what you need to know.
for a broad and complete introduction or to recover old memories of what you learned years ago, this is your best option.
This book is best for:
- teach you how to learn Italian grammar on your own
- covering the basics without going too deep
best textbooks to learn Italian
It’s annoying when the only books to learn Italian have someone named alfonso (why is it always alfonso?) teaching you how to introduce yourself over and over again.
some textbooks are out of date and out of date. Fortunately, there are some excellent Italian textbooks on the market that will help you put your knowledge into practice.
here are some recommendations!
11. italian made simple (updated, 2nd edition)
If you’re new to learning Italian, then you can’t go wrong with this textbook. It used to have a lot of typos and bad translations, but the editors have learned from their mistakes and this second edition shows promise.
Using a variety of techniques, this book helps you develop your Italian thinking edge. this will allow you to think in Italian while answering the practice questions.
And on that note, there are the usual question-and-answer style exercises, but also crossword puzzles and games to lighten the load.
This book is best for:
- beginners advancing to an intermediate level of Italian
- students who need a new strategy to improve their learning
- put their knowledge into practice without being boring
12. the latest review and practice in italian (2nd premium edition)
yes, that’s right. grammar again. Before you roll your eyes, this is one of the few grammar guides on the market that I find useful for just about anyone learning Italian.
Beginners, you will love the focus on teaching grammar in a clear way that will undoubtedly result in improvement if you stick with it. intermediates, this will consolidate what you already know in an engaging way.
You also get access to the app from the publishers if you get the ebook, which is an incentive to take your language learning on the road or on the couch.
This book is best for:
- people who want to practice grammar in particular
- students who want to make sure they have understood beginner level grammar before continuing
- the accompanying app you have interactive features to help with more than just grammar
13. Practice Makes Perfect: Italian Reading & understanding
intermediate, ditch the drills and memory tests for a second and brush up on your reading and comprehension skills.
Read this book before or along with a short story of your choice and see how quickly you improve. Most of what is included here will reappear in other texts you read, and contains cultural references that will also broaden your understanding of conversational Italian.
This book is best for:
- intermediate learners
- people interested in improving reading/comprehension skills
- perspectives on Italian cultural references
14. Italian Tutor: Grammar and Vocabulary Workbook
This textbook is any self-taught student’s best friend. it’s aimed at intermediate learners, so if you’re doing it on your own, you might be hesitant to get stuck into it.
Don’t be discouraged, the tasks include learning how to write emails in Italian (useful, if you’re looking to get a job in Italy).
There is also the opportunity to create an “online profile” which, if you want to enter the Italian Tinder market, could be useful. just say.
These are just a couple of examples, and seriously, it contains more really relevant exercises than most Italian books out there.
This book is best for:
- intermediate learners
- useful and relevant tasks you really need
- contains tips and tricks to help you master difficult topics (grammar, especially)
15. screwed about that! italian swear coloring book
Finally, if you’re my mom or offended by colorful language, skip to the next section. If you’re at the stage where learning Italian is like stubbed toe, read on.
I feel like we’ve all reached a point where we’re ready to throw a textbook at the wall or at our own heads. don’t do that you will lose valuable brain cells needed for verb conjugation.
my solution?
Get an Italian profanity coloring book to accompany your studies. It’s a bit cheeky, but every language learner needs to let off some steam. And, let’s be honest… it’s in Italian.
This book is best for:
- learn words that you absolutely won’t find in most Italian learning books
- let off steam and give yourself some much-needed time
- have fun before going any further. .. serious books again
best storybooks & audiobooks to learn italian
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Learning a language requires more than just books. Immersing yourself in the language you want to learn is paramount, and that requires listening skills too.
some of these storybooks offer an audiobook option. Audiobooks are one of the best sources to hear Italian aloud. and, most importantly, no one gets offended if you ask the narrator to slow down.
These are some of the best storybooks and audiobooks to learn Italian.
16. italian stories for beginners
first, beginners. once you feel comfortable reading sentences, it’s time to listen to them out loud.
These 20 stories have different characters, easily distinguishable plots and simple language. try repeating certain phrases after the narrator to improve your pronunciation.
This book is best for:
- absolute beginners
- hear Italian out loud without distractions
- become comfortable with Italian pronunciation
17. intermediate italian tales
Only you can know if you are ready to go beyond the level of Italian for beginners. When you’re ready, listen to these stories.
These stories offer more vocabulary and more complex sentence structures than the previous recommendation, but the premise is the same.
Listening to stories will train your brain to recognize words and some can even introduce you to new vocabulary. that’s when the pdf will come in handy.
remember that this version doesn’t come with a full translation, and that’s all to the good, don’t be tempted to cheat.
This book is best for:
- intermediate learners
- get your ears used to more complex Italian
- learn new ways to express yourself naturally
18. the adventure of pinocchio
It’s up to you if you think this is a cliché or a classic. for me, listening to it was like being a little kid again.
The narrator has such a soothing voice that even beginners will appreciate the simplicity of the story.
Most of us know the story from Disney, but the original, as is often the case, is unbeatable.
Get a copy of the book and follow along, pausing to underline the words you need to look up, and get comfortable with our favorite liar.
This book is best for:
- all learning levels
- an excuse to relax while learning Italian
- a great example of authentic Italian literary craftsmanship
19. learn Italian like a native for beginners
The biggest advantage of listening to this audiobook is access to a native speaker. This guide helps you learn phonetics, grammar, and how to answer questions in Italian.
another advantage of this audiobook is that it feels like you have a tutor, so if you are teaching yourself, you can come to trust the narrator as your guru of how to pronounce anything.
work, travel, etc. are included, making it ideal for anyone going to Italy on vacation for the first time.
This book is best for:
- learn pronunciation
- learn practical words and navigate conversations with basic Italian
- dialectical perception: what accent do you want to trick Italians into thinking you have?
20. conversational italian dialogues
Sometimes it can be useful to eavesdrop on the language you are learning.
This compendium of Italian dialogues includes all the most frequent words in Italian. this means that as a beginner you won’t feel like a deer in headlights facing words you’ve only read before.
Another benefit is that it allows you to step into the background for once and absorb information instead of feeling bombarded.
This book is best for:
- beginners preparing for listening comprehension tests or upcoming Italian conversations
- practice understanding spoken Italian
- recognize common Italian words in different contexts
advice and tips tricks to learn Italian
Whatever it is that made you want to learn Italian, keep an eye on it.
for me, it might have been seeing the lizzie mcguire movie. every time i watch it, a part of me wishes lizzie had the swear words coloring book when she confronted paolo.
Anyway, my point is that you should love learning languages. Italian is no different. books to learn Italian will help you, but it is your motivation that will take you to the end.
here are some of my tips and tricks!
Give yourself Italian treats while you learn
Italian food is delicious and the rewards make learning fun. my teachers were right when they forced us to eat breadsticks while reciting “dov’è il supermercato, per favore?”
download some apps
There are free options, but if you really want to learn Italian, invest in it. Apps like Duolingo will only take you so far. babbel will get you started, but then check out the pimsleur and rocket languages for more detailed help and advice.
Here is a list of the best 16 apps to learn Italian.
invest in a tutor
Italian is the fourth most studied language in the world, so there are many speakers who want to help you.
italki or preply are your best options for one-on-one digital tutoring, and the best part is that you can tailor your needs to your needs in the comfort of your own home.
watch italian movies
nuff’ he said.
try to make an Italian recipe
Bonus points if it is written in Italian. keep a dictionary handy but away from the ingredients!
motivational facts to help you learn Italian
If you’re still unconvinced or overwhelmed, here’s a linguistic treat to get you to the end of the article. These three facts will motivate you, might make you laugh, and hopefully show you the majesty of learning languages.
- The phrase “the bee’s knees” is believed to have originated from the Italian-American pronunciation of “the business.” (idiom, meaning something is best).
- The word “mediocre” has Latin origin. “medius” means “middle”, “ocris” means jagged mountain. so when something is “mediocre” it is “halfway up a mountain”. you can reach the top!
- In 1972, Italian musician Adriano Celentano reached number one on the Italian music chart with a song titled “prisencolinensinainciusol”. is complete gibberish, and was supposed to emulate what English sounded like to Italians. give him a watch if adriano can do it… it doesn’t matter. it’s probably better to learn the language. Still, it’s hilarious.
Now that you know the books to learn Italian, check out our guide to the best apps, podcasts, YouTube channels and free resources to learn Italian!
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