10 Best Books to Learn Italian UK 2023

Whatever your motivation for learning the beautiful Italian language, let this book be the companion that gets you there! Especially designed for adult learners, even those who struggle with languages or study in general, it's highly praised for its straightforward approach with 'jargon-free' grammar explanations and interactive activities. 

A grown-up yet visually-appealing and easy-to-navigate layout scores a few extra points too, as well as the included audio (two 60-minute CDs) and free online video resources. Without spending hundreds on a class, it's the most up-to-date and all-encompassing guide to language learning out there! 

Now, when this book says it contains six titles in one, this time it really does! Self-described as 'an all-encompassing guide to mastering the Italian language', you're treated to the entire 'Italian For Dummies' catalogue, including verbs, phrases, grammar, and downloadable content to practice online. 

One particular stand-out feature is the fact that 'Intermediate Italian for Dummies' is also included in the package, so you won't even have to buy a separate title once you've mastered the basics and you're ready to move up. An eye-catching layout with illustrations tops it off. 

Updated for the present age with digital downloadable content, this is another book and software combo for complete beginners. As you can guess, it favours a 'little and often' approach, aiming not to overwhelm with short, ten minute lessons each day. 

It's quite unique in its style too – it's printed in full colour, and has been modelled on a 'child's workbook' (though it's not too easy, don't worry!), and includes fun and visually-appealing resources such as flashcards, interactive 'sticky labels' and even a cut-out menu guide to take to an Italian restaurant! 

Not keen on carrying around (or flicking between) three, four, or more separate books? This 3-in-1 from trusted name Collins proves that you don't need to. It's a concise add-on study guide to anyone learning Italian from beginner level, and features 120 verb conjugations, an extensive vocab section, and more. 

There's also a full glossary of grammar, and the entire book is laid out in a very clear manner. Grab this alongside one of the all-inclusive guides on our list and you'll be not only speaking the lingo like a local but writing and reading it, too.

Though it's often used by language schools as a course supplement, there's no reason why you can't work your own way through this comprehensive guide! It teaches the equivalent of GSCE-level Italian from scratch, with the usual all-in-one focus on practical grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing.

One of the many bonuses of this school-like focus is its layout, which is bold, colourful, and full of fun exercises to keep you motivated on your journey. You will, however, have to ensure you are buying the right pack with audio CD and app content, otherwise you will have to purchase them separately.

A combination of condensed content from several books in their extensive Italian learning library, this all-in-one includes grammar, conversation, verb tenses, an Italian sentence builder, pronouns and prepositions, and vocabulary. So pretty much everything a self-learner with zero experience needs to get started! 

There's also a dictionary and plenty of illustrations, plus audio support via the linked app and the ability to stream audio recordings which make up several of the exercises. It also includes flashcards for vocab and audio for conversation practise. 

Struggling with conjugating verb endings, or remembering however many hundred verbs there are in a new language? Barron's guide can help. The text is arranged in chart form with two colours, so it's slightly less dense than your average title, and there are drills and quizzes to help you along, too. 

In addition, online practise quizes and audio to aid in pronunciation, as well as plenty of common phrases to help you actually put the verbs you've been memorising into practice. Overall, it's a great add-on which will appeal to those who like to approach learning methodically. 

Praised for its well-structured layout and plentiful drills and puzzles, this is an all-in-one book suitable for holidaymakers and serious learners alike. There is a repetition in both vocab and format that may seem tiresome to some, but it's certainly a way to make things stick. 

A slight downside is that younger learners may be put off by the fact it is an older title, and, though it has been revised, there is more mention of video cassettes and letters than current or useful terminology. There is also no audio content, as a written pronunciation guide is favoured instead. 

Here's another great supplementary title, only this time, it's jam-packed with common phrases to level up your vocabulary – 2222, in fact! Grouped into sections covering everything from fruit and vegetables to phobias and expressions, this is ideal for those moving to the country who'd like some cultural insight, too. 

Though the phrases include translations and are spaced out well for ease of reading, we think this book would have benefitted from a splash of colour or some illustrations, just to keep things interesting amongst the repetitive format. 

This popular book features 20 short stories, all of which are based on regular, day-to-day life, which means you'll be learning useful vocabulary to try out yourself one day. And unlike some short story books, there's a summary at the end of each and some quiz questions to test what you've learnt. 

Plus, you can listen to the same stories on their YouTube channel if you prefer. Although the summaries and notes are in English, we would recommend this title for those with some Italian experience, or as a supplementary book to a complete guide.