I’m firmly convinced that learning, especially for adults, should be structured. In my private classes, I’ve always used a blend of three types of books for learning Italian: a textbook for clear, level-by-level guidance; a solid grammar book (ideally in your native language) and plenty of short stories (easy readers) to help connect grammar and vocabulary in context. This is my favorite list for beginners, the same resources I’ve used in my private online classes for over a decade.
1. Due Amiche e Un Album di Fotografie
Level: A1-A2
Type: Easy Italian Reader with exercises
Due Amiche e Un Album di Fotografie is an easy reader for beginners. It tells the story of two friends who meet after a long time and look through an old photo album together.
The book uses simple grammar structures and vocabulary for A1 learners. Each chapter is short and followed by a few comprehension exercises to check your understanding. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a graded reader that combines storytelling and practice in one.
2. Le Avventure di Paul a Roma
Level: A1-A2
Type: Easy Italian Reader with exercises
Le Avventure di Paul a Roma is a graded reader for beginners that follows Paul, a tourist visiting Rome for the first time. Through his adventures, you’ll pick up useful vocabulary and everyday expressions related to travel, food, and sightseeing in Rome.
The book is written in simple present tense, with short chapters and exercises at the end of each section to test comprehension and vocabulary.
It’s a good choice if you want to practice reading while getting familiar with some of the most common situations in Italy.
3. Volentieri A1
Level: A1-A2
Type: Textbook with exercises and audio
Volentieri A1 is a textbook for beginners widely used in Italian language schools. It covers all essential grammar and vocabulary for the A1 level, with a focus on communication in everyday situations.
The book includes a built-in video course that follows a practical and gradual approach, making it suitable for both self-study and classroom use. It’s especially great if you want to improve your listening skills at a beginner level.
4. Un Tuffo nell’Azzurro
Level: A1
Type: Textbook with exercises and audio
Un tuffo nell’azzurro A1 is a popular Italian textbook for beginners, often used in language courses in Italy. It offers a balanced mix of grammar, vocabulary, dialogues, and cultural notes.
The book follows a step-by-step progression and includes plenty of exercises for practice. Each unit introduces useful expressions and real-life situations, making it a good option if you want to build both language and cultural awareness.
5. Basic Italian: A Grammar and Workbook
Level: A1-A2
Type: Grammar book with exercises
Basic Italian is a grammar reference and workbook in one, designed for beginners and independent learners. It explains essential grammar rules in clear, simple English, followed by practical exercises to consolidate each topic.
The book covers all the main areas of Italian grammar needed at A1-A2 level, including verbs, prepositions, and sentence structure. It’s a good resource if you prefer self-paced study with explanations in English.
6. Easy Italian Step by Step
Level: A1-A2
Type: Grammar book with exercises and readings
Easy Italian Step by Step is a beginner-friendly grammar book that introduces Italian gradually, starting from the most basic structures to more complex grammar points.
Each chapter includes concise grammar explanations in English, followed by practice exercises. The book also features short reading passages to help learners see the grammar in context.
It’s a good choice for independent learners who prefer a structured, step-by-step approach to mastering Italian grammar.
7. Praticamente dimmi…
Level: A1-A2
Type: Workbook with exercises
Praticamente… dimmi. is a workbook designed for beginners who want to practice everyday Italian through simple grammar drills.
It’s a useful tool for reinforcing basic structures and improving speaking and comprehension skills in a practical context.
8. Come e perché… Esercizi utili di italiano
Level: A1-A2
Type: Workbook with grammar and vocabulary exercises
Come e perché… Esercizi utili di italiano is a practical workbook for beginners focusing on the most common grammar structures and vocabulary topics at A1-A2 level.
The book offers a variety of clear, simple exercises designed to reinforce essential grammar points such as articles, prepositions, verb conjugations, and question forms. It is organized into short units, making it easy to use for self-study or as extra practice alongside a course book. A strong point is that you can find the answer keys beneath each exercise section.
9. 501 Italian Verbs
Level: A1 and up
Type: Verb conjugation reference book
501 Italian Verbs is a classic verb reference book and one of the most popular resources for Italian learners at any level.
It lists 501 of the most common Italian verbs drills. fully conjugated in all tenses and moods, along with usage examples, idiomatic expressions, and grammar notes. It’s particularly useful for beginners who want a complete, reliable tool to check verb forms and build confidence with conjugations.
Though it’s not a textbook or workbook, it’s a great companion for self-study or classroom learning.
