A dictionary is your number one resource for learning a new language. Let's review three kinds of dictionaries: Online, Book, and Electronic.
Online dictionaries are very useful tools for learning a new language. One advantage of using an on-line dictionary is that you can look up any Hebrew verb, even if it is conjugated, without having to first put it in the first-person singular past tense.
The following sites are useful English-Hebrew-English dictionaries. In these dictionaries you can type words in either Hebrew or English to have them translated to the opposite language.
Here is a short list of dictionaries that you'll find useful.
Oxford Dictionary: English-Hebrew/Hebrew-English (Hebrew Edition)
Edited by Yaakov Levy this authoritative dictionary contains 80,000 entries, and 18,000 idioms and expressions. It's a small but very comprehensive dictionary. Hebrew words have nikkud (vowels). This is our favorite, although American students will have to adjust to using British English.
501 Hebrew Verbs (Barron's Foreign Language Guides)
This reference book of Hebrew verbs is a must have for any serious Hebrew student. It contains fully conjugated verbs in all the tenses organized alphabetically with a cross reference in English. We use this book in the development of the podcast to ensure accuracy. This book is a personal favorite.
The New Bantam-Megiddo Hebrew & English Dictionary, Revised
By Dr. Sivan Reuven and Dr. Edward A. Levenston. This dictionary includes explanation of grammar and has many new words.
Webster's New World Hebrew Dictionary: Hebrew/English-English/Hebrew (Transliterated) (Paperback)
By Hayim Baltsan. The Hebrew-to-English section is alphabetized according to the transliterated English spelling. This dictionary is useful if the Hebrew alphabet is a barrier.
Thesaurus of Idioms and Phrases English - Hebrew - English (Hardcover)
This English-Hebrew-English Thesaurus by Neri Sévenier-Gabriel is really a book of idioms and phrases. Organized by topics (there's also a cross reference in both Hebrew and English) it answers questions like how to say "call a spade a spade" (okay, now you'll have to buy the book). This is another book that we own and can wholeheartedly recommend.
First Thousand Words in Hebrew (First Picture Book) (Hardcover)
A wonderful visual dictionary for both kids and adults. There's a picture for every word and the words are arranged by categories such as "At the zoo" or "In the kitchen". Under each Hebrew word there's the English pronunciation.
Multi Dictionary Bilingual Learners Dictionary
Hebrew-Hebrew-English English-Hebrew (Multilingual
Edition) (Paperback)
By Edna Lauden, Liorah Weinbach and Miriam Shani.
This dictionary features definitions and examples in
Hebrew, language functions for interpersonal communication and a lexicon for special purposes. This multi
dictionary is comprised of a wide range of entries, expressions and idioms, which reflect the multi-faceted
linguistic inventory of modern Hebrew. Signs and Abbreviations - Word lists by subject - Verb tables -
Interpersonal communication - Medical terms - Holidays and customs - Foreign words common to Hebrew and English. A
comprehensive dictionary.
If you are learning to read and want to sit down with a Hebrew book or magazine, then an electronic dictionary is essential. There's no faster way to lookup words, especially when they are conjugated, without getting up from your chair. Carry it in your pocket and use it outdoors and any time you're away from your computer.
Franklin Electronic English - Hebrew Dictionary
Although we haven't tested this product, we've had very good experience with Franklin products for English and French.