Learning Estonian: Methods and Resources for Expats

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Learning the Estonian language presents a challenging yet highly rewarding endeavor for expatriates settling in Estonia. While English is widely spoken in major cities like Tallinn, mastering Estonian opens numerous doors both professionally and culturally. This article will guide you through various methods and resources available for learning Estonian, tailored to your goals and proficiency level.

The Importance of Learning Estonian for Expatriates

Learning Estonian as an expatriate offers numerous advantages:

Cultural Integration: Proficiency in the local language will enable you to better understand Estonian culture, traditions, and history. You’ll be able to participate more actively in the country’s social and cultural life, creating deeper connections with the local population.

Professional Opportunities: Although many international companies use English as their working language, knowledge of Estonian can give you a competitive edge in the local job market. It will also open doors in sectors where Estonian is essential, such as public administration or education.

Daily Life Simplification: Mastering Estonian will greatly simplify your daily life, whether for shopping, using public transportation, or interacting with local authorities.

Personal Enrichment: Learning a new language is always a rewarding experience that stimulates your cognitive abilities and broadens your horizons.

Learning Methods Suitable for Expatriates

Several methods exist for learning Estonian, each suited to different learner profiles and objectives:

1. In-Person Language Classes

In-person classes offer structure and regular follow-up, ideal for beginners or those who prefer guided learning. In Estonia, you’ll find several options:

Private Language Schools: Institutions like Folkuniversitetet or Multilingua offer Estonian courses for all levels, with flexible programs adapted to expatriates’ schedules.

Universities: The University of Tartu and Tallinn University offer Estonian courses for international students and foreign residents. These courses are often less expensive than those at private schools.

Municipal Courses: Some municipalities, particularly in Tallinn, provide free or reduced-price Estonian courses for foreign residents.

2. Online Courses and Applications

For those who prefer flexibility or have busy schedules, online resources are an excellent option:

Learning Apps: Applications like Duolingo or Ling offer Estonian modules, ideal for learning basics and practicing regularly.

Online Course Platforms: Websites like Keeleklikk or eKool provide structured Estonian courses, often free and specifically designed for foreign learners.

Online Tutors: Platforms like iTalki or Verbling allow you to find Estonian tutors for private lessons via video conference.

3. Language Immersion

Immersion is one of the most effective methods for rapid progress:

Language Tandem: Find an Estonian language partner to practice conversation. Apps like Tandem or HelloTalk can help you find native speakers interested in language exchange.

Participation in Local Events: Attend cultural events, book clubs, or Estonian conversation groups to practice in an authentic context.

Consumption of Estonian Media: Watch movies, TV series, or listen to podcasts in Estonian to familiarize yourself with the language in a natural context.

Effective Learning Strategies

Regardless of the method chosen, here are some strategies to optimize your Estonian learning:

Consistency: Practice a little each day rather than long, spaced-out sessions. Even 15 minutes daily can make a big difference.

Set Realistic Goals: Start with simple goals, like learning 10 new words per week, and gradually increase the difficulty.

Use Memorization Techniques: Flashcards or spaced repetition apps like Anki can help you effectively memorize vocabulary.

Practice Actively: Don’t hesitate to use Estonian in your daily life, even if you make mistakes. Practice is essential for progress.

Leverage Linguistic Similarities: If you already speak Finnish or Hungarian, you’ll find many similarities with Estonian. Use these common points to facilitate your learning.

Basic Vocabulary and Useful Phrases

To help you get started, here are some essential Estonian words and phrases:

• Tere – Hello
• Aitäh – Thank you
• Palun – Please / You’re welcome
• Jah – Yes
• Ei – No
• Vabandust – Excuse me / Sorry
• Kuidas läheb? – How are you?
• Minu nimi on… – My name is…
• Ma ei räägi eesti keelt – I don’t speak Estonian
• Kas te räägite inglise keelt? – Do you speak English?

Additional Resources for Learning Estonian

In addition to the methods mentioned previously, here are some additional resources to enrich your learning:

Books and Textbooks: “Estonian Textbook” by Juhan Tuldava or “Complete Estonian” by Mare Kitsnik are excellent works for beginners.

Websites: The official Estonian government website “Settle in Estonia” offers free resources for learning Estonian.

Podcasts: “Let’s Learn Estonian!” or “Estonian for Beginners” are free podcasts that will help improve your listening comprehension.

Conversation Groups: Look for Estonian conversation groups on platforms like Meetup or Facebook. These groups are often free and welcoming to beginners.

Conclusion

Learning Estonian as an expatriate is an investment that will pay off both personally and professionally. Whether you choose in-person classes, online resources, or total immersion, the key to success lies in consistency and perseverance. Remember that every small progress counts and that mastering a new language is an exciting journey that will open many doors for you in Estonia.