Before launching into language studies, think about how much time you’re willing and able to dedicate to it and what you hope to achieve. Consider your current language proficiency and take a free language test (in Estonian) to get an idea as to where you’re at. From here, make most of the numerous opportunities available to you, like apps, tutoring, social groups, and even sponsored trips to Estonia.
Learning Estonian abroad opens up a world of opportunities. On this page, we will highlight some key resources to help you on your language journey.
There are many opportunities to learn Estonian both in person and online.
If you wish to begin learning or teaching Estonian, please contact Iti Connor, the Coordinator of Estonian Language Studies of the Council of Estonian Societies in Australia at eestikeel@eesti.org.au.
To get inspired, read the “History and Characteristics of the Estonian Language” via the Estonian Institute. This PDF includes beautiful illustrations to accompany a light and insightful overview of the Estonian language. “Once upon a time, there were very many people around and they could not get along, so Grandfather decided to disperse them around the world and give all of them their own customs, language and name. Each nation had to gather on the Cauldron Hill, to receive their name and tongue. Grandfather set about cooking the tongues, but the water hadn’t even started boiling when the first nation arrived. ‘Look at you, you have got up early. I like that! You must name yourselves my first nation and my own tongue must be yours, too.’ Those diligent people were of course the Estonians. This is how Estonians got their name and tongue.” – F. R. Faehlmann, The Cooking of Tongues (1841)
Numerous opportunities and scholarships are available to study Estonian in Estonia! Annually, look out for Summer Camps, language courses, and more, via our news and on Global Estonian.
Cooljugator: Provides assistance with various verb forms (conjugated forms, examples, English translations, transcriptions, related verbs, etc.).
Eesti keele ja kultuuri kursused / Estonian language and culture courses: a website for which the Department of Applied Linguistics of the Institute of Estonian and General Linguistics of the University of Tartu has designed various teaching materials, intended for language enthusiasts for independent work or practice under the guidance of a teacher. The support language for the basic level courses is English, and the exercises are controlled by a computer. The courses are free of charge.
E-koolikott / E-school bag: Collection of learning resources.
Estonian language synthesiser: Good for working out case endings to Estonian words.
GlobalEstonian: a portal for Estonian diaspora providing information about language learning, scholarships, and more. Also use: “Ask the Expert!”
Krisostomus Free E-Books: The Krisostomus online bookstore also has a lot of free Estonian e-books available for download. Compared with the Tartu Library page, things are much more mixed together and you might have to dig a bit more to find what you’re looking for, but there’s a lot there including some older Estonian literature, periodicals like Värske Rõhk, and even quite a few Estonian children’s books.
Naljaga pooleks: Textbook with listening exercises for learning Estonian for B1 speakers.
Rääkimine on hõbe, kuulamine on kuld: A program for kids (3-13 years) with a different mother tongue – in Estonian only. It is available free of charge to all interested parties until 2027.
Settle in Estonia: material for the A1 level Estonian language course of the Welcoming Programme by Settle in Estonia. The material covers five topics, all of which are also covered during the Welcoming Programme’s language classes – short video clips about every-day situations and simple exercises help you to practice listening, reading and writing Estonian phrases.
Tartu Public Library Free E-books: If you don’t want to deal with digital loans, Tartu Public Library has a bunch of older Estonian literature (Vilde, A.H. Tammsaare, Lydia Koidula, August Kitzberg, etc.) available for free download in various formats (epub, .mobi, and .pdf) on their website.
Udemy A1 & A2 Beginner Estonian language: In this program, you will acquire proficiency in the Estonian language at the A0, A1. The course begins with foundational concepts and gradually progresses to more advanced topics. Probably better for older kids. Frequently on special via time-limited Udemy offers.
Website: aesl.eesti.org.au
Estonian Language initiatives in Australia are supported by the Council of Estonian Societies in Australia (AESL). Contact the language coordinator for further information: eestikeel@eesti.org.au.
Website: integratsioon.ee/noustamine
The Integration Foundation offers counselling to adults who want to learn Estonian free of charge and helps to choose the most suitable opportunities for language learning.
Website: keeleabi.eki.ee
Contact the Estonian Language Institute for free language advice, including advice related to spelling, punctuation, form, word formation, word meanings, and wording. See also FAQs.
Estonian Language initiatives in Australia are supported by the Council of Estonian Societies in Australia (AESL). Contact the AESL language coordinator Iti Connor for further information.
Sincere thanks to Ella Scott and Sõrve camp leaders for compiling a comprehensive master list of Estonian resources! If you know of any other resources, please write to: media@eesti.org.au.
HEIA, Hello Estonians in Australia is a media platform created by volunteers in the Estonian community to provide information relevant to all Estonians in Australia community.
Do you have news or an upcoming event you would like published on HEIA? Contact us at news@eesti.org.au
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