Estonian sentence structure
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Olga T.
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Martin L.
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Diana B.
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In this lesson we will have a look at the very basics of constructing a sentence in Estonian. You will learn about the articles, genders and word order.
Articles
The Estonian language lacks both the definite article 'the' and indefinite article 'a, an'. This means that a noun, such as tüdruk 'girl', can mean 'girl', 'a girl', or 'the girl' depending on the context.
Sometimes the number üks 'one' can be used as a sort of indefinite article meaning 'a, an' but this is very rare in the written language.
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Olga T.
30.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Diana B.
30.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Martin L.
48.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Gender
Unlike many other languages, Estonian doesn't have grammatical genders. This means that the words can end with all letters and they have no distinctive features that would let you know if it's about a man or a woman.
Also, Estonian lacks distinct words for 'he, she, it' and the pronoun tema is used for all three. Which one is actually meant can only be determined from the context.
Word order
1) The neutral word order is subject-verb-object (SVO) like in English.
- E.g Naine vaatab telekat 'The woman is watching the TV'
2) An adjective precedes the noun it modifies, also like in English.
- E.g Ilus tüdruk 'Beautiful girl', Naljakas mees 'Funny man'
3) However, an adverb of time usually precedes an adverb of place, in contrast to English.
- E.g Ma lähen homme poodi 'I will go the shop tomorrow' (literally: 'I will go tomorrow to the shop')
A reverse order may be used when the sentence begins with an adverb or object.
- E.g Täna on tüdruk koolis 'Today the girl is at school'
This can also happen in English but less often ('Rarely comes a second chance').
4) However, as one would expect from an agglutinative language, the word order is quite free and can be changed to stress some parts of the sentence or in poetic text. For example, consider the sentence Mees tappis karu '(a/the) man killed (a/the) bear' and uses the neutral SVO word order. The sentence can be rephrased using OVS word order as Karu tappis mees — a normal Estonian sentence that could be more precisely translated as 'It was (a/the) man who killed the bear' i. e. the sayer emphasizes that the killer was a man, probably assuming the listener knows that a bear was killed.
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Native speaker from Paris with about 15 years of teaching experience. I’m well-travelled, and I’ve lived and worked in different parts of the world (Europe, Latin America, North America, Africa, Australia and a little bit in Asia).
I have a postgraduate degree (France) in Languages, Literature and Cultural Studies and I’m currently a freelance translator. I’ve previously worked at universities in France and abroad (South Africa/Australia) and have a solid experience in teaching (French Language, Literature, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Creative Writing, etc.), designing courses, evaluating and guiding students, preparing students for exams/job interviews/professional presentations, managing a Language and Literature department at the university, presenting papers at academic conferences worldwide, publishing, translating and journalism. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach people with different profiles and from various backgrounds: international professionals, university students, beginner translators and teachers, high school students, retirees, travellers, francophiles, children (help with homework), etc.
Being an open-minded, flexible and patient teacher, I enjoy helping others to discover their potential and to explore it. Adapting myself to my students' needs, pace and objectives is essential for me, and designing the best way to work with each student is very stimulating and rewarding.
After the initial introductory lesson, I will design customised lesson plans that will evolve as you progress. We can also, at any time during the programme, change our working method if you wish to do so. I remain very flexible in that regard.
The learning materials will be varied, and we will choose together the themes and aspects of French language to be covered, in line with your objectives. In any case, I am very attentive in general, so please don't hesitate to make any suggestions.
Regardless of your level and objectives, I'm sure that we can find the best way possible to share and enjoy this French language adventure together.
P. V.
Thank you, Priscilla, for helping me with my homework and especially with my written assignments! Priscilla explains the concepts clearly and concisely, including the internet connection is perfect. I would never have thought it possible to learn online as effectively as in person! For those who still have doubts: You need to start your French classes with Priscilla right now! :-)
Priscilla R.
Tere! I am a language teacher with more than ten years of experience. I have worked as a lecturer of Estonian language and culture at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv in Ukraine, at the Tallinn University in Estonia and in numerous language schools. Currently, I am a freelance linguist based in Berlin and teach Estonian online.
It is important for me to introduce a language as a simple logical system that is easy to understand and use. As a teacher, I structure my classes and deliver knowledge in a clear and engaging way, combining theory with practice. Besides my endeavours to make my classes useful, I aspire to make them entertaining and fun, so that my students have a great time in the lesson. By teaching students from a wide range of learning techniques, I always try to provide a personal approach to each student and adapt to their needs, so that they are able to continuously improve their grammar and vocabulary.
L. H.
Riina is a great teacher! I enjoy my lessons with her. Estonian is not the easiest language to learn, but she makes it fun while challenging. I'm looking forward to continuing my lessons!
Riina R.
Tere! I am a language teacher with more than ten years of experience. I have worked as a lecturer of Estonian language and culture at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv in Ukraine, at the Tallinn University in Estonia and in numerous language schools. Currently, I am a freelance linguist based in Berlin and teach Estonian online.
It is important for me to introduce a language as a simple logical system that is easy to understand and use. As a teacher, I structure my classes and deliver knowledge in a clear and engaging way, combining theory with practice. Besides my endeavours to make my classes useful, I aspire to make them entertaining and fun, so that my students have a great time in the lesson. By teaching students from a wide range of learning techniques, I always try to provide a personal approach to each student and adapt to their needs, so that they are able to continuously improve their grammar and vocabulary.
J. H.
I have now completed 20 lessons with Riina. I can confidently say her classes grow with you. While it is clear that she has a progression of vocabulary and grammar concepts, each lesson is still individualized to fit your interests and questions. Starting as a complete beginner with no knowledge of Estonian meant that at first, everything was new and very challenging. However, Riina presented in a way that was easy to understand. As I have gained more understanding, the lessons have added more vocabulary and grammar concepts in a way that makes sense. There is always time for questions at the beginning of each lesson in case I think of any between lessons. Additionally, there has also been more Estonian spoken each lesson, based on my progress. I recommend Riina to anyone looking for an Estonian teacher, and I am looking forward to continuing lessons with her.
Riina R.
Tere! I am a language teacher with more than ten years of experience. I have worked as a lecturer of Estonian language and culture at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv in Ukraine, at the Tallinn University in Estonia and in numerous language schools. Currently, I am a freelance linguist based in Berlin and teach Estonian online.
It is important for me to introduce a language as a simple logical system that is easy to understand and use. As a teacher, I structure my classes and deliver knowledge in a clear and engaging way, combining theory with practice. Besides my endeavours to make my classes useful, I aspire to make them entertaining and fun, so that my students have a great time in the lesson. By teaching students from a wide range of learning techniques, I always try to provide a personal approach to each student and adapt to their needs, so that they are able to continuously improve their grammar and vocabulary.
A. S.
Riina was kind enough to reschedule my trial lesson. She is a very well-spoken teacher. I would definitely recommend her and I look forward to more Estonian lessons.
Riina R.
My name is Diana. I am a TESOL-certified English and Estonian online teacher with more than 5 years of professional and over 20 years of international voluntary teaching experience. During these years I taught professionally more than 3000 different students by helping them to achieve their goals and dreams. My students were from different age groups, levels and backgrounds.
In my classes, you will feel at ease, have a friendly atmosphere and look forward to your next lessons. My aim is to make classes effective and my goal is to help you to :
* Advance your communication skills
* Boost your communication efficiency by improving your accent and speaking clarity
* Achieve your desired language proficiency fast by using my effective and easy methods.
I tailor my teaching material according to your level and needs. As I strongly believe that no two students are alike and one teaching method that fits all is unfair and ineffective.
Looking forward to meeting you soon and emerging on a learning journey with you.
I. C.
Diana is a very professional teacher. Extremely patient and competent. She's always supporting and encouraging with her positive attitude. Looking forward to continue my study journey with her.
Diana B.
Hello guys! I've been teaching English for three years now, it all all started when I moved to Italy to be with my loving partner and become a father. I can teach any level form beginner to advanced, with your language goal in mind. I prefer to personalize lessons to individual students and my strengths are exam preparation and conversational English for those wishing to speak like a native.
I have a degree in History and I've taught in both private and public schools as well as a private tutor. Don't hesitate to reach out for a chat so we can start this journey together.
P. V.
Alexander is such a patient and dedicated teacher! We went through several useful expressions that enriched my toolbox of idiomatic linguistic structures. We also worked in detail on my pronunciation, which improved my confidence a lot while giving presentations at school! Everybody should start learning with Alexander right NOW!
Alexander W.
My name is Diana. I am a TESOL-certified English and Estonian online teacher with more than 5 years of professional and over 20 years of international voluntary teaching experience. During these years I taught professionally more than 3000 different students by helping them to achieve their goals and dreams. My students were from different age groups, levels and backgrounds.
In my classes, you will feel at ease, have a friendly atmosphere and look forward to your next lessons. My aim is to make classes effective and my goal is to help you to :
* Advance your communication skills
* Boost your communication efficiency by improving your accent and speaking clarity
* Achieve your desired language proficiency fast by using my effective and easy methods.
I tailor my teaching material according to your level and needs. As I strongly believe that no two students are alike and one teaching method that fits all is unfair and ineffective.
Looking forward to meeting you soon and emerging on a learning journey with you.
G. P.
Diana is a great Estonian teacher - patient, careful, and efficient. In addition to teaching competently, she encourages the student to enjoy the learning journey. I can't wait to take more classes. Suur aitäh!
Diana B.
My name is Diana. I am a TESOL-certified English and Estonian online teacher with more than 5 years of professional and over 20 years of international voluntary teaching experience. During these years I taught professionally more than 3000 different students by helping them to achieve their goals and dreams. My students were from different age groups, levels and backgrounds.
In my classes, you will feel at ease, have a friendly atmosphere and look forward to your next lessons. My aim is to make classes effective and my goal is to help you to :
* Advance your communication skills
* Boost your communication efficiency by improving your accent and speaking clarity
* Achieve your desired language proficiency fast by using my effective and easy methods.
I tailor my teaching material according to your level and needs. As I strongly believe that no two students are alike and one teaching method that fits all is unfair and ineffective.
Looking forward to meeting you soon and emerging on a learning journey with you.
K. T.
It is so hard to find a good Estonian language teacher, especially a Russian speaker. And another important thing, that Diana motivates so much.
Diana B.
My name is Diana. I am a TESOL-certified English and Estonian online teacher with more than 5 years of professional and over 20 years of international voluntary teaching experience. During these years I taught professionally more than 3000 different students by helping them to achieve their goals and dreams. My students were from different age groups, levels and backgrounds.
In my classes, you will feel at ease, have a friendly atmosphere and look forward to your next lessons. My aim is to make classes effective and my goal is to help you to :
* Advance your communication skills
* Boost your communication efficiency by improving your accent and speaking clarity
* Achieve your desired language proficiency fast by using my effective and easy methods.
I tailor my teaching material according to your level and needs. As I strongly believe that no two students are alike and one teaching method that fits all is unfair and ineffective.
Looking forward to meeting you soon and emerging on a learning journey with you.
B. V.
Diana is the best online teacher you can find. My children learn a lot. The classes are really fun. Highly recommended teacher.
Diana B.
My name is Diana. I am a TESOL-certified English and Estonian online teacher with more than 5 years of professional and over 20 years of international voluntary teaching experience. During these years I taught professionally more than 3000 different students by helping them to achieve their goals and dreams. My students were from different age groups, levels and backgrounds.
In my classes, you will feel at ease, have a friendly atmosphere and look forward to your next lessons. My aim is to make classes effective and my goal is to help you to :
* Advance your communication skills
* Boost your communication efficiency by improving your accent and speaking clarity
* Achieve your desired language proficiency fast by using my effective and easy methods.
I tailor my teaching material according to your level and needs. As I strongly believe that no two students are alike and one teaching method that fits all is unfair and ineffective.
Looking forward to meeting you soon and emerging on a learning journey with you.
E. .
A wonderful teacher- patient, knowledgeable and so pleasant in communication! Was very flexible with scheduling a class at the last moment to accommodate me. Five stars all the way!
It was a pleasure to meet Elena!❤️ She did so well pronouncing Estonian. The text was very complex but she handled it beautifully. All the best with your future endeavours!
Hi everyone! My name is Anya. I'm m a professional Russian teacher from Russia with more than 8 years of experience.
I have worked at several language schools in my hometown. Currently, I only teach on Skype. Every day I work online with students of different ages from all over the world.
I'm very patient, and attentive in my approach. I don't let seemingly small things, like pronunciation issues, pass unnoticed. I can teach absolute beginners. I'm always exploring better and better techniques to help my students learn.
My teaching style is a combination of speaking practice and textbooks.
A. S.
Anna is an excellent teacher. Very knowledgable and kind. She gave me a free trial lesson due to a mixup in the payment methods. I look forward to the next lesson.
Hanna D.
Hi,
First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the decision to learn or improve a new language. Whether it is Estonian, English or Russian, beginner, advanced or Business language - you are in the right place.
My name is Martin and I am coming from a tiny country in the Northern Europe called Estonia. One of my biggest hobbies is teaching and educating others, that is why for the past 3 years I have been living and working in Istanbul while teaching English to different age groups: kindergarten, school, university as well as adults. I have had students from Beginners to Advanced as well as several businessmen and CEOs of international companies located in Istanbul. What is more, for the last 2 years I have been teaching Estonian, English and Russian online through Skype that gave me chance to meet people from all over the world and help them on their journey of learning foreign languages in a comfortable and enjoyable environment.
We are going to have a 20-30-minute trial lesson during which we can get to know each other, set expectations towards the lessons and schedule the timetable. The next step is simple - we start learning the language of your choice! As simple as it is :)
During the lessons we will focus on making you speak even with the limited vocabulary because speaking is the key to learning a new language quickly and in a fun way!
Cannot wait to receive your in-mail and help you on your journey to learn and speak a foreign language.
Martin
P. V.
Oh my God! Every lesson with Martin is full of big news, about grammar and not only! Wooooooow! :-)
Martin L.
Tere! I am a language teacher with more than ten years of experience. I have worked as a lecturer of Estonian language and culture at the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv in Ukraine, at the Tallinn University in Estonia and in numerous language schools. Currently, I am a freelance linguist based in Berlin and teach Estonian online.
It is important for me to introduce a language as a simple logical system that is easy to understand and use. As a teacher, I structure my classes and deliver knowledge in a clear and engaging way, combining theory with practice. Besides my endeavours to make my classes useful, I aspire to make them entertaining and fun, so that my students have a great time in the lesson. By teaching students from a wide range of learning techniques, I always try to provide a personal approach to each student and adapt to their needs, so that they are able to continuously improve their grammar and vocabulary.
B. .
I can't really judge the learning methods after a trial lesson. The overall impression was positive. I look forward to further work with Riina.
Riina R.
Many teachers just offer grammar, but according to my ten years of tutoring experience, that is not enough. Apart from cultural context, we need to know how we learn to learn better. I've taken several courses with experts in the matter because it helps me to help the professionals I work with. It's not about being patient, it's about being right employing a teaching methodology for each individual because we all are in a budget and our need to speak proper is always urgent. I know that & I'll help you to achieve your goal as I've done with hundreds of students in the last decade. Learn more about my unique methodology booking a trial lesson now.
T. V.
Blanca is a very experienced teacher, especially in the regards of the online method. Her lessons are focused on the needs and wants of each student. Blanca has also a specific training for when it comes to IELTS tests preparations and such. She is very passionate about education and has a good way to communicate with her students.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Blanca P.
Taisha, thank you so much. I do appreciate your review, and I'll honor it. Warmest regards.
Do you want to improve your Dutch for work and daily life in the Netherlands? I help young expats enhance their Dutch skills, so you can speak and write with more confidence. Not because you have to, but because you want to! My lessons are practical and focused on what you truly need, whether you’re a beginner or already at a higher level.
What you can expect:
Lessons for beginners to advanced learners (B2 to C1), with a methodical and structured approach
Exercises that fit your work and life in the Netherlands
Focus on building confidence and keeping your self-respect, as you find your place as a new resident
Long-term collaboration, aimed at lasting progress and making the most of your new country
In my lessons, you’ll not only learn the language but also how to communicate your unique value and fully use the opportunities in your new home. This way, you’ll get to know the Netherlands better and make your own special contribution!
Ready to improve your Dutch? Contact me and let’s explore the possibilities!
S. W.
I am really enjoying my lessons with Monique, she listened to my thoughts around my learning style and has made me feel really comfortable during our sessions. I would highly recommend!
Monique M.
