Estonia Needs Foreign Talent: How Hard Is It to Learn Estonian? (Part 2)
- Farera Helery
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
It’s no secret that Estonian has a reputation for being one of the hardest languages to learn. If you're a foreigner, you've probably heard about its 14 cases and complex grammar.
Even a quick Google search can make it feel like mission impossible.
And if you keep scrolling through Reddit threads or expat Facebook groups, you'll often see the ironic "good luck" aimed at anyone brave enough to even consider learning it 😁.
But at the same time, Estonia needs foreign talent to keep its economy growing - especially in fields like education and healthcare where speaking Estonian is essential.
So, is our language really one of the most challenging ones or is it just an old, exaggerated stereotype that keeps circulating around?
Stay with me, and let's find out!
Is Estonian Really One of the Hardest Languages in the World?
Mare Kitsnik, PhD in linguistics, Associate Professor of Estonian as Foreign Language at University of Tartu Narva College, and author of several popular Estonian workbooks, has a different opinion.
"I don't agree that Estonian is the hardest language in the world, and Estonians definitely shouldn't keep saying that - it only discourages people who want to try."
With a doctorate in linguistics and years of experience studying how languages work, Mare explains that all languages are fundamentally similar. What usually feels difficult is how different a new language is from your mother tongue and whether you've learned other languages before.
But a good teacher knows in what order and how to teach.
"Starting an Estonian course by announcing that we have 14 cases, as if that means years of suffering and a decade before you can speak, only creates unnecessary fear," says Mare.
How Long Does it Take to Learn Estonian?
The million-dollar question every language learner wants to know is how long does it take to learn it? According to Mare, it can't be measured only in years, as there are far more important factors that influence progress.
✅ MOTIVATION plays a key role, because studying only because you have to rarely works.
"Someone who practices daily, spends time with Estonians, listens, reads, and studies the language will develop 10 x faster," states Mare.
❌ PERFECTIONISM Slows You Down
Another common obstacle is perfectionism - the desire to be flawless before starting to speak. The fear of making mistakes, the need to write everything down and memorize before speaking prevent real communication from even happening.
"In reality, language learning doesn’t work that way — progress comes through using the language, not waiting until it feels perfect," notes Mare.
The Secret to Learning Estonian Faster
People speak to share their thoughts and emotions - and want to feel that what they say matters. As a teacher, it's important to help students find the courage to express themselves with the words they already know.
Mare shares a funny story about one of her Russian speaking students, who went to a shop in Estonia to buy moth repellent (koitõrjevahend) — a tricky word even for advanced learners.
The shop assistant didn’t speak Russian, and the student didn't know the exact word in Estonian, so she first tried to explain it by miming the flying. When that didn't work, she gathered the words she knew and said: "Sööb riideid" (eats clothes). The assistant put the picture together and handed her the right product.
"With limited vocabulary she said the essence and still managed to communicate. You’ll usually get more help by trying, instead of insisting locals understand you in another language or by staying silent," explains Mare.
She often brings up the same idea when teaching object cases (sihitisekäänded).
“Imagine you’re in a shop, looking for shampoo. You start asking and then stop to think - should "shampoo" be in nominative, genitive, or partitive? By the time you figure it out, the shop assistant will already be gone,” she jokes. "Even if you use the wrong case, they’ll still understand you.”
"In real life, people won’t wait until you find the perfect word."
Of course, there has to be a balance. Mare warns that an attitude of “I don’t care how I speak” isn’t helpful either. If you aim for a higher level like B2, you cannot keep making errors that stop people from understanding you.
Should You Start Learning Estonian Before Moving?
Many people begin studying a foreign language before moving abroad. Yet once they arrive in a new country, they face something completely different - local accents, expressions, and the natural speed of conversations.
The real language that no textbook truly prepares you for.
Learn the Real Language Early
“If someone knows for sure that they’re moving to Estonia, it’s not a bad idea to start learning beforehand. But it’s also important to raise awareness of what the real language actually sounds like."
Mare believes modern language teaching should move away from old-fashioned, textbook-based methods with slow, unnatural listening examples. She laughs and imitates a robotic voice: T-e-r-e, M-i-n-a O-l-e-n P-e-e-t-e-r (Hello, I’m Peter).
"Nobody talks like that! I always recommend my students to start listening to real Estonian at its natural speed as early as possible. It might feel scary at first, but it helps you in the long run."
👉 She also suggests trying online platforms like Keeleklikk, finding a Keelesõber (language friend), or enrolling in a language course.
3 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Estonian Language Course or Teacher
Try a trial class first.
Before you commit, take a trial lesson. This is the best way to see whether you like the teacher’s style and method. But according to Mare, one trial lesson might not be enough to decide.
“The first class can always be great — sometimes the teacher gives all their best in that one lesson. It’s better to agree on a few classes, before you make a final decision.”
2. Check the study materials and format
Ask what kind of materials the teacher uses, how big the groups are, and what the lessons look like in practice. Are they more conversational, grammar-based, or mixed? Think about what fits your learning goals.
3. Don’t choose only by price
Cheaper price might not be always the best reason to decide. Read the reviews and compare what each course offers.
When Is Your Estonian Good Enough for the Job?
The most objective way to assess your Estonian skills is through the national Estonian language proficiency exam, explains Mare. These exams are intended for those applying for citizenship or for job that require proof of proficiency in Estonian language.
When it comes to employment, official language certification can be a real advantage, but whether and what kind of level is required depends on the job. Mare offers a brief overview of which Estonian proficiency levels typically align with different roles.
A2 – Basic service jobs (cleaners, guards)
B1 – Customer service
B2 – Very good level, allows you to speak up in meetings, follow media
C1 – Directors, doctors, teachers, and other highly educated professionals
Career development for expats often slows down because of language barriers. And if the job market expects you to speak the local language, it's natural that regardless of your degree you may need to start with simpler jobs. But If you plan to stay long-term, knowing the language is truly valuable and makes everyday life much easier.
🇪🇪 In the next (and last) part of the series "Estonia needs foreign talent" we'll meet 3 foreigners who've walked this path and now speak fluent Estonian, and work in education and healthcare in Estonia.
💬 What about you?
Have you tried learning Estonian or are you thinking about it? What’s been the hardest or maybe the most fun part of the journey so far?
Share your thoughts in the comments below — I’d love to hear your experience!
❤️ A big thank you for Lucky Laika for the beautiful cover photo!
📬 Want more real stories like this?
Join my newsletter for honest takes on expat life — and get the next article straight to your inbox.
Comments