Why use a Learn Estonian app?
Apps make Estonian feel bite-sized. Short lessons help beginners build momentum, audio teaches pronunciation, and spaced review keeps words in your memory. Because the app tracks progress, you can close a lesson knowing exactly what to learn next.
A good app supports A1–A2 language goals: survival phrases, core vocabulary, and simple grammar patterns. You’ll learn to introduce yourself, order food, ask for directions, and talk about time and hobbies—exactly what a beginner needs to feel confident.
- Micro-lessons you can finish in 5–10 minutes
- High-quality audio for clear pronunciation
- Spaced repetition to remember vocabulary
- Progress tracking so you always know your next step
What to look for in an Estonian app
Look for clear audio by native speakers, slow playback, and speech recognition so you can practice saying words like tere and palun confidently. Grammar should be explained simply, with examples that match A1–A2 tasks (introductions, shopping, transport).
A strong review system matters. Spaced repetition and customizable decks help you learn efficiently. Offline mode is handy for commutes; online sync keeps your progress across devices. Free plans are great for a test drive; paid tiers can unlock full courses, downloadable PDF cheat-sheets, and extra practice.
- CEFR-aligned content (A1–A2) for clear milestones
- Native audio with slow/normal speeds
- Speech practice with feedback
- Simple grammar tips tied to real phrases
- Spaced repetition and personalized review
- Offline mode, plus sync for online learning
- Downloadable PDF word lists and summaries
Duolingo vs alternatives
Duolingo does not currently offer an Estonian course. You can still use it to build a daily study habit, but you’ll need an alternative app to learn Estonian itself. Fortunately, several platforms cover the language with beginner-friendly lessons.
Popular choices include apps and courses built by Estonian teachers, vocabulary trainers, and phrase-based tools. Many offer a free tier, with paid options for full access, audio downloads, or printable PDF packs. Mix one structured course with a vocab app for the best results.
- Speakly or similar: practical phrases by frequency, great for real-life use
- Mondly/Drops/Ling: visual, beginner-friendly vocab and phrases
- Memrise/Anki: community decks and custom flashcards (often free)
- Clozemaster-style tools: practice words in context for later stages
A simple A1–A2 study plan
Daily (20–30 minutes): start with 5–10 minutes of review in your app, then learn 1–2 new short lessons. Read each sentence aloud and record yourself to check pronunciation. Finish with a quick listening drill—shadow the audio by speaking along with it.
Weekly (2–3 short sessions): write a tiny dialogue (hello, where you’re from, what you like), then practice it out loud. Add one grammar focus, like cases for time or location, but keep it simple and example-based. Export key phrases to a PDF or flashcards so you can revise offline.
- Review: 5–10 minutes of spaced repetition
- New content: 10–15 minutes of phrases/grammar
- Speaking: record and shadow short lines
- Listening: repeat after native audio
- Weekly task: write and rehearse a mini-dialogue
Beyond the app: habits and resources
Apps are your base, but small real-life touches make Estonian stick. Label items at home, switch your phone’s system language for one day a week, and follow a simple Estonian weather or news feed. Short bursts keep motivation high for beginners.
Collect a few PDF cheat-sheets: numbers, days and months, cases with examples, and common verbs. Add an online pronunciation video or podcast for A1 learners, then repeat key lines until they feel automatic. If possible, chat with a language partner once a week—just 10 minutes helps.
- PDF checklists: numbers, time, polite phrases, case endings
- Beginner podcasts and slow YouTube videos
- Community flashcards for extra vocab (often free)
- Language partners or tutors for speaking confidence
- A tiny daily routine you can always finish
FAQ
- Is Estonian hard for English speakers?
- It’s different, not impossible. Estonian has many cases and new sounds, but words are regular and spelling is phonetic. With a good app and daily review, beginners can progress steadily to A1–A2.
- Can I learn Estonian for free online?
- Yes. Combine a free tier of a learn Estonian app, community flashcards, YouTube lessons, and PDF phrase lists. Add a weekly speaking session and you can build strong A1 skills without spending much.
- Does Duolingo have Estonian?
- No, Duolingo doesn’t currently offer Estonian. Try alternatives that cover the language, and use Duolingo only if you want to keep a daily streak habit alongside your main Estonian study.
- How long does it take to reach A2 as a beginner?
- With 25–30 minutes a day and focused app study, many learners reach A2 in 4–6 months. Consistency matters more than intensity—finish small daily lessons and speak out loud often.
- Where can I find Estonian PDF resources?
- Look for beginner-friendly PDFs covering numbers, days, simple dialogues, and case tables. Many apps, blogs, and community courses offer free downloads you can print or save for offline review.