Estonian Language and Culture
DISCOVER, LEARN AND CONNECT
Your Estonian Learning Journey
Beginner Language Evenings
Participants build their vocabulary through word games, language games and role-playing activities, while practising Estonian with volunteer language buddies.
Follow-up Language Programme
Participants expand their vocabulary, practise speaking Estonian with each other, and explore Estonian folk culture and traditional food.
Advanced Language Club
Native Estonian speakers take part in the meetings, giving participants the opportunity to practise Estonian in real conversations and encouraging them to use the language with confidence.
Language Evening groups have 8 to 10 participants. There is no fixed number of participants in the Language Club and anyone can join, even if they have not attended the Language Evenings. If participants who complete all three stages of the programme would like to continue learning Estonian, we will help them find suitable language courses.
Estonian Language Learning, Conversation Groups and Activities in Haapsalu
Cafe Stories
Friendly and relaxed café meetups where we talk about everyday life, hobbies and other interesting topics while building confidence in speaking Estonian.
Estonian Conversation Groups
Practical and engaging conversations for anyone who wants to talk about everyday topics and gain confidence in speaking Estonian.
Free Estonian Language Courses
Learn Estonian Through Activities
Practise Estonian through workshops and shared activities, learning the language naturally through conversation.
You can find upcoming Estonian language learning opportunities and information about new groups on our Home page or Events page. Check back regularly for updates!
ESTONIAN LANGUAGE TEST
Find Out Your Estonian Level
This free online test helps you assess your current Estonian language skills. It takes about 15 minutes to complete and helps you find learning materials, language courses and conversation groups that match your level. For the most accurate results, we recommend completing the test without using dictionaries, translation tools or other study aids. This will give you the clearest picture of your current Estonian language level.
Learn Estonian on Your Own
Learn Estonian
Free online courses and learning materials for everyone from beginners to independent language users.
Free online course for learning Estonian at your own pace (A1 to B2).
Learn Estonian for free with more than 100 practical lessons, audio recordings and exercises.
Practise Estonian with an AI chatbot and other learners.
A Russian-language programme on Radio 4 for learning Estonian vocabulary and everyday expressions.
Practise and Test
Practise grammar, expand your vocabulary and check your knowledge with different exercises and tests.
Free language exercises to practise spelling, grammar and vocabulary through multiple-choice activities.
Reading and listening exercises for levels A2 to C1 to help you practise Estonian on your own.
Practise grammar and vocabulary with screening tests (Sõeltestid), diagnostic tests (Diagnoostestid) to assess your language skills and prepare for the official Estonian language exam with sample proficiency tests (Tasemeeksami näidistestid).
Dictionaries
The Estonian Language Institute’s online dictionary with word meanings, translations, example sentences, pronunciation, and noun and verb forms.
Multilingual dictionary with translations, example sentences and word usage in different languages.
The Estonian Language Institute’s (EKI) website with dictionaries, learning materials and other useful language resources.
Useful Links
Self-Study
(Integration Foundation)
Learning materials, language exercises and other useful resources for learning Estonian on your own.
Learning Opportunities (Integration Foundation)
Explore Estonian language courses, language practice, self-study resources and other opportunities for learning Estonian.
Estonian Language Exam Materials
(Education and Youth Board)
Official exam materials, sample tasks, preparation guides and other resources for the A2 to C1 Estonian language proficiency exams.
Discover Estonian Culture Through Shared Experiences
The best way to learn Estonian language and culture is by experiencing them yourself. Shared trips, workshops and community events help you discover local traditions, nature and the local community while giving you the opportunity to practise Estonian in real-life situations.
Viking Village Experience
Learning Estonian and discovering Estonian cultural heritage go hand in hand.
During a trip to the Viking Village, members of the Haapsalu Ukrainian community experienced how traditions, folk dances and songs, traditional games, archery, axe throwing and historical sites made learning Estonian both natural and enjoyable. Read the full story on our Communities page.
Gardens, Nature and Community
A community trip to the beautiful home gardens of Orukate combined gardening with practical language and cultural learning.
During the day, participants visited award-winning home gardens of Läänemaa, learned about the principles of permaculture, and received practical tips on nature photography with a smartphone from the owner of Tammeoru Garden. Read the full story on our Communities page.
Haapsalu Old Town Cultural Trail
Within just one kilometre, Haapsalu Old Town brings together rich history, cultural attractions, craft workshops and charming cafés.
The Cultural Trail takes you through the heart of Haapsalu Old Town, connecting its most fascinating places. Along the way, you’ll discover the people and landmarks that have shaped the town’s unique character, from the Lace Centre and the Bishop’s Castle to Ilon’s Wonderland and the historic summer villas.
What You'll Find on the Map:
- Cultural Attractions: Libraries, museums, churches and galleries that reflect the rich cultural life of the town.
- Crafts and Design: Artisan workshops, local shops and charming cafés in the Old Town.
- Local Heritage: Birthplaces and summer homes of notable historical figures, monuments and other fascinating places.
This guide was prepared by Ülla Paras, Development Specialist at the City of Haapsalu.