Knowledge of Estonian can help you find jobs and connect with professionals. Companies value language abilities, and knowing the national language gives you an advantage in the local job market. There are positions that require specific language skills. The language proficiency requirements are determined based on the nature of the work and the use of language in relation to the place of work and position.

You should check the language requirements for a job you are interested in or consult with the potential employer. The required language proficiency levels are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.

If you plan to study at an Estonian educational institution, the language requirements will depend on the language of instruction. Some programmes may require a certain level of Estonian proficiency, while others may offer courses in English or other languages.

For non-EU citizens applying for a long-term residence permit, B1 Estonian language proficiency is required.

If you are seeking Estonian citizenship, language proficiency is a crucial requirement. You will need to demonstrate your proficiency in Estonian by passing a language exam at B1 level.

We’ve collected the stories of people living in Estonia learning the Estonian language to encourage and inspire everyone learning the Estonian language to continue their studies and use the Estonian language in everyday life. Below are 10 stories each about a specific person's background and experience learning Estonian.

The stories of learning a language for yourself have been shared with us by:

1. Sanam
2. Steve
3. Gerhard ja Hans-Gunter
4. Jelena
5. Victor
6. Nadia
7. Robert
8. Michaela
9. Säba
10. Olga

You can self-test your language skills in the Keeleklikk environment: "Keeleklikk" is a modern online Estonian course for beginners that is suitable for both individual study and classroom use. "Keeleklikk" targets adult learners who want to learn to communicate in everyday situations. At the end of the course, there is a self-administered exam. The exam consists of 80 questions and gives you feedback on your language proficiency level.

The Estonian Integration Foundation’s language test environment TESTEST is useful when:

• You are studying Estonian and want to get feedback on your knowledge of the language;
• You wish to attend an Estonian language course but are not sure of your level;
• You plan to pass an Estonian language level exam but are not sure if you're choosing the right level.

Please use Google Translate to navigate this page.

The Integration Foundation screening test is a 15-minute 4-choice test consisting of 75 gaps, checking grammar and vocabulary. Vocabulary competence is tested through knowledge of lexical and grammatical items in sentences of 3 to 11 words. The difficulty level of the test is in ascending order, and test sentences are prepared by level. Each correct answer scores 1 point.

A1 – Beginner - I have no knowledge of the language.

A2 – Pre-Intermediate - I can cope in everyday situations for practical needs, but communication often breaks down in new situations.

B1 – Intermediate - I can speak and understand reasonably well in familiar situations but sometimes have difficulties.

B2 – Upper Intermediate - I can use the language effectively in most situations and seldom have problems with understanding and making myself understood.

B2 – Upper Intermediate or C1 – Advanced - either level provides you with the language skills needed for easy communication.