Estonian with Eli
Learn Estonian by listening with this beginner-friendly podcast. It uses a natural learning method to help you build comprehension of the Estonian language.
Episoodid
Introduction / sissejuhatus
This is introductory episode to the Estonian learning podcast Estonian with Eli, what it's about and how it might help you speak better Estonian. Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/29/0-introduction-sissejuhatus/
1.1 Story / Lühijutt. Kadri õpib ja töötab
This is an episode of a short story introducing "mina" and "tema" forms.Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-1-story-luhijutt-kadri-opib-ja-tootab/
1.2 About Estonia - Eestist
This episode talks about Estonia, some characteristics and interesting facts. Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-2-about-estonia-eestist/
1.3 Food – Toit: leib ja piim
In this a bit longer and maybe more complex episode, we discuss Estonian food, with longer focus on the different kinds of breads and dairy products popular in Estonia.Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-3-food-toit-leib-ja-piim/
1.4.1 Beginners – algajatele
This episode is directed to beginners, using fairly simple language pronounced clearly at a slow pace to allow distinction between each word. In this episode, I introduce myself a bit, which should be understandable with beginner vocabulary basis. Full transcription here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-4-1-beginners-algajatele/
1.4.2 Beginners short story about Kristi - Lühijutt Kristist algajatele
Second episode for beginners in slow Estonian, this time in a short-story format about a young girl Kristi. Includes third and first person perspectives and some simple questions in the end.Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-4-2-beginners-short-story-about-kristi-luhijutt-kristist-algajatele/
1.4.3 Introductions and questions – tutvustamine ja küsimused
In this episode, the beginners' series continues. This time I am introducing a person from first-person perspective and asking several questions based on each sentence. Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-4-3-introductions-and-questions-tutvustamine-ja-kusimused/
1.5 St. Martin's Day - Mardipäev
In this episode, we discuss the Estonian traditions around St. Martin's Day, and moreover the eve before the day when (usually) kids go from house to house to perform and ask for donations. Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-5-st-martins-day-mardipaev/
1.6 Weather - Ilm
In this episode, we delve into the different weather conditions, how to describe, what weather is like in Estonia in broad terms, and hopefully help you understand some weather forecast terminology.Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-6-weather-ilm/
1.7 Christmas - Jõulud
In this episode, I talk a bit about Christmas traditions in Estonia, aiming to keep a slower pace for new learners.Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-7-christmas-joulud/
1.8 Christmas foods - jõulutoidud
In this episode, I introduce a few different Christmas foods from Estonia, with brief descriptions of what they are. Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-8-christmas-foods-joulutoidud/
1.9 Routine - rutiin (beginner-friendly)
In this episode I give an example day to talk about repeating activities, such as a routine. Also questions in the end for you to try and answer.Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-9-routine-rutiin-beginner-friendly/
1.10 NYE - vana-aasta õhtu
In this episode, I discuss some traditions around New Years Eve in Estonia, how we celebrate, fireworks, comedy shows, and new year's resolutions. Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-10-nye-vana-aasta-ohtu/
1.11 Family - perekond
In this episode I introduce some family-related vocabulary that is used in everyday Estonian.Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-11-family-perekond/
1.12 Come/go/frequent verbs - tulema/minema/käima tegusõnad
In this episode I explain different ways we use the three verbs tulema, minema, käima, with sample sentences to conjugate in present tense. Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-12-come-go-frequent-verbs-tulema-minema-kaima-tegusonad/
1.13 Music - Muusika
In this episode I discuss the usefulness of music to language learning, as well as list some Estonian bands that may be enjoyable to explore.Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/01/30/1-13-music-muusika/
1.14 Story - a day at the beach - Lühijutt - päev rannas
This episode contains a short story about a day at the beach, told from three diferent perspectives and questions and answers.Full transcript here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/02/05/1-14-story-a-day-at-the-beach-luhijutt-paev-rannas/
Podcast updates - taskuhäälingu uudised
This episode is mainly aimed at giving updates on the podcast, how it will continue, supporter's club and more relevant information. Check out the full transcript on the website: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/02/05/season-1-podcast-updates-esimese-hooaja-taskuhaalingu-uudised/
2.6 Liina's adventures - Liina seiklused
This is a very beginner-friendly episode where I start telling a longer story. This is the first part of a series, told in third person point of view, and Q&A in second/third person, which allows you to practice speaking in first person, which we most often do. As usual, you can find the full transcript on my website https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/03/23/2-6-liina-seiklused/ and get access to
2.7 Liina's adventures 2 - Liina seiklused 2
This episode is sequel to 2.6, where I continue with the same story about Liina and her family. It is aimed at early beginners with easy sentences, present tense, and includes questions and answers to help you start speaking by answering the questions in first person form.The full transcript is available on my website https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/03/30/2-7-liina-seiklused-2/ and the password i
2.8 Easter - munadepühad
This episode is discussing the history and traditions of Easter in Estonia. Talking about the significance of the several days leading up to Easter, what they are called, and how the old traditions differ from today's. The full transcript is available as always on my website: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/04/05/2-7-easter-munadepuhad/ and password to access is available to monthly supporters on
2.1 Shrove Tuesday – Vastlapäev
Welcome back! This is the first episode of second season of Estonian with Eli, and will be talking about the traditions around Shrove Tuesday, from the activities to food.The transcript is available to those who support the podcast on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleliga
2.2 Health - Tervis
Welcome back Estonian with Eli podcast. Due to illness, there was no episode last week, and aptly today's topic is health. Full transcript is available to monthly supporters on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleliga
2.3 Turakas (card game)
This episode introduces a very popular Estonian card game "turakas", how it's played, and common variants. Full transcript available on the webiste for monthly supporters on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleliga
2.4 Perekonna tola (another card game)
In this episode, I explain the rules of another popular Estonian card game. The name can be translated as "the fool of the family", indicating to the person losing the game. It's a simple game, and as always, I have added additional explanations to the bottom of the transcript, accessible to my monthly supporters on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleliga
2.5 Estonians - eestlased
In this episode, I discuss a bit about what Estonians are like, their characters, some customs, and general external characeristics. To access the password to the transcipts, and additional resources, please become a supporter on: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleliga
2.9 Learning Estonian - Eesti keele õppimine
This episode spends time on exploring some materials and resources available to Estonian learners. As usual, the transcript is available on my website; https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/04/22/2-9-eesti-keele-oppimine/and access to the transcript is for my monthly supporters on ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleliga
2.10 Sauna - saun
In this episode I talk about how Estonians go to sauna, the traditions around sauna-ing, and other related topics.Full transcript as always, available on my website: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/05/01/2-10-saun/ and is available to my monthly supporters on Ko-Fi website: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleliga
2.11 Liina's adventures 3 - Liina seiklused 3
This is another beginner-friendly episode following the story of Liina, including a short story and questions and answers based on the story afterwards. This is the final part of the story that is available to everyone, and following stories are for my ko-fi supporters only: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleliga Transcript available here: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/05/07/2-11-liina-seiklused-3/ w
2.12 Pronunciation – hääldamine
In this episode, I talk a bit more about the pronunciation of Estonian vowels, and some tongue twisters to practice prounctiation. Full transcript on my website https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/05/20/2-12-pronunciation-haaldamine/ and password to access is available to my monthly supporters on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleligaKirju kukk kires kuuse kõrval kuurikatusel.Seitsesada seitsekümmen
2.13 Summer - suvi
This episode talks about some activities Estonians like to do in the summer or that are popular. You can read the transcript on my website: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/05/28/2-13-summer-suvi/ , and access is gained by becoming my monthly supporter on ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleliga.Are you interested in taking Estonian 1:1 or group lessons? You can book a free trial lesson with me dir
2.14 Describing people - inimeste kirjeldamine
Hello everyone! In this episode I give an example on how to describe a person, including using several different sayings/phrases. Full transcript including explanations of the expressions as always on my website: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/06/05/2-14-describing-people/ and you can access it by becoming my supporter on ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleligaIntro/outro music by Oleksii Holubi
2.15 Why study languages? – Miks õppida keeli?
In this episode I discuss various reasons why one might learn a language. I talk about what my own motivations have been and the benefits of learning the local language as well as impact on health to learn any new language.This is also the final episode of season 2, which means if you want, you are now able to buy the whole 60 pages of this season's transcripts in one go. Check it out here: https:
3.1 Habits - harjumused
Welcome back to third season of Estonian with Eli! This season is kicked off with discussion about habits and how we can improve them. A book recommendation is made to help with this.If you would like to read the transcript with additional word explanations, become a monthly supporter on my ko-fi page: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleliga, so you could read this episode's transcript on my website: htt
3.2 Snowball soup and potato salad – Lumepallisupp ja kartulisalat
In this episode, I talk about two traditional Estonian recipes, one sweet, one savoury. I discuss how to make them and ingredients, giving you a good overview of some basic food-related vocabulary.If you like this podcast and want to support its making, consider becoming a supporter on ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleligaYou can access the full transcript on my website: https://estonianwitheli.
3.3 Artificial intelligence - Tehisintellekt
In this episode I discuss some aspects of AI and its use. I share my opinion about it and what it could be used for. Transcript as always available on my website, which includes some word explanations/colloquialisms: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/07/20/3-3-tehisintellekt/ and is available to my monthly supporters on ko-fi website: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeeleligaIf you wish to buy the whole 1
3.4 Thoughts of Estonia and Estonians – Mõtteid Eestist ja eestlastest
This episode is about me sharing my thoughts about Estonia after having returned to the country for a month, meeting new people, experiencing new things, and how some things have taken me by surprise. Full transcript is available on my website: https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/07/31/3-4-motteid-eestist-ja-eestlastest/ and is available to my monthly supporters on ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/eestikeele
3.5 Expressions – väljendid
Welcome back to Estonian with Eli podcast. This episode focusses on a few colloquial expressions to say I don't mind/care, and oh my gosh and alternatives. Explaining the vocabulary literally and in context.The full transcript is available as usual on my website https://estonianwitheli.org/2026/08/07/3-5-expressions/ and password is available to my monthly supporters on ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/ee
3.6 Estonia’s re-independence day – Eesti taasiseseisvumispäev
This is an episode to remark today's celebration for Estonia's Re-independence day, especially its 35th anniversary. I discuss some key historic events that led to the possibility for Estonia to declare its independence again. Good opportunity to test/learn numbers with several dates and years mentioned.Full transcript with vocabulary and additional information/links at the end is on my website: h
3.7 Estonia's education - Eesti haridus
Welcome back! This episode is dedicated to the Day of Knowledge on the 1st of September, and discussing the way Estonia's education system is built - the different phases of schooling, what is mandatory, subjects taught and other aspects touched upon briefly. Using slower speach to help with understanding for Estonian learners.As always, the transcript is on my website: https://estonianwitheli.org
3.8 Interesting things about Estonia - Huvitavat Eesti kohta
Welcome back to the podcast! In today's episode I share some interesting facts about Estonia, from the religiousness to hedgehogs, giving you an overview of fun stuff brought out by a couple of different articles I found:https://www.delfi.ee/artikkel/75397753/briti-ajaleht-toi-valja-25-huvitavat-fakti-eesti-kohtahttps://blog.idaoffice.org/et/posts/10-huvitavat-fakti-eesti-kohta/If you would like t
