How to practise Estonian B1 speaking between lessons

To practise Estonian B1 speaking between lessons, rehearse familiar situations: answer a question, explain a preference, ask for information and reach an agreement with another person. Try an answer before reading a model, review one correction, then repeat the task with a different detail.

The exercises below are original practice material. They are not HARNO exam questions, transcripts of learners or evidence of an exam result. Edyssey is an independent learning app and is not affiliated with HARNO.

Start with the official speaking tasks

HARNO's Estonian language proficiency exam information describes B1 speaking as questions and discussion followed by dialogue tasks. Its B1 description includes reaching a decision with a partner and exchanging information by telephone with an institution. Use the official B1 description and sample materials linked there when checking the format; a generic language-app exercise is not a substitute.

The Council of Europe's CEFR self-assessment grid describes B1 spoken interaction in terms of familiar topics and situations encountered while travelling. For spoken production, it includes describing experiences and giving brief reasons for opinions and plans. These are useful practice goals; an app's feedback is not an official CEFR assessment.

Exercise 1: answer, then add a reason

Start with “Mida sulle meeldib vabal ajal teha?” — What do you like doing in your free time?

A possible answer is: “Mulle meeldib jalutada, sest ma saan värskes õhus olla.” — I like walking because I can be outdoors.

Use something that is true for you. Then ask a follow-up question, such as “Kas sa jalutad iga päev?” — Do you walk every day? Answer without returning to the original model sentence.

An illustrative correction: “Mina meeldib jalutada” → “Mulle meeldib jalutada.” In this construction, use mulle for “I like”. Try the pattern with another activity: “Mulle meeldib lugeda.”

Exercise 2: agree on a plan

Practise choosing an activity with a partner. Here is a short written example:

A: Kas lähme laupäeval parki või kohvikusse? — Shall we go to the park or a café on Saturday?
B: Mina eelistaksin parki, sest tahan väljas olla. — I would prefer the park because I want to be outside.
A: Aga kui vihma sajab? — But what if it rains?
B: Siis võime kohvikusse minna. Kas sulle sobib kell kaks? — Then we can go to a café. Does two o'clock suit you?
A: Jah, sobib. Kohtume kell kaks. — Yes, it does. Let's meet at two.

Now change the day, time or activity. Give your partner a different preference so you have to respond rather than recite both sides. The task is to reach an agreement: propose something, react to the other person's suggestion and confirm the plan.

Exercise 3: ask an institution for information

Imagine calling a library about joining. Prepare what you need to find out, then practise asking:

Tere! Sooviksin raamatukogu lugejaks registreeruda. — Hello! I would like to register as a library reader.
Milliseid dokumente mul vaja on? — Which documents do I need?
Mis kell te laupäeval avatud olete? — What time are you open on Saturday?
Kas saaksite seda korrata? — Could you repeat that?

Have your practice partner invent the answers, then explain what you understood. Those answers are for the roleplay only; check the real library's website before visiting. In a second round, call a different institution and change the information you need.

Keep clarification phrases ready

You can stay in a conversation while asking for help:

Palun rääkige aeglasemalt. — Please speak more slowly.
Mida see sõna tähendab? — What does that word mean?
Kas te saaksite tuua näite? — Could you give an example?
Kas ma sain õigesti aru, et kohtume kell kaks? — Did I understand correctly that we are meeting at two?

Use one of these phrases during practice, then return to the task. Asking for clarification is more useful than silently agreeing to a plan you did not understand.

A short practice routine

Choose one exercise and make an initial attempt without a script. Review a correction that changes the meaning or helps you complete the task. Repeat with a different detail. Finish by noting whether you answered the question, gave a reason and responded to your partner.

You can record yourself for comparison, keeping recordings private unless everyone involved agrees to share them. Compare what you managed to communicate rather than treating a smoother recording as proof of a higher CEFR level.

If a task is too difficult, shorten it to one exchange and practise the missing vocabulary. If it is comfortable, ask your partner to disagree or introduce a new constraint.

Using Edyssey for additional practice

Edyssey supports Estonian as a learning language. You can choose a level and describe a goal while creating your course, then practise with AI exercises and the tutor. For example, ask to rehearse agreeing on a weekend plan in Estonian, with one question at a time and explanations in English.

Activities and tutor responses are generated; the app does not promise this exact dialogue or an official B1 mock exam. AI can mishear speech and make language mistakes. Bring uncertain corrections to your teacher or check a reference such as the Institute of the Estonian Language's Sõnaveeb.

See Edyssey's Android and iOS download options. AI features require an internet connection and voice practice requires microphone permission. Check the current offer in the app or your store before subscribing.

What this practice does not cover

The B1 exam also assesses skills beyond speaking. Keep working with official materials and your teacher on the other parts. AI practice can give you another opportunity to speak between lessons; it cannot certify your level, predict your official score or guarantee a pass.

Exam information checked against HARNO on 19 October 2026. Confirm the current instructions and sample materials on HARNO's website before preparing for an exam date.