Tallinn - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
None at all. - Sep 2023
Taxi drivers and doctors don't speak English; everybody else does - the waiters, hairdressers, tailors, shop assistants, all speak English, plus everybody you meet around, given they are not taxi drivers or doctors. The Estonian language is very complicated, with some 15 variations for each word depending on the preposition that matches with the nouns and adjectives. Tutors are available and affordable, in case you decide to give it a try, but no one expects a foreign to really speak it beyond "good morning". - Jun 2017
Almost none. I speak English almost everywhere and use my Russian when/where I can't. Estonian is simply a hard language and people here might appreciate the gesture, but their English will always be much better. Maybe not on par with Scandinavia but very, very good. Keep in mind, 40% or more of Tallinn are also Russian speakers. - Sep 2016
Almost none. Most people speak English. - Jan 2013
None, but it is nice to know some and try. When I try to speak Estonian I usually get a smile and the speaker switches to English right away. - Oct 2012
Very little, as most people speak English. But knowing grocery items is helpful in the grocery stores. - Oct 2012
None (hey the question says daily living). Learn the niceties and be diplomatic. For the most part the younger generation speaks English, and for the older crowd if you know even a little Russian that would help too. If you are an accompanying family member do not be afraid to go out and do things. People are cordial, but smiling is not common. Don't take it the wrong way if your server is not bubbly or falling all over her/himself for a tip. - Sep 2010
I speak the local language, so I'm not a good judge. English is widely spoken in Tallinn. - Aug 2009
