Bedeutung
The routine of attending educational classes.
Kultureller Hintergrund
School starts on September 1st, known as 'Teadmiste päev' (Knowledge Day). It is a huge celebration where children bring flowers to teachers. The 'school path' (koolitee) is a common metaphor in Estonian poetry and songs, representing the journey of life. Estonians often attend 'huvikool' (interest schools) for music or art alongside regular school. Lifelong learning is very popular; it is common to see adults 'koolis käimas' to learn new languages or crafts.
The 'Everyday' Rule
Whenever you talk about a place you visit at least once a week (gym, school, work, church), use 'käima' + the -s ending.
Don't forget the -s
Saying 'Ma käin kooli' sounds like you are walking towards the school but never entering. Always use 'koolis'.
Bedeutung
The routine of attending educational classes.
The 'Everyday' Rule
Whenever you talk about a place you visit at least once a week (gym, school, work, church), use 'käima' + the -s ending.
Don't forget the -s
Saying 'Ma käin kooli' sounds like you are walking towards the school but never entering. Always use 'koolis'.
University Nuance
For university, you can say 'Ma käin ülikoolis' OR 'Ma tudeerin'. 'Käin' sounds more like you are attending classes, 'tudeerin' sounds more academic.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'käima'.
Ma ______ Tallinna Ülikoolis.
The subject is 'Ma' (I), so the verb must end in -n.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I go to school' as a habit?
'Käin' + Inessive case (-s) is the correct way to express habitual attendance.
Match the Estonian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
All these use the 'käima' + -s pattern for regular activities.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kas su poeg käib juba koolis? B: Ei, ta on alles viieaastane. Ta ______ lasteaias.
Since he attends kindergarten regularly, we use 'käib'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Käima vs Minema
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMa ______ Tallinna Ülikoolis.
The subject is 'Ma' (I), so the verb must end in -n.
How do you say 'I go to school' as a habit?
'Käin' + Inessive case (-s) is the correct way to express habitual attendance.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
All these use the 'käima' + -s pattern for regular activities.
A: Kas su poeg käib juba koolis? B: Ei, ta on alles viieaastane. Ta ______ lasteaias.
Since he attends kindergarten regularly, we use 'käib'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes! Even if you never leave your house, 'koolis käima' is the standard way to say you are enrolled in school.
'Õppima' means the act of studying or learning a subject. 'Koolis käima' means the act of attending the institution.
'Koolis käima' is the verb (to go to school). 'Koolis käimine' is the noun (going to school/attendance).
Yes, you can say 'Ma käin keraamikakoolis' (I go to ceramics school).
Use the past tense: 'Ma käisin koolis'.
It is neutral. It's perfectly fine for both a job interview and a chat with a friend.
You can say that, but it means you are leaving for school *right now*. It doesn't describe your status as a student.
It is the Inessive case, which usually means 'inside'.
The formal word is 'osalema' or 'omandama', but in 99% of cases, they use 'käima'.
Yes, though 'ülikoolis käima' is more specific.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Tööl käima
similarTo have a job / attend work regularly.
Kooli minema
contrastTo go to school (right now).
Õppima
builds onTo study.
Kooli lõpetama
contrastTo graduate / finish school.
