Bedeutung
A polite response to being thanked.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Estonians are known for being reserved. 'Võta heaks' is a perfect reflection of this—it's short, functional, and avoids excessive emotion while still being warm. Similar to Finnish 'Ole hyvä', the Estonian response is practical. There is a shared cultural value of 'talkud' (communal work) where helping is expected and thanks are accepted briefly. In Estonian startups, the culture is more informal, so 'Võta heaks' is common even between employees and CEOs. However, in traditional government sectors, 'Võtke heaks' remains the rule. Older generations may find 'Palun' (as 'You're welcome') a bit too influenced by German/Russian, preferring the more 'pure' Estonian 'Võta heaks'.
The 'õ' Sound
To master 'Võta', practice the 'õ' sound by making an 'o' sound but pulling your tongue back and flattening your lips.
Plurality Matters
Always use 'Võtke' if you are unsure. It is safer to be too formal than too informal in Estonia.
Bedeutung
A polite response to being thanked.
The 'õ' Sound
To master 'Võta', practice the 'õ' sound by making an 'o' sound but pulling your tongue back and flattening your lips.
Plurality Matters
Always use 'Võtke' if you are unsure. It is safer to be too formal than too informal in Estonia.
The Smile Factor
Estonians don't smile as much as Americans, but a small smile while saying 'Võta heaks' goes a long way.
Modesty
If the favor was huge, you can say 'Võta heaks, see oli vähim, mis ma teha sain' (It was the least I could do).
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to complete the response.
Aitäh kingituse eest! — ______ heaks.
In a singular, informal context, 'Võta heaks' is the correct phrase.
Which response is most appropriate when speaking to your boss?
Boss: 'Aitäh hea töö eest!'
Using the plural 'Võtke' shows respect in a formal/professional setting.
Match the situation to the best response.
Situation: You helped three friends move their furniture.
Since you are addressing multiple people (three friends), the plural 'Võtke' is required.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Mari: 'Suur tänu abi eest, Jüri!' Jüri: '__________, Mari. Alati valmis aitama.'
'Võta heaks' is the only logical response to 'Suur tänu'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenAitäh kingituse eest! — ______ heaks.
In a singular, informal context, 'Võta heaks' is the correct phrase.
Boss: 'Aitäh hea töö eest!'
Using the plural 'Võtke' shows respect in a formal/professional setting.
Situation: You helped three friends move their furniture.
Since you are addressing multiple people (three friends), the plural 'Võtke' is required.
Mari: 'Suur tänu abi eest, Jüri!' Jüri: '__________, Mari. Alati valmis aitama.'
'Võta heaks' is the only logical response to 'Suur tänu'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
14 FragenNo, 'Heaks' alone doesn't mean anything. You must include the verb 'Võta'.
Yes, it is very common in email sign-offs after someone thanks you for an attachment or information.
'Võta heaks' is 'You're welcome', while 'Pole tänu väärt' is 'Don't mention it'. The latter is slightly more modest.
Not at all. It is used by all ages, from children to the elderly.
Yes! If someone says 'Aitäh' for a compliment, 'Võta heaks' is a perfect response.
Because it's in the translative case, which indicates the purpose or result of the action ('for good').
Not a direct slang version of this phrase, but 'Pole hullu' (No worries) is often used casually.
Use the plural: 'Võtke heaks'.
Yes, it's similar in spirit to 'Ole hyvä', though the literal words are different.
Yes, if the interviewer thanks you for coming, 'Võtke heaks' is a very professional response.
Just say 'Palun'. Every Estonian will understand you.
No, in Estonian, the 'h' is always pronounced clearly.
Technically yes, if you give it a treat and it wags its tail (saying thanks), but it's mostly for humans!
Yes, though the pronunciation might vary slightly, the phrase is universal.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Pole tänu väärt
synonymNot worth the thanks
Palun
similarPlease / You're welcome
Sulle ka
similarTo you too
Heaks tegema
builds onTo make amends
Võta teatavaks
contrastTake note / Be informed
