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A1 verb 9 min read

andma

Examples andma in 30 Seconds
Explanation andma in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners focus on the most basic, concrete uses of 'andma'. This involves the physical act of giving objects like food, money, or books. The primary goal is to master the present tense 'ma annan' and the basic imperative 'anna'. Learners are introduced to the concept of the allative case (-le) for the person receiving the item. At this stage, sentences are short and direct. The focus is on survival situations, such as asking for a receipt in a shop or giving a phone number. Mistakes in consonant gradation (saying 'andan' instead of 'annan') are common and expected at this level. The distinction between 'ma-infinitive' and 'da-infinitive' is introduced through simple patterns like 'ma pean andma' (I must give) vs 'ma tahan anda' (I want to give). Vocabulary is limited to everyday items and immediate needs.
At the A2 level, the use of 'andma' expands to include simple abstract concepts and more complex sentence structures. Learners start using 'andma' for giving directions, giving time, and giving simple advice. They become more comfortable with the past tense 'andis' and the plural forms 'andsime', 'andsite'. The connection between 'andma' and other common verbs like 'teada andma' (to let know/inform) begins to form. Learners also start to notice the difference between 'andma' and 'kinkima' (to give a gift). They can follow simple instructions involving the verb and can ask polite questions using 'saaksite... anda'. The use of the partitive case for the object becomes more consistent, reflecting whether the giving is partial or complete. At this stage, the learner is moving from simple survival phrases to basic daily interactions.
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At the B1 level, 'andma' is used in a wider variety of idiomatic and phrasal contexts. Learners are expected to use phrases like 'alla andma' (to give up), 'andeks andma' (to forgive), and 'nõu andma' (to give advice) naturally in conversation. They understand the nuances of consonant gradation perfectly and can navigate the ma/da infinitive distinction with few errors. B1 learners start using 'andma' in the conditional mood ('ma annaksin') to express politeness or hypothetical situations. They also begin to use the word in more formal contexts, such as giving a short presentation or reporting on a task ('aru andma'). The ability to use 'andma' with abstract nouns like 'võimalus' (opportunity) or 'lubadus' (promise) is a key marker of this level. They can also understand the verb when used in media reports or simple literature.
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At the B2 level, the learner uses 'andma' with precision and stylistic variety. They can distinguish between 'andma' and its synonyms like 'loovutama' or 'ulatama' based on the context's formality and intent. B2 learners are comfortable with 'andma' in passive constructions ('mulle anti teada') and complex sentence structures involving sub-clauses. They use the verb in professional settings to describe processes, such as giving feedback or issuing certificates. The phrasal verbs formed with 'andma', like 'edasi andma' (to pass on/transmit) or 'välja andma' (to publish/issue), are used correctly. They can participate in debates and give well-structured arguments, 'andes kaalu' (giving weight) to certain points. Their understanding of the verb's role in Estonian culture and literature is deeper, allowing them to catch subtle meanings in diverse texts.
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At the C1 level, 'andma' is used with full native-like flexibility. The learner can use the verb in highly abstract, philosophical, or technical contexts. They understand the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to other Finnic languages. C1 learners can use 'andma' to create nuanced rhetorical effects in both writing and speech. They are proficient in using the verb in legal and academic registers, where it might appear in fixed bureaucratic phrases. They can also appreciate and use wordplay or puns involving 'andma'. Their grasp of the verb's collocations is extensive, allowing them to choose the most 'natural-sounding' word combination in any given situation. At this level, the learner no longer thinks about the grammar of 'andma' but uses it as a tool for sophisticated expression.
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At the C2 level, the mastery of 'andma' is complete. The learner can interpret and use the verb in archaic or highly poetic Estonian literature. They understand the most subtle connotations and can use the word to convey irony, sarcasm, or deep emotional resonance. C2 learners can analyze the linguistic development of the verb and its role in the formation of the Estonian identity. They are able to use 'andma' in any professional or creative field, from high-level diplomacy to avant-garde poetry, with the same ease as a highly educated native speaker. They are also capable of teaching the nuances of 'andma' to others, explaining the fine lines between it and its numerous synonyms and related forms across all registers of the language.
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Examples

andma in 30 Seconds

  • The primary Estonian verb for 'to give', used for objects, information, and results.
  • Requires the recipient to be in the allative case (ending in -le).
  • Undergoes a stem change in the present tense from 'and-' to 'anna-'.
  • Forms the basis of many essential idioms like 'andeks andma' (to forgive) and 'alla andma' (to give up).
The Estonian verb andma is one of the most fundamental and versatile words in the Estonian language, primarily corresponding to the English verb 'to give'. At its simplest level, it describes the physical transfer of an object from one person to another. However, its utility extends far beyond mere physical exchange, permeating abstract concepts, legal terminology, and daily idioms. In Estonian grammar, the word follows a specific pattern of declension that learners must master early on: the stem changes from 'and-' to 'anna-' in the present tense. Understanding when to use 'andma' involves recognizing the relationship between the giver, the gift, and the recipient. The recipient is almost always marked by the allative case (ending in -le), while the object given can be in the partitive, genitive, or nominative case depending on the completeness of the action. This verb is the cornerstone of social interaction in Estonia, used for everything from passing the salt at dinner to giving a formal presentation at a university.
Physical Transfer
The most common use involves moving an item. For example, 'Anna mulle see raamat' (Give me that book). Here, the focus is on the movement of a tangible object.
Abstract Giving
It is used for giving advice (nõu andma), giving a promise (lubadust andma), or giving a signal (märku andma). These uses do not involve physical objects but follow the same grammatical structure.
Yielding or Surrendering
Phrasal uses like 'alla andma' mean 'to give up' or 'to surrender', which is vital in both sports and historical contexts.

Ema andis lapsele õuna, et ta ei oleks näljane.

In this example, 'andis' is the past tense third-person singular. The recipient 'lapsele' (to the child) is in the allative case. This illustrates the classic usage pattern. Furthermore, 'andma' appears in various fixed expressions. For instance, 'andeks andma' means 'to forgive', literally 'to give for-forgiveness'. This shows how the root 'and-' is embedded deeply into the moral and social fabric of the language. When you are in Estonia, you will hear this word constantly in shops ('Kas te saaksite mulle kviitungi anda?'), in schools ('Õpetaja andis meile kodutööd'), and in casual conversation. The word also functions as a base for many other verbs like 'edasi andma' (to pass on) or 'välja andma' (to publish/issue). Its flexibility is its strength, making it one of the top 50 most used verbs in the Estonian language.

Palun anna mulle teada, kui sa jõuad koju.

Ta annab alati parima, et teisi aidata.

Me peame andma talle võimaluse ennast tõestada.

See puu annab sügisel palju õunu.

Legal/Formal
In legal contexts, 'andma' is used for issuing documents or giving testimony ('tlunnistust andma').
Colloquial
In slang, 'anna minna' is a common way to say 'go for it' or 'just do it'.
Using andma correctly requires attention to verb conjugation and noun cases. Estonian verbs have two infinitives: the ma-infinitive (andma) and the da-infinitive (anda). You use 'andma' after verbs of motion or when it is the main dictionary form, and 'anda' in most other cases, such as after 'tahtma' (to want) or 'saama' (to be able to). The present tense is particularly important because the 'd' in the stem disappears: 'ma annan' (I give), 'sa annad' (you give), 'ta annab' (he/she gives). This consonant gradation is a hallmark of Estonian and can be tricky for English speakers who are used to more static stems.
The Recipient (Allative Case)
Whenever you give something to someone, that person must have the '-le' suffix. 'Ma annan koeraLE süüa' (I give food TO the dog). This is non-negotiable in Estonian grammar.
The Object (Partitive vs. Genitive)
If you are giving 'some' of something or the action is ongoing, use the partitive: 'Ta annab vett' (He is giving water). If the action is completed and involves a whole object, use the genitive/nominative: 'Ta andis raamatu' (He gave the book).

Kas sa saaksid mulle anda oma telefoninumbri?

This sentence uses the 'da-infinitive' because it follows the auxiliary 'saaksid' (could). Note the recipient 'mulle' (to me). In the past tense, the verb becomes 'andis' (singular) or 'andsid' (plural/informal you). 'Me andsime talle kingituse' (We gave him/her a gift). The transition from 'andma' to 'andsime' is relatively straightforward compared to the present tense 'anna-'.

Ma andsin talle eile oma vana arvuti.

Nad ei anna kunagi alla, isegi kui on raske.

Kas te annaksite mulle veidi nõu?

Negative Sentences
In negative sentences, the verb remains in its stem form: 'Ma ei anna' (I don't give), 'Ma ei andnud' (I didn't give). The object usually moves to the partitive case.
You will encounter andma in virtually every corner of Estonian life. In a service-oriented environment like a Tallinn cafe, the waiter might ask, 'Kas ma saan teile midagi veel anda?' (Can I give/get you anything else?). Here, 'andma' is synonymous with providing service. In a professional setting, during a meeting, someone might say, 'Ma annan sõna järgmisele esinejale' (I give the floor to the next speaker). This use of 'andma' for 'giving the floor' is identical to English usage. In Estonian media, you'll frequently see headlines like 'Valitsus andis teada uutest piirangutest' (The government gave notice of new restrictions). This 'teada andma' (to give to know/to inform) is the standard way to express announcing or informing.
Public Transport
You might hear 'Palun andke teed väljujatele' (Please give way/make room for those exiting). This is a crucial phrase for navigating busy buses or trams.
In the Kitchen
Recipes often use 'andma' in the sense of yielding: 'See kogus annab neli portsjonit' (This amount gives/yields four portions).
Technology
Software often 'annab vea' (gives an error) or 'annab tulemuse' (gives a result).

Raadio andis edasi olulist teadet tormi kohta.

On the street, if you are lost, you might ask, 'Kas te saaksite mulle juhiseid anda?' (Could you give me directions?). Estonians are generally helpful and will respond with 'Ma annan teile kaardi' (I will give you a map). Even in the world of sports, commentators will shout 'Anna hagu!' which is a colloquial way of saying 'Give it your all!' or 'Step on it!'. This variety shows that 'andma' is not just a dry grammatical tool but a living, breathing part of the culture.

Politsei andis juhile korralduse peatuda.

Loodus annab meile kõik vajaliku eluks.

Pank annab laenu ainult kindlatel tingimustel.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using andma is failing to handle the consonant gradation in the present tense. Many learners say 'ma andan' instead of the correct 'ma annan'. This is because 'andma' is a strong-grade word that weakens in the present tense. Another common error is using the wrong case for the recipient. In English, we can say 'Give me the book' or 'Give the book to me'. In Estonian, you MUST use the equivalent of 'to me' (mulle). Saying 'Anna mina raamat' is a major error that will confuse native speakers.
Confusing 'andma' and 'kinkima'
While both mean 'to give', 'kinkima' specifically refers to giving a gift (kink). If you are giving a birthday present, 'kinkima' is more appropriate. 'Andma' is more neutral and functional.
The Infinitive Trap
Using 'andma' when 'anda' is required. For example, 'Ma tahan andma' is incorrect; it should be 'Ma tahan anda'. Remember that 'tahtma' (want) always triggers the da-infinitive.

Vale: Ma andan sulle kingituse.
Õige: Ma annan sulle kingituse.

Another nuance involves the partitive case for the object. If you say 'Anna raamatut' (Partitive), you are asking for 'some of the book' or 'the book for a while', whereas 'Anna raamat' (Nominative/Genitive) means 'Give me the book (completely)'. English speakers often default to one case, but Estonian requires this distinction. Additionally, 'andma' is often confused with 'pakuma' (to offer). If you are offering someone coffee, you use 'pakuma', but if you are physically handing it to them, you use 'andma'.

Vale: Ta andis mulle nõuandma.
Õige: Ta andis mulle nõu.

Vale: Palun andma mulle see.
Õige: Palun anna mulle see.

Overusing 'andma'
Sometimes 'andma' is used where 'panema' (to put) or 'esitama' (to present) would be more precise. In academic writing, avoid 'andma vastust' and use 'vastama' (to answer).
While andma is the go-to verb for giving, Estonian offers several more specific alternatives that can make your speech sound more natural and sophisticated.
Kinkima vs. Andma
'Kinkima' is for gifts and special occasions. If you 'andma' a present, it sounds like a transaction. If you 'kinkima' it, it sounds like a gesture of affection.
Ulatama vs. Andma
'Ulatama' means 'to hand over' or 'to reach out and give'. It is perfect for passing the salt or handing someone a tool while working. It implies a physical reach.
Pakkuma vs. Andma
'Pakkuma' means 'to offer'. Use this when the recipient has the choice to accept or decline, such as offering a seat on the bus or offering an opinion.
Loovutama vs. Andma
'Loovutama' is more formal, meaning 'to cede', 'to transfer', or 'to donate' (like blood). It implies giving up something that was yours.

Ta ulatas mulle tassi kohvi, et ma üles ärkaksin.

In business contexts, you might use 'edastama' (to transmit/forward) instead of 'andma'. For example, 'edastama teavet' (to forward information) sounds more professional than 'andma teavet'. If you are giving a speech, you 'pead kõne' (hold a speech) rather than 'annad kõne'.

Me pakkusime neile abi, kuid nad keeldusid.

Ta kinkis oma naisele sünnipäevaks lilli.

Understanding these nuances helps in selecting the right tone. 'Andma' is the 'Swiss Army knife' of verbs, but sometimes you need a specialized tool like 'kinkima' or 'loovutama' to express the exact sentiment of the exchange.
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Examples by Level

1

Ma annan sulle raamatu.

I give you a book.

Present tense, 1st person singular 'annan'.

2

Anna mulle vett, palun.

Give me water, please.

Imperative 'anna' with partitive 'vett'.

3

Ta annab lapsele õuna.

He/she gives the child an apple.

Recipient 'lapsele' in allative case.

4

Kas sa annad mulle oma numbri?

Do you give me your number?

Question form with 2nd person 'annad'.

5

Me anname raha kassapidajale.

We give money to the cashier.

1st person plural 'anname'.

6

Ema annab kassile süüa.

Mother gives the cat food/to eat.

'Süüa' is the da-infinitive used as a noun here.

7

Nad andsid mulle võtme.

They gave me the key.

Past tense plural 'andsid'.

8

Palun anna see pliiats siia.

Please give that pencil here.

Imperative with adverb 'siia'.

1

Kas sa saaksid mulle teed anda?

Could you give me some tea?

Use of 'anda' (da-infinitive) after 'saaksid'.

2

Ta andis mulle head nõu.

He/she gave me good advice.

Abstract usage: 'nõu andma'.

3

Ma pean sulle ühe asja andma.

I must give you one thing.

Use of 'andma' (ma-infinitive) after 'pean'.

4

Anna teada, kui sa oled valmis.

Let (me) know when you are ready.

Compound verb 'teada andma'.

5

Õpetaja andis meile palju kodutööd.

The teacher gave us a lot of homework.

Past tense 'andis' with partitive 'kodutööd'.

6

Me ei anna kunagi alla.

We never give up.

Phrasal verb 'alla andma'.

7

Kas te annaksite mulle tšeki?

Would you give me the receipt?

Conditional 'annaksite' for politeness.

8

See puu annab palju varju.

This tree gives a lot of shade.

Metaphorical use for physical qualities.

1

Ma andsin talle oma sõna, et tulen.

I gave him/her my word that I would come.

Idiom: 'sõna andma' (to give one's word).

2

Sa pead talle andeks andma.

You must forgive him/her.

Compound verb 'andeks andma'.

3

See raamat annab hea ülevaate ajaloost.

This book gives a good overview of history.

Abstract usage: 'ülevaadet andma'.

4

Ta andis endast parima, et võita.

He/she gave his/her best to win.

Reflexive phrase 'endast parimat andma'.

5

Nad andsid välja uue seaduse.

They issued/published a new law.

Phrasal verb 'välja andma'.

6

Kas sa saaksid mulle märku anda?

Could you give me a signal/sign?

Idiom: 'märku andma'.

7

See kogemus andis mulle palju juurde.

This experience added a lot to me (enriched me).

Phrasal verb 'juurde andma'.

8

Politsei andis käsu auto peatada.

The police gave an order to stop the car.

Formal usage: 'käsku andma'.

1

Süüdistatav pidi kohtus aru andma.

The accused had to give an account in court.

Idiom: 'aru andma' (to report/give account).

2

Uuringud andsid üllatavaid tulemusi.

The studies gave surprising results.

Scientific/Academic context.

3

Ta ei andnud järele kiusatusele.

He/she did not give in to temptation.

Phrasal verb 'järele andma'.

4

See asjaolu annab tunnistust tema aususest.

This fact bears witness to his/her honesty.

Formal phrase 'tunnistust andma'.

5

Me peame andma kaalu igale argumendile.

We must give weight to every argument.

Metaphorical use: 'kaalu andma'.

6

Kirjanik andis oma teosele uue pealkirja.

The writer gave his/her work a new title.

Creative/Professional context.

7

See masin annab välja liiga palju soojust.

This machine emits too much heat.

Technical use of 'välja andma'.

8

Ta andis mulle vabad käed tegutsemiseks.

He/she gave me free hands to act (carte blanche).

Idiom: 'vabu käsi andma'.

1

Autor annab edasi ajastu vaimu.

The author conveys the spirit of the era.

Literary use: 'edasi andma' (to convey).

2

See olukord annab põhjust muretsemiseks.

This situation gives reason for concern.

Formal abstract usage.

3

Ta andis oma panuse ühiskonna arengusse.

He/she gave his/her contribution to society's development.

Idiom: 'panust andma'.

4

Valitsus andis järele rahva survele.

The government gave in to the people's pressure.

Political context: 'järele andma'.

5

See teooria annab alust uuteks aruteludeks.

This theory provides a basis for new discussions.

Academic phrase 'alust andma'.

6

Ta andis vande rääkida ainult tõtt.

He/she took an oath to tell only the truth.

Formal: 'vannet andma'.

7

Muusika annab filmile erilise atmosfääri.

The music gives the film a special atmosphere.

Aesthetic/Artistic context.

8

Ta andis mõista, et ei ole rahul.

He/she gave to understand (hinted) that he/she is not satisfied.

Idiom: 'mõista andma'.

1

Luuletaja andis elule uue tähenduse.

The poet gave life a new meaning.

Philosophical/High literary usage.

2

See tegu annab tunnistust tema vankumatust tahtest.

This act bears witness to his/her unwavering will.

Highly formal/Rhetorical.

3

Ta andis end saatuse hooleks.

He/she gave himself/herself to the care of fate.

Poetic idiom: 'end saatuse hooleks andma'.

4

Ajalugu annab meile õppetunde, mida me ei tohi unustada.

History gives us lessons that we must not forget.

Abstract historical reflection.

5

See avastus annab uue mõõtme meie teadmistele.

This discovery gives a new dimension to our knowledge.

Scientific/Epistemological context.

6

Ta andis oma hinge kuradile.

He/she gave his/her soul to the devil.

Mythological/Archaic idiom.

7

Sõnad ei anna edasi seda valu.

Words do not convey that pain.

Expressing the limits of language.

8

Ta andis voli oma fantaasiale.

He/she gave free rein to his/her fantasy.

Literary: 'voli andma'.

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