To form the Estonian past tense, start with the base verb, then add -si- if needed, followed by the personal ending. This structure allows you to express actions completed in the past, crucial for the A2 exam.
EXPLANATION The Estonian past tense, or 'minevik', is formed by taking the base form of the verb and then adding -si- for many verbs, followed by the correct personal ending. For some verbs, the -si- is not needed, so it's important to learn which verbs require it. For example, 'õppima' (to study) becomes 'õppisin' (I studied). Verbs like 'tegema' (to do) follow the same pattern: 'ma tegin'. Remember that the personal endings are necessary to indicate who performed the action.
EXAMPLES 1. Ma õppisin eesti keelt. — I studied Estonian. This shows completed action. 2. Sa sõid õhtusööki. — You ate dinner. Indicates past activity. 3. Me jooksime pargis. — We ran in the park. Describes finished action. 4. Nad lugesid raamatut. — They read a book. Narrates a past event.
COMMON MISTAKE Incorrect: Ma õppima eesti keelt. Correct: Ma õppisin eesti keelt. The error occurs by not using the past tense form.
QUICK CHECK 1. How do you say 'I ate'? (Ma sõin) 2. How do you say 'We studied'? (Me õppisime)
Continue by practicing more verbs in the past tense at https://keelix.ee/modules.