Estonian subordinate clauses, often introduced by the word 'et', are a vital component of the language, especially at the B1 level and beyond. These clauses, similar to English subordinate clauses beginning with 'that', allow you to add depth and complexity to your sentences.
Consider the sentence: "Tean, et ta tuleb homme." This means "I know that he will come tomorrow." Here, 'et' introduces the subordinate clause, and importantly, the verb 'tuleb' comes after the subject 'ta', following the same word order rules as in main clauses.
Another example: "Arvan, et film oli huvitav," meaning "I think that the movie was interesting." Again, note the placement of the verb 'oli' after the subject 'film'.
A common mistake is placing the verb before the subject, like "et tuleb ta" instead of "et ta tuleb". This can lead to confusion, as it disrupts the natural flow of Estonian sentences.
To practice, try writing sentences about your daily activities using 'et' to connect your thoughts. For example, "Ma tean, et hommik on ilus," meaning "I know that the morning is beautiful." Regular practice with different verbs and subjects will reinforce the correct structure and help you become more confident in using subordinate clauses in Estonian.
For more exercises on Estonian grammar, visit https://keelix.ee/modules.