Preparation course for the Estonian Language B2-Level Examination (B2.1)

Course: 235 academic hours
Study period: 21. September 2026 – 10. May 2027

Target Group and Entry Requirements
The target group consists of adults whose goal is to acquire Estonian language skills at B2 level and successfully pass the official state language examination. Participation in the first study cycle, B2.1 course, requires language proficiency at B1 level. This is evidenced by a B1-level examination certificate issued by Harno. If the learner does not have such a certificate, B1-level proficiency can be assessed through an interview and a placement test.
The test can be completed on the Keelevärav website. If the test result exceeds 70%, the applicant may begin studies in the Estonian B2.1 course.
Another prerequisite for starting the course is submitting an expression of interest via the Keelevärav OÜ website.
Objective
To acquire B2-level language skills and competencies and subsequently prepare learners for the official B2-level state examination, which in turn enables them to continue studies at an Estonian-language higher education institution.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the B2.1 course, learners take a test covering the completed material (topics 1–6).
By the end of the B2.1 course, the learner:

  • partially completes typical tasks from the official B2-level state examination;
  • understands long speeches and presentations within the completed topics, as well as the content of television programmes and films, including more complex nuances when the topic is familiar;
  • understands articles expressing specific viewpoints and contemporary prose within the completed topics;
  • expresses, explains, and justifies opinions within the completed topics, speaks spontaneously and fluently, and participates actively in discussions;
  • presents texts orally, discusses details, explains specific aspects, and outlines arguments for and against;
  • writes detailed texts, comments on and justifies opinions, and highlights important aspects.

Course participants acquire a partial command of general, professional, and interest-related vocabulary.

At the end of the course, learners take the B2.1 final test. Participants who attend at least 70% of contact lessons and achieve at least 60% on the written final test receive a certificate of completion for the first B2.1 study cycle.

Successful completion of the full B2.1 course and achieving at least 60% on the final test provides eligibility to continue studies in a B2.2-level group.

Course Content – B2.1
Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing Topics

  1. Personal Information and Self-Introduction. Biography and Life Stories

Comprehensive introduction of oneself and others. Factual information. Family origin, composition, and traditions. Character, appearance, and attitudes. Completing forms and questionnaires.

  1. Education and Culture

Information about education and studies. Learner development. Lifelong learning. The Estonian education system. Discussion of educational institutions and their specific characteristics. Discussion of study tasks and learning formats, with justification of personal opinions. Motivation letter. School admission interview. Scholarship application.
Different national cultures. Describing and comparing Estonian culture with the culture of one’s country of origin. Background of cultural differences. Customs and traditions. Holidays and celebrations. Representatives of Estonian culture.

  1. Work and Employment Relations

Professions, occupations, and their descriptions. Explaining the importance, nature, and characteristics of one’s profession, occupation, or work. Professional texts. Description of a working day and job responsibilities. Describing a problematic situation at work and presenting views on possible solutions. Speaking at a work meeting.
Job advertisements, job interviews, CVs, and motivation letters. Working conditions. Workplace documentation.

  1. Leisure Time and Recreation

Types of entertainment. Interests, hobbies, and sports. Discussion of preferences and justification of opinions. Promoting one’s hobby or leisure activity. Literature, theatre, music, and museums. Conversations about books read, films seen, cultural events, concerts, theatre performances, etc. Reviews. Recreation. Planning and describing holidays. Discussion of the time and financial costs associated with leisure activities. Making enquiries.

  1. Consumer Services and Commerce

Postal and banking services, insurance, shops and shopping centres, beauty services, etc. Describing and comparing goods and services. Giving advice and explanations regarding products and services. Explaining and justifying preferences or dislikes regarding shops, brands, manufacturers, and products. Discussion of advertising and advertising methods. Understanding user manuals. Speech etiquette in customer service settings. Relevant discussion of service-related issues both orally and in writing. Making complaints. Making enquiries.

  1. Catering and Dining

Cafés, restaurants, and other catering establishments. Describing and comparing everyday and festive eating habits within the family, local area, and place of residence. Describing and explaining food and drink choices, table manners, and preferences. Giving advice related to food and beverages. Special dietary needs. Speech etiquette. Safety requirements and user instructions.
Completion Requirements and Issued Documents
At the end of the course, learners take the B2.1 final test. Participants who attend at least 70% of contact lessons and achieve at least 60% on the written final test receive a certificate confirming completion of the first B2.1 study cycle.
Successful completion of the full B2.1 course and achieving at least 60% on the final test provides eligibility to continue studies in a B2.2-level group.

Schedule

Monday, Wednesday

Classes are at 19.30-21.00

Teacher

Maria Piik

Course Quantity

235 academic hours

Cost

167€ / month

Full course: 1500€