-maks Form
In Order to (-maks)
Õppimaks means in order to study. It is a bookish way to say et õppida.
How It Works
To build the form, take the ma-infinitive and add -ks: õppima → õppimaks, tegema → tegemaks, näitama → näitamaks. The form is the same for every person.
It says why someone does something. These two sentences mean the same:
- Ta tuli Tallinna, et õppida ülikoolis. (everyday)
- Ta tuli Tallinna, õppimaks ülikoolis. (formal)
The person who came is also the person who studies. The purpose belongs to the subject of the main verb.
Use -maks mainly in writing, especially in a long sentence where several et-clauses would otherwise follow each other. In speech, people say et or selleks et with the da-infinitive. After verbs of going and coming, the simplest choice is the ma-infinitive: Läksin poodi leiba ostma.
A comma around the -maks phrase is optional.
Examples (5)
- Ta tuli Tallinna, õppimaks ülikoolis.
She came to Tallinn to study at the university.
- Läksime varem kohale, leidmaks paremaid kohti.
We got there early to find better seats.
- Rõhutamaks oma mõtet, tõi esineja mitu näidet.
To stress his point, the speaker gave several examples.
The -maks phrase can also open the sentence.
- Ministrid kogunesid arutamaks olukorda.
The ministers met to discuss the situation.
- Kontrollimaks andmeid, saatsime kõigile küsimustiku.
To check the data, we sent everyone a questionnaire.
Common Mistakes
Putting et in front of the -maks form.
Ta tuli Tallinna, et õppimaks ülikoolis.Ta tuli Tallinna, et õppida ülikoolis.Et goes with the da-infinitive. The -maks form already means in order to, so it needs no et.
Building -maks from the da-infinitive.
Ta jäi koju, tehamaks tööd.Ta jäi koju, tegemaks tööd.-maks is added to the ma-infinitive: tegema gives tegemaks.
How It Connects
Learn This First
-maks is a formal alternative to et with the da-infinitive.
Related Patterns
- da-InfinitiveThe Da-Infinitive
Et plus the da-infinitive means the same as -maks.
Level 1 - ma-InfinitiveThe Ma-Infinitive (Dictionary Form)
The -maks form is built from the ma-infinitive.
Level 1 - minema + ma-InfinitiveGoing to Do Something
After verbs of going, the ma-infinitive expresses purpose more simply.
Level 2 - et mitteIn Order Not to (Et Mitte)
Use et mitte for a negative purpose.
Level 4 - Written vs Spoken Estonian
The -maks form belongs mainly to written language.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice -maks Form in Bubblegum
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