Kohtadel

Kohtadel is a term found in Estonian linguistic and historical texts. It refers to a form of the noun koht (place) that is used in some dialectal or older varieties of Estonian to signal a locative reference to multiple locations. In modern standard Estonian, the common ways to express location related to multiple places differ (for example, kohad for “places” in the nominative, and kohtadele for “to the places”). Therefore, kohtadel is typically described as a nonstandard or historical variant rather than a widely used contemporary form.

Etymology and form. The word combines the root koht with a plural locative-like ending that appears in certain dialects or literary registers. Its precise grammatical status can vary by source, and it is not part of the core grammar taught in standard Estonian today. Scholars often treat kohtadel as a historical curiosity or as evidence of regional variation in how locative meaning was expressed in the past.

Usage. Kohtadel appears most commonly in poetry, chronicles, or other texts that preserve older language usage or regional speech patterns. It conveys a sense of events or actions occurring across multiple sites, rather than at a single location. Because it is not standard in contemporary Estonian, it is usually encountered with notes explaining its dialectal or archaic character.

See also. Estonian language, Locative case, Dialects of Estonian, Language variation.

Note: Because kohtadel is not part of standard modern Estonian, references to its usage are occupationally tied to linguistic history and dialectology rather than everyday contemporary language.