lauljate

Lauljate is an Estonian noun form that means “of the singers” or “the singers,” used to indicate possession or a relationship to a group of singers. It is the genitive plural form of the noun laulja, which means singer. In written Estonian, lauljate commonly appears in phrases that describe things related to a group of singers, such as laulujuus or laulukollektiiv, by linking a head noun to the singers through the genitive.

Usage examples are found in music writing and documentation about vocal groups, choirs, and performing ensembles. For instance, phrases like lauljate hääled (the voices of the singers) or lauljate ühisprojekt (the joint project of the singers) illustrate how lauljate serves to attribute or relate a noun to a group of singers rather than to a single individual. The form is typically not used as a standalone subject; rather, it functions within a larger noun phrase that specifies a relationship to singers.

Etymology and form: lauljate derives from laulja (singer) with standard Estonian inflection, where -te marks a genitive plural form in many noun classes. This pattern is common in Estonian grammar for expressing belonging or association to multiple people or items.

See also: Estonian language, Estonian grammar, choir and singing in Baltic and Finnic contexts.