Estonian has 14 cases.
Yes, fourteen. Because apparently one word ending was too boring.
A case tells you what a word is doing in a sentence.
In English, we use small words like of, to, in, from, on, with, without, as.
In Estonian, the noun puts on a different "costume" and changes its ending.
For example, kohvik means café.
The normal form. The café is just standing there, quietly charging €4 for coffee.
kohvik — a café
Shows ownership or relation. The café now owns something. Very business-minded.
kohviku uks — the door of the café
Used for part of something, some of something, or an unfinished action. Basically: "I noticed it, but I am not making a full commitment."
Ma näen kohvikut. — I see a café.
Going into something. You are entering the café. Your wallet should be nervous.
kohvikusse — into the café
Being inside something. You are now officially inside the café. Congratulations, you are probably near cake.
kohvikus — in the café
Coming out of something. You escaped the café, maybe with less money and more caffeine.
kohvikust — from the café
Onto something, or to someone/something. The word is moving toward a target. Like a message you should not have sent.
kohvikule — to the café
On something, at something, or something has something. Estonian does not always say "the café has." It can say "on the café is." Very poetic, very confusing, very Estonian.
kohvikul on ilus terrass — the café has a beautiful terrace
From something, or from someone/something. Something has left the café. Maybe your money.
kohvikult — from the café
Becoming something. The word is having a career change.
kohvikuks — becoming a café · See vana pood muutus kohvikuks. — That old shop became a café.
Up to something, until a limit. The word goes all the way there, then stops like Google Maps said: "you have arrived."
kohvikuni — up to the café
Being as something. Temporary identity mode. Not a full rebrand.
kohvikuna — as a café · See koht töötab nüüd kohvikuna. — This place now works as a café.
Without something. Sad case. No café, no coffee, no hope.
kohvikuta — without a café
With something. Finally, the word has a friend.
kohvikuga — with a café