Learning Finnish
Learning the official language of any country can be both exciting and challenging, and Finnish is no exception. Mastering the local language can make daily life easier and help you integrate more smoothly into society.
Here are some channels where you can learn Finnish. Please note that there may be other great resources available as well that are not listed here:
Multicultural meeting places (inc. language groups):
- Kohtaamispaikka Mukana – A multicultural, low-threshold meeting place where you van participate in various activities, meet other people and and learn Finnish.
- Naistari – Setlementti Tampere – A multicultural, low-threshold meeting place where women and children can participate in various activities, meet other women, and study Finnish.
- Miesten Mattila – A multicultural, low-threshold meeting place where men can participate in various activities, meet other people and study Finnish.
- Red Cross Society (PunainenRisti) – organises free language courses for beginners.
- Luetaan Yhdessä – Let’s Read Together – This is a national network that support immigrants’, especially women’s, learn Finnish language skills and integration.
- Marhaban-keskus – Tuomiokirkkoseurakunta
Finnish courses from different levels in Tampere:
- Ahjola – Finnish courses from beginner’s level A1 to level C1, in four locations as well as online. You can also search for their courses using their search tool.
- Adult Education Centre of the Tampere (Tampereen seudun työväenopisto) – They offer finnish courses in different levels and topics.
- The Summer University of Tampere – organises courses for different levels.
- Suomen kielen opiskelu – SIMHE | Tampereen korkeakouluyhteisö – Finnish courses from level A2 / B1, for those who are students or are planning higher education studies.
- Tampere United Methodist Church – Finnish course for beginners & Finnish conversation group
- Didaskalos– Learn Finnish language, culture and everyday life!
- Onnenkieli – A language school to learn Finnish language..
- Edunation – They offer online finnish language courses.
- Suomi-Hub kieli by Arffman – Finnish online courses for different levels.
Finnish courses in Pirkanmaa region:
- Pirkan opisto – Finnish courses in Nokia, Pirkkala and Lempäälä as well as online.
- Valkeakoski-opisto | Valkeakoski Lifelong Learning centre -Finnish courses in Valkeakoski, Pälkäne and online.
- Sastamalan Opisto – Finnish courses for example in Vammala
Language learning apps
You can also learn Finnish at your own pace and in your own time with just a few taps on your smartphone. These apps are often free or at very little cost! Here are some examples of language learning apps which teach Finnish:
- WordDive: Contains interesting topics and colourful example pictures to keep your entertained. Teaches also some ‘spoken Finnish’. Offers learning goals to keep you motivated. Small purchase fee.
- Speakly: A fun and easy to navigate app, contains live situations and a great choice of words and phrases. Offers assessments to see what level you are at. Small purchase fee.
- Duolingo: Interactive bitesize exercises with a more playful approach to learning. The lessons are designed as games with fun characters and has a daily goal of 15 mins learning per day. Free!
- Drops: Has a focus on expanding your vocabulary and helps to exercise your listening skills. Teaches basic phrases so ideal for beginners. Free!
Some tips for learning Finnish
- Discover the learning method that works best for you.
- Choose courses that fit into your daily routine.
- Don’t be afraid to speak Finnish, even if it’s not perfect.
- Encourage your family and friends to correct your Finnish—many Finns may be too polite to do so unless you let them know it’s okay
- Other good resources to learn Finnish include; podcasts, TV shows, children’s books, songs and language cafes!
Study degree programme in Finnish
Take a test to check if your level is good enough for academic studies: Finnish language studies – SIMHE
