Learning Finnish
Studying the basics of the Finnish language — and using them in everyday situations — will help you adapt to life in Finland more quickly.
You can start learning for free on many websites, and once you live here, affordable courses are available at community colleges and other educational institutions.
Finnish might feel challenging at first, but the more you use it at work and in your free time, the faster your skills will grow. The best way to improve is to start today!
Finnish language courses are available on site as well as many different opportunities for independent learning online!
Kind reminder: if you are a customer of TyöNavigaattori and you have your own personal “työllisyysasiantuntija” please inform him/her before starting any official language training. You can inform them easily through OmaAsiointi: here!
- Kompassi offers Finnish language courses, guidance services, and community activities that help newcomers learn the language and feel at home This link will open to a new tab
- Kuopio Community College offers Finnish language courses for non-native speakers at different levels This link will open to a new tab
- Savonia University of Applied Sciences provides Finnish language courses at many levels from A2 through C1, including specialized courses This link will open to a new tab
- The University of Eastern Finland offers Finnish language courses through its Open University This link will open to a new tab
- SPR Kuopio Language Café and "LäksyHelppi" meetings This link will open to a new tab
- Hauska tavata! Nice to meet you! Online course for basic finnish This link will open to a new tab
- Finnish online learning game This link will open to a new tab
- Supisuomea – Finnish language and culture basics. Includes a TV-series. (YLE) This link will open to a new tab
- Finnish for everyday life. Finnish language and culture teaching material, levels A2.1 ja B2.1 This link will open to a new tab
- Learn Finnish (MoniNet) – Finnish language course, intermediate level This link will open to a new tab
- Kielikoulu (Language School) – (YLE) Also available as an app! This link will open to a new tab
- From Ukraine? Study Finnish independently with Finsku! This link will open to a new tab
- Finnish Language Online Courses (fees applicaple) This link will open to a new tab
Learn Finnish with mobile apps
In addition to courses and online materials, you can practice Finnish independently through a variety of mobile applications. These apps let you study at your own pace, whether it’s a few minutes during your commute, at home in the evening, or whenever it best fits your schedule. They often include exercises for vocabulary, pronunciation, and everyday conversations, making it easier to use Finnish confidently in real life. You can find these apps on your app store (e.g., AppStore or PlayStore).
Duolingo
The most popular gamified app for learning languages. Offers fun, bite-sized Finnish lessons.
Learn Finnish – 15000 words (FunEasyLearn)
Build your vocabulary with thousands of words and phrases.
Learn Finnish Free (InnovationApps)
Focus on everyday phrases for quick communication.
Finnish Language Course (FunEasyLearn)
Practice expressions and improve your speaking skills.
Ekapeli Immigrant (Niilo Mäki Foundation)
Learn letters and words; especially suitable for children.
