Being able to speak and understand Finnish is important to fully enjoy life, leisure and social relations in the country. The language is also key to accessing general information and understanding the local culture. Many international talents find employment in Finland thanks to their Finnish language skills. Knowing a rare language can also be an advantage in international positions.
Language learning has many benefits: it develops thinking skills, increases creativity and helps to understand the local culture, which in turn can make integration and social inclusion easier. Even a basic knowledge of the local languages makes it easier to function in everyday life and to establish social relationships. In Finland, you can get by well in English at first, but over time Finnish language skills will become more important. It is therefore a good idea to start learning Finnish as soon as you arrive in Finland.
When looking for a job, showing that you are willing and motivated to learn Finnish shows traits that employers typically value: commitment and eagerness to new things. Finnish language skills are particularly important for career progression. Language skills help to integrate in the communities around you - an understanding of the language promotes a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of being an outsider.
The Finnish language may be slightly different from the languages you have studied before. But don't be alarmed - as you learn more Finnish, you'll find that there's a lot of logic and clarity in the language. Learning a new language is fun, fascinating and beneficial!
1. Learn new words every day. Three new words a day is already over 1000 words a year!
2. Attach stickers to objects with the name of the object on them at home and at work.
3. Change the language of your phone to Finnish. You will learn new words without noticing and as a part of your daily life.
4. Read out loud - it helps to learn vocabulary. Words are easier to remember when you read, speak and hear the language.
5. Watch Finnish films or TV series with Finnish subtitles. Focus on listening the language as it is vital for leaning new languages.
6. Follow Finnish influencers and accounts on social media. Social media offers a lot of learning material – find something that you are especially interested in!
7. Read something, for example news, in your own language first and then read the corresponding in Finnish. Your mother tongue will help you with grasping concepts, and reading will increase your Finnish vocabulary.
8. Make yourself a pocket grammar booklet, either on your phone or in a small notebook, and collect your own grammar. This way, you always have the grammar rules with you and can repeat them on the bus, for example. It's also easier to remember grammar rules when you've written them down yourself.
9. Write actively in Finnish on WhatsApp or other apps. Don’t know what to write? See what your Finnish friends are writing as an example!
10. Start a hobby – in Finnish.
+ Extra tip: Think in Finnish! Explain to yourself (out loud or in your mind) what you do. This might feel a bit funny at first but it will gradually prove to be quite effective.
The Aalto University Language Centre offers Finnish language courses from beginners to advanced level. There are also conversation courses and courses focusing on working life and Finnish in your own field.
You can start learning Finnish before you come to Finland with the Survival Finnish Online course and continue learning once you are in Finland. The Finnish 1 course is suitable for degree students who have no previous experience of Finnish. There are courses available until Finnish 8 (CEFR level B1-B2).
The courses focus on learning and developing practical language skills. The courses are interactive, with lots of talking and fun activities in pairs and groups, aimed at promoting everyday language skills and language use outside the classroom.
You should start learning Finnish as soon as you arrive in Finland, so that you are already fairly fluent in Finnish by the time you graduate. This will increase your chances on the labor market and promote your integration into Finnish society.
Find out more on the Finnish language courses at Aalto University. Get to know your study options, find out which course is suitable for your language level and learn how to enrol on the courses. First and foremost, start planning your Finnish language studies now! Contact information and information on open university courses is also available.
In the illustration below, you can see an example of how to progress in your Finnish language studies at Aalto University. If you wish to progress more quickly, you can opt for intensive courses, which are available from Finnish 1 to Finnish 3.
Information on the Finnish language courses
The Language Centre is a joint teaching and service unit for languages and communications at Aalto University both for students and staff. The goal of the Language Centre is to provide students and staff with such language and communication skills that give a strong foundation for success in both studies and in the world of work.
Kielibuusti (Language Boost) develops the teaching of Finnish and Swedish. Learn more about how we do it!