Finnish for Adult Learners

We offer Finnish classes at the levels beginner, intermediate and advanced. Each course includes 8 weekly lessons. We run two courses each semester—spring and fall—and students sign up for one course at a time.

Our levels span one year and are divided into four parts: 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b. All students start at 1a and move forward step by step.

Levels

Beginner (1a+b, 2a+b)

• For students with little or no prior knowledge of Finnish

• Focus on pronunciation, grammar, and basic everyday communication

• Students learn to introduce themselves, ask/answer simple questions, and understand basic texts

• Includes cultural context

Intermediate (1a+b, 2a+b)

• For those who have completed Beginner level or have equivalent experience

• Expands vocabulary and skills for routine interactions

• Students can understand common expressions, and join short conversations

Upper Intermediate (1a+b, 2a+b)

• Suitable for learners with about two years of study or equivalent background

• Focus on conversation practice, grammar review, and diverse topics

• Enables students to manage social/professional interactions, grasp main ideas in clear speech, and write connected texts

Advanced

• For learners with strong foundational knowledge or around three years of previous study

• Develops fluency, complex grammar, and listening through discussions and varied content

• Students become able to speak fluently, understand detailed speech, and write structured arguments

Conversational

• Designed for fluent speakers

• Focus on refining fluency and accuracy via discussions on news, TV, and podcasts

• Students learn to debate, express nuanced opinions, and comprehend complex texts. Course material: News articles, TV-shows, podcasts

Our teachers

Ed Kamrin completed his graduate work in Finnish Language and Culture at the University of Helsinki. He is a communications and corporate responsibility consultant who has worked in both Finland and the U.S. In his free time, he loves hiking, cooking, and all things Nordic.

Reetta Kemppi is a native Finn and holds a Master's Degree in Political Science from the University of Helsinki and a Bachelor’s Degree in Media and Arts. She is a published author and works as a freelance journalist. In her free time she enjoys hiking and cultural activities.

Our next courses start in August 2025. Welcome back!

Classes March 2025

Beginner 1 (virtual), Reetta, Tuesday 5pm-6pm, start: March 18

Beginner 2 (virtual), Reetta, Wednesday 6pm-7pm, start: March 19

Intermediate (virtual), Reetta, Tuesday 6.15pm-7.15pm, start: March 18

Advanced (virtual), Ed, Wednesday 7.30pm-8.30pm, start: March 19

All sales are final. Students can be transferred between different levels, but refunds are not offered.