Start here: build a Finnish habit that sticks
For A1–A2, consistency beats intensity. Aim for 15–25 focused minutes daily. Speak out loud, track wins, and repeat high‑value basics. All you need at first is a tight loop: hear, say, read, write.
Keep it simple: one micro-goal per session (e.g., 10 new words or one dialogue). Small, frequent victories keep motivation high—perfect for a beginner.
- Set a 20‑minute timer and remove distractions.
- Shadow 5–8 short sentences: listen, repeat, record.
- Review yesterday’s words before learning new ones.
- End by writing one mini message (e.g., about your day).
Master the sounds and spellings first
Finnish spelling is reliable: what you see is what you say. Stress the first syllable, and pay close attention to long vs. short sounds (tuli “fire” vs. tuuli “wind”). Getting this right early makes listening, reading, and speaking much easier.
Use free pronunciation tools and a PDF vowel chart. Practice minimal pairs and read short words aloud daily.
- Vowels: a, e, i, o, u, y, ä, ö (learn their pure sounds).
- Double letters are long: aa, ii, kk, pp (hold them).
- Common letter names and alphabet: spell your name.
- Resources: Forvo for audio, Yle Puhe or Selkouutiset for clear speech.
Learn core words and phrases that stick
Beginners progress fastest with high-frequency chunks. Learn phrases you’ll actually say, not just isolated words. Keep a small, rotating deck and a printable PDF phrase sheet on your desk.
Mix polite standard forms with everyday language so you can understand both.
- Hei / Moi; Kiitos; Anteeksi; Kyllä / Ei.
- Minä olen Alex. Olen amerikkalainen. Asun Helsingissä.
- Mikä sinun nimesi on? Minun nimeni on Alex.
- En vielä ymmärrä. Voitko toistaa, kiitos?
- Yksi kahvi, kiitos. Missä on WC?
Grammar without panic: cases made simple
Think in patterns, not rules. Start with location cases you’ll use every day. Learn one meaning, one form, one example—then reuse it across words.
Keep word order simple (Subject–Verb–Object), and remember the negative verb: en, et, ei, emme, ette, eivät.
- In: -ssa/ssä (talossa = in the house). Out: -sta/stä (kaupasta = from the shop).
- On: -lla/llä (pöydällä = on the table). From-on: -lta/ltä (pöydältä). To-on: -lle (pöydälle; minulle = to me).
- Into: illative (kotiin = to home; Suomeen = to Finland).
- Learn with chunks: Olen kotona; Menen kauppaan; Tulen kaupasta.
Your simple plan + free online resources
Combine input (listening/reading) and output (speaking/writing) every day. Keep materials easy and repetitive. Use free tools and printable PDF checklists to track your streak.
If you want structure, study 5 days a week and review on the 6th.
- Mon–Fri: 5 mins review, 10 mins new phrases, 5 mins speaking.
- Listening: Yle Selkouutiset, easy podcasts, songs with lyrics.
- Grammar/notes: Uusi kielemme (free), a compact PDF cheat sheet.
- Vocabulary: Anki/Memrise decks; audio + example sentence.
- Pronunciation: Forvo + shadowing; record and compare.
FAQ
- How long does it take to reach A2 in Finnish?
- With 20–30 focused minutes daily, many beginners reach A2 in 4–6 months. Use structured routines, frequent speaking, and simple, repetitive input to speed it up.
- What’s the best way to learn Finnish online for free?
- Combine free sources: Yle Selkouutiset for listening, Uusi kielemme for grammar, Forvo for pronunciation, and an SRS deck for words. Add a PDF phrase sheet.
- Is Finnish too hard for beginners?
- It’s different, not impossible. Regular spelling, fixed stress, and reusable case patterns help. Focus on chunks first; add grammar gradually. Small, daily wins matter most.
- Should I learn spoken or standard Finnish first?
- Start with standard forms (clear and teachable), then add common spoken variants you hear. Learning both helps you understand all registers without confusion.
- How do I remember the cases as a beginner?
- Use minimal pairs and fixed phrases: talossa/in, kaupasta/from, pöydälle/onto. Keep a tiny PDF cheat sheet, review daily, and practice with short, real sentences.