Finnish for Beginners 1 (distance learning)

An intensive online course

Scope

4 ECTS

Time

Online course 5.5.–16.6.2025 on Mondays and Wednesdays at 16.15–19.30

We will use Zoom and Moodle platforms on the course. To participate, you will need a computer with a reliable internet connection, a microphone, and a camera. You will get more information about the platforms by email approximately 1 week before the lesson.

Target group

People who have not previously studied Finnish (starting level 0).

See Student’s Guide for more information about the order in which our Finnish language courses are meant to be taken.

Objectives

Target skill level A1.2 (on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR)

After completing Finnish for Beginners 1, participants can

• introduce themselves and talk about themselves using simple expressions
  inquire after somebody
  ask simple questions
  talk about the weather and seasons
  describe themselves and their environment
  run everyday errands

Contents

Participants will learn basics of Finnish. After the course, they will be able to talk about themselves using simple expressions, and have the prerequisites for coping in simple everyday situations. We will also practise running everyday errands and familiarise ourselves with colloquial Finnish. The course is intensive and students are required to be active. The key points of the course will be basic grammar,  pronunciation, vocabulary, and Finnish culture.

The textbook Suomen mestari 1 forms the core of the course. It will be studied from chapter 1 to chapter 4 or 5. In addition, interesting discussions, language games and cultural practices are also included in the course curriculum. Students are required to be active and are expected to participate actively in the lessons, do homework and  study vocabulary.

The language of instruction is English.

Materials

Textbook Suomen mestari 1, Sonja Gehring and Sanni Heinzmann, Finn Lectura, new edition, from chapter 1 onwards.

ISBN: 978-951-1-33423-1

The book is not included in the course fee. It is available at local bookstores and libraries, or can be ordered online. Please buy or borrow the book before the course begins! The book will be needed from the 1st lesson onwards. Each participant will need their own copy of the book. A dictionary is also recommended.

Modes of study

The course comprises 52 lessons (à 45 minutes) as well as independent work. The student workload of a 4 ECTS course is approximately 108 hours (including lessons and independent work).

Participants need attend the lessons regularly and be active, do homework and take the final exam, which will be evaluated on scale 1–5. 

To pass the course, students need to attend at least 70 or 80 per cent of the lessons.

See also

After you have completed Finnish for Beginners 1, you can continue studying on Finnish for Beginners 2. We are planning to offer the course on the autumn semester 2025.

Additional information

Education coordinator Suvi Tartia: suvi.tartia at tampereenkesayliopisto.fi, tel./WhatsApp 050 7127

The information published above is subject to change.