Learn Finnish: Intermediate Course 2 (distance learning)
An intensive summer course
Scope
4 ECTS
Time
Online course 17.–28.8.2026 from Monday to Friday at 13–17
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. More information about the platforms will be sent by email before the 1st lesson.
Target group
The course is continuation for Learn Finnish: Intermediate 1. It is suited for people who have reached skill level B1.1 (on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR), and wish to strenthen and improve their skills.
See our Student’s Guide for more information about the order in which our Finnish language courses are meant to be taken.
Things you must know before the course:
You have already studied the books Suomen mestari 1 and 2, as well as Suomen mestari 3 chapters 1–4, or have the equivalent skills. You can describe past events rather fluently. You are familiar with the object clause in both active and passive tenses ("minä ostan auton" - "me ostettiin auto"), as well as a few transitive and intransitive verbs (e.g. "kaataa" vs. "kaatua"). You know how to use verb types 1–6 and are familiar with word types (e.g. "-nen" and "-e" words). You are able to discuss your family, work and hobbies, holidays, and your home country and its culture in Finnish. You can ask for advice and directions and also give them. When participating in a conversation, you can express your opinions.
Objectives
The target level is B1.2 (on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR)
Contents
We will start by revising passive verb tenses ("mennään", "mentiin", "on menty"). We will then learn about translative ("-na") and essive cases ("-ksi"). On the course, we will focus on "-matta", "-malla" and "-maton" words and the pronouns "kumpi", "kumpikin", "ei kumpikaan". We will learn how to compare things in comparative and superlative (e.g. "iso", "isompi", "isoin") and familiarise ourselves with new rections (e.g. liittyä+mihin?, kuulua+mihin?).
Themes will include, for example, cultural differences and stereotypes, decribing the character of a person, discussing about changes, expressing opinions, discussing about statistics, relationships and family ties, as well as home electronics and tools.
The course is intensive and students are required to be active. We will study grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, and Finnish culture together. If necessary, we will also do written exercises. The core of the course is the textbook Suomen mestari 3, but teacher’s own materials will be used as well. We will start from chapter 5 or 6.
Note! The language of instruction is Finnish. English is used as a supportive language.
Modes of study
Active and regular participation and passing the exam at the end of the course.
To pass the course, participants are expected to attend at least 80 per cent of the lessons.
Evaluation: 0–5
Materials
Suomen mestari 3 uudistettu, Sonja Gehring et al., Finn Lectura, chapters 5–8
ISBN: 978-951-1-51180-9
Note! The book is not included in the course fee. We will use the new version: Suomen mestari 3 uudistettu. The old version is not suitable for the course.
Please buy or borrow the book in advance. Each participant will need their own copy. A dictionary is recommended.
See also
After this course, you can continue studying on Suomen kielen syventävä kurssi 1. The course will be offered on the autumn term. More information will be available on our website by July.
Further information
Questions about the course? Please contact our office, we are happy to help!
The information published above is subject to change.