Finnish for Beginners 1 (distance learning)
Scope
4 ECTS
Time
Online course 14.9.–16.12.2026 on Mondays and Wednesdays at 17.00–18.30
No lessons on week 42.
- 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 Zoom and Moodle by email approximately 1 week before the 1st 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 the course, students 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
On Finnish for Beginners 1, students 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. We start studying from chapter 1 and finish with chapter 4 or 5. 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
Suomen mestari 1 uudistettu, Sonja Gehring and Sanni Heinzmann, Finn Lectura, new edition
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.
Note! The book is needed on the 1st lesson. Each participant will need an own book.
It is also recommended to bring a dictionary to the lessons.
We will study chapters 1–4 (or 1–5).
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 this course, you can continue studying on Finnish for Beginners 2. The course will start in January. More information about the courses offered on the spring term will be available on our website in December at the latest.
Additional information
Questions about the course? Please contact our office, we are happy to help you!
The information published above is subject to change.