Learn to speak Finnish language

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Live online classes

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Practice speaking in small group setting

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Beginner to advanced level classes

Woman studying Finnish language online at the Finnish Language School

NEXT SEMESTER COMMENCES 6 SEPTEMBER, 2025

Finnish language student practicing writing

What is Finnish Language School Association

The school is a small not-for-profit educational association located in Virginia, USA, offering online Finnish language classes for adults and young adults from beginner through advanced levels.

Finnish language classes for all learning levels

Classes for new and returning students with emphasis on spoken Finnish (puhesuomi)
Woman teaching Finnish language online in front of computer

Beginner I

Get introduced to the fundamentals of the Finnish language and culture.

CEFR: A1

Young man studying Finnish language online at his desk

Beginner II

Learn basic conversational skills, vocabulary, and grammar.

CEFR: A2

Zoom class of Finnish language where students practice speaking Finnish

Intermediate I

Extend your vocabulary and grammar. Learn to interact in Finnish in various situations.

CEFR: B1

Adult woman writing a sentence in Finnish in a notebook in class

Intermediate II

Develop an in-depth understanding of grammar and advanced vocabulary.

CEFR: B2

View of Helsinki - capital of Finland

Advanced

Learn to express yourself fluently in everyday interactions and informal conversations.

CEFR: C1

After registration, all students will be assigned an appropriate class level, based on their level of proficiency of the Finnish language.

Why learn Finnish with us?

Live online classes (taught via Zoom)

Learn Finnish language without having to leave your home

Expert teachers

Our teachers are experienced language instructors and native speakers of Finnish.

Practice speaking in every class

Speak Finnish in every class with your instructor and fellow students. Get real-time feedback.

Supportive environment

Teachers and fellow students want to help you learn and will provide you with much encouragement.

Getting Started with Finnish Language School

Businesswoman's Hand Filing Online Registration Form for an online Finnish course
Step 1

Register online

Submit registration form and pay tuition online.

Young person writing in a note book and using computer in an online Finnish language class
Step 2

Get assigned a class

You will be assigned a class based on your Finnish proficiency level. All classes meet on Saturdays via Zoom

Female interacting with a Finnish language teacher online, interactive and personalized online learning experience
Step 3

Start speaking Finnish

Learn Finnish grammar and vocabulary with our instructors. Practice speaking the language with fellow students.

Our classes are taught each Spring and Fall semester.

Registration for 2025 Spring Semester is closed. Next semester starts September 2025.

Frequently asked questions

When are the classes?

All classes are taught on Saturdays.
Please refer to FLSA academic calendar for exact dates.

Where do the classes take place?

All classes are taught online via Zoom.

Are there any language requirements?
To enroll in our Finnish language courses, students must demonstrate proficiency in English. This requirement ensures that all participants can effectively engage with the course materials and instructions provided in English.
Why learn Finnish?

People learn Finnish for many reasons. Perhaps you are of Finnish descent and you want to learn something of your heritage and culture. Perhaps you want to be able to communicate with your Finnish relatives. You may have a spouse, or significant-other who is Finnish and you would like to learn the language so you can be a bi-lingual family. You plan to travel and would like to learn “survival Finnish.” You have visited Finland, fallen in love with the country, and desire to return with an ability to communicate in more fluent Finnish. Whatever your reason for wanting to learn Finnish, we at the Finnish School are committed to teaching you practical Finnish in a comfortable and enjoyable environment.

Learning Finnish isn't impossible, it's fun!

Although Finnish has a reputation as a challenging language to learn, don’t let this discourage you. It can be both a rewarding and interesting endeavor. To learn any language requires diligence. But unlike a regular school, the environment here is friendly, entertaining and relaxed. Teachers and fellow students want to help you learn and will provide you with much encouragement.

Finnish can be learned!

Take the plunge! Be brave! We are here to help. Some five million Finns have managed it, as have a number of persistent foreigners with a real interest in it. The Finnish language has many consistencies which facilitate learning: Every letter has only one sound which is always pronounced the same. The accent is always on the first syllable of the word. The verb structure is uncomplicated, and closely resembles the structure in English. Conjugations and declinations have remarkably consistent rules, with few exceptions.

Map of Finland

2024 - 2025

FLSA Academic Calendar

Spring Semester 2025

January 11 - Class First Day

January 18 - Class

January 25 - Class

February 1 - Class

February 8 - Class

February 15 - Class

February 22 - Class

March 1 - Class

March 8 - Class

March 15 - Class

March 22 - Class

March 29 - Class

April 5 - Class

April 12 - Class Last Day

Fall Semester 2025

September 6 - Class First Day

September 13 - Class

September 20 - Class

September 27 - Class

October 4 - Class

October 11 - Class

October 18 - Class

October 25 - Class

November 1 - Class

November 8 - Class

November 15 - Class

November 22 - Class & Kipinä Kerho

November 29 - No Class (Thanksgiving)

December 6 - Class

December 13 - Class Last Day

Start speaking Finnish with confidence

Take the plunge! Be brave! We are here to help.

FLSA