Finland has two official languages, Finnish and Swedish. Proficiency in both languages can be useful especially in the public sector and certain fields, but in most situations either is sufficient. More extensive language proficiency can open doors to more diverse job opportunities. The proportion of native Swedish speakers varies from region to region.  

There are strong bilingual regions in Finland, especially in the Swedish-speaking coastal regions, where Swedish proficiency is appreciated and potentially beneficial for employment. Åland is unique in having Swedish as the only official language. In addition, Swedish is the working language in some jobs in the care and education sectors.  

In many jobs, Finnish proficiency is mandatory and additional proficiency in Swedish beneficial. 

Finnish may seem difficult to learn, especially if the structure and vocabulary of your native language is very different. The Finnish language has unique features, such as extensive inflection and vowel harmony, which can be challenging at first. As with any language learning, motivation and practice are crucial. Many have succeeded in learning Finnish, and there are good opportunities for taking language courses and practice to support the learning process. Read these learner’s stories to get inspired.

The time required for language learning varies from person to person. Factors include e.g. learner background, learning methods as well as time and resources available for learning. Please remember that language proficiency develops gradually. Use the language as soon as you learn something new. 

Many Finns speak good English, but it is not an official language in Finland. Learning Finnish brings many benefits. Proficiency in the local language facilitates everyday life, getting to know locals, and understanding local culture and society. Finnish proficiency is also a requirement for many work tasks.  

Even if the language used in your workplace is English, learning Finnish brings many benefits. It helps you to better understand local culture and society and can deepen your connection with colleagues and locals. Check these everyday expressions and try them at the office break room. 

The best way to practise the language is to use it as much as possible in everyday life. Speak Finnish with locals whenever possible: in shops, cafés, with neighbours etc. Practice is crucial for learning, so do not fear making mistakes. Kielibuusti's Language tips page contains many tips for practicing Finnish in everyday life. See also our self-study material that support the development of reading and listening comprehension as well as spoken and written language skills.  

In addition to other conditions, having a sufficient proficiency in Finnish of Swedish is a prerequisite to Finnish citizenship. You can demonstrate your language proficiency by passing the National Certificates of Language Proficiency test. For more information on language proficiency and demonstrating it, see e.g. the InfoFinland website. 

Learning local languages as soon as possible is a good idea. English may be sufficient for your master’s programme but including Finnish or Swedish courses into your studies is recommended. Local language proficiency makes it easier to settle in your new country and is beneficial for both work and everyday life. 

No, but you can search for educational institutions that provide language courses on the Find language courses page and Find online courses page.   

The proficiency level of a given course is usually included in the course title or description. The proficiency level can be e.g. A1 or B2. A refers to basic, B to intermediate and C to advanced level. You can assess your language proficiency level by taking the Kielibuusti test. 

Kielibuusti offers free self-study materials and tips for studying Finnish and Swedish at different skill levels. Our materials help you practise reading, speaking, writing, listening and colloquial language as needed. See the learner's section for details. 

Kielibuusti does not award credits at the moment.  

Yes, there are many tips on how to learn and use Finnish at work. 

Yes, Kielibuusti provides material for Finnish learners of all levels.  You can filter our materials and exercises for content that suits your proficiency level.  

Kielibuusti is a free website, and the materials can be used anywhere in the world. Our self-study materials help you get started with Finnish learning. We have listed many different materials and tools to support Finnish learning. See our self-study materials.

If someone speaks English to you, tell them that you wish to practise and speak Finnish/Swedish. You can use additional languages as necessary but try to have the discussion in Finnish/Swedish. You can also share to your friend or colleague Kielibuusti's tips for supporting and encouraging language learners. You can develop your language proficiency in everyday scenarios, such as doing the groceries or visiting a café, as well as participating in discussion groups and language courses. We have also compiled dozens of everyday language tips..  

0, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 refer to language proficiency levels as given in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).  

• 0 means no language proficiency 
• A1–A2 refer to basic proficiency 
• B1–B2 refer to intermediate proficiency 
• C1–C2 refer to advanced proficiency 

Learn more: CEFR language proficiency level descriptions. 

You can improve your language proficiency by using Finnish as much as possible in your everyday life. Talk to your friends and colleagues and tell them about your wish to practise speaking Finnish.  You can also leverage language courses, language learning apps and Kielibuusti self-study materials. We have also compiled tips on how to practice Finnish in everyday life.  

Working language may vary as required by the field, workplace and specific tasks. You do not need to switch to using English just because one or some of your employees are not proficient in Finnish or Swedish. There are several reasons for this: 

• The international employee may want to learn Finnish or Swedish. 
• English might not be the strongest language of your international employee. 
• English is not the strongest language of your Finnish-speaking and Swedish-speaking employees. 

If you are considering hiring employees who are not yet proficient in Finnish or Swedish, you might consider the following approaches: 

• Language Training: Offer the opportunity for new employees to take Finnish or Swedish language courses. Many people learn quickly when they are supported and have the ability to practice in a working environment. 
• Language mentor: Arrange a language buddy or mentoring program in which the new employee can practice the language with an experienced colleague. This can speed up learning and ease integration into the team. 
• Bilingual communication: If possible, use both Finnish/Swedish and English in the workplace. This could help employees during transitions and decrease language barriers. 
• Clear roles at work: Clearly define the tasks where the skills in Finnish or Swedish are necessary, and those tasks that can be performed in English. You might also consider distributing tasks in such a way that language skills are considered. 

Successful examples can be found in the health care field, and in the tourism, hotel, and restaurant industries.

Ideally, a language-learning colleague is supported by their employer and work community at the workplace. For example, you can support language learning with: 

• Työpaikkasuomi and työpaikkaruotsi training: Employers may receive financial support for paid language training.  
• Kielibuusti content: Kielibuusti guidelines and tips for workplaces support employers in language-aware recruitment processes, orientation and everyday life at the workplace. 

Don’t separate language learning from the rest of the workplace activities, rather systematically make it a part of the workday. Language learning should not be reserved only for language courses and free time. 

Materials in the Kielibuusti teaching material bank are under a Creative Commons license, which means they can be used freely in teaching. However, remember to mention the name of the author, the license used, and the original place of publication. 

Emphasise the importance of Finnish and Swedish in the labour market. Encourage your clients to set realistic milestones and actively use the given language to support their everyday and professional learning. See the Kielibuusti materials for advisors.  

You can support language learning at home and in everyday life by, for example, making language learning part of routines. Use Finnish/Swedish in everyday life and learn new words and expressions together. You can also recommend Finnish/Swedish movies, series, music and books to support learning. Kielibuusti has compiled dozens of language tips especially for learning Finnish. These tips are means to make language learning part of everyday life, developed for different skill levels.  

Hobbies and leisure time play a major role in language learning. Recurring phrases and vocabulary related to hobbies help in internalising language. Kielibuusti language tips include plenty of vocabulary on leisure activities, e.g. dogs, sports and hobbies. Native speakers in recreational groups should try to use clear and plain language. This fosters an encouraging atmosphere where language learners can participate in discussions at various stages of language learning.

The producers of materials in the Kielibuusti portal are a group of Finnish and Swedish language experts from the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and Laurea University of Applied Sciences. Detailed author and copyright information can be found on the content pages. 

Some content, such as self-study materials, have been produced outside Kielibuusti. More information about content providers can be found on their own pages. 

An extensive number of high-quality materials have been produced outside Kielibuusti for independent study. Learning about them while on the quest to finding materials that support your own learning is a good idea. The self-study materials the Kielibuusti website links to have been reviewed and curated by language teachers. You can sort the materials according to your skill level and learning objectives. 

No. Kielibuusti is a project funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Materials produced by Kielibuusti are free of charge and open to everyone. 

The Kielibuusti.fi website contains key materials for language learning. These are available free of charge. Some materials, such as courses organised by external educational institutions or companies, are subject to a fee. Language courses support language learning through self-study and language use. Our website includes a national course location and online course search tool. Kielibuusti does not organise language courses. 

Search engines and social media are useful tools for language learning. However, caution is advised when using them as assessing their quality and accuracy can be difficult. The Kielibuusti website allows you to filter self-study material according to your needs and goals.