Debi's Finnish Language Learning Journey

If I were asked how I would describe the Finnish language, I would say it is sui generis.
Sui generis is a Latin phrase I learned in law school which means "a kind of its own." Finnish is indeed distinct—its origins and structure differ significantly from its neighboring Indo-European languages. It belongs to the Proto-Finnic branch of the broader Proto-Uralic language family.

All this is to say: the learning journey is not necessarily easy. But with the right mindset and determination, it can be done.

In this short article, I aim to recount my own learning experience to humanize the journey, to list the references I used, and to share the advice I would give myself at each stage. For clarity, I will divide this account according to the CEFR levels of language proficiency (A1–C2).

A1–A2

Under the Finnish government's Integration Program, I began learning Finnish at an educational institution that assessed my skills and placed me in a group suited to my level.

Unlike many language courses, Finnish was taught in context. As adult learners, we studied grammar—cases, verbs, nouns, and so on—through practical, everyday situations relevant to immigrants. For instance, we learned grammar in the context of a doctor's appointment, a trip to the market, and other daily tasks. This contextual approach was highly effective; learning is always easier when it is connected to lived experience.

Realistically, at this level, one cannot yet hold a proper conversation. It is about laying foundations: through imitation and memorization. I imitated my teachers' speech, copied Finns' pronunciation, and memorized greetings and common phrases.

My classmates thought I was more advanced because I could exchange words with them and my teacher, but in truth, I was not yet able to do the same with a native Finn.

The references and books I used at this stage (with comments) are as follows:

Ahaa! 1
This book was okay, but I find the next book Suomen Mestari more comprehensive, contextual, and well-written.
Suomen Mestari 1
This is one of the most well-known, if not the most, grammar books used by immigrants, whether or not they are in the integration program or doing self-study.
Suomi-englanti sanakirja
Needless to say, a good dictionary is always a must in studying Finnish or any language, for that matter.
Children's comics like Akku Ankka
I did not really go through a lot of these, but in the next levels of language learning, I realized that if I wanted to get more acquainted with puhekieli, I should have read this more.
Children's shows like Muummilakson tarinoita
These shows were fun, although at this stage, there are lots of words and phrases that still went over my head.
Children's songs like Jumppalaulu
I remember our teacher asked us to sing this while acting it out. Well, it was quite memorable together with the other songs about the Finnish season, alphabet, etc. But as an adult, it felt really embarrassing. So, you can sing and play these children's songs privately instead.

If I could advise myself at this stage, I would say:

"Do not overthink everything. Take it one step at a time: one grammar point, one phrase, one task at a time. Comparing grammar rules is fine, but do not delve too much into the differences distinct to the Finnish language."

A2–B1

Before finishing my first course, I became pregnant with my son. Still, I managed almost a year of studies, including a month-long language internship at a small Finnish law firm in Lahti. My evaluation placed me at B1 in speaking and writing, and A2.2 in listening and comprehension.

Because I was due soon, I decided not to continue to the next course level. After giving birth, I took six months of maternity leave, then enrolled in an online open university course while caring for my baby.

Even without a formal course, I continued learning, albeit more passively. At this stage, grammar remained challenging. The partitive case, a concept absent in both English and my native language, was particularly perplexing. I was also frustrated by the differences between spoken and written Finnish; it felt like learning two languages at once.

Progress was not always visible. Conversations with natives were still frustrating, though my comprehension had improved compared to the first stage.

Some of the prior mentioned references are still in use at this stage, especially the dictionary, but here are some specific references and books I used at this stage:

Finnish Christian hymns and verses:
I am well acquainted with Christian hymns and songs, so singing them (not always with full understanding) is not as cumbersome as studying grammar, since singing is one of my hobbies.
The Finnish Bible:
This one was quite tough and still is. The Finnish Bible is also composed of words and phrases that are no longer in use, so some of them won't necessarily be found in modern and common Finnish literature. However, since this book is most important to me, I'd like to be able to fully read it through as I do in English and Tagalog.
Suomen Mestari 2
From Start to Finnish by Leila White:
This is my favorite grammar book, obviously, because I am an English speaker. Making sense of the Finnish grammar, as explained or even compared in English, was so useful for me.
Glosbe and Redfox Dictionaries:
Even though not all of the words can be found through these platforms, I like that they offer examples for the words being searched.

Looking back, I would tell myself:

"Be kind to yourself. You are raising a child while adjusting to so many changes in life. Finnish is not everything. Celebrate small victories—the little concepts you understood, the phrases you managed to use, the idioms you jotted down in your notebook."

B1–B2

In my second year of learning, I decided to take the YKI Intermediate Test (which assesses at B1–B2). Unsure if I was ready, I enrolled in an intensive B1–B2 course online.

This course was both challenging and rewarding. The fast pace suited me, and my classmates—many of whom had lived in Finland far longer than I had—pushed me to improve. It was intimidating, but necessary. I needed a teacher who could explain nuances and classmates whose fluency inspired me. It became a fruitful learning curve.

When the YKI exam came, I found the speaking section most difficult. The test setting was less than ideal—we had to listen to recordings and respond while others around us spoke simultaneously. Even so, I focused on my own test, did my best, and applied what I had learned.

Months later, I received the results: B1 in writing and listening, B2 in speaking and comprehension. I was satisfied. I had achieved the goal I had set for myself.

Some of the prior mentioned references are still in use at this stage, especially the dictionaries, but here are some specific references and books I used at this stage:

Gimara YT channel
I was just looking for some videos on YouTube that can help with listening and understanding, and this channel popped out. It was helpful, although I was not able to go through every one of them because of time constraints.
Suomen Mestari 3 and 4
Lotta from Finished
As I was scrolling through my Facebook, my algorithm must have directed me to such sort of pages and promotions. She is a multi-lingual Finnish native who promotes understanding and listening as the main avenue for learning Finnish and not grammar learning especially for beginners. I bought a subscription (this is not promotional) because I was curious about the claims made, and the materials turned out to be useful to a certain extent, although, up to date, I have not finished them all. And also, I am a firm believer in studying grammar as essential as other methods.

My advice to that version of me:

"You do not need to meet everyone's expectations. Learn at your own pace. Leverage your strengths, improve your weaknesses. In listening, focus on the 80% you understood and let go of the 20% you did not. The essence is what matters."

B2–C1

In my third year of Finnish studies, I realized that if I wanted to work in my profession, I needed to reach C1–C2. This was non-negotiable. Law is not about personal interest—it is about life, liberty, property, and society. From the moment I took my oath as an attorney-at-law in my home country, I knew that being a lawyer is always larger than oneself.

With this conviction, I decided to challenge myself by studying the Finnish legal system in Finnish. It was uncomfortable, but I knew that discomfort would lead to growth. For me, these goals, though perhaps unrealistic for some immigrants, were a necessary reality.

I applied to the Master of Laws (OTM) program at the University of Helsinki. To demonstrate my language skills, I took the Valtionhallinnon kielitutkinto (VKT), the Civil Service Language Proficiency Test. Thankfully, I passed at hyvä taso (B2–C1). Compared with YKI, I found the VKT harder for it demanded fluency in societal issues, workplace communication, and abstract discussion. The one-on-one format with the examiner required a level of precision and nuance far beyond everyday interaction.

A few months later, I received my admission letter: I was accepted into the Master of Laws program at the University of Helsinki. The next stage of my Finnish journey had begun.

Some of the prior mentioned references are still in use at this stage, especially the dictionaries, but here are some specific references, courses, and tools I used at this stage:

Valmentava koulutus korkeakouluopintoihin maahanmuuttajille at LAB University:
I applied to this six-month course in order to be acquainted with how university life works, such as tasks, assignments, and lectures in Finnish. Although every university may be different in its system and mode of instruction, I find the tasks here, such as article writing, reporting, and reading academic writing in one's own profession, were really beneficial.
Artificial Intelligence Apps such as ChatGPT:
During my preparation for the VKT, I have had lots of questions regarding construction, spoken Finnish, grammar, expressions, and legal phrases and terms. Many of these may not be answered by a teacher, but AI was able to. Although there are some sort of glitches here and there, I find AI as my language companion for the latter part of my studies.
Podcasts:
I listen to podcasts specifically related to my profession. Some of them are Pääkäsittely, Juristipodi, Päätös, etc. These are interviews of lawyers, thought leaders, and experts on their respective fields of specialization. Through this, I learned a lot of mixed spoken and formal Finnish, technical terms, nuanced concepts, and so on.

To myself at this stage, I would say:

"You have worked hard, and your efforts have borne fruit. You are not yet at your ultimate goal, but you will get there. Remember: faith, family, and well-being matter more than Finnish. By grace, all will fall into place."

C1–C2

This is the level I still aspire to—and one that, according to linguists, may take a lifetime. And that is completely fine. Finnish is unique, challenging, and beautiful.

So I end with this: to myself now, and to anyone learning Finnish at any level, a quote from Harvard Law School,

"You are ready to aid in the shaping and application of those wise restraints that make men free."

I am convinced that at the height of this journey lies freedom, not from discipline, but through it. Freedom from the struggles of learning Finnish, or any language, comes only through the wise restraints we willingly set for ourselves.