In the first blog post, we explored what happens behind the scenes in language learning and what kinds of learning techniques can support the process. In this second part, we move from theory to practice.

The internet is full of different materials and websites for learning Finnish. However, it is impossible to present all of them in a single blog post. That is why this list brings together a selection of resources that are versatile and easy to access.

The list includes both well-known and perhaps slightly less familiar materials. Suggestions have also been added to help readers identify which resources might suit them best. These recommendations are based on the content and language difficulty of the materials, but they should be seen only as general guidelines. It is also worth remembering that many resources contain content at different levels. The purpose is not to define an exact language level but to help you decide where to start. If a resource feels too difficult or too easy, do not hesitate to try something else. The most important thing is to find materials that interest you and that you enjoy returning to.

One practical note before we begin: direct links have not been included in this blog post. The resources are listed as search terms, so you can easily find them using Google or another search engine.

🎧 Podcasts

Listening helps you understand spoken Finnish better and learn new words and expressions. One of the greatest advantages of podcasts is that you can listen to them almost anywhere: while walking, on the bus, or doing household chores.

If you are just getting started:

Helppoa suomea, Pikku Kakkosen selkosadut, FinnishPod101

When you have the basics under control:

Opi suomea! -podcast, Finnish with Eemeli, Finking Cap Podcast, Suomeksi-podcast, Finnish Daily Dialogues

When you want to challenge yourself:

Niinku – Autenttista kuunneltavaa suomenoppijoille, Random Finnish Lesson -podcast, Tiedekulma Podcast

📺 YouTube Channels

YouTube channels combine listening and visual learning. They are especially useful for learners who benefit from examples, images, and explanations. If you are unsure where to start, try watching a channel’s introduction video first and explore its content before deciding to follow it regularly.

If you are just getting started:

Learn Finnish with FinnishPod101.com, Suomen kurssi, Finnish with Heidi, Daily Finnish

When you have the basics under control:

Learn Finnish with Finking Cap, Finnishtogo with Virpi, Sinä osaat! Suomen kieltä kaikille, Suomenopettaja Terhi, Suomea Jarnon kanssa

When you want to challenge yourself:

Finnish Flow, Almost Finns, Finnish Stories, Finnished

📰 News and Radio

News is an excellent way to learn current vocabulary and see how Finnish is used in real life. At the same time, you stay informed about what is happening in Finland and around the world.

If you are just getting started:

Yle Uutiset selkosuomeksi, Selkosanomat

When you have the basics under control:

Helsingin uutiset helppoa suomea, HS Lasten uutiset

When you want to challenge yourself:

Yle Uutiset, Helsingin Sanomat, Hämeen Sanomat, Yle Areenan ajankohtaisohjelmat

📚 Easy-to-Read Books and Reading

Easy-to-read books are a great way to learn Finnish because they use simpler language than regular books. The difficulty level varies from book to book, so it is worth trying different options to find what suits you best. If you are not sure where to start, choose a book that feels slightly too easy rather than too difficult. The most important thing is to discover the joy of reading.

Lukupalat, Lukupiraatti, Lukuavain, Luen itse 1–3, Kirja Kärpänen, Tietopalat, National Geographic Kids, Hyppää kirjan kyytiin -sarja, Tarhapäivä, Hammaskeiju, Tulin Suomeen, Odotan aurinkoa, Numeroruuhka, Yösyöttö, Punainen kuin veri, Valkea kuin lumi, Musta kuin eebenpuu, Toppatakin alla on sydän, Juurihoito, Kiepaus, Banaanitalo and Teemestarin kirja.

🌐 Useful Websites

There is a huge amount of free material available online for learning Finnish. The following websites include exercises, videos, listening materials, grammar explanations, vocabulary practice, easy-language content, and resources for independent study.

Start with one website and take your time exploring it. Using too many resources at once can easily become overwhelming.

If you are just getting started:

Ylen Opi Suomea, Supisuomea, Mun Suomi, Luetaan yhdessä – Suomen kielen alkeet etänä, Papunetin materiaalit, Selkosanomat kuvilla, Arjen aakkoset

When you have the basics under control and want to study more independently:

InfoFinland – Suomen kieltä internetissä, Kielibuustin itseopiskelumateriaalit, Uusi kielemme, Oikeesti Aikuisten -sarjat, Ylen asiointisuomea

When you want to deepen your skills:

Töissä Suomessa, Kiitäjät kotopolulla, Osaamisen paikka, Ylen YKItreenit, Helsingin yliopiston rakenneharjoituksia, Puhutsä suomee?

📱 Apps and Games

Your phone can be a great tool for language learning. It allows you to practice Finnish wherever you are. Artificial intelligence can also be used as a language partner for practicing conversations, job interviews, or writing tasks. While it cannot replace a teacher or provide a reliable language assessment, it offers additional opportunities to practice Finnish safely in everyday life.

For vocabulary practice:

Synapsi, Ylen Sanapyramidi

For reading, listening, and vocabulary building:

Lingvis, Beelinguapp, E-kirjasto, Lingoclip

For speaking practice:

Opeton, Snacka, TalkPal AI

In Conclusion

You do not need to spend your time searching for the perfect app, podcast, or book when learning Finnish. Often, the most important thing is simply to start somewhere and find materials that you genuinely enjoy.

When studying Finnish becomes part of your daily routine, it is much easier to make it a lasting habit. Listening to a single podcast episode during a walk or reading a few pages before bed can make a surprisingly big difference.

Good luck on your language-learning journey and enjoy studying Finnish!

Gizem Ertoprak
Finnish Language Teacher and Lifelong Learner of Finnish, City of Hämeenlinna, International Residents’ Services, Nopeasti töihin – Language-Aware Integration Training Project (ESR+)