Finnish language courses

Learn Finnish
with a real teacher

Study Finnish with a professional Finnish teacher. Study online anywhere you want, or invite me over to Espoo, Vantaa, HyvinkÀÀ, NurmijÀrvi or Helsinki.

5.0 · Google reviews

Learn finnish

Online, one-on-one, or out in Helsinki

Online

Group courses

Learn online, wherever you are, in a small, friendly group. Structured levels A 0 to B 2 — new rounds start regularly throughout the year.

Private

1-on-1 lessons

One-on-one lessons tailored to your goals, level, and pace — with more speaking practice, immediate feedback, and focus on the language you need for work, studies, or daily life.

Helsinki outdoors

Lessons Outdoors

Take your Finnish further with live lessons and enjoy Helsinki. You will learn fascinating facts and be exposed to Finnish.

  • I am a qualified and highly skilled Finnish language teacher with over 20 years of experience. I bring together strong subject knowledge, strong pedagogical skills, and a warm, positive attitude towards all learners.
    Taru Eloranta
    Finnish language teacher
Course progression

Where are you now?

Every course leads naturally to the next. Jump in at your current level — you’re welcome to join the path at any point.

✹ Brand new to Finnish?

A0 — Absolute beginner

Getting Started

No experience needed — just curiosity. Taru will guide you from your very first Finnish word. Small group, no textbook, no pressure.

A1.1 — Elementary

Moving On

You know a few words and want to keep going. Small group, no textbook. You’ll build confidence in speaking from day one.

A1.3 — Advanced beginner

Finnish A1.3

Three structured parts building a strong A1 foundation — grammar, speaking, and vocabulary in a small group.

A2 — Pre-intermediate

Finnish A2, Grammar & Discussion

Strengthen your Finnish with structured courses and conversation classes. Grammar, vocabulary, and real discussions.

B — Intermediate

Grammar, Verbs & Speaking

You navigate daily Finnish already. Shorter, focused courses to sharpen your grammar and speaking. New courses starting throughout the year.

Outdoor Helsinki walking tours available for A2 level and above — from 17 € · See walking tours →

Already studied some Finnish? Take the free level test to find your course →

Student reviews

What learners say

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what students say about learning Finnish with Taru.

Excellent
5.0
Based on 26 reviews
Pedro P.
6 months ago
I have been studying with Taru for around 3 months and she has been matching my expectations. She’s quite knowledgeable teacher on trying to bring analogies or different perspectives to learn the language. Also, for a person like me that has a tight schedule with kids at home she tune the classes bringing the content when I can’t bring new stuff myself but also help me with the homework in the class when I don’t have enough time to practice during the week. She’s quite positive on pushing my learning and I can feel the progress already with such a short time learning from her. 🙂
Marcio R.
7 months ago
Taru is an excellent teacher, we had private online lessons which were a great option for me to fit the studies into my weekly schedule. As a teacher she is very knowledgeable and can explain things really well, she is also very punctual, motivated and patient. She made a study plan for me which was tailored to my needs, while we still had room for changing things around whenever it needed, I found the flexibility very helpful. I also had plenty of homework which was a great way to take things further and practice more. I highly recommend Taru as a Finnish teacher, my experience with her as student was excellent. It far exceeded my expectations and it allowed me to make very fast progress on my learning journey.
mayssam G.
11 months ago
Taru is great teacher that focuses not only on teaching you the Finnish language but also culture and traditions which has really helped me integrate into life in Finland ! Her lessons are interactive and engaging , making learning fun. I enjoyed all our sessions and would recommend Taru to anyone who wishes to learn the language !
Sofia N.
1 year ago
It is easy to start speaking finnish with Taru becase she is not judgemental at all. She is open, and interested both in you and in your learning. She listens to your specific needs.
Response from the owner:Kiitos, Sofia! Oli ilo opettaa sinua!
Natanael R.
2 years ago
Taru has been a perfect finnish teacher for me. Im impressed by how patient she is and by her ever new ideas how to make our lessons interesting. Very happy i found such an encouraging teacher!
Response from the owner:Than you for your kind words! You have been making great progress!
Julia D.
2 years ago
Fantastic teacher and very flexible. She is very receptive to my variable capacities, so the content of the lessons depends on the mood and the level of tiredness of the student, excellent particularly for neurodivergent children and adults. Even if I am having a very low energy day, I know I will take home a little bit of knowledge, even if it is just a new word. Alternatively, on high-energy days we can cover tons of grammar and vocabulary 🙂 She draws from different learning material and methods, so it doesn't get repetitive and tedious. I work full time and Taru is able to adapt the quantity of homework from one lesson to the next, so my learning never gets in the way of daily life. The progress I have made with her is enormous, thanks to her patience and clear, patient explanations. She is also very encouraging and down-to-earth. Taru gives great insight into the Finnish culture as well, I always look forward to my lessons. Highly, highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Kiitos paljon kauniista sanoistasi! On ihanaa, ettÀ pidÀt metodeistani ja tyylistÀni. SinÀ olet oppinut suomea todella nopeasti!
Antonio R.
2 years ago
I attended several of Taru’s classes. The course "Grammar B-level" was incredibly engaging and took us to a whole new level of understanding. The homework assignments between classes were particularly useful, as they helped us stay immersed in the Finnish language and culture. Kiitos Taru.
Response from the owner:Kiitos palautteesta, Antonio! Mukavaa, ettÀ tunnet ettÀ opit paljon suomea!
Volha R.
2 years ago
Olen osallistunut kurssille ”Sano se suomeksi” toukokuussa. Minusta Taru Eloranta on taitava opettaja, joka tietÀÀ, miten voi rohkaista opiskelijoita puhumaan ja kehittĂ€mÀÀn kielitaitojansa. Oli mukavaa, ettĂ€ ryhmĂ€ oli aika pieni ja kaikilla oli mahdollisuus kommunikoida sekĂ€ opettajan ettĂ€ muiden opiskelijoiden kanssa. Taru antoi meille mielenkiintoisia keskusteluaiheita ja nĂ€ytti meille pari hyödyllistĂ€ verkko sivuja, joita me voisimme kĂ€yttÀÀ itse tulevaisuudessa. Minusta se oli tosi hyvĂ€ kielikurssi, yksilöity ja tehokas. Paljon kiitoksia kurssista, Taru!
Response from the owner:Kiitos kauniista sanoistasi. Anteeksi, ettÀ en ole vastannut sinulle aikaisemmin. Toivottavasti tapaamme vielÀ seuraavillakin keskustelukursseilla!
Kevin P.
2 years ago
Taru is a great teacher who uses a range of techniques to keep things interactive in an online setting. This course really gets the students talking and using their Finnish and has helped me a lot!
Matthew C.
2 years ago
I can highly recommend Taru. The lessons are tailored to my learning needs and style.
azin F.
2 years ago
Suomen kielen taitoni parani paljon. Nyt voin lukea lyhyitÀ romaaneja helpposti!
Nikki S.
2 years ago
I cannot recommend Opettaja Taru enough. During my lessons with her, she is always encouraging, friendly and informative. She teaches me the essentials of Finnish grammar and provides many examples that help me to understand and apply it to practical use in the language. Sometimes we play educational games together that make the learning experience more fun. No matter what level you’re currently at in Finnish, each lesson is tailored to fit your needs. Sometimes I find myself speaking Finnish with her, without even realizing I’m doing it, because she knows exactly what types of things to say to get the most knowledge out of you. She’s a fantastic teacher and I very much look forward to each one on one lesson I have with her.
Marilize B.
3 years ago
This course was definitely worth the money. I am introverted and even so, found it easygoing and not stressful at all. Taru set a pace that suited everyone and was patient enough to repeat information if needed.
Response from the owner:Kiitos for your kind words. I hope to see you soon on the next course! NÀhdÀÀn pian!
Juan Carlos M.
3 years ago
she is good at teaching in 5 weeks you can speak suomea. she is a good at teaching every detail. Thank you
Johannes F. R.
3 years ago
Taru is a wonderful teacher! The courses are well structured and the pace is right for someone with a busy work schedule. She also always took the time to react to individual questions. I can fully recommend her courses. 😊
DĂĄniel L.
3 years ago
Great learning experience! While it is not an intensive course, the level and the speed of the lessons is just correct when I have time to learn only after workdays. I recommend Taru if you want a good Finnish learning experience!
Leena N.
3 years ago
Thanks Taru, for a great class. Classes are full of opportunities to speak in small groups and practice pronunciation while learning new elements of grammar and vocabulary. I found the pace of the course was good for my level and the homework was helpful. Overall a great experience!
Response from the owner:Kiitos, Leena! Mukavaa, ettÀ sinÀ viihdyt kurssilla ja ettÀ haluat oppia suomea! NÀhdÀÀn seuraavalla kurssilla!
Evule B.
3 years ago
Hei! Opettaja Taru on tosi hyvÀ. Kurssi oli hienosti!!!
Response from the owner:I'm glad that you enjoyed the course! Mukavaa, ettÀ tykkÀsit kurssista! Kiitos!
Tania M.
4 years ago
I liked very much my first Finnish course for beginners with Taru. She is very enthusiastic and supportive. The course has the right amount of everything: content shared, interaction with others and all together, and homework. You can keep the pace without feeling too overwhelmed and still seeing your progress. Kiitos, opettaja!
SolĂšne D.
4 years ago
Taru is a great Finnish teacher ! Her classes are well-prepared, dynamic and varied. I like that we learn very relevant words and expressions, that we can hear and use in daily life. Also, she gives a great insight to the Finnish culture through videos, songs, etc.
Rupesh G.
4 years ago
Very good FinEnglish teacher, specially for beginners. Focuses more on practical learning than text book learning. Found helpful to kick-start learning Finnish. MinĂ€ puhun vĂ€hĂ€n suomea 🙂 Kiitos Taru.
Stéphane L.
4 years ago
Chelia C.
5 years ago
I appreciate that Taru speak English when she explained, since I am a beginner.
Ben
5 years ago
Taru is a friendly and knowledgeable teacher. She keeps the classes fun and casual while still being professional, worth the money for a course.
Andrea M.
5 years ago