❄️ Black Friday Is Here: The Ultimate Finnish Master Bundle 384€ OFF
Hey my lovelies,
The moment so many of you have been waiting for is finally here — my Black Friday deal is officially LIVE starting today! I’ve hinted for weeks that something big was coming… and here it is.
For the first time ever, I’ve bundled every single Finnish learning material I’ve ever created into one massive package:
✨ The Ultimate Finnish Master Bundle ✨
This bundle is your full roadmap from zero to confident, conversational Finnish — all focused on spoken Finnish (with the important parts explained in written Finnish too).
If you’ve ever wished you could start learning and never have to think about buying another Finnish course again, this bundle is exactly that.
🔥 Black Friday Price
The full bundle is valued at €853, but for Black Friday only:
€384 off → Only €499
Or, choose 5-month installments: €99.9/month
(Yes — the discount applies to the payment plan too!)
Use code: BLACKFRIDAY
This deal includes all 3 courses, 2 e-books, PDF packs, listening practice — literally everything I’ve ever made to help you speak real, natural Finnish.
👇 Choose Your Option
One-time payment:
Click here to get the deal
Installments (5× €99.9):
Click here to get the deal
Or read more about the bundle:
Click here to read more
💙 PS. For my current students
If you’re already enrolled in The Ultimate Guide 1 or The Ultimate Guide 2, you’ll hear from me very soon with a special discount just for you.
Even though this Black Friday offer is mainly for new students (since it includes everything), don’t worry — I haven’t forgotten my dear old students either.
<3 Sabrin
My other courses are also open until Dec 3rd:
❄️ First Snow in Finland + A Cozy Finnish Reading Practice
(And… Black Friday Sale Dates Announced! 🤩)
Hey my lovelies,
The very first snow has arrived here in Finland, and somehow it always feels like a small reset — a quiet moment before the deep winter begins. So today I wanted to share something simple, seasonal, and cozy to help you keep Finnish in your daily routine, even if life feels busy.
❄️ Talvisanastoa — Useful Finnish Winter Vocabulary
Here are some essential winter words to get you into the seasonal mood:
- ensilumi – first snow
- räntä – sleet
- loska – slush
- pipari – gingerbread cookie
- joulutorttu – Finnish Christmas tart
- lumihiutale – snowflake
- pakkanen – freezing temperature
- liukas – slippery
- talvitakki – winter coat
- pipo – beanie
- hanskat – gloves
- rukkaset – winter mittens
- lumiukko – snowman
- kaamos – polar night
- halko – firewood
- takkatuli – fireplace fire
- joululaulu – Christmas carol
Feel free to copy or screenshot this list for your winter study sessions!
❄️ Your Reading Practice in Puhekieli – Ensilumi
Tänä aamuna mä heräsin, avasin verhot ja näin ensilumen maassa. Se oli maaginen hetki. Mä rakastan lunta! Mä söin nopeesti aamupalaks ruisleipää ja join kahvia. Sitten mä juoksin ulos tekemään lumiukon. Ulkona oli vähän liukasta, mutta se ei haitannu. Mulla oli päällä paksu talvitakki, pipo ja rukkaset, ja vaikka oli pakkasta, mulla ei ollu kylmä. Mä nautin pienestä pakkasesta. Kun mun lumiukko oli valmis, mä menin sisälle. Mä istuin takkatulen ääressä juomassa kuumaa kaakaota. Joululaulut soi taustalla. Ah, tätä fiilistä mä oon oottanu koko vuoden.
🇬🇧 English Translation
This morning I woke up, opened the curtains, and saw the first snow on the ground. It was a magical moment. I love snow! I quickly ate rye bread for breakfast and drank some coffee. Then I ran outside to make a snowman. It was a bit slippery outside, but I didn’t mind. I was wearing a thick winter coat, a beanie, and mittens, and even though it was below freezing, I wasn’t cold. I enjoyed the little bit of frost. When my snowman was ready, I went back inside. I sat by the fireplace drinking hot cocoa. Christmas songs were playing in the background. Ah, this is the feeling I’ve been waiting for all year.
✨ Black Friday Is Around the Corner
And one more thing you might want to mark on your calendar:
November 26th — my Black Friday sale begins. ⚡️
For the first time ever, I’m putting all of my Finnish learning materials into one massive Ultimate Finnish Master Bundle — three full courses, two e-books, two PDFs… everything I’ve ever created.
If you’ve ever wished you could get the whole roadmap in one place — the kind of package where you basically never have to buy another Finnish course again — this is the one.
Check out the bundle below👇🏼
More details coming very soon… 💙
<3 Sabrin
Never buy another Finnish course again:
How to Talk About the Weather in Finnish
If you’ve spent any time in Finland, you’ve probably noticed that talking about the weather is practically a national pastime. Whether it’s -20°C and snowing or a rare sunny day in June, Finns love commenting on it — and now you can, too!
So today I wanted to share a short and useful Finnish lesson you can use every single day: how to talk about the weather like a Finn.
Because let’s be real — talking about the weather is the most Finnish thing ever 😄
🌤️ A few handy sentences:
On aurinkoista. = It’s sunny.
Sataa vettä. = It’s raining.
On kylmä. = It’s cold.
On viistoista astetta. = It’s fifteen degrees.
Millanen sää siellä on tänään? = How’s the weather over there today?
⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid:
❌ Se sataa / Se on aurinkoista
✅ Leave out se! Just say Sataa or On aurinkoista.
→ In Finnish, we don’t use “it” when talking about the weather.
❌ Astetta on viistoista
✅ On viistoista astetta.
→ The word order matters! We start with on (there is).
❌ Forgetting how to ask about the weather
✅ Try saying: Millanen sää siellä on tänään?
→ Literally: “What kind of weather is there today?”
That’s it — a small, simple Finnish weather check-in 🌦️
Next time you text your Finnish friends or talk about the weather, try using these!
P.S. I’m already planning something exciting for later this month — stay tuned!
Ihanaa viikkoo!
Have a lovely week!
<3 Sabrin
Some more ways to improve your Finnish:
Hyvää Isänpäivää! (+ Learn REAL Finnish by Listening Closing Tonight!)
Hey my lovelies 💙
Today is Father’s Day in Finland — Isänpäivä!
So, let’s start with a little Finnish lesson for the day 👇
💬 How to Say “Happy Father’s Day” in Finnish
👉 “Hyvää isänpäivää!” = Happy Father’s Day!
Let’s break it down:
- hyvää means “good” or “happy” — it’s in the partitive case, which is commonly used in Finnish for wishes and greetings.
- isänpäivää comes from isä (father) + -n (the genitive ending for possession, like “’s”) + päivä (day) → “father’s day.”
🗣️ Spoken Finnish Tip
The word isä often changes in puhekieli (spoken Finnish) to:
- iskä 💙 (the most common spoken form — like “dad”)
- isi (sweet or childlike — like “daddy”)
- faija (slang, casual and fun)
However, the word isänpäivä stays the same — even in spoken Finnish! 🫶🏼
So, hyvää isänpäivää kaikille isille! — Happy Father’s Day to all dads out there! 💙
⏰ Last Chance to Join Learn REAL Finnish by Listening!
Before I go, I have an important reminder —
my course Learn REAL Finnish by Listening closes tonight at 9 p.m. ⏰
If you’ve ever felt like you know the words but still can’t quite understand Finns when they talk fast — this is the course that changes that.
Or maybe you know the grammar but struggle to actually get the words out in conversation — this is for you!
You’ll learn Finnish naturally by listening to real-life videos about Finland, with subtitles and transcripts that help you truly understand and hear how Finnish is spoken in everyday life.
🎧 You can even learn on the go — in podcast mode, at the gym, on the tram, or wherever you are.
👉 Click here to join Learn REAL Finnish by Listening
I can’t wait to see you inside, darlings 💙
Hyvää isänpäivää!
<3 Sabrin
Join The Listening course before it closes👇🏼
A New YouTube Video… and Only 3 Days Left to Join The Ultimate Guide! ⏳
It’s been two months since I posted my very first YouTube video 😬
Yes… life got in the way. And honestly — even though I loved filming that first video — the editing process was so exhausting alongside all my other work. I just didn’t have the energy to keep it up, and I slowly got demotivated to continue 🤥
So if you’ve been waiting for more YouTube videos from me — my warmest apologies 💙
I’m Back on YouTube! 🎥
But good news… I’ve finally gathered my strength and decided to give YouTube another try 😅
👉🏼 A new YouTube video is up! 🥳
You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVJLVkmi80Y
To keep things a bit exciting, I’m not going to tell you what it’s about just yet 🤭
But I will tell you this: watch it before Sunday! 😉
The Ultimate Guide to REAL Finnish – Closing in Just 3 Days! ⏳
And speaking of Sunday… a quick reminder:
The Ultimate Guide to REAL Finnish (1 & 2) is closing in just 3 days — this Sunday at 9pm Finnish time!
If you’ve been wanting to…
✅ Learn Finnish online in a structured, motivating way
✅ Start speaking Finnish with confidence
✅ Finally understand the difference between spoken and written Finnish
✅ Understand what Finns actually say in everyday life
…then The Ultimate Guide is for you.
What Students Are Saying 💬
“Nothing seemed to work, until I discovered Sabrin’s perfect courses.”
“I’ve been on so many Finnish courses. This course is different! It puts spoken language in the center from the very beginning.”
“I’m stunned. I finally got that ‘Aha!’ moment with Finnish 😭 I thought it wouldn’t be possible.”
Ready for Your “Aha!” Moment? 💡
If you said yes, here’s how to join 👇🏼
– for total beginners
– if you already know the basics
You’ll learn real Finnish as it’s spoken in everyday life, not just textbook Finnish — and you’ll finally understand the grammar behind it, too.
Remember, registrations close this Sunday at 9pm Finnish time.
Don’t miss your chance to join — your “Aha!” moment with Finnish might be just around the corner 💙
See you inside,
<3 Sabrin
Join The Ultimate Guide before they close👇🏼
The Finnish Verb “Käydä” — 3 Meanings You Need to Know 🇫🇮
+ The Ultimate Guide to REAL Finnish is closing in 5 days! ⏳
Did you know that the Finnish verb “käydä” means much more than just “to visit” or “to go and come back”?
This comes as a surprise to many Finnish learners — but actually, “käydä” is used in three different meanings in everyday life… all the time!
Before we dive into them, a quick reminder:
👉 The Ultimate Guide to REAL Finnish (1 & 2) registrations are closing in just 5 days!
If you join today, you’ll be speaking Finnish much more fluently by Christmas 🌲
About The Ultimate Guide to REAL Finnish
The Ultimate Guide is a spoken Finnish grammar course — yes, even grammar is explained in spoken Finnish! 😍
It’s a series of interactive, structured lessons designed to give you the tools to:
✅ Speak naturally and confidently
✅ Understand real Finns when they speak
✅ Learn both puhekieli (spoken Finnish) and kirjakieli (standard Finnish) side by side
If you’re a total beginner → Register for The Ultimate Guide 1
If you already know the basics → Register for The Ultimate Guide 2
You’ll get lifetime access and a 14-day money-back guarantee ✅
The 3 Meanings of “Käydä” 🥁
1. To Visit / To Go and Come Back
This is the most common meaning — but it’s slightly tricky to translate, since käydä doesn’t only mean “to go”; it includes coming back. That’s why it’s often translated as “to visit.”
Examples:
- Mä käyn nopee vessassa. → I’ll quickly go to the bathroom (and come back).
- Ootsä koskaan käyny Kiinassa? → Have you ever been to China?
- Me käydään äitin luona huomenna. → We’re going to mom’s place tomorrow.
Puhekieli → Kirjakieli:
nopee → nopeasti
ootsä? → oletko sinä?
käyny → käynyt
me käydään → me käymme
2. To Happen
Yes — käydä can also mean “to happen.”
Not like “What’s happening downtown tomorrow?” but more like “What happened to you?”
Examples:
- Miks sä itket? Mitä kävi? → Why are you crying? What happened?
- Mä kaaduin eilen pyörällä, mut mulle ei käyny mitään. → I fell off my bike yesterday, but nothing happened to me (I’m fine).
Puhekieli → Kirjakieli:
miks → miksi
mut → mutta
mulle ei käyny → minulle ei käynyt
3. To Suit / To Work / To Accept
This one’s a bit trickier — but the examples make it clear.
Examples:
- Hei, nähäänks huomenna? Käyks sulle kolmelta? → Hey, shall we see each other tomorrow? Does 3 o’clock work for you?
- Toi paita käy sulle tosi hyvin! → That shirt suits you so well!
- Äiti, mä meen ulos nyt! – Ei käy! → Mom, I’m going out now! – No, you’re not! (That’s not fine with me/I don't accept it)
Puhekieli → Kirjakieli:
nähäänks? → nähdäänkö?
käyks sulle? → käykö sinulle?
toi → tuo
mä meen → menen
Why “Käydä” Is So Useful
The verb käydä is one of those Finnish words that pops up everywhere. Once you start recognizing its three main meanings — to visit, to happen, to suit/work — you’ll hear it constantly in everyday conversations.
Understanding how Finns actually use käydä will make your listening and speaking feel much more natural — and it’s exactly the kind of real Finnish we cover in The Ultimate Guide courses.
See you inside 💙
<3 Sabrin
Join The Ultimate Guide before they close👇🏼
Introductions in Spoken Finnish – Part 2: Real-Life Dialogues (+ Course News!)
I hope you’ve had a lovely week! I’ve been getting so many messages asking when my Finnish courses are opening again — so I thought… why not right now? 🥳
This time, we’re doing things a little differently. Currently, only The Ultimate Guide to REAL Finnish (1 & 2) are open for registration. You can still add Learn REAL Finnish by Listening to your cart at checkout if you’d like to bundle it up.
If you’re a total beginner, start with:
👉 The Ultimate Guide to REAL Finnish 1
If you already know the basics, then go for:
👉 The Ultimate Guide to REAL Finnish 2
Registrations close next Sunday, so don’t wait up! ⏳
I’d love to see you inside 💙
Real-Life Introductions in Spoken Finnish 🇫🇮
In the last blog post, we looked at introductions in Finnish and how they look in spoken language (puhekieli) compared to written Finnish (kirjakieli).
Now it’s time for Part 2 — real-life dialogues!
These examples will help you see how Finns actually speak in everyday situations.
🗣️ Dialogue 1: Meeting for the first time
Puhekieli (spoken Finnish)
A: Moi! Mä oon Laura.
B: Moi! Kiva nähä, mä oon Alex.
A: Hauska tutustuu! Mistä sä oot kotosin?
B: Mä oon Ranskasta, mut mä oon asunu Helsingissä jo pari vuotta.
A: Ai vitsi, kiva! Ootsä tykänny?
B: Joo, tosi paljon — paitsi talvesta. 😅
Kirjakieli (standard Finnish)
A: Hei! Minä olen Laura.
B: Hei! Kiva nähdä, minä olen Alex.
A: Hauska tutustua! Mistä sinä olet kotoisin?
B: Olen Ranskasta, mutta olen asunut Helsingissä jo pari vuotta.
A: Ai vitsi, kiva! Oletko tykännyt/pitänyt?
B: Joo, todella paljon — paitsi talvesta. 😅
☕ Dialogue 2: Meeting someone at a café
Puhekieli
A: Moro! Onks tää tuoli vapaa?
B: Joo joo, ota vaan.
A: Kiitti! Mä oon Mia.
B: Moi! Mä oon Sami.
A: Kiva tutustuu! Käytsä usein tääl?
B: No aina välillä, tää on mun lempparikahvila.
Kirjakieli
A: Hei! Onko tämä tuoli vapaa?
B: Joo, ota vain.
A: Kiitos! Minä olen Mia.
B: Hei! Minä olen Sami.
A: Hauska tutustua! Käytkö usein täällä?
B: No aina välillä, tämä on minun lempikahvilani.
🎓 Dialogue 3: At a Finnish class
Puhekieli
A: Moi! Ootsä uus tääl kurssilla?
B: Joo, eka kerta tänään!
A: Kiva! Mä oon Joonas.
B: Moi Joonas, mä oon Anna.
A: Hauska tutustuu!
B: Samoin!
Kirjakieli
A: Hei! Oletko sinä uusi täällä kurssilla?
B: Joo, ensimmäinen kerta tänään!
A: Kiva! Minä olen Joonas.
B: Hei Joonas, minä olen Anna.
A: Hauska tutustua!
B: Samoin!
Why this matters
Finnish textbooks often teach you only the kirjakieli (standard Finnish), but everyday conversations happen in puhekieli — which sounds quite different!
Understanding both versions helps you:
✅ Feel confident speaking to Finns in real life
✅ Understand TV shows, podcasts, and everyday speech
✅ Sound natural — not robotic
That’s exactly what I teach in my courses.
You’ll learn Finnish the way Finns actually speak — while still mastering the grammar behind it.
Can’t wait to see you inside 💙
<3 Sabrin
Let's learn some REAL Finnish, shall we?
Introductions in Spoken Finnish (Puhekieli) 🇫🇮
Learn how to greet, introduce yourself, and meet new people the Finnish way!
In today’s post, we’re diving into a beginner-friendly lesson in spoken Finnish (puhekieli) — how to introduce yourself and greet someone naturally, just like Finns do in everyday life.
If you’ve studied Finnish before, you’ve probably learned the textbook versions like “Minun nimeni on…” or “Hauska tutustua.”
But here’s the thing — that’s not how Finns actually talk in real life.
So let’s make things more natural! Below you’ll find common introduction phrases in puhekieli (spoken Finnish), alongside their kirjakieli (written Finnish) equivalents and English translations.
Alright, here we go — or in Finnish: No niin… 😄
🗣️ Basic Introductions in Spoken Finnish
👋 Greetings
Moi! / Moikka! / Moro! / Terve!
(Hei! / Moi! / Terve!)
→ Hi! / Hello!
Miten menee? / Mitä kuuluu?
(Miten menee? / Mitä kuuluu?)
→ How’s it going? / How are you?
No moi!
(No hei!)
→ Well hi!
Moikka! Kiva nähä!
(Hei! Kiva nähdä!)
→ Hi! Nice to see you!
🙋 Introducing Yourself
Mä oon [nimi].
(Minä olen [nimi].)
→ I’m [name].
Mun nimi on [nimi].
(Minun nimeni on [nimi].)
→ My name is [name].
Mä oon kotosin [paikasta].
(Olen kotoisin [paikasta].)
→ I’m from [place].
Mä asun [paikassa].
(Minä asun [paikassa].)
→ I live in [place].
Mä opiskelen suomee.
(Opiskelen suomea.)
→ I’m learning Finnish.
❓ Asking About the Other Person
Mikä sun nimi on?
(Mikä sinun nimesi on?)
→ What’s your name?
Mistä sä oot kotosin?
(Mistä sinä olet kotoisin?)
→ Where are you from?
Missä sä asut?
(Missä sinä asut?)
→ Where do you live?
Kuinka kauan sä oot asunu Suomessa?
(Kuinka kauan olet asunut Suomessa?)
→ How long have you lived in Finland?
😊 Responding & Being Polite
Hauska tutustuu!
(Hauska tutustua!)
→ Nice to meet you!
Samoin!
(Samoin!)
→ Likewise! / Nice to meet you too!
Kiva nähä!
(Kiva nähdä!)
→ Nice to see you!
Ihana tavata vihdoin livenä!
(Ihana tavata vihdoin livenä!)
→ So nice to finally meet in person!
Olipa kiva jutella sun kaa!
(Olipa kiva jutella sinun kanssasi!)
→ It was so nice talking with you!
👋 Ending the Conversation
No, nähään!
(No, nähdään!)
→ Alright, see you!
Moikka! Pidä hauskaa!
(Moikka! Pidä hauskaa!)
→ Bye! Have fun!
Ollaan yhteyksissä!
(Ollaan yhteyksissä!)
→ Let’s keep in touch!
💬 What’s Next?
This was Part 1 of a mini-series on spoken Finnish for real-life conversations.
In the next post, I’ll share example dialogues in both spoken and written Finnish so you can see these phrases in action. 🤩
Stay tuned — and maybe start practicing these phrases out loud in the meantime!
<3 Sabrin
Already checked out my learning materials in spoken Finnish? If not, it's your homework to do so😉👇🏼
Big News: My Finnish Courses Now Have AI-Generated Subtitles! 🎉
I hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend! I’m so excited to share some great news with you today — something that many of you have been asking for for a long time.
🎊 All my Finnish courses now have AI-generated subtitles! 🎊
They’re currently available in the following languages:
🇯🇵 Japanese
🇷🇺 Russian
🇺🇦 Ukrainian
🇫🇷 French
🇪🇸 Spanish
🇨🇳 Chinese
Yay! 🥳
I know that many of you don’t speak English as your first language, so this update will make learning Finnish much easier and more enjoyable. If you’re already enrolled in one of my courses, you’ll see the subtitles automatically — no extra steps needed!
Want subtitles in another language?
If your native language isn’t on the list, I’d love to hear from you! 💬
You can email me or message on Instagram to let me know which language you’d like me to add next.
Not enrolled yet?
No worries — my courses are currently closed, but they’ll be opening again soon! Once they do, you’ll be able to join and start watching all the video lessons with subtitles in your own language.
While you’re waiting, don’t forget that my e-books are always available. They’re a great way to start learning Finnish right away, especially if you want to get familiar with both spoken Finnish (puhekieli) and written Finnish (kirjakieli). You'll find them below!
Ihanaa sunnuntaita!
Have a lovely Sunday! 💙
<3 Sabrin
Cant wait for my courses to re-open? My e-books are always available for a download.
21 Essential Finnish Verbs Every Beginner Needs to Know
Learning Finnish can feel overwhelming at first — there are so many new words, endings, and grammar rules to remember. But if you focus on the most important words first, you’ll start to feel more confident much faster.
Today, I’ve put together a list of 21 must-know Finnish verbs that every beginner should learn. These are words you’ll hear and use constantly in everyday conversations.
Later, I’ll be posting a YouTube video where I’ll show you how to conjugate each verb, so you can see exactly how to use them in real sentences.
Here’s a tip:
You can make flashcards with these verbs or write a few example sentences in your notebook to help you remember them better.
The List: 21 Must-Know Finnish Verbs
- olla = to be
- odottaa = to wait
- tulla = to come
- mennä = to go
- katsoa = to watch, to look
- sanoa = to say
- tykätä = to like
- etsiä = to look for
- haluta = to want
- tietää = to know
- istua = to sit
- voida = can / to be able to
- maksaa = to cost, to pay
- ostaa = to buy
- nukkua = to sleep
- muistaa = to remember
- unohtaa = to forget
- ymmärtää = to understand
- löytää = to find
- puhua = to speak
- rakastaa = to love
What’s Next?
If you’d like me to cover specific topics in future blog posts, YouTube videos, or Instagram reels, just email me or send me a message on Instagram — I love hearing your ideas! 💙
And a little heads-up:
My Finnish courses are OPENING very soon! 🥳
Now is the perfect time to check out the course descriptions so that when I send the official launch email, you’ll already know which one you want to enroll in.
👉🏼 Explore my Finnish courses here
And remember, my e-books and other learning materials are always available on my site, so you can start learning right away.
Ihanaa päivää — have a wonderful day! 🌸
<3 Sabrin
Check out my learning materials
All my learning materials, courses and lessons are fully in puhekieli (spoken Finnish). Most things will also be explained in kirjakieli (written Finnish), so you will not miss a thing.
I Finally Started a YouTube Channel! 🎥🇫🇮
I have some exciting news — I finally launched my YouTube channel! 🥳
For the longest time, so many of you have asked me to start making YouTube videos. Until now, I’ve been super busy creating new Finnish courses, but since I finally have a little break (don’t worry, not for too long 🤫), I decided it was the perfect moment to begin.
I want to offer you something more structured than Instagram reels, but still quick, free lessons that you can easily follow. That’s exactly why I’m bringing my Finnish lessons to YouTube.
My First Video: The Forever Confusion Between “tai” and “vai”
One of the most common struggles I see learners facing is understanding the difference between tai and vai. These little words can cause a lot of confusion, but once you get the logic, it will click into place.
In this first video, I break it all down for you step by step — so you can finally stop guessing and start using them confidently.
Why You Should Subscribe
On my channel, I’ll be teaching you REAL Finnish — the way we actually speak in daily life. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m all about helping learners move beyond stiff textbook Finnish and into the natural spoken language that Finns actually use.
So if you want:
- Bite-sized Finnish lessons 🗣️
- Clear explanations with real-life examples
- Tips to sound natural and actually understand Finns from day one
…then you’ll love what I’ve planned for YouTube! 💙
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe
so you don’t miss any upcoming lessons.
While You Wait for My Courses to Reopen…
Right now, my full courses are closed — but you can still grab my e-books for self-study!
✨ Stories in REAL Finnish
Learner-friendly stories written in puhekieli, kirjakieli, and English. Perfect for practicing comprehension in a natural way.
👉 Check it out here
✨ Your Ultimate Guide to REAL Finnish
A 367-page spoken language textbook that takes you from zero to conversational level — in all tenses.
👉 Get the guide here
I’m so excited to start this new YouTube journey with you, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of the videos. 💙
Ihanaa viikkoo! 🥰
<3 Sabrin
Missed My Finnish Courses? Here’s How You Can Still Learn Finnish With Me
My online Finnish courses closed on Sunday — but if you didn’t make it in this time, don’t worry. There are still plenty of ways for you to keep learning Finnish with me. Whether you’re a total beginner or already speaking at an intermediate level, I have resources that can help you improve your vocabulary, grammar, and confidence in speaking Finnish.
1. Take Private Finnish Lessons (1:1)
If you want a learning experience that’s fully tailored to your needs, my private Finnish lessons are the perfect choice. We can focus on:
- Everyday spoken Finnish (puhekieli) so you can talk naturally like locals do
- Grammar and sentence structure in standard Finnish (kirjakieli)
- Pronunciation tips so you sound confident and clear
- Real-life conversation practice to make speaking feel effortless
📅 Book a private Finnish lesson here and let’s start working on your Finnish goals.
2. Learn From My E-Books
If you prefer self-study, my e-books give you everything you need to practice Finnish at your own pace.
📖 The Ultimate Guide To REAL Finnish (367 pages)
Packed with texts, grammar explanations, and exercises that will take you from beginner to conversational level. The whole book is written in puhekieli and grammar is also explained in kirjakieli, so you learn both the Finnish you’ll hear on the street and the Finnish you’ll see in books.
📚 Stories in Real Finnish
A collection of learner-friendly stories written in spoken Finnish, written Finnish, and English. This unique format helps you practice reading comprehension, understand sentence structure, and naturally improve your speaking skills.
Read more about them or add them to your cart👇🏼
3. Read My Blog
Here on my Finnish language and culture blog, I share free tips, vocabulary lists, cultural insights, and grammar explanations. It’s a great way to keep learning in small, enjoyable doses.
4. Follow Me on Instagram for Free Mini Lessons
If you love short, practical lessons, come hang out with me on Instagram! I post daily Finnish tips, vocabulary, and exclusive spoken Finnish guides to help you make progress little by little.
📲 Follow me at @SabrinTheFinnishTeacher
Even though my courses are closed for now, there are so many ways we can keep learning together. 💛
If you have any questions about my lessons, e-books, or courses, you can always email me or shoot me a DM on Instagram — I’m always happy to help.
Ihanaa viikkoo! 🌸
<3 Sabrin
Why You Should Add Åland to Your Finland Bucket List 🇫🇮✨
If you're looking for a peaceful, stunning, and slightly off-the-beaten-path destination in Finland, I have the perfect travel tip for you: the Åland Islands.
I just spent almost 7 weeks exploring Åland this summer, and let me tell you – it has officially become my favorite place in all of Finland. Whether you're into nature, slow travel, cycling, or just relaxing by the sea, Åland is a must-see.
Let me walk you through my favorite spots in Åland, so you can start planning your own dreamy trip 🌿
🌊 What Are the Åland Islands?
The Åland Islands (Ahvenanmaa in Finnish) are an autonomous region of Finland located in the Baltic Sea, between Finland and Sweden. There are over 6,700 islands, though only around 60–80 are inhabited. The official language is Swedish, not Finnish – so unfortunately you won’t get to practise your puhekieli skills here – but it’s still very much a part of Finland, and 100% worth visiting.
My 3 Favorite Places in Åland 💙
1. Kökar – The Peaceful Island That Feels Like a Dream
Kökar is where I lived and worked for five weeks this summer, and I honestly fell in love with the place. It's small, wild, and peaceful – the kind of island that makes all your stress melt away the second you step off the ferry.
- Super rocky landscapes
- Forests that don’t even look like Finland
- Red boat houses, countryside fields, cows
- Wild deer and foxes everywhere!
There’s only one shop, a couple of cafés and restaurants, and no public transport, so the best way to get around is by bike (or the one local taxi 😄). It's small, remote, and absolutely magical.
2. The Main Island – For Cycling and Cute Towns
This is the largest island in the Åland archipelago and home to Mariehamn, the capital of Åland. It’s perfect for cycling – the roads are flat, the views are beautiful, and there are plenty of small towns and BnBs along the way.
Must-do’s:
- Visit Mariehamn
- Explore Kastelholm Castle
- Stay at a countryside BnB for a peaceful night under the stars
This part of Åland is perfect for anyone who wants a balance between nature and comfort.
3. Sottunga – Finland’s Smallest Municipality!
Yes, this is officially Finland’s smallest municipality, and it’s such a gem. The island is only about 5 km long, but it's a gorgeous place for a quiet day trip.
We took the ferry from Kökar to Sottunga, spent 5 hours cycling around, and it was honestly one of the best days of the whole summer. You don’t need much here – just a bike, the sun, and the sea breeze.
Planning Your Åland Trip
If you love nature, calm vibes, and island-hopping adventures, Åland will steal your heart. It's one of those places that makes you slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the little things – like cows in the fields, sunset bike rides, and the smell of the sea.
Whether you go for a weekend or a couple of weeks, Åland is truly one of Finland’s hidden gems.
PS – My Finnish Courses Are Open (But Closing Soon!)
If you’ve been thinking about learning real Finnish – you know, the kind of Finnish people actually speak – now’s the time! All of my courses are open for enrollment, but only until Sunday.
✨ Learn more about my courses here: https://sabrinthefinnishteacher.com
Whether you're a total beginner or ready to level up, I’ve created something for you. And if you're not sure which one fits best, just email me or message me on Instagram – I’ll help you choose.
Have a lovely week – or as we say in puhekieli, ihanaa viikkoo! 💙
<3 Sabrin
Check out my learning materials
All my learning materials, courses and lessons are fully in puhekieli (spoken Finnish). Most things will also be explained in kirjakieli (written Finnish), so you will not miss a thing.
Want to Sound More Natural in Finnish? Don’t Skip This Tiny Trick
If you’ve ever felt like something’s a bit off when you try to speak Finnish – even when your grammar is technically correct – today’s tip is for you. And the best part? It’s a super simple change that can make your Finnish sound instantly more natural and native-like.
The Secret? Use Your Pronouns
Now, I know what you might be thinking:
"Wait… Isn’t puhekieli (spoken Finnish) all about shortening things?"
And you’d be right – to an extent. But here’s where many learners get it wrong:
In puhekieli, we often don’t drop pronouns. In fact, using them is one of the easiest ways to sound more like a real Finn.
So instead of saying:
- oon → say mä oon
- mennään → say me mennään
- teette → say te teette
Using the full subject pronoun (mä, sä, me, te, etc.) not only makes your Finnish flow better in casual conversations, but it also helps avoid confusion – especially when pronouns are required and can’t be left out.
Why This Works
Many students make the mistake of leaving out pronouns across the board, thinking that’s how all native Finns speak. But in reality, Finns drop words strategically – and not using pronouns often makes your speech feel incomplete or even unnatural.
By getting into the habit of always using pronouns, you’ll:
✅ Sound more fluent
✅ Avoid grammar slip-ups
✅ Understand native speech more easily
✅ Feel more confident in conversations
Want to Learn More REAL Finnish?
If you're ready to take your Finnish to the next level and speak more naturally, check out my learning materials – including my Ultimate Guide to Real Finnish courses and Listening Course – designed specifically to teach you spoken Finnish in a fun and relaxed way.
👉🏼 Explore my Finnish courses here
Whether you’re just starting out or brushing up your everyday conversation skills, I’ve got you covered.
Thanks for reading – and wherever in the world you are, I hope you're having a lovely day! 💙
Sabrin
My New Finnish Storybook Is Coming Out Next Week! 💙📚
A Little Something I Made Just for You
I’ve got some exciting news! My new e-book, ''Stories in REAL Finnish'', is ready for early access — and it’ll be out for everyone next week. 🎉
If you’ve ever struggled to find something fun (and not frustrating!) to read in Finnish, this book is for you. I created it because I kept seeing the same thing with so many students:
“I want to read in Finnish, but everything feels way too hard.”
What’s inside the book?
It’s a storybook made just for Finnish learners — full of short, simple texts that are interesting and useful. Each story comes in three versions:
- 🗣️ Spoken Finnish (puhekieli)
- 📝 Written Finnish (kirjakieli)
- 🇬🇧 English translation
You’ll see how Finnish really works in everyday life, not just in textbooks.
And when you read the stories out loud, you’re getting both input and output — which is the magic combo for learning a language. ✨
Why I Made This
I never recommend children’s books for learners, even though people often try them first. They seem simple, but the language is actually super complex and not very useful in real life. That’s why I wrote this book — something that’s actually helpful and easy to use.
Coming Next Week!
The book will be available next week, and I’ll share the link as soon as it’s out. I hope you’ll love reading these stories as much as I loved writing them!
And yes — my Grandma’s recipe book is still in the works too. I’ll let you know when that one’s ready 💙
Thanks for being here.
Sabrin
Check out my learning materials
All my learning materials, courses and lessons are fully in puhekieli (spoken Finnish). Most things will also be explained in kirjakieli (written Finnish), so you will not miss a thing.
5 Everyday Phrases That Sound Totally Different in Spoken Finnish
If you've ever felt like you kind of understand Finnish—but then completely freeze when someone talks to you at normal speed—you're not alone.
One of the most common reasons learners struggle to understand native Finnish speakers isn’t complicated grammar… it’s that spoken Finnish sounds nothing like what you learned in textbooks.
To help you bridge that gap, here are 5 everyday phrases that sound totally different in real, spoken Finnish.
1. Mitä sinä teet? → Mitä sä teet?
Meaning: What are you doing?
In casual Finnish, “sinä” almost always becomes “sä,” and the phrase becomes shorter and more relaxed.
👉 Textbook: Mitä sinä teet?
👉 Real life: Mitä sä teet?
2. En tiedä → Emmä tiiä
Meaning: I don’t know
This one changes a lot and sounds super casual in real life. You'll hear:
👉 Emmä tiiä
👉 Or just a mumbled "mmä tiiä"
3. Minulla on nälkä → Mulla on nälkä
Meaning: I’m hungry
The word minulla becomes mulla in spoken Finnish. This kind of change is everywhere:
👉 Minulla on nälkä → Mulla on nälkä
4. Minä menen kotiin → Mä meen kotiin
Meaning: I’m going home
Spoken Finnish loves simplicity. Minä becomes mä, menen becomes meen, and suddenly you sound much more native:
👉 Mä meen kotiin
5. En jaksa → Emmä jaksa
Meaning: I can’t be bothered / I don’t feel like it
This phrase is used in spoken Finnish all the time, and even just knowing it makes you sound so much more native. Now say it the real way:
👉 Emmä jaksa
How to Actually Learn Spoken Finnish
Most Finnish courses focus only on the official, written version of the language. The problem? That’s not what you hear on the street, on TV, or in everyday life.
In all my Finnish courses, I teach both spoken and written Finnish side by side. From the very first sentence, you’ll see how they differ—so nothing takes you by surprise.
Here’s what I recommend if you’re serious about fluency:
✅ Want structure, clear explanations, and real-life grammar?
Take The Ultimate Guide to Real Finnish (1 or 2 depending on your level).
→ Level 1 is for beginners.
→ Level 2 is for learners who already know the basics and want to level up.
✅ Want to absorb Finnish naturally, like a child learns?
Add the Listening Course to your routine. It’s packed with short, real-life videos about Finnish life—great for passive learning and getting used to how Finnish really sounds.
Together, these two create the perfect balance between structure and real-world language.
📚 Want to learn more?
Check out my Ultimate Guide to Real Finnish courses and Listening Course here — they’re made for learners who want to understand and speak Finnish the real way.
Celebrate Vappu Like a Finn: Finland’s Joyful Spring Festival🎈
Vappu is one of the most anticipated celebrations in Finland, marking the arrival of spring and bringing people together in colorful and joyous festivities. It's a fun-filled tradition celebrated by Finns all across the country. Curious about how Finns celebrate Vappu? Let’s dive into this unique Finnish tradition, which combines great food, lively celebrations, and a sense of community.
What Is Vappu?
Vappu is traditionally celebrated on April 30th and May 1st, and while it’s officially recognized as Labour Day, most Finns don’t think of it as a political event. Instead, it's all about the fun, the festivities, and the celebration of spring.
In Finland, Vappu marks the end of a long, cold winter, and Finns embrace it with open arms and big smiles. It’s a chance to gather with friends, enjoy tasty treats, and celebrate the arrival of warmer weather.
How Finns Celebrate Vappu
The celebrations start on April 30th, with the entire country coming alive with color, laughter, and excitement. Here’s what you can expect when Vappu rolls around:
1. University Overalls and Graduation Hats
One of the most distinctive features of Vappu is the high school graduation hats, that everyone who's graduated high school proudly wear. The rest of the year those hats just gather dust in some dusty box on the closet floor, but on this one day of the year, they shine. Alongside the graduation hats, university students wear their colorful overalls.
2. Traditional Finnish Foods
During Vappu, food plays an essential role. People enjoy munkki, a Finnish donut that’s similar to the classic ring-shaped donut but just dusted with sugar. Another must-have treat is sima, a homemade, sweet, and fizzy drink made from lemons, sugar, and yeast, which is enjoyed by all ages during Vappu celebrations.
3. Picnics and Outdoor Celebrations
Vappu celebrations often include outdoor picnics with friends and family. Finns flock to parks, squares, and even beaches, bringing along delicious snacks, sima, and good company. The colorful decorations (like paper streamers) make the whole scene even more festive and cheerful.
4. A Time to Be Happy
Above all, Vappu is about being happy, and it’s no surprise that Finland is often ranked as the happiest country in the world. With the energy of Vappu, Finns embrace the spirit of fun, togetherness, and celebration, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Vappu: More Than Just a Holiday
For many Finns, Vappu isn't just about the party; it's also a time to honor the season change, connect with nature, and celebrate the country’s traditions. Whether it's enjoying a picnic in the park, dancing with friends, or just savoring a delicious donut, Vappu is an experience that brings people together and reminds them of the simple joys in life.
If You Want to Experience Vappu Like a Finn, Start with the Language!
Would you like to know more about Vappu and other Finnish traditions? My course “Learn REAL Finnish by Listening” offers you an immersive and fun way to learn about Finnish culture and language, while having a great time! You can start speaking and understanding Finnish in no time – and you won’t even realize how much you're learning because it’s all part of the fun.
Don't miss out on learning about Finland’s quirky traditions while improving your Finnish skills! If you’re already part of my course, you might have already heard me mention Vappu in the lessons!
Why You’ll Love Learning Finnish with Me
Learning Finnish can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be boring! I offer courses that make learning fun, engaging, and, most importantly, effective. Whether you’re a beginner or someone looking to improve your skills, my courses are designed to get you speaking and understanding Finnish quickly.
Fun, practical lessons help you learn real-life Finnish that you can use right away! My listening course is the perfect way to get started, as it teaches you Finnish naturally, through real conversations and situations – just like a Finn would speak.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Vappu & Learn Finnish with Me!
Now that you know how Finns celebrate Vappu, I hope you’re feeling inspired to join in on the fun! Celebrate like a Finn, enjoy the delicious treats, and get ready to experience the spirit of Finnish culture.
If you're interested in learning Finnish in a way that feels natural and exciting, you’re in the right place! Check out my courses today and get ready to speak real Finnish while learning about Finland’s fascinating culture. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be celebrating Vappu in Finland next year!
Ihanaa Vappua! (Happy Vappu!)
<3 Sabrin
Check out my learning materials
All my learning materials, courses and lessons are fully in puhekieli (spoken Finnish). Most things will also be explained in kirjakieli (written Finnish), so you will not miss a thing.
3 Finnish Easter Traditions You Might Not Know About 🐣🇫🇮
Today, I wanted to share more of a cultural insight than a language lesson. Since it’s Easter time, I thought it would be the perfect moment to tell you about some lovely and unique Finnish Easter traditions that I absolutely adore. If you’re learning Finnish or just interested in Finnish culture, you’re in for a treat!
Let’s go through three Easter traditions in Finland — how many of these do you already know?
And if you’re enrolled in my "Learn REAL Finnish by Listening" course, you might already recognize these from the Lempijuhlat Suomessa video!
1. Virpominen – Finnish Easter “Trick-or-Treating” (but cuter!)
Virpominen is something kids do on Palm Sunday (which was last Sunday!). If you saw me dressed as a witch on Instagram, now you know why! 🧙♀️
Here’s how it works:
- Kids pick willow twigs and decorate them with colorful feathers, ribbons, and other cute bits.
- Then they dress up as witches, bunnies, or cats and go door to door, offering their decorated twigs in exchange for candy, chocolate eggs, or even money.
- Before handing over the twig, they recite a sweet little rhyme — kind of like a song-spell combo.
It’s such a lovely tradition, and I especially love the message behind it: you have to do something to earn your treats. The more effort you put into collecting and decorating twigs, the more goodies you get! 😉
🎥 Watch a video of virpominen here
2. Mämmi – The most controversial Finnish dessert?
Ah, mämmi. 😅 Let’s just say it’s not everyone’s favorite, but it’s definitely iconic!
It’s a traditional Easter dessert made from rye flour, and it’s served cold — usually with milk or vanilla custard. It has a very distinct look (some say it resembles... well... poop), and it’s not very sweet.
But don’t judge it too quickly — some people love it! And the only way to know where you stand is to give it a try. Are you team mämmi or nah?
3. Rairuoho – The Cutest Indoor Grass Ever
Rairuoho is basically Easter grass that you grow inside your home. You plant it on little plates or trays a few days before Easter, and once it sprouts, you decorate it with tiny chicks, bunnies, and chocolate eggs. 🐥🐰🍫
The name is a bit funny — "ruoho" means grass, but "rai"? We’re not totally sure what it means. Let’s just call it rai-grass for fun!
It’s super easy to do, very decorative, and such a cozy little Easter tradition.
Learn Finnish While Learning About Finland 🇫🇮✨
These kinds of fun, very Finnish things are exactly what I love to include in my courses — especially in "Learn REAL Finnish by Listening".
Other videos in the course include:
- A day at the mökki (summer cottage)
- Mushroom and berry picking in the forest with mummo
- Baking a pancake together
- And so much more!
It’s a fun and natural way to immerse yourself in Finnish language and culture, even from afar.
✨ Want to Join Us?
If you're interested in learning Finnish through real-life, spoken language and getting to know the culture at the same time — my courses are made for you!
📅 Registrations close on Sunday, so don’t wait too long.
👉 Click here to learn more and join us
Ihanaa pääsiäistä – Have a lovely Easter! 💐🐣
<3 Sabrin
Check out my learning materials
All my learning materials, courses and lessons are fully in puhekieli (spoken Finnish). Most things will also be explained in kirjakieli (written Finnish), so you will not miss a thing.
Feeling Stuck While Learning Finnish? Here's How to Boost Your Progress
Learning Finnish can feel like a rollercoaster. One day you're mastering new vocabulary, and the next you're asking yourself:
Why am I not learning? Why do I feel stuck? Why am I not improving?
You're not alone. Every Finnish language learner hits that wall at some point. But don’t worry—there are ways to move past it. Here are my top tips to make faster progress in Finnish, even when it feels like nothing is working.
1. Listen to Finnish—Really Listen
One of the best ways to learn Finnish naturally is by improving your listening comprehension. But passive listening isn’t enough.
Try this:
- Watch Finnish videos with English subtitles (or subtitles in your native language)
- While you're reading the subtitles, actively listen how those things are being said
- Pause and ask yourself, How would I say that in Finnish?
- Focus on intonation, sentence structure, and word choices
This kind of active listening is what helps your brain start to recognize how things should sound in Finnish.
🎧 Want to practice listening with real-life Finnish? Check out my course: Learn REAL Finnish by Listening
2. Stop Translating Word to Word
Literal translations are one of the biggest traps for learners. Finnish grammar is very different from English, and direct translations often don’t make sense.
For example:
"I feel sick" in English = Mulle tuli paha olo in Finnish (literally: “A bad feeling came to me”).
If you translate everything literally, you'll miss the natural flow of the language. The solution? More listening and more exposure to real spoken Finnish (puhekieli).
3. Copy How Us Native Finns Speak
Think about how babies learn their first language—by copying what they hear. You can do the same.
Here’s how:
- Mimic what you hear in podcasts, videos, or conversations
- Repeat common phrases out loud
- Use them in your own speaking practice
- Active listening helps with this as well
This helps you speak Finnish more fluently and naturally, even if you’re not fully confident yet.
4. Speak Finnish—Even If You Make Mistakes
I know it’s scary. You want to wait until you speak perfectly, but that day might never come unless you start speaking now.
Mistakes are part of the process. Your accent and errors are signs of growth—not failure. Most Finns are just happy (and impressed!) that you’re learning such a complex language. We don't expect perfection from you.
So go for it. Speak, even if it’s clumsy at first. Speaking Finnish regularly will boost your confidence faster than anything else.
5. Use Real-Life Finnish Materials in Your Routine
The best way to tie all these tips together is to use authentic Finnish listening materials.
That’s exactly why I created my course:
🎥 Learn REAL Finnish by Listening
You’ll get:
- Short videos of me speaking in spoken Finnish (puhekieli) about life in Finland
- Subtitles and transcripts in puhekieli, kirjakieli, and English
- Perfect for improving your Finnish comprehension, vocabulary, and speaking confidence
- Perfect for learning the differences between puhekieli (spoken Finnish) and kirjakieli (written Finnish)
Whether you’re stuck, plateauing, or just want a fresh way to learn Finnish more effectively, this course can help you move forward.
➡️ Ready to Get Unstuck?
Try applying just one of these tips to your daily Finnish practice and see how it changes your progress.
And if you’re ready for real, everyday Finnish that helps you finally feel confident and natural, check out the course here. 💙
<3 Sabrin