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
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.