Interesting facts about the Finnish language

Facts about the Finnish language

The Finnish language stands out with its unique structure and origin. Unlike most European languages, it belongs to the Finno-Ugric language family. This connects it closely to Hungarian and Estonian, despite the geographical distances and differences between these languages.

People often find Finnish challenging due to its complex grammar. It features fifteen cases for nouns, which can seem daunting to learners. However, this intricacy allows for precise expression of ideas and relationships between objects and actions.

Finnish is known for its extensive use of compound words. By combining words, speakers can create new meanings and concepts. This feature enriches the language, making it flexible and expressive. It also reflects the creativity and nature-centric perspective of Finnish culture.

Pronunciation in Finnish is remarkably consistent. Each letter in the alphabet has a single sound, and words are pronounced exactly as they are written. This phonetic simplicity aids learners in mastering speaking and reading more easily compared to other languages.

The language enjoys official status in Finland and parts of Sweden. In these countries, Finnish is not just a means of communication but also a key part of national identity and cultural heritage. Efforts to preserve and promote the language are evident in education and media.

Finnish literature and folklore, rich in myths and tales, offer a glimpse into the country’s soul. The Kalevala, Finland’s national epic, is a prime example. Compiled from traditional folk poetry, it celebrates the nation’s past, values, and linguistic beauty.

Finnish for beginners is one of over 50 free language packs that you can get from us.

‘50LANGUAGES’ is the effective way to learn Finnish online and for free.

Our teaching materials for the Finnish course are available both online and as iPhone and Android apps.

With this course you can learn Finnish independently - without a teacher and without a language school!

The lessons are clearly structured and will help you achieve your goals.

Learn Finnish fast with 100 Finnish language lessons organized by topic.