The Finnish Language School of Minnesota offers courses for children and adults from beginner to high fluency, in-person and online. In-person classes are held in Minneapolis and online classes are conducted live via Zoom.
Click the following links for information on course schedules or on prices and registration.
Online Courses
5-10 classes held once-weekly, designed for adults (and older teens). Each course is typically offered three times annually. Course levels can be repeated without redundancy, as the theme changes each course.
Beginner I – Tuesdays 6:00-7:30, Sept 22 – Nov10
Come and learn the basics of Finnish! This class will go over sounds and pronunciation, how to ask and answer simple questions, and common vocabulary in Finnish. No previous language skills required.
Beginner II – Wednesdays 6:30-8:00, Sept 23 – Nov11
Beginner II is back! In this class, we will go over the ‘Big Three’ cases in Finnish: partitive, genitive and the nominative plural. We will learn how these grammatical forms show up in Finnish, how to use them combined with other vocabulary, and why they are considered the ‘Big Three’! For this class, skills in the basics of Finnish, including sounds, some basic vocabulary, and some knowledge of how sentences are put together are suggested prerequisites.
Immersion – Thursdays 6:00-7:30, Sept 24 – Nov12
Come and speak Finnish with others, who would like an immersion-style space to practice and build their Finnish skills! The theme this fall is Suomen kulttuuri muuttuvassa yhteiskunnassa. For this class, a minimum of intermediate level skills is suggested, as we will have some simple discussions and read authentic materials.
Teacher: Lily O.
In-Person Courses
6-8 classes held on first and third Saturdays 10-11:30am at Christ Church Lutheran (3244 34th Ave S, Minneapolis), in a Fall semester and a Spring semester. In-person courses may be added or combined depending upon registration each semester.
Students and families are encouraged (but not required) to volunteer for the school, such as by participating in annual event preparation, managing the library, serving on the board, or substitute teaching. Board members receive tuition scholarships for in-person classes for themselves/their children.
Courses are based on registration, and are adapted to best serve the needs and interests of the students. The course descriptions below may change based on the ages and stages of currently registered students. If you are wondering which course is the best fit for yourself or your family, or the details/theme of the courses currently offered, email finnishschoolofmn@gmail.com.
FALL 2026 In-Person Courses begin September 19th, continuing first and third Saturdays of October, November, and December.
LITTLES: Baby and Parent 0-2 years.
Guided time 10-10:45, followed by social play until 11. It is optional to stay and socialize until 11:30. Each class time has a topic or theme integrated into songs, fingerplays, stories, and sensory/art activities. Learn and share how to integrate Finnish language and culture into your routine at home. This class is primarily immersive, but no previous knowledge of Finnish is required.
EARLY CHILDREN’S IMMERSION: 3-6 years.
Parents are welcome but not required to participate in this class, depending on the child’s development stage. Pre-literate students will learn Finnish vocabulary and culture through songs and music, games, arts and crafts, and storytime. Typical pre-school concepts such as alphabet, counting, colors, shapes, social and emotional connection and cooperation are integrated through a Finnish lens, with a topical theme for each class. Sähly and other sports will be introduced (separate from the older children) and students will also participate in baking or cooking. This class is primarily immersive and appropriate for both new or beginner and higher fluency speakers.
CHILDREN’S: 7 years and older.
Each class time we work on basics of literacy, grammar, conversation and culture. One Saturday a month, we also play sähly (Finnish floor hockey) or other games, and on another, bake traditional Finnish goodies. This class has a mix of Finnish language levels and is taught mostly immersively in Finnish. Please bring a notebook and a pen. Nähdään!
ADULTS’ BEGINNER: Beginner to conversational fluency class for adults. Materials used in class are based on the textbook Finnish for Foreigners. Each class time includes teaching vocabulary for a practical scenario (i.e. restaurant, taxi, hospital, railway station), and two verbs conjunction, plus pronunciation practice with a game. We also introduce or reviews a grammar subject and discuss cultural topics. This class is beneficial to both new and repeat students.