Did you know that Finnish is a member of the Finno-Ugric branch of the Uralic languages? Interestingly, Finnish has less in common with the languages of Finland’s Nordic neighbors and is more closely related to languages like Hungarian and Estonian.
Finding language learning apps to learn Finnish can be a bit tricky because it is not widely spoken outside Finland. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best apps to learn Finnish, what makes them effective, and how you can use them to start speaking the language, whether you are a complete beginner or just brushing up your skills.
Why Learn Finnish?
Finnish is one of the two official languages of Finland, the other being Swedish. During a period of Swedish rule that ended in 1809, native speakers were often unable to use their own language in official contexts. In 1995, Finnish was added to the European Union’s list of official languages.
The first known written example of Finnish appears in a German travel diary from the 13th century. Language learners may appreciate the sentiment of the text, which, when translated into English, reads: “I want to speak Finnish, [but] I am not able to.”
It is a shame that learning Finnish is often seen as difficult, because the language is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings, used it as inspiration for the language of the elves in his books. He described his first encounter with Finnish vocabulary as “like discovering a complete wine cellar filled with bottles of an amazing wine of a kind and flavor never tasted before. It quite intoxicated me…”
Best Apps To Learn Finnish
With this in mind, let’s take a look at a selection of language-learning apps that will provide the perfect Finnish course for you.
1. Ling: Best For Comprehensive Learning
Packed with games, puzzles, and quizzes, the Ling app is a language-learning tool geared towards those who want to have fun while getting to grips with Finnish. There is an AI chatbot that never gets tired of practicing pronunciation with you. And then, there are tools available to help students learn about Finnish culture while mastering everyday phrases, grammar, and vocabulary, which will have you fluent in record-breaking time.
Devices: iOS and Android
Features
- The Ling app’s mini-games will keep you hooked, while the amusing quizzes will allow you to keep track of your progress.
- The speech-recognition system helps you practice pronunciation and get as close to native-speaker pronunciation as possible.
- Learn more about Finland through innumerable blogs written by professional writers.
Pricing
- Monthly price: $16.99
- Six month Price: $64.99
- Annual Price: $89.99 (with 7-day free trial)
Transform your Finnish language skills in a week – Get the Ling app today!
2. Pimsleur: Best For Audio Lessons
Pimsleur tops the list as the best of the bunch for those looking for a language learning app that will have you conversing with Finnish native speakers quickly. The idea is to get you used to listening to conversations in the native language and then practicing at your own pace. Since Pimsleur is an audio-based app, your pronunciation will be perfect from the get-go.
The foreign language lessons are thankfully short, so you will not feel overwhelmed, and the conversations deal with real-life situations, so your new Finnish skills will be immediately useful for everyday situations. You can read our detailed Pimsleur review on the Ling blog for further information.
Devices: iOS and Android
Features
- As you progress, the lessons you are delivered are designed to build on what you have already learnt, which should have you speaking proper sentences and not just basic vocabulary.
- Since it is an audio app designed to be hands-free, you will need only the ability to listen with concentration. This means you can learn even on the go.
- Bonus learning materials are available to complement the audio lessons, including games and flashcards.
Pricing
- All Access Subscription: $20.99/month
3. Duolingo: Best For Beginners
Since Duolingo is free to use, it is a great way to dip into a new language like Finnish to see if it is the language for you before handing over any cash. This does, however, mean that it is probably not the app for those who already have advanced conversational skills, as it is more focused on getting you up to speed with basic Finnish words and phrases. For a more detailed analysis, you can head straight to our Duolingo review.
Devices: iOS and Android
Features
- The Finnish lessons are deliberately geared to be short and entertaining so you will have fun when learning the basics. The app primarily concentrates on speaking and translation without getting bogged down with anything too complicated.
- You get complete access to the course, which is free.
- Plenty of games and the option to communicate with other learners to keep your motivation up.
Pricing
- Free to use with ads
- Super Duolingo costs: $12.99/month
4. FinnishPod101: Best For Video Lessons
Packed with almost every type of conversation you could imagine between native Finnish speakers, FinnishPod101 stands out for its video lessons. Each dialogue-based lesson is carefully structured to make the conversation easy to follow, giving you a solid grasp of grammar and vocabulary. Since the lessons feature native speakers, your pronunciation will be accurate from the very first video, helping you speak confidently as you learn.
Devices: iOS and Android
Features
- Learn at a pace that suits you.
- A huge amount of conversational material is at your disposal, which is added to your learning module every week.
- Lots of bonus material allow you to learn about the Finnish people and the country’s culture as you learn the language.
Pricing
- Free (limited)
- Basic Subscription: $4.00/month
- Premium Subscription: $10.00/month
- Premium Plus Subscription: $23.00/month
5. Glossika: Best For Learning Phrases
Glossika is a great tool for those looking for a balanced way of learning the core aspects of Finnish: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. A range of exercises and full-sentence practice is then employed to ensure easy soak-in. Glossika is an immersive way of learning Finnish without too many frills to distract you.
You can read our in-depth Glossika review on the Ling blog for more information.
Devices: iOS and Android
Features
- Every sentence you learn has been recorded by a Finnish speaker, allowing you to repeat along with them until you are perfect.
- A spaced-repetition algorithm tracks your progress, so you will always know which aspect of your Finnish learning needs work and which you have already begun to master.
Pricing
- Basic Subscription: $16.58/month
- Pro Subscription:$33.25/month
6. Drops: Best For Learning Vocabulary
Drops is not the app for those looking for a comprehensive Finnish language-learning course, but it is ideal for students who want to expand their vocabulary rapidly. A variety of activities and a great use of words and pictures will have you logging in to learn more whenever you have a free moment. Since it is so much fun to use, Drops makes the list! It is a perfect foil to a more comprehensive Finnish language course. Read our Drops review for further information.
Devices: iOS and Android
Features
- Wide variety of ways to boost your new vocabulary with a fun user interface that will have you coming back to it, time and again.
- Interesting and engaging flashcards to help you retain the new vocabulary.
- A great supplement to other language apps.
Pricing
- Free for 5 minutes per day
- Monthly: $11.00/month
- Yearly: $69.99/year
- Lifetime: $150.00
Frequently Asked Questions About Apps To Learn Finnish
How Long Does It Typically Take To Learn Finnish With Apps?
The time it takes to learn Finnish depends on your starting level, study frequency, and the type of app you use. Consistent daily practice can help you make noticeable progress within a few months, though reaching fluency usually takes longer. Combining listening, speaking, reading, and writing exercises will accelerate your learning.
Can Apps Alone Help Me Achieve Fluency In Finnish?
Apps can provide a strong foundation, but complete fluency typically requires practice beyond an app. Engaging with native speakers, reading Finnish texts, and immersing yourself in the language will help you reach a higher level. Apps like Ling can be handy because they cover multiple skills, making them a more well-rounded tool for building fluency.
Can I Learn Finnish Without Knowing Any Other Nordic Languages?
Yes. Finnish is not closely related to most Nordic languages, so prior knowledge of Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish is not necessary. Finnish has its own unique structure and vocabulary, so beginners can start from scratch with the right resources and apps designed specifically for learning Finnish.
Which App Will You Pick To Learn Finnish?
In this post, we explored a variety of apps to learn Finnish, each with its own approach. Pimsleur focuses on spoken language and listening comprehension, Duolingo offers beginner lessons, FinnishPod101 uses video dialogues with native speakers, Glossika emphasizes sentence repetition for fluency, and Drops makes vocabulary learning visual and engaging. Each app can help you make steady progress, depending on your preferred learning style.
Among these options, Ling stands out as the most complete choice. It combines structured lessons with interactive exercises that cover reading, writing, listening, and speaking, while keeping the learning experience clear and approachable. For anyone looking to build confidence and gain a strong foundation in Finnish, Ling provides a practical and effective path forward.
Learn Finnish With Ling!
We hope you’ve found an app from our selection that matches your learning style for learning Finnish. If you’re ready to take the next step, the Ling app lets you explore Finnish and more than 70 other languages. Its interactive lessons cover reading, writing, listening, and speaking, helping you build confidence while making learning enjoyable. Why not give Ling a try today on Google Play or the App Store and see how quickly you can start speaking Finnish?
