Do They Speak English in Finland? Plus 8 Finnish Phrases
Do they speak English in Finland? Yes, plenty of people do, particularly younger Finns and anyone in cities or tourist areas. If you’re visiting Helsinki or Lapland, you’ll have no trouble getting by in English. In fact, of all the countries we’ve visited in Europe, Finland is probably the easiest when it comes to communicating in English.
Whether you’re ordering food, asking for directions or checking into a hotel, you’ll almost always find someone who speaks it fluently. Learning a few basic Finnish phrases still adds a fun cultural touch to your trip, and even a simple kiitos (thank you) is appreciated.
👉 Our 5-day Lapland itinerary: what we’d do again in Rovaniemi, day by day.
👉 Lapland with kids: a realistic 7-day itinerary: the family version, built around our trips with our son.
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What Languages Are Spoken in Finland?
Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. Finnish is a Uralic language, unrelated to most European languages apart from Estonian and, more distantly, Hungarian, and its structure and pronunciation can be hard for English speakers to grasp.
Swedish is the mother tongue of a small minority, most of whom live along the south and west coasts or on the Åland Islands. In bilingual areas, Helsinki included, signs are in both Finnish and Swedish, and in tourist spots, often in English too. In everyday life, though, Finnish is the dominant language, and in the far north of Lapland the Sámi languages are spoken too and have official status there.
Do They Speak English in Finland?
Yes, English is the most widely spoken foreign language in Finland. In Statistics Finland’s adult education survey (2017), nine in ten Finns aged 18 to 64 said they knew English. Children now start their first foreign language in the first grade, usually English, and it’s commonly used in higher education, business and the media.
English-language films and TV series are shown with Finnish subtitles rather than dubbed (children’s films are the exception), so Finns grow up hearing English. Because of this, most Finns, particularly younger generations, speak it very well.
In rural areas, English speakers can be less common, so if you’re venturing off the beaten path, a translation app helps.
Do They Speak English in Helsinki?
Absolutely. Helsinki is an international city, and English is widely spoken. Most signs, menus and public information are in English too, so in hotels, restaurants and shops you’ll have no trouble at all. Many people in customer service, especially in tourism, switch between Finnish, Swedish and English as needed, and on public transport, announcements and signs are often in English as well.
Helsinki also has a large international community of expats and students, which adds to how much English you hear day to day. If you’re visiting for the first time, language won’t be an issue at all.
👉 11 things to do in Helsinki in winter: all indoors and near the station, with this winter’s prices.
👉 One day in Helsinki: our itinerary, and whether the Helsinki Card pays off.
Do They Speak English in Lapland?
Yes, English is commonly spoken in Lapland, especially in tourism. The region sees a lot of foreign visitors, particularly in winter, and many staff at hotels, restaurants and tour companies come from other parts of Europe. In fact, many seasonal workers in Lapland don’t speak Finnish at all, but they’re fluent in English.
Because Lapland is such a popular winter destination, businesses are used to English-speaking visitors. Whether you’re visiting Santa Claus Village, going on a husky safari or chasing the northern lights, most guides, hotel staff and restaurant employees speak English very well. Museums like Arktikum have their exhibits in English too, and even in smaller towns, people in tourism are used to talking to visitors in English.
👉 One day in Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village or the city on foot, lunch at Arktikum, and where we’d have dinner.
Our money-saving tips, packing lists and Finland basics, as one free download 👇
Basic Finnish Phrases for Your Trip
Locals appreciate it when you try a few words of Finnish, and it’s fun to play with a language so different from your own. Here are some easy phrases to try on your trip:
- Hello / Hi: Hei / Moi
Pronounced: “hay” / “moy” - Goodbye: Näkemiin
Pronounced: “NAH-keh-meen” - Thank you: Kiitos
Pronounced: “KEE-tos” - Excuse me / I’m sorry: Anteeksi / Olen pahoillani
Pronounced: “AHN-tehk-see” / “OH-len PAH-hoi-lah-nee” - Yes: Kyllä
Pronounced: “KUH-lah” - No: Ei
Pronounced: “ay” - Cheers: Kippis
Pronounced: “KIP-pis” - Do you speak English? Puhutko englantia?
Pronounced: “POO-hoot-koh ENG-lahn-tee-ah”
Even though English is widely spoken, a few words of Finnish make a great icebreaker. Finns can be quite reserved, but they appreciate it when visitors make the effort, even if it’s just a simple kiitos.
Final Thoughts: Will English Get You By in Finland?
Easily. English proficiency in Finland is very high, and nine in ten working-age Finns say they speak it. In service and tourism, communication won’t be an issue, and unless you’re heading somewhere very remote or rural, you’ll get around Finland comfortably in English. Learning a few Finnish phrases is still appreciated, and it makes the trip more fun.
From Helsinki to Lapland, language won’t be a barrier, so pack your bags and enjoy Finland. Hyvää matkaa! (Have a good trip!)
👉 Read next:
- 5-Day Lapland Itinerary: What We’d Do Again in Rovaniemi: a week in Rovaniemi, day by day, with the three things we’d spend on again.
- Lapland with Kids: A Realistic 7-Day Itinerary: our week with our son, day by day.
- Where to Stay in Rovaniemi: the areas compared, with real prices.
