Can I live in Finland with just English?

[VinylHog]

This is a question that I haven't found an answer to, even though I read that many Finnish people speak English or know some of it.

What I can't work out is how much of a handicap would it be to not know Finnish?
I am not unwilling to learn Finnish, even as I see that it is one of the hardest language to understand and to learn for a foreigner.

I am not sure what area I will end up living in, but any information as to where the geographical line is, above which not knowing Finnish would be some kind of problem, would be appreciated.

Thank you for any replies.

[browndude]

You can pretty much manage and depending on what your goals are perhaps even thrive without Finnish within the bigger cities in Finland (Helsinki, Tampere, Turku). The further you go away from the cities, the harder it becomes. When you get to the actual countyside, if you don't speak Finnish (or in certain areas, Swedish), you will have a really tough time.
So without Finnish, the following apply.

1. Finding jobs will be much, much harder.
2. Even the most mundane day to day activities usually require an extra layer of effort.
3. Dealing with official matters is much harder.
4. It will severely limit your ability to form friendships and make social connections.

Having said all that, there are more and more services offered in English and the younger people are much more comfortable interacting in English.
Also, the development of AI will make the language barriers lower and lower in the near future.

[VinylHog]

You can pretty much manage and depending on what your goals are perhaps even thrive without Finnish within the bigger cities in Finland (Helsinki, Tampere, Turku). The further you go away from the cities, the harder it becomes. When you get to the actual countyside, if you don't speak Finnish (or in certain areas, Swedish), you will have a really tough time.
So without Finnish, the following apply.

1. Finding jobs will be much, much harder.
2. Even the most mundane day to day activities usually require an extra layer of effort.
3. Dealing with official matters is much harder.
4. It will severely limit your ability to form friendships and make social connections.

Having said all that, there are more and more services offered in English and the younger people are much more comfortable interacting in English.
Also, the development of AI will make the language barriers lower and lower in the near future.

Thank you. This is much like I had anticipated.
1 & 4 won't be required and 3 would be something I hope I could finagle my way around, as I have done where I am now.
As for 2, I would make an effort to learn to accomplish every day things.

What I don't know is how accepting are Finnish people, generally, of people who can't speak Finnish?
I don't mean from a employment aspect or from a social aspect, just from shopping, getting home repairs done, customer service on the phone, etc., plus the various government offices.
For example, when I need to call someone, do I ask them first if they speak English, or is it OK to just begin speaking in English after they answer the phone?

I am attracted to Finland, not because of the many dark days and cold weather (who is?), but mainly because from what I read, Finnish people tend to leave you alone and not being social (which I am not), is not frowned upon and not engaging socially will not cause any problems for me.

Is my impression correct?

[FinlandGirl]

2. Even the most mundane day to day activities usually require an extra layer of effort.

What I don't know is how accepting are Finnish people, generally, of people who can't speak Finnish?
I don't mean from a employment aspect or from a social aspect, just from shopping, getting home repairs done, customer service on the phone, etc., plus the various government offices.

In Helsinki point 2 is not true.

I don't think the occasional talk of our mayor to make English an official third language of Helsinki will ever have a result, but everyone working at the checkout of a supermarket speaks English and will automatically switch to speaking English.

I know people living for over 10 years in Helsinki (including several years married to a Finn) who cannot make a basic conversation in our language.

I am attracted to Finland, not because of the many dark days and cold weather (who is?), but mainly because from what I read, Finnish people tend to leave you alone and not being social (which I am not), is not frowned upon and not engaging socially will not cause any problems for me.

Is my impression correct?

Yes, in Helsinki it is normal that you live for years in an apartment without ever talking to anyone living in the other apartments at the same floor.

[browndude]

2. Even the most mundane day to day activities usually require an extra layer of effort.

What I don't know is how accepting are Finnish people, generally, of people who can't speak Finnish?
I don't mean from a employment aspect or from a social aspect, just from shopping, getting home repairs done, customer service on the phone, etc., plus the various government offices.

In Helsinki point 2 is not true.

I don't think the occasional talk of our mayor to make English an official third language of Helsinki will ever have a result, but everyone working at the checkout of a supermarket speaks English and will automatically switch to speaking English.

I know people living for over 10 years in Helsinki (including several years married to a Finn) who cannot make a basic conversation in our language.

I am attracted to Finland, not because of the many dark days and cold weather (who is?), but mainly because from what I read, Finnish people tend to leave you alone and not being social (which I am not), is not frowned upon and not engaging socially will not cause any problems for me.

Is my impression correct?

Yes, in Helsinki it is normal that you live for years in an apartment without ever talking to anyone living in the other apartments at the same floor.

I was not specifically referring to talking with people. I was more thinking along the lines of reading signs, ads., etc.. Before I learnt Finnish, it was definitely an extra effort even in Helsinki.

[VinylHog]

2. Even the most mundane day to day activities usually require an extra layer of effort.

What I don't know is how accepting are Finnish people, generally, of people who can't speak Finnish?
I don't mean from a employment aspect or from a social aspect, just from shopping, getting home repairs done, customer service on the phone, etc., plus the various government offices.

In Helsinki point 2 is not true.

I don't think the occasional talk of our mayor to make English an official third language of Helsinki will ever have a result, but everyone working at the checkout of a supermarket speaks English and will automatically switch to speaking English.

I know people living for over 10 years in Helsinki (including several years married to a Finn) who cannot make a basic conversation in our language.

I am attracted to Finland, not because of the many dark days and cold weather (who is?), but mainly because from what I read, Finnish people tend to leave you alone and not being social (which I am not), is not frowned upon and not engaging socially will not cause any problems for me.

Is my impression correct?

Yes, in Helsinki it is normal that you live for years in an apartment without ever talking to anyone living in the other apartments at the same floor.

Thank you!!

[VinylHog]

I was not specifically referring to talking with people. I was more thinking along the lines of reading signs, ads., etc.. Before I learnt Finnish, it was definitely an extra effort even in Helsinki.

Yes, thank you.I imagined this too, although road signs might not be any problem once I see a name few times. Plus remembering landmarks and other physical features like bridges, large trees, colours, etc., all help with navigation.

[medarda]

You can live in Finland with English, especially in major cities, but learning at least basic Finnish will significantly improve your experience. If you plan to stay long-term, learning Finnish is highly recommended.

[Ju_Ville]

Even in Helsinki I managed needing to communicate in Finnish fairly early. It is a myth that everyone speaks English. But depending on your financial situation, that might or might not be a problem. Most Finns are extremely helpful, they might call friends who speak English so they explain it to them, and the friend of the person explains it to you. I was a bit embarrassed causing so much effort, but eh, it works.

Also, you have more xenophobic people anywhere on earth, too. Making no effort to learn Finnish would not be well received. But you may or may not care, or have to care. If they are the boss of your talonyhtiö, or your direct neighbors in a rowhouse, maybe start learning some Finnish

As for the question about asking: yes, please ask first. And not just in Finland. It is considered pretty rude just assuming everyone has to speak your language. 2 sentences you want to know: puhutko englantia? (do you speak English) anteeksi, että en puhu Suomea [vielä] (Sorry, I do not speak Finnish [yet] - add the vielä only if you really are learning Finnish, we prefer authenticity) Pronounciation you can check on howtopronounce.com or forvo.com, etc.

And yes, for us extreme introverts, it is an awesome country. If you prefer authenticity over masks, even more so. I can only recommend it. As for prices, and handling of the economy... that is another matter What I did is test live for a few weeks during winter, more because of the darkness. Second day I knew I can go home and pack my bags, but eh. If it is an option, consider it, AirBnB has apartments, too where you have your peace. Or Forenom has little apartments for rent, not as cheap anymore, but works for a month.

[mrjimsfc]

A lot depends on where you want to live. Most Finnish people understand and speak a lot more English than they are comfortable admitting to. They are a lot more open and friendly if they know that you are at least trying to learn Finnish.

[agroot]

I was not specifically referring to talking with people. I was more thinking along the lines of reading signs, ads., etc.. Before I learnt Finnish, it was definitely an extra effort even in Helsinki.

Use Google translate with the camera function. There are also free websites that can translate entire PDF documents for you.

It's not very easy to shop in stores, but there aren't that many stuff in physical stores anyway. Most online stores work with the translate function in browsers.

[Indofin]

No you need to know Finnish. I know English and Hindi since I’m Indian. I’m trying to take Finnish classes before I move to Finland one day.