Kansalaisuuskurssi
Glossary: 150 words you need for the Finnish citizenship test
The Finnish citizenship test is in Finnish or Swedish, so the words need to be familiar. Here are 150 words from the course chapters, each with an explanation, facts and a mini test.
A
- aineeton kulttuuriperintöintangible cultural heritage
Skills, customs and traditions passed from person to person, for example sauna bathing.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions - alkuperäiskansaindigenous people
A people who lived in the area before today's states existed. In Finland the indigenous people are the Sámi.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - ammattiliittotrade union
An organisation of employees that negotiates pay and terms of employment with employers' associations.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - arvonlisäverovalue added tax (VAT)
A tax included in the price of most goods and services. Short form alv.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - asevelvollisuusconscription
The duty of male Finnish citizens to do military service.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world - autonomiaautonomy
Self-government: an area may run many of its own affairs itself.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland
E
- eduskunnan oikeusasiamiesParliamentary Ombudsman
An overseer elected by Parliament who checks that the authorities follow the law.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - eduskuntaParliament
Finland's parliament. It has 200 members, and it makes the laws.
Chapter 4: Democracy and government - eduskuntauudistusparliamentary reform
The change in 1906 when the Diet of estates was replaced by the Parliament and equal voting rights for all.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - ehdollinen vankeusconditional (suspended) prison sentence
A prison sentence that you do not serve in prison if you commit no new crime during the probation period.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - elämänkatsomustietosecular ethics (school subject)
The school subject for pupils who do not take part in religious education.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions - ennakkoäänestysadvance voting
Voting before election day.
Chapter 4: Democracy and government - ennakonpidätystax withholding
The tax the employer takes from your pay before paying it to you.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - esitutkintapre-trial investigation
The police investigation that finds out what happened in a crime.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - etupiirisphere of influence
An area where a great power wants to rule or have influence.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - euroalueeuro area
The EU countries that use the euro as their money.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world
H
- hallinto-oikeusadministrative court
A court that hears appeals against decisions of the authorities.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - harkinta-aikareconsideration period
The six-month period after applying for a divorce before the divorce can be granted.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - hovioikeuscourt of appeal
A general court that hears appeals against decisions of the district courts.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - huoltajaguardian (of a child)
An adult who is responsible for a child's care and upbringing. Usually a parent of the child.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - hyvinvointialuewellbeing services county
An area that organises social and health services and rescue services.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - hyvinvointivaltiowelfare state
A state that takes care of its residents' social security, health and education.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - häirintäharassment
Behaviour that violates a person's dignity and creates a degrading, humiliating, threatening or hostile atmosphere.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality
I
- ihmisoikeushuman right
A right that belongs to all people and is written into international treaties.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - ihmisoikeussopimushuman rights convention
An agreement between states that protects human rights.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - itsehallintoself-government
The right to decide on your own affairs.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - itsenäisyysjulistusdeclaration of independence
The statement by which Finland declared itself an independent state in 1917.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - itsenäisyyspäiväIndependence Day
The day on 6 December that remembers Finland's independence. It is a general holiday and day off.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions
J
- jatkosotaContinuation War
The war between Finland and the Soviet Union in 1941–1944.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - jokaisenoikeudeteveryman's rights
Everyone's right to move freely in Finnish nature. The old Finnish name is jokamiehenoikeudet.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - jouluaattoChristmas Eve
24 December, the main day of Christmas in Finland.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions - juhannusMidsummer
The midsummer celebration at the end of June. Midsummer Day is the Saturday between 20 and 26 June.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions - julkinen valtapublic authorities
The state, the municipalities and other authorities that use power.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - julkisuusperiaateprinciple of public access
The principle that documents of the authorities are public unless a law says otherwise.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - jäsenvaltiomember state
A country that belongs to an organisation, for example the EU or NATO.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world
K
- kaamospolar night
The time in winter in the far north of Finland when the sun does not rise at all.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - kaksikielinen kuntabilingual municipality
A municipality where both Finnish and Swedish are official languages.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - kansalaisaloitecitizens' initiative
A proposal for a new law made by citizens. It needs at least 50,000 supporters.
Chapter 4: Democracy and government - kansalliseeposnational epic
A long narrative poem that belongs to a nation. Finland's national epic is the Kalevala.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions - kansalliskielinational language
An official language of the country. Finland's national languages are Finnish and Swedish.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - kansallispuistonational park
A large nature conservation area that is open to everyone.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - kansanedustajaMember of Parliament
A member of Parliament. The people elect them in parliamentary elections.
Chapter 4: Democracy and government - kansanrunofolk poem
An old poem that people have sung and remembered without writing it down.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions - kansanäänestysreferendum
A vote in which citizens give their opinion on one question.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - kantelucomplaint
A written complaint to the Ombudsman or the Chancellor of Justice if an authority has acted wrongly.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - KelaKela (Social Insurance Institution)
Kansaneläkelaitos, the Social Insurance Institution, which pays residence-based benefits.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - kirjakieliliterary language
The written form of a language, used for example in books.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions - kirkollinen juhlapäivächurch holiday
A holiday listed in the Church Act, for example Christmas Day, Good Friday or Ascension Day.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions - kirkollisverochurch tax
A tax that members of the Evangelical Lutheran and Orthodox churches pay to their parish.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions - koeaikatrial period
A period at the start of the employment when either side can end the contract. It lasts at most six months.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - kohtuullinen mukautusreasonable accommodation
A change that lets a disabled person use services, study or work on an equal basis with others.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - kokoontumisvapausfreedom of assembly
The right to organise and take part in meetings and demonstrations without a permit.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - korkein oikeusSupreme Court
The highest court in Finland for civil and criminal cases.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - kotikuntamunicipality of residence
The municipality where you live permanently and whose services you may use.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - kunnallisveromunicipal tax
Income tax you pay to your home municipality. The rate depends on your home municipality.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - kuntamunicipality
The smallest administrative area in Finland. The municipality provides services for its residents, such as schools.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - kuntalaisaloiteresidents' initiative
An initiative, or proposal, from a resident to the municipality on municipal matters.
Chapter 4: Democracy and government - kutsuntacall-up
The event where a conscript's fitness for service is assessed and their service is decided.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world - käräjäoikeusdistrict court
A general court that hears criminal cases and civil disputes first.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation
L
- lakiosalegal share (of an inheritance)
Half of the inheritance that a child would get under the law. A will cannot take it away.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - lamarecession
A time when the economy gets much weaker and many people become unemployed.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - lapsilisächild benefit
Kela's tax-free support for a child under 17 who lives in Finland.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - liputuspäiväflag day
A day when the Finnish flag is raised.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions - lähisuhdeväkivaltadomestic violence
Violence in the family or a relationship, for example hitting, threats, subjugation or sexual violence.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - löylysauna steam
The steam that rises when water is thrown on the stones of the sauna stove.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions
M
- maakuntaregion
An area larger than a municipality. The regional council develops the area and makes the regional land use plan.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - maarajaland border
The border between two states on land.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - meppiMEP (member of the European Parliament)
A member of the European Parliament. Finland's MEPs are chosen in the European Parliament elections.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world - mielenosoitusdemonstration
An event where people gather in public to show their opinion.
Chapter 4: Democracy and government
O
- oikeusapulegal aid
Help with a legal matter that the state pays fully or partly for a person who cannot afford it.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - oikeuskansleriChancellor of Justice
An overseer who checks especially that the Government and the President act lawfully.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - oikeusturvalegal protection
The right to have your case handled fairly by a court or an authority.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - oikeusvaltiostate governed by the rule of law
A state where all use of power is based on law and the laws also bind the authorities.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - oppivelvollisuuscompulsory education
The duty to go to school or study up to a certain age.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights
P
- pakkoavioliittoforced marriage
A marriage that a person is forced into against their own will.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - palkkasyrjintäpay discrimination
Being paid less for the same or equal work because of sex.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - pelastustoimirescue services
The fire brigade and other help in fires and accidents.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - perusoikeusfundamental right
A right that is written into the Constitution of Finland.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - perusopetusbasic education
Comprehensive school. It is free for everyone.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - perustuslakiconstitution
Finland's most important law. It says how the state is run and what basic rights people have.
Chapter 4: Democracy and government - perustuslakivaliokuntaConstitutional Law Committee
The parliamentary committee that assesses whether a bill fits the Constitution.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - peruuttamisoikeusright of withdrawal
A consumer's right to cancel a doorstep or distance purchase within 14 days.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - Pohjoismaatthe Nordic countries
Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - Pohjoismaiden ministerineuvostoNordic Council of Ministers
The official co-operation body of the Nordic governments, founded in 1971.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world - Pohjoismaiden neuvostoNordic Council
The co-operation body of the Nordic parliaments.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world - progressiivinen veroprogressive tax
A tax where the percentage rises as income grows.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - puolustusliittodefence alliance
An alliance of countries whose members promise to defend each other.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world - Pähkinäsaaren rauhaTreaty of Nöteborg
The peace treaty between Sweden and Novgorod in 1323.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland
R
- rangaistusvastuucriminal liability
The fact that a person can be sentenced to a punishment for a crime they committed.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - rauhanturvaaminenpeacekeeping
UN work that helps keep the peace in crisis areas.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world - rintaperillinendirect heir
A child of the deceased or the child's descendant. Direct heirs inherit first.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - ruumiillinen kurituscorporal punishment
Hitting a child or another physical punishment. It is forbidden in Finland.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality
S
- sakkofine
A punishment that the convicted person pays in money.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - sananvapausfreedom of expression
The right to say, write and publish opinions without anyone stopping it in advance.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - seksuaalinen häirintäsexual harassment
Unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature that violates another person's integrity.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - seksuaalinen suuntautuminensexual orientation
Who a person falls for or falls in love with, for example someone of the same or a different sex.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - senaattithe Senate (Grand Duchy of Finland)
The highest governing body of the Grand Duchy. Its members were Finns.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - silpominenfemale genital mutilation
Harming the genitals of a girl or a woman. It is a crime in Finland.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - sisällissotacivil war
A war between people of the same country. Finland's civil war was fought in 1918.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - siviilipalvelusnon-military service
Unarmed service a conscript can apply for if his convictions prevent military service.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world - sortokausiera of oppression
A period when Russia tried to russify Finland.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - sotakorvauksetwar reparations
Payments that the country that lost a war must make to the winner.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - suuriruhtinaskuntagrand duchy
An area ruled by a grand duke. Finland was a grand duchy of Russia in 1809–1917.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - syrjintädiscrimination
Treating a person worse than others for a reason related to them as a person, for example age, origin or religion.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - syrjintäperusteground of discrimination
A reason for which no one may be discriminated against, for example age, language or disability.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - syyttäjäprosecutor
An official who decides whether a criminal case goes to court and asks for a punishment there.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - syyttömyysolettamapresumption of innocence
The principle that a person suspected of a crime is treated as innocent until their guilt has been shown.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation
T
- talvisotaWinter War
The war between Finland and the Soviet Union from 30 November 1939 to 13 March 1940.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - tasa-arvogender equality
Women and men have the same rights and opportunities. Gender equality is regulated in the Equality Act.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - tasa-arvolakiEquality Act
The Act on Equality between Women and Men (609/1986).
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - tasa-arvosuunnitelmaequality plan
A plan with which a workplace, school or early childhood education promotes equality between women and men.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - tasa-arvovaltuutettuOmbudsman for Equality
The authority that supervises compliance with the Act on Equality between Women and Men.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - tasavaltarepublic
A state whose head is a president, not a king.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - TSS-oikeudeteconomic, social and cultural rights
Economic, social and cultural rights, for example the right to education and to work.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - tuomioistuincourt
An institution where judges decide disputes and criminal cases according to the law.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - turvakotishelter
A place where someone who has experienced violence gets safety and help. Staying there is free.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - turvallisuusneuvostoSecurity Council (UN)
The UN's most important decision-making body on peace and security.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world - turvatakuusecurity guarantee
A promise of help if a country is attacked. In NATO, it is the Article 5 promise.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world - työehtosopimuscollective agreement
An agreement between unions and employers' associations on the minimum terms in a sector, such as pay, working hours and holidays. Short form TES.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - työeläkeearnings-related pension
A pension that accrues from paid work and self-employment.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - työsopimusemployment contract
The agreement between employee and employer on the work, the pay and the working hours.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - työsuojeluoccupational safety and health
The measures that make work safe and healthy.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - työttömyyskassaunemployment fund
A fund that pays its members an earnings-related daily allowance during unemployment.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state
U
- uskonnollinen yhdyskuntareligious community
A church or other religious group that you can belong to as a member.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions - uskonnonvapausfreedom of religion
The right to choose a religion, practise it or not belong to any religion.
Chapter 3: Culture and traditions - uskonpuhdistusthe Reformation
The change in the 1500s when the Catholic faith was replaced by the Lutheran faith.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland
V
- vaalikelpoisuuseligibility to stand for election
The right to stand as a candidate in elections.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - vaalipiirielectoral district
The area whose candidates you can vote for in parliamentary elections.
Chapter 4: Democracy and government - vaitiolovelvollisuusduty of confidentiality
The duty not to tell others confidential information.
Chapter 7: Rule of law and legislation - vallanjakoseparation of powers
The power of the state is divided into three parts: legislative power, governmental power and judicial power.
Chapter 4: Democracy and government - valtioneuvostothe Government
Finland's government. It is made up of the Prime Minister and the other ministers.
Chapter 4: Democracy and government - valtuustomunicipal council
The highest decision-maker in a municipality. Councillors are elected in municipal elections.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - vanhempainvapaaparental leave
A period when a parent cares for the child at home and receives parental allowance from Kela.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - vapaa liikkuvuusfree movement
An EU citizen's right to move and live freely within the EU.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world - varusmiespalvelusconscript service
The military service a conscript does in the Defence Forces.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world - veroilmoitustax return
The Tax Administration's pre-filled summary of last year's income and deductions. You must check it.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - verokorttitax card
The Tax Administration's information on what percentage of your pay is withheld as tax.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - verotusoikeusright to levy taxes
The right to collect taxes. Municipalities, for example, have this right.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland - väkilukupopulation
How many people live in a country or municipality.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland
Y
- yhdenvertaisuusequality
Everyone has the same value before the law, and no one may be discriminated against.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - yhdenvertaisuusvaltuutettuNon-Discrimination Ombudsman
An independent authority that promotes equality and advises and helps people who have faced discrimination, free of charge.
Chapter 6: Equality and gender equality - yhdistymisvapausfreedom of association
The right to set up an association without permission, and to belong or not belong to one.
Chapter 4: Democracy and government - yksityiselämän suojaprotection of privacy
The right to be left in peace. Your home, letters and phone calls must not be violated.
Chapter 5: Fundamental and human rights - yleissitovagenerally binding
Of a collective agreement: it must be followed in the whole sector, also by companies that are not members of an employers' association.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - yleistukigeneral benefit (Kela's unemployment benefit)
Kela's unemployment benefit from 1 May 2026 for those who are not entitled to the earnings-related allowance.
Chapter 8: Work and the welfare state - ylipäällikköSupreme Commander
The highest leader of the Defence Forces. In Finland, the Supreme Commander is the President of the Republic.
Chapter 9: Finland and the world - YYA-sopimusYYA Treaty
The 1948 agreement of friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance between Finland and the Soviet Union.
Chapter 2: The history of Finland - yötön yömidnight sun
The time in summer in the north when the sun does not set at all.
Chapter 1: The country of Finland
Ä
The course
The full course, all 9 chapters
- Lessons for all 9 chapters
- Questions with explanations
- A timed mock test
- Difficult words explained
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