In Finnish, the expression kärpäsenä katossa literally means“to be a fly on the ceiling”: someone who quietly observes and listens without being noticed by anyone in the room. It describes the experience of hearing real conversations as they unfold naturally, without taking part in them. That idea lies at the very heart of this project. Kärpäsenä Katossa brings you into authentic Finnish moments through real dialogue and everyday situations. On our website you will find audio packages built around natural spoken Finnish, allowing you to hear how the language is used in real-life contexts. Everything we create is designed to open the door to real language and real people. The goal is to let you listen, learn, and experience Finnish in a way that feels close to genuine everyday conversation. So make yourself comfortable there on the ceiling—there is plenty to listen to.
Listen to real Finnish.
Authentic conversations with full transcripts, vocabulary lists and exercises — so you can follow the dialogue and learn as you listen. Check out our our audio packages!
Would you like to meet Sirkka?
The Sirkka Series is an ongoing Finnish listening series designed primarily for upper A2 and B1 learners. It follows the life of Sirkka, a fictional character from Lappeenranta, Finland who moved to Riga, Latvia at the age of nineteen and never quite left. What was originally meant to be a one-year stay abroad turned into a long-term life built in Latvia. Now in her thirties, Sirkka works as a dentist and runs a small side business. Each episode focuses on a specific theme – such as background, work, hobbies, travel, relationships, or everyday situations – while gradually building familiarity with Sirkka’s personality and life story.
Each episode package includes an audio recording, full transcript, Finnish-English vocabulary list, vocabulary explanations as well an answer key.
We also offer 1:1 Finnish Tutoring!
Our personalised lessons are designed around your level and learning goals. Whether you want to practise conversation, strengthen your listening skills, orfocus on specific grammar and vocabulary, each session is tailored to your needs. Lessons are held with a qualified tutor, include customised materials and exercises, and cost €30 per hour. Our lessons are conducted on the basis of English or Estonian. Find out more to book your trial lesson!