Tiivistelmä

On our Latin courses at Helsingin aikuisopisto, you can study Latin online via Zoom from home, from complete beginner to more advanced level (level 0–A2.2). In spring 2027 we offer a Latin beginners’ continuation course, Latin 5 and a short course in April and May, First steps in Latin, which suits anyone interested in languages. On the courses, you read texts, learn grammar and vocabulary and discover the history and culture of Rome along the way. Teaching is live online, so you can take part wherever you live. The courses cost €75 and €134.

Please note that our Latin courses are taught in Finnish and Latin. The language of instruction is always shown in the course details in the registration system. See all our courses taught in English.

The Latin language

Latin was originally spoken only in Rome and the surrounding area of Italy, but as the language of administration of the Roman Empire, it spread far beyond its homeland.

Latin has remained in continuous use and is still taught in schools and universities. It is still the main language of the Catholic Church and is used in medical classifications of diseases, the scientific names of living things and law, for example. Studying Latin broadens your general knowledge, helps you learn other languages and makes it easier to learn academic words and specialist terminology.

Which course is right for you?

If you want to…Explore
discover Latin and its influence on other languagesFirst steps in Latin online
revise the basics of LatinFirst steps in Latin online, Latin beginners’ continuation online
read texts about the Circus Maximus, Roman baths and PompeiiLatin beginners’ continuation online
deepen your Latin after longer studyLatin 5 online

Courses in spring 2027

This list is based on the published spring 2027 programme. You can always find up-to-date information, course descriptions and available places in the registration system. All courses are taught live online via Zoom by Tea Pelkonen. The Finnish course name is shown in brackets.

On the courses, you learn the basics and grammar of Latin, read texts and compare Latin vocabulary with other languages, which makes it easier to understand foreign terms. Historical events and cultural perspectives add flavour to your language studies.

  • First steps in Latin online, level 0 (Ensiaskeleet latinaan etänä): Mon 17.00–19.00, 26 Apr – 24 May 2027, €75. The basics of Latin, comparing vocabulary with other languages and original Latin sources from different periods. No previous study is needed, and the course also suits learners revising the basics. Materials are included in the price.
  • Latin beginners’ continuation online, A1.1 (Latinan alkeiden jatko etänä): Wed 18.45–20.15, 13 Jan – 7 Apr 2027, €134. Texts about the Circus Maximus, Roman baths, Pompeii and the walls of Rome, as well as the second declension and the imperfect tense. For learners with about one term of Latin and also for learners revising. Textbook: Clavis Latina 1, chapters 4–6.
  • Latin 5 online, A2.2 (Latinan jatko 5 etänä): Wed 17.00–18.30, 13 Jan – 7 Apr 2027, €134. Texts about the Roman imperial period and the establishment of Christianity as the state religion, as well as the passive, participles and the infinitive. For learners with about five years of Latin. Textbook: Clavis Latina 2.

Studying online via Zoom

All our Latin courses are taught live online via Zoom, and additional materials are shared on Padlet. You receive the links before the course starts. In addition to an internet connection, you need basic skills in using your device, a speaker or headphones and a microphone. Zoom guide for students.

Good to know

  • How you study: All courses are taught live online via Zoom.
  • Language of instruction: The courses are taught in Finnish and Latin.
  • Levels: The course levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (level 0, A1, A2). Finnish national proficiency scale • Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
  • Textbooks: Textbooks are not included in the course fee unless the course details say otherwise. We recommend that you buy the textbook right after the first class. You can buy textbooks from bookshops, online bookshops and publishers’ websites. We do not supply textbooks.
  • Payment: Language courses cannot be paid for with Edenred or Epassi culture and sport benefits. If your employer offers a tax-free culture benefit (up to €400 a year) that you would like to use for language studies, we can make a separate agreement with your employer. You choose the course, and we invoice the full fee or the part your employer covers directly to your employer. Please contact our study guidance or office for more information.
  • Certificate: You can request a certificate from our office once the course has ended.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Latin courses taught in English? No. The courses are taught in Finnish and Latin.

Can I start Latin from scratch in spring? Yes. First steps in Latin online (level 0) starts at the end of April, and no previous study is needed.

Why study Latin? Studying Latin broadens your general knowledge, helps you learn other languages and makes it easier to understand academic words and specialist terms, for example in medicine, biology and law.

Do I need to come to the classroom? No. All our Latin courses are taught live online via Zoom, so you can take part from home.

Can I join a course that has already started? Yes. You can join First steps in Latin before the second class and the continuation courses later. Register for the course but do not pay, and email toimisto@helao.fi to tell us when you will start. We will send you a payment link with an adjusted price.

Can I pay with Edenred or Epassi? No. Language courses cannot be paid for with culture and sport benefits. You can, however, use a tax-free culture benefit from your employer through a separate agreement. Please contact our office for more information.

See also

Registration

Browse all our Latin courses and register online. Our study guidance can help you choose a course and answer questions about your studies. For more information about our Latin courses, please contact Niina Kerppola, Head of Foreign Languages, at niina.kerppola@helao.fi.