10 social customs you SHOULD KNOW ABOUT before moving to Finland

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thanks for watching guys! What do you think about this topic - do you agree or disagree? Did I forget something important that you should definitely know about Finnish social customs? Let me know in the comments below 👇

[@ayurisyaadumyadififalymban619]

Hi....I am in plan to pursue my study at Vaasa Uni.....how about conversation english in Vaasa?

[@BobbyBrady2000]

Most of these are true here in the U.S. too.

[@AT-kx6fj]

You are so pathetic!!

[@BobbyBrady2000]

@@AT-kx6fj wtf

[@LaurenSmith-tb6ye]

Cool topic.

[@WZbytovsky]

Me meeting a Czech friend for lunch in Prague: Her: "Have a beer" Me: "I normally don't drink with lunch" Her: "This isn't drinking. It's beer."

[@hagit33]

It's normal in Israel too, just beer, wine, coctail, not clean vodka or wiskey, that will be weird or alcoholic thing

[@roxanna191]

😜😄

[@spidaminida]

In Russia before 2011 something wasn't considered alcoholic unless it was over 10%.

[@indaadams9912]

Ah.. the Czech Republic.. now there’s a country with gorgeous people and culture…

[@marlarosso]

I am born in Sweden by Finnish parents. It's funny how Finnish and Swedish cultures are considered wildly different between them, but compared to other cultures in the world we are actually so similar. Everything in this video applies to Swedish culture as well. I love both

[@DNA350ppm]

So true. We like to make a fuzz about difference between Finland and Sweden, but one has to look for differences and then exaggerate them. There are more regional differences within the countries than national differences between them.

[@krollpeter]

Please do not forget that Finnish people are usually quite tolerant and forgiving, if you do a mistake.

[@ezeqeel8352]

Uhhh I guess sure if you are friend but if you are a family member you be shunned for eternity.

[@ezeqeel8352]

@Transplanted1 The family is the worst. We have country full of families fighting over whatever, the classic example is that inheritance aka free money makes people crazy and nothing will be sacred then.

[@nataliac.m.1775]

Forgiving? Not at all in my experience.

[@roxanna191]

#Facts!

[@duplessis3]

@@ezeqeel8352 that's every country!

[@lupuscutis]

The basic megarule was forgotten : respect Finnish personal space. Most Finns still are not so keen on touching, hugging, cheek-kissing etc strangers or even semi-acquaintances. Finns love their positive solitude and privacy.

[@piapadmore430]

I must have Finnish blood.

[@VattenDemonen]

It´s the same here in Sweden

[@sammymarrco2]

I must be a finish-americas haha

[@kmakhlouf4387]

I assumed so- as are I think most of the Scandinavian type countries. People are all into their own little small "bubble". THey don't chit chat with strangers on the bus and things.

[@christinemeleg4535]

So do I . This is the way I have always felt comfortable in public. This started long before the Pandemic.we were raised that way and were taught to be vey respectful of another's space. We are from the USA.

[@jefsimpson8129]

The more I know about Finland and its people, the more I wish I lived there. Thank you.

[@rebecca6485]

And the more you like sunlight /pleasant spontaneous social interaction/and not being shunned for having a personality, the less you wish you lived there.

[@ragemodels]

@@rebecca6485 🤣🙌😂 that's exactly what i thought as I heard the list out !!! Uptight and bland to the core with freezing temperatures and Ugly AF apts No thanks !!!

[@lynnebattaglia-triggs1042]

Nice looking skin, not all sun damaged!

[@riikka6125]

The longer I live in the US, the more I wish my grandparents had never left Finland.

[@TheRawrnstuff]

@@rebecca6485 1) The sun doesn't even set during summer. 2) With strangers, yeah, that tracks. 3) I've met a ton of Finns bursting with personality. Do you mean the kind of personality that is disruptive to others? Like "throwing-a-tantrum-in-public" or "invading-others'-personal-bubble" type of personality? Yeah, those don't garner a ton of sympathy in Finland.

[@mariebambelle7361]

So interesting and different from France ! - Here arriving 5 minutes late (or even 15 minutes late !) is a matter of politeness (to let the other person have time to prepare themselves) and doesn't even need any apology. - We don't often take our shoes off, except in very close friends or family homes (if they ask us to do so) because showing our feet is somewhat personal. - drinking alcohol is way more accepted while eating than at night. - saying "let's take a coffee some time" can be just a polite way to show that you are interested in keeping in touch but it's not a promise. - adressing formally to people you don't know or that are higher in hierarchy or that have titles is VERY important and not doing so is seeing as rude. - for the topics of discussion, it's pretty the same, we will never ask for personal question about money/income/religion/politics BUT we have a culture of debate and can totally debate about these subjects and defending some opinions without being seen as really revealing what you deeply think or who you are voting for. Debating is just a way of sharing ideas about many subjects, you are not expected to defend your own real opinions during a debate. I know, it's strange ;) To sum up, we are so different and your videos are VERY useful and interesting. Thank you !

[@miyounova]

I totally agree with it all except the coffee thing. I think we're more likely to not offer to "get a coffee some time", and just one day offer to get a coffee, or something equally as trivial and noncommittal. Although from what I've seen, with the Tinder culture so to speak, creeping in from the US, there's a bit more of that, but it tends to be fairly spontaneous between potential friends. But the "let's get a coffee some time" just sounds a bit rude to me, kind of like not being interested enough but not saying so.

[@mattilatvala4164]

And in France, you must almost constantly speak, whether you have something to give to the topic or not, otherwise they will think you are borderline autistic. They interrupt and talk over others.( Also in New York area.) This can be a shock for a Finn, for us this is the opposite.😆

[@mikrokupu]

I'm a Finn having friends in France and I do agree, there are differences. But vive la différence :) Low-hierarchy is typical in the Finnish culture, at work life and basically everywhere. Underlining one's position is easily seen embarrassing, no need to approach your teacher, boss etc in a formal way. On the other hand, Finns need a lot of personal space and have a high tolerance of silence. And you are expected to respect these boundries.

[@mariebambelle7361]

@Transplanted1 interesting ! I wouldn't be bothered at all to be asked that question. I love to talk about what I do ! Maybe what is rude is to show off about your occupation, espacially if you make a lot more money than the others you are talking to.

[@mariebambelle7361]

@Transplanted1 yeah, that's true. We, French, are known as "coconuts": hard on the outside (it's hard to get to a friendly relationship. We can seem very cold at first), but very soft on the inside (a lot of very deep friendships that last for life, when the hard layer has been passed through). The Americans on the other hand are know as "peaches" : very friendly and opened at the first place but very few of their relations will become close friends, with whom they can really be themselves.

[@VaveeDances]

“Bragging just comes out douchey “ truer words have never been spoken 😊

[@linnsoltwedel]

These are for me all, a given. Then again I am Norwegian and I guess we are not that different :)

[@blixten2928]

Yeah, for Swedes too. Especially the don't brag. Your profession and income are*not* relevant, thank you. -- People's job applications and letters of recommendation are *so* low-key by American standards, I have to tell my colleagues to UP THE TONE if they don't want to ruin their own or their students' chances in the US! -- Interesting fact: the "no shoes in the house" became standard when day-care became standard and free in Sweden (1950s). THe kids were told to take off their shoes, so everyone started doing so. -- The dress shoes rule: you take dress shoes WITH you, you don't clomp about in your winter boots!

[@Peacefrogg]

I am dutch, and most of these things also apply in my country. The punctuality (ok, up to 5 minutes is accepted if you apoligize), the equality (sometimes causes problems to teach kids respect, when they don’t get equality does not mean you don’t have to respect your parents). This also means that the plumber is equal to the prime minister, and the professor is equal to the garbage man. It is not very polite to ask about income. You can ask about religion or politics, but when somone says they don’t want to talk about it, you immediately drop it. We also mean what we say. And no fake how are you. Alcohol before 17.00 is frowned upon. I feel like we have roughly the same social rules as you, just a little less strict. Except the shoe thing. Unless they are dirty, we keep them on.

[@carolilseanne2175]

Shoes off at the door, income, religion/politics/blowing your own trumpet/punctuality/privacyexcess consumption of anything used to be important here too, and in some places still are - but sadly declining.

[@lisaleone2296]

In America, "let's have coffee some time" really means "I want this conversation to end now". If you really want to get together with someone you will ask when they're available to go for coffee and end the conversation with "see you then".

[@ankurbiswas80]

I've been watching your videos for a while now and I'm loving your country and culture. Being a very private person, I love these customs. Having boundaries is so important no matter where you live. 🙂

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thanks for sharing, that sounds awesome! Would you be interested to perhaps apply to study or work in Finland at some point in the future?

[@misanthropicmusings4596]

I absolutely love these Finnish customs. I hate wearing shoes inside even though I never ask people to remove their shoes - some do, some don't. I'm a big fan of punctuality, however in my culture it is actually the opposite - we are very loose about timelines (maybe there's a Finn living inside me even though my ancestors hail from far away and as foreign as one probably could get from Finland). Americans are very weird about the "let's get together..." thing, as in its not seen as an obligation. Thanks for sharing Oliver!

[@george6514]

8:34 8:35

[@EzekielCarvalho]

My kind of people, I think I would probably blend well with the Finnish. It's a really amazing culture. Thanks for your channel, it's really helping me decide more for moving to Finland. I was considering Ireland before. But I think I would blend better with the Finnish.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thanks for watching! I think Finns might actually come quite close to the Irish. The countries are quite different both in terms of geographies and social issues. However, i think both are great countries 👍

[@mavrosyvannah]

You can get away with your religious crimes with no stopping you in Finland. Your oatmeal brain will fit right in with your deep fried bible indoctrination.

[@Janfey]

@@mavrosyvannah You hit the nail on the head

[@focusedeye]

@@mavrosyvannah As a Canadian, born and raised in Canada, I'm not sure I understand your comment.

[@dionlindsay2]

I was brought up in a very subdued household, and one of my greatest freedoms when I left home was to learn to be more outgoing and outspoken without being rude. I enjoy Oliver's videos a lot, but I don't think I would fit in well in Finland :-(

[@LDHBees]

Having grown up in a USA southern state, I was raised with the same values as you: Be on time as a show of respect, don't discuss politics or religion, don't ask personal questions about money or income; Take your shoes off inside the house, don't brag about your accomplishments and be kind and respectful in how you address others. The only difference? Many of us are still raised to use "Sir" or "Ma'am" as in "Yes, Sir" and "No, Ma'am". Since our nation is a nation of immigrants, I'm sure many of these Finnish cultural norms creeped into western Europe and beyond, to America! thank you for sharing.

[@nikkikhooniqi]

I personally really like the social customs. It makes the world so much a better place.

[@rwilsonweir5697]

I am not Finnish but I completely agree with "no shoes in the house". It is also customary where I live, and I shudder when I watch American TV and see them not only wear shoes in the house, but on the couch, and on the bed and pretty much everywhere else - gross!

[@RobertLinthicum]

Tracking dog shit in anyone's house seems a bit rude, doesn't it?

[@janamarek]

I am American and we never wear our shoes in the house.

[@Kookka_]

Maybe a lot of Americans do but a lot don't. I don't allow shoes in my place and my parents don't and lots of people I know don't allow it. We leave them by the door. American tv sucks so maybe try not to get your info from there.

[@rickschweitzer9845]

I absolutely positively love your customs and would have zero problems acclimating to Finland. It's sounds ideal and the rest of the world can benefit from your example.

[@brightonbabe2139]

Thank you for these social customs. I have worked in Finland so most of these are what I would do in a strange country anyway. It’s following the lead of the locals. The relationship with alcohol probably has as much to do with long winters and the need to work during the ‘day’. The topics that you outlined were always ‘banned’ here in Australia at the dinner table and seen as personal, but our exposure to Americans has modified that a bit. However we do do bragging particularly over sport. Thanks for this.

[@clairewyndham1971]

Sounds like a refresher course from my Mother and she's not a Finn. These "customs" are pretty common for well mannered people all over. 💖

[@kerstinklenovsky239]

As a German I now understand why I have clicked so well with the Finnish people I have met in my life. 🤩

[@1029blue]

Yeah, there are definitely a lot of customs that Germans and Finns have in common.

[@kerstinklenovsky239]

@@1029blue 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@kimmy_future4265]

I'm in the US and this sounds so wonderful to me lol. I'm very much about all this, especially the punctuality thing. Most of my friends seem to be the complete opposite. My partner is routinely late and it's so frustrating. People always show up to parties "fashionably late" and it's so silly.

[@enenenergp]

I haven’t watched the video yet but these are my guesses on what will be in it: -Shoes off when going to anyone’s home -Personal space -Being on time -Being quiet in public transport -Maybe queueing politely, not cutting in line Ok finished the video now, the bragging about money or accomplishments was a really good one, sometimes it can be very rude, especially when it puts you on a pedestal above everyone else. I think if you’re humble about it, it’s ok to talk about your achievements and how proud you are of yourself, at least among friends. But I do think that the appreciation of quietness in public spaces and transport is an important one because people will throw very irritated glances towards people that are talking or laughing loud in public transport and pretty much everywhere else, too.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

😅 pretty good guesses. I had to include these basic things but i thought that adding the things about money, religion and politics were things that people dont mention that often. Also, as you so well put it, you can definitely talk about your accomplishment, or even religion as long as you stay smart about it. Dont brag about your wealth and dont push your believes onto other people and you should be fine. As it happens, i personally appreciate good discussions about all of these topics as long as they stay within an intellectual context. The second someone starts pushing something onto me, i lock up.

[@angellas.1314]

Wish the USA had these cultural customs. Especially being respectful on public transport in NYC subways!

[@rehrerrobin6025]

Love the idea to have a built in but covered dish drying rack...absolutely brilliant! The other customs, besides shoe removal, are (or were) common curtesy here in America before 1980... Your videos are top notch. Best of luck with your studies! Robin

[@yakk13]

Agree. It grosses me out when people come in my house tracking grass and dirt all over. We live near the beach, so there is sand everywhere in our homes

[@anahata2009]

I don't know why, but I was completely unprepared for the word "douchey" to come out of your mouth. Thanks for a good, belly-laugh. As for keeping promises/integrity, in my country (USA) people *profess* to care about that, too. I find it very frustrating how often they don't live up to their own ideals.

[@willardroad]

I visited in 1995, and again in 2002 for my son‘s wedding. I miss it so much. I imagine I would probably violate any number of social customs, so I appreciate this video to help me remember what to say and what not to say.

[@caidyc]

I recently found out I am 12% Finnish. This explains EVERYTHING. I despise lateness and NO BLOODY SHOES IN THE HOUSE! As an Irish person this can lead to Unfortunate Issues. My house my rules. But I have ceased relationships because of chronic lateness. It is disrespectful and selfish! I don’t drink alcohol So the whole drinking thing is meaningless to me. Thank you for this video.

[@johnmcgrath6192]

My relatives in Ireland have a lot of German/Austrian connections (including marriages). When arr ranging things they ask, "Will this be on Irish time or German time?" Irish means showing up anytime from the start or up to two hours later. German means on the dot sharp. They live comfortable in both times. In the US I ask "at ...time ... sharp?" Answers vary from Yes, sharp to within a half hour. ... If the start time just does not work, I ask, "Is it OK if I come at ,,, time" ... If it's a large party, the host does not want a lot of people showing up sharp. Drifting in over an hour after the start time is the norm.

[@RedTitan5]

I will take this in mind.... What i love is that you can call them in their 1st name, not asking your beliefs, your salary and family income... I wish we have that kind of attitude in my culture .. For example in some of my family and friends, they need to know income and religion in which for me is very rude.. Also i have addressed you as sir before.. So is it ok if i say your 1st name.. Thank you.. I think i will love your culture

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Once again, love seeing you in the comments 👊. Please, call me Oliver. As mentioned in this video, and as you noted, this is a part of our culture and calling someone sir or madam in Finland sounds a bit too formal. If you do this, no one is going to complain, but it simply sounds a bit funny to our ear 🙂.

[@sarahholland2600]

I'm British & was always told you never ask someone's age, or, their salary . Old style manners seem to be ignored now though . I get asked both all the time!

[@sandymiller870]

Canadians don't tell you how much they make or what they paid for their home or vehicle or other big ticket items. Oddly they will tell you if they got a good deal on something, like a half price purse etc. They avoid talking about religion unless they share similar beliefs. With the "diversity" effect on society however these norms are changing likewise the cultural customs of politeness and how to line up for busses etc.

[@foobar1500]

Addressing people by the first name is very common, but at least on male-dominated workplaces it's not that uncommon to address, or refer to, people with their surnames (without any titles, though). I guess this stems from military service (well, they use ranks, but titles are very rarely used outside it anyway!), and the fact that there's usually lower chance that two guys share the same surname than that they share the same first name. Often these things mix, some people getting usually referred by first name, some by surname, and some by nickname. It's plainly pragmatic, not implying any preferential order.

[@squiggyzmom]

@@RoadtoFinnish Interesting. Has this particular custom evolved over the last 30 years or so? When I got my lessons on Finnish customs from my mother before my first trip as an adult to Helsinki, I was told to use Mr. or Ms, Dr. or Prof. until invited by the individual to address them more familiarly. Is that still the way, or has it gotten more informal. My late uncle couldn't abide US informality. But, then, he was from the greatest/oldest generation (he'd be about 85 were he still living). I learned more from him once we landed, including his formality. He taught me how to drink schnapps (Koskenkorva), how to melt nickel on New Year's Eve, how to survive a 7 course dinner with wine pairings, aperitif and brandy, and he showed me Midsummer fun and bonfires--with more beer and liquor than you can shake a fraternity at (do Finnish unis have Greek life, fraternities & sororities? I think not). I miss him. But he died a Finnish death: enlarged heart and liver damage due to alcohol use.

[@PFlyer-zz5xo]

Greatgrandfather on my mother's side was Finnish (carpenter by trade). Came to CA in the late 1850s. Lots of Finns in my neck of the woods. I've been lucky enough to learn about and regularly participate in the Finnish Sauna with decendants of many old-timers who built their wood-fired sauna when they first arrived here at the turn of the century. I'd love to visit. I have relatives there I do not know but have discovered thru genealogy websites.

[@azizeholland3538]

Thank you so much for your help I like Finland nature soo much you are Suomalaiset the most honest people's I seen in my life

[@AndreaAvila78]

I love this! Finnish people sound amazing! In Argentina people are always late, they talk openly about politics and religion, they never keep their promises and they ask you about your salary! I dislike all that!!! I would love to live in a society like yours! Finland sounds like a paradise. Maybe one day I will be lucky enough to visit.

[@louiseleite3866]

I'd rather die than living in a rigid military like society like this, I'm speaking as a Brazilian 😂. I've found the right balance over here in England.

[@AndreaAvila78]

@@louiseleite3866 You're so lucky! Brazil is a disaster! I'm so glad you were able to move. 😢😭 I'm not as lucky as you, living in Argentina.

[@lilbatz]

Laffs in US. Sounds like us.

[@indaadams9912]

How kind and friendly are Finns towards the stranger?.

[@pennynorthcutt5833]

Oh my stars!!! I feel like I was raised the Finnish way. Other than the "no shoes in the house" rule, just about everything else was taught. Thank you so much, Oliver.

[@plasmo942]

Honestly this is all me. I get so mad if somebody makes me late something or if they’re late meeting me. Grow always have to take my shoes off when going inside. I’m a very private person I don’t like talking about financial or politics or anything like that I’ll only do it with very very few people. And it’s nice to know that even though I’ve never been to Finland and my dad is quite detached (bing raised in Australia himself) from Finland I was still raised with all of that culture

[@merrymaid2890]

We have the same customes here in Sweden, your brother country. 😊 Maybe not that one about “let’s have coffee”. But I guess in some parts of my country or in some age groups, people mean exactly what they say.

[@giftedandblack494]

Interesting. I don’t wear shoes in the house either in the states. It’s just a nasty thing to do as far as I’m concerned but I never thought overseas anyone did that costume other than orientals. I like it.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Its funny how this topic divides people so heavily. Some people think keeping shoes on inside feels more natural but for some it is just weird. But yeah, this is pretty much standard practice in the nordics as the weather is what is is and the shoes can get naaasty so no point keeping them on inside 😄

[@javi3266]

Hi! Even though this comment is a year old I feel the need to reply haha I personally wear shoes inside since my feet get super cold without them, and using house shoes makes my feet get sweaty and then they get cold because of the sweat haha it-s weird I know, but that's why I keep my shoes on all day long. As long as I don't put them on my sofa, chairs of places where they shouldn't be I don't see why its wrong. I would never touch the ground of my house unless I really needed to. Its quite funny when I go to the beach for the 1st time every summer as my feet are just plain white lol

[@NinjaBee81]

@@javi3266 Hi! You need a pair of proper woolen socks. That’s what we finns wear if our feet get cold. Wool is perfect for insulating your feet against cold and it doesn’t make them sweaty/clammy. :)

[@javi3266]

@@NinjaBee81 Ill have to buy them next year when I live in Finland :)

[@brightonbabe2139]

In Singapore it’s definitely the same for the same reason. Shoes are often left outside the front door.

[@bumlacalacalacabum]

I really like these customs. Most of them sound like common sense to me. Although that may not be the case for everyone in my country.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Thats really cool to hear! Any customs that you guys have in your country that you wish we had in Finland?

[@lseward21]

This is a excellent video! Thanks for taking the time to address important norms that can help visitors and business people fit in better.

[@suedietzdebroise7002]

Thank you so much for making all these things easy to understand. My Neice now living in Helsinki (and of course home on an island!) and I am trying to learn a little about their culture. They now have a baby together who has the best of both their genes and I cannot wait to meet him next summer.

[@Kotifilosofi]

About walking indoors at someone's home with the shoes on: yes, practically it is to keep the home clean. Traditionally there's also a deeper meaning behind. Traditionally, the Finns have divided the world into different spaces: the living world (Päivölä) and the world of the dead (Tuonela), the territory of the people (kodin/kylän väki) and the territory of the wild (metsän väki, veden väki...). So, it was believed that you should be careful between the worlds and while visiting the different territories, in order to not bring uninvited visitors to your own territory. That's another (these days totally subconscious) reason people tend to think it's bad to bring the shoes that have visited the another territory, to one's home. You want to avoid mixing the different väki. And about bragging not being a thing: Finns tend to think that one's fortune should be kept by oneself as bragging about it will cause jealousy in those who are less lucky in the community. In a way, it's a form of politeness.

[@519djw6]

Your presentation was spot-on! I used to teach English to adults in Finland, and the hardest part of my job was getting my students to talk about *anything* that was not directly related to their jobs. This made for some pretty boring conversations, and people were even reluctant to talk about their hobbies--presumably because their classmates might not share their interests.

[@arienrhod4166]

Just the weather and everyone’s health😉

[@squiggyzmom]

When did you teach in Finland? I've been visiting family there since the late '80s and have found that virtually everyone learns English in school. We're you teaching English for conducting business in/with the US?

[@519djw6]

@@squiggyzmom In fact, I was teaching in the late '80's, and all of my students were engineers or businessmen/women. My job was for a private school, and all of my students were, of course, adults--some of whom were at the rudimentary level. But, unfortunately, the salesman for this private school was *too* good at his job. He was somehow able to sell lessons to companies for employees who really didn't need them--either because their English was good enough as it was, or because they would have no immediate need to use English in their work.

[@DNA350ppm]

This is what my parents from Finland taught me: as the younger person, as the invited person, as the person lower in hierarchy, as the foreigner - don't ever try to take the lead or be first. At a reception or dinner you needn't take initiatives. Just wait and look and follow the lead of those who know better. Examples: Wait till the saladbowl is offered to you, and then do as the person did offering it to you. If the other person asks you about your salary, religion, the size of your home, etc, you can politely decline to answer, but you never need to put such questions yourself, for sure. It would be very rude, and remembered for ages. You need not be the one who sits down as the first one, or head to the door as the first one, or grab the coffee-pot to serve yourself as the first one. If you think a host needs your help, ask if s/he wants your help. But don't hurt her/his pride. If the cutlery bewilders you, just wait. Wait and see what the oldest Finnish person does with cutlery, glasses, napkins, etc. Mimic him or her. Say or nod thanks to persons that serve the meal and tries to make you comfortable. It's rude to pretend that servants are air. Never be snobbish or haughty in Finland. People around you will notice, and there might a chance go to get a helpful tip or a positive offer, because you are considered disagreeable. Finns will not tell you such truths to your face. Don't be too opinionated in Finland, especially about personal things. In Mediterranian countries I have heard the most chocking comments from strangers: If you would use high heels you would be really attractive. An Armani suit would be much more perfect on you than jeans. A shirt would be more feminine than throusers. Why don't you use contact lenses, you've got fine eyes. Etc. Don't think that you are the first person to discover that Finns would look like movie stars if they just would do a total make-over. Respect that Finns are not very inclined to do total make-overs and smile with fake teeth, and dress up, and "fix" themselves to be fake everything. Sauna will reveal the truth.

[@wayinfront1]

I'm British. I had a Finnish girlfriend some time ago, and she drank vodka like a fish. She had a job with a shipping firm and used to out-drink Russian sailors, lol. I can't imagine her NOT drinking at lunch, but in our brief time together we never actually had lunch, so I don't know.

[@canaryliina]

A very light or non alkoholic beer is ok for lunch but.

[@jsvendsen6256]

At my dentist's office, and my children's schools in Alberta, Canada, it is mandatory to leave wet, dirty or snowy footwear at the door. So the common sense or acquired knowledge as they like to refer to it now, is spreading!!

[@AtomicShrimp]

Most of these seem like a good recipe for common decency. Lunchtime drinking taboo was a surprise to me - I mean, it's something I don't often do simply out of practicality - it might make me sleepy and unproductive. I wonder if the taboo in Finland relates to work ethics.

[@Jokker88]

No drinking while on the clock. Some people even frown upon any drinking during the workweek. With students, drinking heavily is expected

[@mygeezu]

This actually reminded me of a quote from a Netflix show The Ranch. "Early is on time, on time is late." I think that describes the Finnish punctuality pretty well. It's always better to be early.

[@houssam2076]

Thanks for the video Oliverr, very helpful and informative, noted everything!

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Awesome! As previously, thanks for the feedback. This really helps with the channel in the future when im considering what kind of topics you want to hear about.

[@ndines6237]

1. Being on time - for some reason I’m always exactly 5 mins late for everything. My whole life. 2. No shoes in house - I 100% agree. 3. Formal addressing each other - I’m old school (British) and completely believe in formality that way 4. Acceptable topics of discussion: Money - I agree. Not to be discussed casually. At all. Religion- I agree. Too personal! Politics - only discuss if you’re looking for a fight. Parent’s situation- private 8. Accomplishments - discuss if you’re looking to show off and be seen as arrogant lol. Humble is better 9. Integrity - is everything 10. Let’s have coffee - in US is def an empty promise 11. Alcohol - well my family is alcoholic so I don’t know any different. Some countries are alcoholic as a whole, sorry 🇬🇧 I admire Finnish culture, as you see, I have a ways to go. 😫

[@RudieVissenberg]

Wow, we the Dutch and Finnish people have a lot in common. Unfortunately we wear shoes inside, except at my place :). We don't like to talk about private income or brag about it. Lunches here have become so simple that a glass of wine would look odd with a cheese sandwich and a glass of butter milk... Nice channel. I enjoy learning about the Finnish customs and habits. Thanks.

[@dionlindsay2]

Ten years ago I did some work in Amsterdam, and I loved that the client served butter milk as one of the drinks at a desk lunch. I hadn't seen it since my childhood, and it was great to meet it again.

[@anttihaapala4579]

In Finland the common ordinary lunch is from a buffet, definitely more than a mere cheese sandwich. But a lunch restaurant that serves Finnish dishes would often have the drink selection of water (from tap of course), milk, buttermilk and a kind of small ale made with rye malts called kotikalja, which does contain just enough of alcohol from the fermentation that gives it nice carbonation.

[@kerrynight3271]

I had no idea that buttermilk was common in the Netherlands. I grew up in Louisiana and we always had buttermilk. I still love it, but you can only get it in tiny cartons for baking in Colorado. (Only way Colorado is inferior to Louisiana)

[@RudieVissenberg]

@@kerrynight3271 buttermilk used to be a byproduct of making butter, hence its name. Already since the 17th century the area which is now known as the Netherlands, was famous for producing large volumes of milk. In order to preserve the milk they made cheese and butter out of it. Until today the Dutch drink a lot of milk and eat and export huge quantities of cheese and butter.

[@kerrynight3271]

@@RudieVissenberg Interesting information. My grandmother used to churn butter and my mother used to say how delicious the buttermilk was with little chunks of butter in it.

[@pennynorthcutt5833]

If everybody followed these customs, people would get along so much better. Dang, I must be Finnish. Lol

[@RoadtoFinnish]

I would have to agree 😅

[@mariypaz]

Interesting to see how similar Finish customs are to German customs. Except, we mostly still hold on to addressing people in the formal way, depending on the situation in which we encounter people.

[@susannebrunberg4174]

I hardly watch these videos, because as a stranger to this country, but still stuck here, I must say, this video sums it up very well. I agree, for the very first time, with everything he says. I also think all these "rules" apply in all Nordic countries...

[@cannpdx781]

I just discovered this channel and although will probably never have the opportunity to travel to Finland, I instantly subscribed as I find this so interesting and that I can learn about another culture so easily, by a very likable host I must add. But as a American I was laughing and thinking to myself WOW I bet Americans don't do real well there. The #1 reason for people being fired here in America is being late. People are late for work, dinner, picking up their kids from daycare, appointments, you name it ,we can be late for it.. And if you call the person out on it? Well you are a mean not very understanding person. Must add employers aren't much better, and its common for a employer to ask last minute for you too stay at work longer. I have been shocked at the dirty muddy shoes someone has wore into my home, and never apologized for the mess they made. Being asked my everyone how much you make or what you paid for something is a everyday occurrence ( I was brought up that is was bad manners to ask) Bragging, no one does it better then Americans. From what they paid for their wedding, to the annual let me tell you how great my life is and how great my children are Christmas News Letter, this includes the vacations they took, what they bought ect. Asking what your parents do, how much retirement they receive ect. Asking you if you are a Christian is also the norm here. And then telling you are bound for hell unless you accept the invitation from them visit their church, where you find the truth.. Asking who you voted for? This has been a big ? Since 2016, then telling you that you were wrong in who you voted for. But considering we get phone calls, by strangers who ask who we intend to vote for ( for polling purposes) I'm not shocked people do it. Yes, I do agree Americans could learn much by learning more about Finland. All have great day😸

[@deezynar]

Politics and religion are the two most important topics there are. If you avoid talking about them, you deny yourself critical discussion.

[@Robinicat]

Very well done! To the point, organized and well explained. Thank you!

[@tobiassandqvist6970]

Thank you so much for this, so good that I had to share this with my cousins in Canada and the U.S. ...this totally sums up the Finnish social customs

[@wysslll]

Very much like Japanese . I thought you’re taking about Japanese social customs 🤣🤣

[@kalahariosborne3282]

Love most of the rules. Alcohol with lunch is weird for me. Addressing some by name is better for me. Avoiding bragging is a great idea. I've been poor alot of my life people who brag are irritating. Overall thumbs up. Awesome culture.

[@RobertLinthicum]

"Alcohol with lunch is weird for me". Keep it weird, and stay in your bubble.

[@Salex684]

I appreciate the post! I’m applying for a grant in Kuopio and needed some tips for communicating with my Finnish counterparts.

[@friendofenkidu3391]

In Iran, the custom of removing one's shoes before stepping inside somebody else's home depends on the status of the visitor. Higher status visitors keep their shoes on, while lower status visitors take their shoes off. If a Finnish man takes his shoes off while visiting an Iranian home, he would be saying to the hosts that he has lower status than they do.

[@mikaturunen2354]

In Finland Most likelly The President takes his shoes off, if entering on private home, unless he was invited officially. And taking of the shoes has nothing to do with rank.

[@pinayladyoz8044]

Finland is a progressive country where modern slavery is not acceptable. While in Iran, slavery still common. So simple, in Finland your status in life is not very important as long as you are respectful to others.

[@pigeonlove]

I somehow assumed Finland would be rather different to Iran.

[@_Ekaros]

@@mikaturunen2354 Probably not. As The President visiting would be some sort official visit. In which case keeping on shoes is fully expected. Now if there was personal connection that old man better take them off...

[@mikaturunen2354]

@@_Ekaros In Finland the presidents go by them selves sometimes shopping. And they have personal friends. If visiting a friend the president most likelly takes of his or her shoes.Not all of the president`s visit are official. There is a long history of presidents mingle with common people. Especially former president Urho Kekkonen was famous of this. In Finland people do not have nor like high hierarchy. Leaders are expected to behave as other people do. And they try to keep that image alive. That`s why the president may line to the cash register with some purchases and declines offered possibility to skip the line. If he or she would not line, the person would be considered a prick by lot of public. And off course it is partly planned image upkeeping. And here in Finland people take off their shoes due the enviroment outside. Shoes get part of the year dirty. A prick would enter someone`s home with dirty shoes. President or not. It is a cultural difference. President shopping him self in these links. www.is.fi/kotimaa/art-2000005582659.html www.seiska.fi/Uutiset/Kuva-Sauli-Niinisto-bongattiin-ruokaostoksilta-presidentti-unohti-lupauksensa/1152730

[@wookieeMan06]

I ve been on many business lunch meetings , and there has always been wine, and other drink. Think is really dependable on the person. Also some work Restaurants sale drink or are included in the lunch price

[@3333218]

In Brazil the equivalent of "Let's have coffee next week?" is the empty promise of hanging out, going out or having a barbecue with a group of people or with a friend which is both expected to never happen but also expected to happen at any time. It is considered rude by some to not start planning a next encounter by the end of the current one, even if the plans are sometimes bogus.

[@MarianneExJohnson]

The no alcohol at lunch rule actually makes perfect sense to me. For one thing, because by now it's been proven that alcohol is unhealthy even in small amounts, so even that one glass of wine during lunch really isn't good for you (and if you require alcohol in order to relax in social situations, seeing a therapist and working on your anxiety problem would be a better idea), and for another, alcohol makes it hard to focus, so you'll just be less effective at your job in the afternoon (that last one is the reason I will no longer touch alcohol at lunch, at least not during work days, despite having lived much of my life in a culture where a beer at lunch was considered acceptable).

[@lynnebattaglia-triggs1042]

Please reference your assertion that “alcohol is unhealthy even in small amounts”. Are you an alcoholic? For them this statement may be true.

[@piapadmore430]

What a magical existence to be Finnish✨ If anyone from Finland travels to Los Angeles California, be forewarned. You will most certainly be offended.

[@eeholm634]

I wasn't. I love CA. 😊

[@merrymaid2890]

I guess that you Finna, like us Swedes, may be considered rude or cold talking to people from other countries. Not that we are rude, but because we do not say “please” as much, do not use titles, do not say sir and say “you” instead of a person’s name. An example: While someone from US would say: “Sorry sir, could you please point in what direct the train station is?” In Swedwn we would say: “Could you point in what direction the train station is?” I think it is the same in Finland. We in Sweden talk shorter sentences and lay the emphasis in the smile and the softening of our voices. And we can say “hi” to someone and do small talk without ever asking for that person’s name. Some people can even feel that it is to personal when a stranger asks for your name. That is not something you want to shaw with a stranger.

[@blixten2928]

Yepp! "Excuse me! Where's the station?" - very direct, really rather nice. On the other hand, when I was in the US I could be called "Professor X" or "Ma'am teacher". Here, I'm "Madeleine" or nick-name "Madde". So walking down the hall on my way to teach a class, "Hej Madde!" is as refreshing as it is (was) startling.

[@davidothus191]

So drink at breakfast and dinner but not for lunch. Got it.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Pretty much, yes 😅

[@davidothus191]

@@RoadtoFinnish At least my wife can still have a mimosa :D

[@krystenhelewa2600]

Wow! I had no idea these were Finnish social customs. I thought it was just my mom’s family way of doing things. But since they are from Finland, this all now makes sense, lol.

[@danielletoscano4509]

Has anyone ever commented on the similarities between social norms in Finland and Japan? It’s fascinating

[@lseward21]

While the Japanese are time conscious and remove their shoes before entering a home or business, they are VERY hierarchical! Titles, rank within a company - even what year a student is in school - determines which forms of words are used to speak with each other. (The Japanese language has a complex system of honorifics where word choice is determine by whether someone is lower/younger, equal or higher than the person speaking. Japanese people also communicate indirectly (one exception: supervisor talking to lower ranked employee can be direct). And while Finns are very individualistic, Japanese are very collectivistic. And one last important issue: the Japanese have strong gender roles.

[@danielletoscano4509]

@@lseward21 I know what you are saying, but being Japanese myself much of what you say has changed in the last decade or so and is a bit blown out of proportion by those not brought up that way. I was referring to things like financial information being considered private information, things like that.

[@thatveganchick668]

I wish the custom of punctuality existed everywhere.

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Agreed 👌

[@kallekonttinen1738]

What you said about talking about salary, religion and politics is a norm in workplace, official scientific conferenses and other official situations. Situation is different with less formal social cathering like students happenings..

[@RoadtoFinnish]

This is of course dependent on the people and individuals, but I would have to disagree with you at least based on my personal experience. Sure, we talk about these issues with good friends that i know well, but I would not bring these topics up with someone that I do not know well enough to be sure that they are fine with the topic. Sure, what I said in the video is pretty much a generalised statement, but I would say still a good rule of thumb for people who come from other cultures where things might be different.

[@pipr5070]

I think us Aussies would get along well with you all. However, in North Queensland time has a different concept. To turn up on time is considered rude and 15 minutes late is deemed as polite in social circles. With work it’s different we are expected to turn up before time and on time is considered very disrespectful to the workplace

[@cherylenstad8284]

Hi Oliver, many people in the U. S. use the word "douchy", but many, mostly women, find using something feminine related as a put down to be offensive. I really enjoyed your video, very useful!

[@blixten2928]

Cheryl, thanks for this comment! It is, indeed, important to warn people about the misogyny often to be found in American popular culture (including slang). I really appreciate it!

[@kzookid2051]

Very interesting. I've been enjoying your videos on differences in Finland from other countries.

[@lilbatz]

My dad is a Finn, and heaven f*cking help you if you are "late". I'm taking "late" as in 5 mins late. The struggle is real for a Finn living in the US, where a meet up time seems to be a suggestion. Lol

[@derdin8]

So, Oliver... What I hear you saying is, when I finally meet my hockey idol Saku Koivu, I will be able to call him Saku and not Mr. Koivu?

[@vivekapihl5179]

Yep, especially if you are talking Finnish to him. I would call him just Saku if I met him. Though, I have noticed when a Finnish person is speaking English he might use more formal addressing than he would use in Finnish. When you say mr. to somebody in Finland, it is either somebody in really extraordinary position or the situation in itself is very formal. Also, in Finnish language there are ways to show respect without using mr. /sir/titles. For example using formal second person singular, which gives your speaking a very respectful tone. In English it is just "you" but in Finnish it is sinä(second person singular) / te (formal second person singular).

[@manfredneilmann4305]

@@vivekapihl5179 You meant to say "Using second person *plural (not singular), correct?

[@vivekapihl5179]

@@manfredneilmann4305 technically, and grammatically, yes. My bad. It is the same word for both, second person ordinary plural and formal singular.

[@canaryliina]

One thing about Ålanders (Finns on the islands between the mainland and Sweden) is that they do not like saying "no". Instead they say "maybe". This is really annoying for me as, when I ask a question, I ask yes/no questions and expect yes/no answers. A "maybe", to me, means it is uncertain and a "yes" or a "no" is not possible at this time. Ålanders get annoyed with me when I come back later and ask the same question hoping that the issues that made it difficult to come to a definitive answer have been resolved enough so that my question can now be answered. In their heads they had said "no" and in my head they had said "I need more time to think on it."

[@suestoons]

That would drive me nutz! I had a boss that could never say the word no. In one meeting I openly confronted him when a colleague and I had opposing views on a topic. I pushed him for a yes/no response. Which one is correct? What do you want us to do? I have never seen a more uncomfortable adult. At the time I was *SO* frustrated, looking back on it now I just find it amusing. He couldn't even say "Yes" to one of us as that would mean he was disagreeing with the other. I found it very peculiar.

[@jessicasantos6690]

I'm an American and I HATE that people wear shoes inside. It ruins the floors overtime. Especially since many homes here have carpet. I have a "please remove your shoes" sign on my front door.

[@jessicasantos6690]

I also really really hate that you can say "let's get coffee" without having any intent of actually doing it here.

[@drennyvision6141]

As a black lady in Cleveland, Ohio USA being on time to work or school or lunch at a restaurant is a must but if invited to a house party being 15-30 minutes late is being "fashionably late" and allows your host a few extra minutes to finish preparing and you to "make an entrance".

[@sergiorojas7863]

I find your videos very educational and you are a very good “instructor” some of your customs explained in this video we fallow in Pennsylvania USA at work we were supposed to start at 7:30 am but really you have to arrive at 7:00 am this is expected also with scheduled appointment with doctor or teachers . Also we do the no shoes inside the house very common to see that mainly with farmer but to have house shoes is more common . Thanks for your video I should add I am a Mennonite and we don’t drink alcohol at all so that is interesting what you shared about alcohol . Thanks for the video and Christ blessings!

[@indaadams9912]

What is a Mennonite?

[@Lo_.]

I love Finland! Greetings from Estonia 💙

[@mcndev21]

Finland sounds like my kind of country. Apparently from rule #8, sarcasm is not a welcomed form of expression, that would be just fine to me. I love the "be on time to meetings" rule, and while I myself observe that, this rule is certainly not followed elsewhere. For example, I once worked for a company based in Mexico, and according to their rules, when a meeting is scheduled for 15:00 PM, that actually means 15:15 PM. If you arrive at 15:00, expect not to find anyone. Thanks!

[@goupigoupi6953]

Most of these apply to me and my close friends, with a few exceptions. Being on time is not so important (except for job interviews). "Let's have coffee sometime" actually means it will probably never happen. As a rule you're supposed to only drink alcohol after five... but there's always some place on earth where it's five.

[@deviritter5232]

Same with Danes. At my mother’s birthday party, all the Danes waited in their cars until the exact minute, when they all walked up to the door.

[@doonydoesstuff]

Finland is a great country

[@dianejones7308]

"Let's have coffee sometime," can mean nothing, just words. It can also mean, "I'm writing you off, you're an idiot. It'll be a cold day in hell that I'll ever sit down with you."

[@lilbatz]

In the US, let's have coffee, lunch, keep in touch is the kiss of death. You'll never hear from that person again.

[@raingriggs3883]

Doubtful I will go to Finland. The post had me curious. Common sense to me. Thank you.

[@ruththomas6361]

I, too, look at being late as disrespectful and very rude. It says you and your schedule are more important. I also think using a title is a sign of respect. Discussing religion and politics can be tricky. Fortunately, most of my family loves to get "into it" with about any topic. I might add that we never have gotten into a fight over either of these, but I can see how some less mature or civilized persons should stay away from the topics, so would never dive into these topics with strangers. Both "customs" 8 and 9 EVERYONE should follow.

[@annacarter6559]

If it wasn’t in a freezer I would be happy to move to Finland tomorrow

[@joshuakruebbe3762]

Coming from the eternal broiler that is New Orleans, La, I’ll take the snow

[@ericfermin8347]

@@joshuakruebbe3762 Yeah, sure you want snow until you have to.....wait until March and you haven't seen the sun for two months, every where you look is ugly dirt covered snow, and your brother froze to death four weeks ago and is buried in a snow drift that won't melt until mid-July.

[@ericdew2021]

Are guests expected to bring a gift to birthday parties (for kids, mainly) or housewarming parties (young adults, and perhaps even older adults)? Do guests bring some food or a bottle of wine for dinner parties?

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Hello Eric and thanks so much for the great question! I think for kids parties its always best to ask the parents about the expectations or the etiquette. However with house warming parties (young adults) it is pretty normal (not demanded though) that you would bring something small. A bottle of wine is pretty mich always appreciated but it could be something else as well. If you dont know the person well enough to buy something else, a decent bottle should always be more than enough 👍. If the couple doesnt drink alcohol, there are also many lovely non-alcoholic sparklings that are sold in the state owned alcohol stores (called Alko) that i can recommend. Personally, i would not bring people anything material unless you know the people well enough to know that they need something. A lot of especially younger people (millenials and younger) are trying to minimize the amount of stuff they own and many would rather get a bottle of good wine that they could experience together. I hope this answered your question 👍

[@ericdew2021]

@@RoadtoFinnish Thanks!

[@poza9134]

Intresting, it's the same in Autria. Didn'r know our cultures are so similar :)

[@RoadtoFinnish]

Oh cool, was there something specific that would be similar to Austria?

[@stephanietorres5679]

Thank you for sharing this video young man.

[@iegal2526]

Interesting, I do think it is polite to ask to address others by their first name if they hold a formal title when you first meet

[@cidercik]

Germans also don't wear shoes inside, it's house shoes all the way. I keep disposable house shoes for guests but friends bring theirs with them.

[@katherinekelly5380]

Wow! I didn’t realize how much alike Finns and Canadians are ! 🇨🇦

[@s.proulx166]

I am Finnish-Canadian, and was raised with all of these customs. And yes, there are similarities; specifically not wearing shoes inside the home!

[@lilbatz]

@@s.proulx166 Finn dad and French Canadian mom. This vid was just standard operating procedures in my family growing up.

[@s.proulx166]

@@lilbatz , so Interesting isn’t it! Not to mention that my husband is French-Canadian, so our kids have both cultural influences as well.

[@XX-gy7ue]

I HAVE TO SAY THAT I MUCH RATHER SOMEONE BE LATE THAN EARLY ! ( I KNOW IT'S NOT THE POINT , BUT THERE'S NOTHING WORSE THAN SOMEONE ARRIVING EARLY AS YOUR TRYING TO HAVE THINGS SET JUST RIGHT ! )

[@RoadtoFinnish]

😅 this is why its also culturally appropriate for the hosts to prepare everything so that the person can arrive on time

[@Songfugel]

Great video, unlike the many small mistakes in the housing video, this one is very accurate

[@gauthierbriere]

I really like the comment on alcohol comsumption. As a french it was really funny my beginning here.

[@johnmcgrath6192]

Storage cages were at one time a standard feature in New York City apartment buildings.

[@against1virus]

One thing i noticed in finnish schools is that we most of the time ended up using the first name of the teachers we liked and the last name of those we didnt. Though there were exceptions to that sometimes.

[@Agapy8888]

I would like my guests to be half hour late for dinner at my house. Yes. I’m from Quebec and we always remove our shoes at the entrance.

[@kmakhlouf4387]

I don't know about the rest of America, but these are all maxims my family, friends and associates live by. If we are going to a job interview punctuality is a must, 15 mins early the basic rule. The talking about religion and/or politics in USA- it is considered vulgar and low class if a stranger asks about your politics- if they do it's something new, maybe since the Obama administration is it when people started openly stating their politics- which is divisive. I could go into the Why's but that in itself is a political argument! :) God bless. Shoes inside varies in US. The Titles and Forms of Addresses is eye opening to me! I prefer titles, as it is a form of respect. Thank you, your videos are very very good.