Signification
Starting a task or project.
Contexte culturel
The 'Kansalaisaloite' (Citizens' Initiative) is a source of national pride. It allows citizens to bypass traditional party politics and bring issues directly to the Parliament. The 'Law of Jante' (Janteloven) historically discouraged people from standing out. 'Tehdä aloite' is the modern antidote to this, encouraging individual proactivity. Finnish bosses value 'itseohjautuvuus' (self-direction). If you 'tehdä aloite', you are seen as a high-potential employee who doesn't need constant supervision. Gender roles in Finland are very egalitarian. It is perfectly normal and accepted for anyone, regardless of gender, to 'tehdä aloite' in a romantic context.
The 'Jostakin' Rule
Always remember to use the elative case (-sta/-stä) for the topic of your initiative. 'Tehdä aloite palkasta' (Make an initiative about salary).
Avoid 'Ottaa'
Even though you 'take' initiative in English, avoid 'ottaa aloite' in Finnish unless you are talking about chess or sports strategy.
Signification
Starting a task or project.
The 'Jostakin' Rule
Always remember to use the elative case (-sta/-stä) for the topic of your initiative. 'Tehdä aloite palkasta' (Make an initiative about salary).
Avoid 'Ottaa'
Even though you 'take' initiative in English, avoid 'ottaa aloite' in Finnish unless you are talking about chess or sports strategy.
Silence is okay
In Finland, if no one 'tekee aloitetta' in a conversation, don't panic. Silence is not always awkward; it's often just thinking time.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'tehdä'.
Eilen minä ____ aloitteen ja siivosin keittiön.
'Eilen' (yesterday) requires the past tense (imperfakti).
Which sentence is correct in a negative context?
I did not make an initiative.
Negative sentences require the partitive case ('aloitetta').
Match the Finnish phrase to its English context.
Match the following:
Each context uses the phrase slightly differently.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Miksi kukaan ei puhu? B: En tiedä. Ehkä sinun pitäisi ____ ____.
The context suggests someone needs to start the conversation.
In which situation would you use 'tehdä aloite'?
You see a new project that needs a leader.
'Tehdä aloite' is about starting and taking the lead.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesEilen minä ____ aloitteen ja siivosin keittiön.
'Eilen' (yesterday) requires the past tense (imperfakti).
I did not make an initiative.
Negative sentences require the partitive case ('aloitetta').
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Each context uses the phrase slightly differently.
A: Miksi kukaan ei puhu? B: En tiedä. Ehkä sinun pitäisi ____ ____.
The context suggests someone needs to start the conversation.
You see a new project that needs a leader.
'Tehdä aloite' is about starting and taking the lead.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, especially in chess or strategy games, it means taking the initiative or having the advantage.
Both are used. 'Tehdä aloite' is the basic form, but in a sentence like 'Minä tein aloitteen', it takes the accusative 'n' ending.
It is neutral. It works in a business meeting and with your friends.
It is a formal 'citizens' initiative' where Finns can propose new laws to the government.
No, that would be 'käynnistää auto'. 'Tehdä aloite' is for social or abstract actions.
You can say: 'Olen huono tekemään aloitteita.'
No, it is very common in work and politics too. Context tells you which one it is.
You could say 'odottaa muiden toimivan' (wait for others to act) or 'seurata muiden esimerkkiä' (follow others' example).
Yes, 'tehdä aloite' and 'tehdä ehdotus' (make a suggestion) are very similar.
Usually 'aloite jostakin' (about something).
Expressions liées
tehdä avaus
similarTo make an opening/start a conversation
ottaa ohjat
builds onTo take the reins
panna alulle
synonymTo set in motion
tehdä ehdotus
similarTo make a proposal
aloitekyky
specialized formInitiative (as a personality trait)
