Itsenäisyyden

Itsenäisyyden is a Finnish noun form that functions as the genitive singular of itsenäisyys, meaning independence or self-determination. The base word itsenäisyys is formed from itsenäinen (independent) plus the abstract-noun suffix -isyys. The genitive ending -n marks possession or relation, so itsenäisyyden translates roughly as “of independence” or “independence’s.”

In usage, itsenäisyyden appears mainly in formal, historical, or legal contexts. It is common in phrases such as itsenäisyyden turvaaminen (the safeguarding of independence), itsenäisyyden aika (the era of independence), or itsenäisyyden juhla (the celebration of independence). Because it expresses a relational or possessive idea, it may appear in discussions about the state, national identity, or constitutional matters rather than in everyday speech.

Context in Finland is central to the term because independence is a foundational concept in Finnish history and society. Finland declared its independence from Russia on 6 December 1917, and the anniversary is observed as Itsenäisyyspäivä (Independence Day). The word itsenäisyyden appears in official texts, commemorations, and academic works when referring to aspects of Finnish independence, sovereignty, and self-determination. While itsenäisyys describes the concept of independence, itsenäisyyden provides the grammatical means to discuss the idea as a property, relation, or facet within broader statements.