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Instructions and exercises for the Finnish language YKI

Instructions and exercises for the Finnish language YKI

On this page you can learn more about the intermediate level (B1–B2) YKI test and test tasks. You can also search for exercises using the links and read what many people have asked about the test. This page was compiled in the YKIIN project (2015–2016) funded by OPH.

Practice online

The purpose of the language test Menossa YKIii, produced by the Helsinki Adult Education Centre, is to determine how well you know the vocabulary and grammar of the Finnish language in order to pass the YKI test. In the YKI test, grammar and vocabulary are tools that help you communicate orally and in writing in different situations and better understand different texts and speech. The real YKI test tests practical skills.

Going to YKI (Helsinki Adult Education Institute) Practice (Eira Adult High School) Practice (Vanajavesi College) Practice (speech and text comprehension B1, Yle Learning) Internship (Lancaster University)

Watch and listen

In YleAreena's YKI discussion, Shadi Hatem, a student at the Helsinki Adult Education Institute, presents questions prepared by the institute's students and listeners of the news to Mirja Tarnanen, the chairwoman of the General Language Examinations Committee.

Watch, listen and read (Yle Areena) Listen and read (Yle) Listen (Yle Areena) Listen to A1 (Yle's clear news) Listen to A2 (Yle Clear News) Listen to the discussion about YKI (Yle Areena) Listen and do tasks (Finnish schools)

Ten questions about YKI

1. When is a certificate from YKI sufficient to obtain citizenship?

If you want to apply for Finnish citizenship, you can demonstrate sufficient Finnish or Swedish language skills by completing the oral and written parts of the general language examination at a minimum proficiency level of three. Check well in advance when the examination will be held, and remember to register for the examination on time. Please note that examination places fill up very quickly in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. If necessary, you can also register for an examination held outside your home town. To obtain citizenship, it is sufficient to have completed one of the combinations of partial examinations described below at a minimum proficiency level of three.

  • Speaking + writing or
  • Speech comprehension + writing or
  • Understanding the text + speaking.

If you have a proficiency level of three (3) in two of the subtests, but the subtests are combinations other than those listed above, your certificate will not be valid as proof of the required language proficiency.

If necessary, you can also demonstrate acceptable combinations with more than one diploma. However, please note that you must complete the entire degree and take all the partial exams, otherwise you will not receive a diploma. The degree must be completed in its entirety on the same day.

NOTE! The structure of the general language examination changed in 2012. If you completed the examination in 2002–2011, your language proficiency level has also been assessed in general in the certificate. In that case, a general level of three ( 3 ) is sufficient to obtain citizenship. For examinations completed before 2002, the general level must be at least four ( 4 ). Read more about the assessment of examinations here.

2. Do I have to know things and facts about Finland in the YKI test?

The YKI test does not ask about Finnish issues. You do not need to know facts about Finland, but you do need to be able to write, speak and understand Finnish.

3. How many mistakes can you make on the YKI test?

The test doesn't look at your mistakes, it looks at your language skills. What matters is what you know. A mistake can be a problem if it interferes with understanding.

4. Is grammar a very important thing in the YKI test?

Grammar will certainly help you communicate and understand more accurately, but it is equally important to know and understand vocabulary and phrases from different themes. More important is the ability to speak and write and understand different themes.

5. What if I don't understand a question or task?

Even if you don't understand the task, it's better to try, answer, write or speak something, because you won't get minus points for a wrong answer.

6. Can I take the YKI test multiple times?

You can retake the YKI test and improve your grades. However, it is a good idea to prepare for the test and not attempt it if you know for sure that you do not know Finnish at all yet.

7. How many words must the answer contain?

The YKI test does not look at words, but at ideas and things. If you understand the task and your answer fits the task, that is enough. However, sometimes it is better to talk and write too much than too little, e.g. narrative tasks and opinion writing. On the other hand, it is important to keep an eye on the clock, because there is not much time.

8. What if I think my opinions and thoughts are stupid?

The YKI test does not assess your thoughts and opinions, but your language skills. Even a stupid text is as good as a wise one, as long as it is in understandable Finnish.

9. What if there is no time to answer all the questions?

You can still pass the YKI test, the most important thing is to try to answer as many questions as possible. In a speaking test, e.g. a narrative task, you don't even have to answer all the questions. On the other hand, in a writing task, e.g. an email, answer all the questions.

10. How should you prepare for the test?

It is worth reading newspapers, listening, speaking and writing whenever possible. It would also be important to know things that are not in textbooks and courses. You need new words and grammar. You can also learn the content of the Yki test in courses.

More information about registration and examination criteria Language qualification assessment and certification
If you want to apply for Finnish citizenship, you can demonstrate sufficient Finnish or Swedish language skills by completing the oral and written parts of the general language examination at a minimum proficiency level of three. Check well in advance when the examination is held, and remember to register for the examination on time. Please note that examination places fill up very quickly in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. If necessary, you can also register for an examination held outside your home town. To obtain citizenship, it is sufficient to have completed one of the combinations of sub-examinations described below at a minimum proficiency level of three. Speaking + Writing or Understanding Speech + Writing or Understanding Text + Speaking. If you have a proficiency level of three ( 3 ) in two sub-examinations, but the sub-examinations are combinations other than those mentioned above, your certificate will not be valid for demonstrating the required language skills.
To obtain citizenship, it is sufficient to have completed one of the combinations of partial exams described in the picture at at least skill level three.