In short
- YKI is Finland's only official language test, often needed for citizenship, studies or work.
- The biggest mistakes: not using Finnish daily, and being afraid of making mistakes.
- In the last six weeks: read, write, listen and speak Finnish actively, with extra speaking practice.
Tell us about yourself and your teaching.
I am a native Finnish speaker with a Master's degree in Finnish, and I have worked as a journalist and teacher since 2006. I teach all my courses online. My teaching is based on functional language learning: communication comes first. Grammar matters, but knowing the rules is not enough if you cannot use Finnish in everyday life.
When needed, I teach in both Finnish and English, which can reduce stress. Learning a new language already takes courage, and a good teacher should make it easier, not more stressful.
Who takes YKI, and why does it matter?
YKI is the only official language proficiency test in Finland. You may need the intermediate level if you apply for Finnish citizenship, need a certificate for studies, or must show your language skills for work. Anyone can take it, as many times as needed. Most of my students take the intermediate-level Finnish test.
Which part do learners find hardest?
It depends on the learner. People with academic backgrounds are often stronger in reading, writing and grammar. Those who learned Finnish at work and with neighbours and friends are often already fluent speakers and understand spoken Finnish well. My advice to everyone: use Finnish in daily life as much as possible, as soon as possible.
What are the most common mistakes?
The biggest mistake is not using Finnish in daily life. The second is being too afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes are part of learning; what you need is practice. When you live in Finland, the language is all around you, so see it as a resource and use every chance to speak it.
How should learners use the last six weeks?
Use the language actively: read, write, listen and speak. My online YKI preparation course offers structured, regular training with a special focus on speaking, plus the chance to ask questions and get tips for the test. Private lessons are also available for extra support.
About Ope Mari
Mari Kokkonen runs Ope Mari, her online Finnish school. She is a native Finnish speaker with a Master's degree in Finnish. She has worked as a journalist and Finnish teacher since 2006 and teaches all her courses online, including YKI test preparation and private lessons.
- Ope Mari website and courses: marikokkonen.fi
- Instagram: @opemarin_verkkokurssit
- TikTok: @opemari3
- YouTube: @MariKokko1
Prepare for YKI with Ope Mari
Online YKI preparation courses with a focus on speaking, plus private lessons.
See Ope Mari's coursesPreparing for work in Finland too?
Passing YKI opens doors, and a CV adapted for Finnish employers helps you walk through them.
Try the free CV reviewThe answers are Mari Kokkonen's own, lightly edited for length. Fovo is not connected to the YKI test or its organisers. For official YKI dates and registration, see oph.fi.