Can I use spoken language (puhekieli) in the YKI informal email?

Yes, you can use mild puhekieli (like 'Moi' or 'tuparit') in informal tasks. However, clear, standard written Finnish (kirjakieli) is also perfectly acceptable and sometimes safer if you aren't confident in your spoken Finnish spelling.

What happens if I miss a bullet point from the prompt?

Missing a bullet point is one of the easiest ways to lose points in the YKI test. Examiners strictly check if you fulfilled the entire task. Always double-check that you've answered every question asked.

How long should a YKI informal email be?

Typically, the informal message in Task 1 should be concise. Around 40 to 60 words is usually enough to cover all the prompt requirements without waffling or making unnecessary grammar mistakes.

YKI Test Informal Email Example (With Finnish Translations)

If you're preparing for the YKI keskitaso writing test, reviewing a high-quality YKI informal email example is one of the smartest ways to prepare. Task 1 usually asks you to write a casual message to a friend or colleague, and getting this right builds strong momentum for the rest of the exam.

As your friendly Finnish exam tutor, I'm going to walk you through exactly what examiners look for in a Finnish informal email. We'll break down a realistic scenario, look at a strong Finnish response, and translate it so you understand exactly why it works.

What Makes a Good Informal YKI Email?

Before we dive into the example, it's crucial to understand the rules of YKI writing task 1. The examiners are not looking for complex poetry. They are looking for clear communication that perfectly answers the prompt.

Task Fulfillment: You must answer every single bullet point mentioned in the prompt.
Tone: The message should be friendly and relaxed. You don't need strong slang, but everyday vocabulary is highly encouraged.
Length: Keep it concise. Usually, a message of around 40 to 60 words is perfect.

Exam Task Prompt: Inviting a Friend to a Party

Let's look at a classic YKI prompt. In this scenario, you are hosting a small get-together and need to invite a friend.

Tehtävä (Task): Olet järjestämässä tupareita (tupaantuliaisia) uudessa asunnossasi. Kirjoita viesti ystävällesi ja kutsu hänet mukaan. Kerro viestissäsi:

Miksi kirjoitat? (Why are you writing?)
Milloin juhlat ovat? (When is the party?)
Mitä hänen pitää ottaa mukaan? (What should they bring?)

Full Finnish Sample Email (Level 3/4)

Here is a strong YKI informal email example that hits all the requirements for a passing grade (Level 3 or 4) on the intermediate test.

Moi Matti!

Mitä kuuluu? Muutin vihdoin uuteen asuntoon ja järjestän tuparit ensi viikonloppuna. Haluaisin kutsua sinut mukaan juhlimaan kanssani!

Juhlat ovat lauantaina 15. päivä. Aloitamme noin kello 18.00. Tarjoan ruokaa, mutta voitko ottaa omat juomat mukaan?

Ilmoita, pääsetkö tulemaan!

Terveisin,
Anna

English Translation and Breakdown

To fully grasp how this hits the mark, let's look at the English translation and see how it addresses the prompt.

"Hi Matti! How are you? I finally moved to a new apartment and I'm organizing a housewarming party next weekend. I would like to invite you to celebrate with me!" (Addresses Bullet 1: Why are you writing)
"The party is on Saturday the 15th. We will start around 18:00." (Addresses Bullet 2: When is the party)
"I will provide food, but can you bring your own drinks?" (Addresses Bullet 3: What to bring)
"Let me know if you can make it! Regards, Anna" (Natural sign-off)

Key Takeaways from This YKI Informal Email Example

Notice how straightforward the sentences are. There is no complicated grammar, just solid, everyday Finnish that effectively communicates the message. The tone is perfectly matched to a friendship context.

To keep improving your skills, check out our step-by-step guide to writing an informal email and our complete informal email guide with B1 examples. Having these tools ready will drastically reduce your stress on exam day.