YKI B1 Vocabulary List: Essential Finnish Words for the Writing Test

A complete guide to the phrases and vocabulary you need to score a 3 or 4 in your Finnish YKI writing exam.

Preparing for the Finnish language test? Mastering the right YKI B1 vocabulary listis one of the most critical steps to passing the writing section. The YKI (Yleiset kielitutkinnot) intermediate test doesn't just evaluate if you know basic words; evaluators want to see if you can express opinions, handle everyday situations, and structure your texts logically.

To achieve that B1 level (a score of 3 or 4), you must move beyond simple subject-verb-object sentences. By strategically using appropriate Finnish B1 vocabulary, you can demonstrate to the examiners that you have a strong, functional command of written Finnish.

How to Use This YKI B1 Vocabulary List for the Writing Test

Do not simply memorize these words blindly. The writing portion of the YKI test usually consists of three tasks: an informal message, a formal message (like a complaint or application), and an opinion piece. The Finnish exam words provided below are categorized specifically for these tasks so you can plug them directly into your practice routines.

1. Structuring Your Text: Essential Linking Words (Sidossanat)

A major criterion for B1 writing is text cohesion. You must connect your sentences smoothly. These conjunctions and linking phrases are mandatory YKI writing vocabulary.

  • Koska (Because) – En pääse töihin tänään, koska olen sairaana. (I cannot come to work today because I am sick.)
  • Siksi (Therefore / That's why) – Olen sairaana, ja siksi en pääse töihin. (I am sick, and that is why I cannot come to work.)
  • Kuitenkin (However) – Haluaisin osallistua kurssille. Kuitenkin minulla on toinen meno. (I would like to attend the course. However, I have another appointment.)
  • Vaikka (Although / Even though) – Menimme ulos, vaikka satoi vettä. (We went outside even though it was raining.)
  • Lisäksi (In addition / Furthermore) – Asunto on valoisa. Lisäksi siinä on sauna. (The apartment is bright. Furthermore, it has a sauna.)

2. Expressing Opinions (Mielipiteen ilmaiseminen)

Task 3 in the writing exam is almost always an opinion piece. Using the right phrasing here will immediately signal to the examiner that you possess strong Finnish B1 vocabulary.

  • Minun mielestäni... (In my opinion...) – Minun mielestäni julkinen liikenne on liian kallista. (In my opinion, public transport is too expensive.)
  • Olen sitä mieltä, että... (I am of the opinion that...) – Olen sitä mieltä, että lasten pitäisi ulkoilla enemmän. (I am of the opinion that children should play outside more.)
  • Olen samaa mieltä. (I agree.) – Used when responding to a prompt or an article.
  • Olen eri mieltä. (I disagree.) – Perfect for establishing a counter-argument.
  • Toisaalta... toisaalta... (On the one hand... on the other hand...) – Toisaalta autoilu on kätevää, mutta toisaalta se saastuttaa luontoa. (On the one hand driving is convenient, but on the other hand it pollutes the environment.)

3. Formal Email Vocabulary (Virallinen sähköposti)

When writing a complaint (reklamaatio) or asking for information from an authority or business, your tone must be polite and formal. These Finnish exam words will help you set the right tone.

  • Yhteydenotto koskien... (Contact regarding...) – Otan teihin yhteyttä koskien eilen ostamaani puhelinta. (I am contacting you regarding the phone I bought yesterday.)
  • Haluaisin tiedustella... (I would like to inquire...) – Haluaisin tiedustella, onko teillä vapaita aikoja. (I would like to inquire if you have any available appointments.)
  • Valitettavasti... (Unfortunately...) – Valitettavasti tuote oli rikki, kun avasin paketin. (Unfortunately the product was broken when I opened the package.)
  • Voisitteko... (Could you...) – Always use the conditional form for polite requests! Voisitteko palauttaa rahani? (Could you refund my money?)
  • Ystävällisin terveisin, (Kind regards,) – The standard formal sign-off.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a great YKI B1 vocabulary list, candidates often lose points through structural mistakes. Avoid translating English idioms directly into Finnish. Keep your sentences relatively short and clear. If you try to write overly long, complicated sentences without mastering B1-level grammar (like the lauseenvastike structures), you risk losing the examiner. Stick to the reliable vocabulary above to maintain a solid, comprehensible flow.

Ready to Ace the YKI Writing Test?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to study the YKI B1 vocabulary list?

The best approach is to practice using these words in context. Instead of memorizing isolated words, write full practice essays or emails using the specific YKI B1 vocabulary list provided for opinions, linking words, and formal requests.

Do I need perfect grammar if I use advanced Finnish exam words?

No. The YKI intermediate level (B1) evaluates your ability to communicate effectively. While using excellent YKI writing vocabulary boosts your score, minor grammatical mistakes are completely acceptable as long as they do not prevent the evaluator from understanding your message.

How many words do I need to know for the YKI writing test?

There is no strict word count you must know. Success at the B1 level relies more on knowing the right transition words, opinion phrases, and situational vocabulary to structure coherent paragraphs, rather than having an massive overall vocabulary.