Language skill level descriptions

Language skill level descriptions have six levels that are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF) skill levels A1–C2 and National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI, Yleinen kielitutkinto) skill levels 1–6.

A

Basic user

A1/YKI 1

  • Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases
  • Can introduce themselves to others and can ask and answer questions about personal details
  • Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly

A2/YKI 2

  • Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions
  • Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar matters
  • Can describe in simple terms their background, immideate environment and matters in areas of immediate need

B

Idependent user

B1/YKI 3

  • Can deal with most situations likely to arise in familiar situations related to work and social life.
  • Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters. I can catch the main points in TV programs provided that the speech is relatively slow and clear and the topics are familiar.
  • Can understand texts that contain everyday or job-related language and that do not require expertise in the subject matter
  • Can write simple texts on topics that are familiar and answer enquiries briefly. Have a sufficient command of the basic structures of the language.

B2/YKI 4

  • Can handle successfully most communicative tasks and situations related to work and social life. Can express my ideas and thoughts as coherent entities and support opinions
  • Can understand longer stretches of speech and lectures and follow complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programs
  • Can understand texts on general topics. I can obtain information, ideas and opinions from specialized sources within my field
  • can write clear detailed texts on topics that are familiar to me and express my thoughts coherently

C

Proficient user

C2/YKI 6

  • Speak very fluently and in an appropriate style; have a sound command of grammar and vocabulary in almost all situations of language usage
  • Can understand, without difficulty, any kind of spoken language; understand a native speaker who speaks fast
  • Can read, without problems, almost all forms of text
  • Can write clearly and smoothly and in an appropriate style

B2/YKI 4

  • Can handle successfully most communicative tasks and situations related to work and social life. Can express my ideas and thoughts as coherent entities and support opinions
  • Can understand longer stretches of speech and lectures and follow complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programs
  • Can understand texts on general topics. I can obtain information, ideas and opinions from specialized sources within my field
  • Can write clear detailed texts on topics that are familiar to me and express my thoughts coherently

Finnish can be learned!

Take the plunge! Be brave! We are here to help.

(Some five million Finns have managed it, as have a number of persistent foreigners with a real interest in it.)

Get started
FLSA