CEFR Language levels

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, often referred to as CEFR or CEFRL, is an international standard for working out your ability within a language. It was established by the Council of Europe and aims to validate language ability.The six levels within the CEFR are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. The levels are often used casually by language learners to explain their ability at speaking, reading, writing and understanding a language. But there are also exams and certificates available to those who want to make their level official.

The A levels

A1 Beginner

Understand and use very basic expressions to satisfy concrete needs

Introduce themselves and ask others questions about personal details

Interact simply as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly

A2 Elementary

Understand frequently used expressions in most intermediate areas

Complete tasks that are routine and involve a direct exchange of information.

Describe matters of immediate need in simple terms.

The B levels

B1 Intermediate

Create simple texts on topics of personal interest

Describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions, as well as opinions or plans in brief.

Deal with most travel situations in areas where the language is spoken

B2 Upper Intermediate

Understand the main ideas of a complex text

Spontaneously interact without too much strain for either the learner or the native speaker

Produce a detailed text on a wide range of subjects

The C levels

C1 Advanced

Effectively use the language for social, academic or professional situations

Create well-structured and detailed texts on complex topics

Understand a wide range of longer and more demanding texts or conversations

C2 Proficiency

Understand almost everything read or heard with ease

Summarize information from a variety of sources into a coherent presentation.

Express themselves using precise meaning in complex scenarios.