What are the Different CEFR Levels?

In the language-learning community, you often hear other learners throw around certain terms when they’re talking about their level in a language.

“I speak German at a B1 level” or “I’m an A2 in Russian.”

But what do B1 and A2 mean?

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. With these levels, you can easily work out your ability in around 40 different languages.

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.

Let’s take now a closer look at what the differnet levels means and which language abilities you reach with each level:

The “A” Levels: Basic User

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 such as shopping, family, employment, etc.
  • Complete tasks that are routine and involve a direct exchange of information
  • Describe matters of immediate need in simple terms

 

The “B” Levels: Independent User

B1 | Intermediate

  • Understand points regarding family, work, school or leisure-related topics
  • Deal with most travel situations in areas where the language is spoken.
  • Create simple texts on topics of personal interest
  • Describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions, as well as opinions or plans in brief

 

B2 | Upper Intermediate

  • Understand the main ideas of a complex text such as a technical piece related to their field
  • 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: Proficient User

C1 | Advanced

  • Understand a wide range of longer and more demanding texts or conversations
  • Express ideas without too much searching
  • Effectively use the language for social, academic or professional situations
  • Create well-structured and detailed texts on complex topics

 

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