Language Levels A1–C2
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages makes language skills transparent and comparable – from basic knowledge at A1 to highly proficient language use at C2.
The Common European Framework of Reference
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, commonly known as the CEFR, describes language proficiency in six levels from A1 to C2. It covers skills such as listening, reading, writing and speaking.
This makes language skills easier to understand and allows courses and examinations to be compared using a common standard.
What Do the Language Levels Mean?
From simple everyday communication to confident and highly differentiated language use: each level describes the skills a learner has developed.
A1 – Getting Started
You can understand and use very simple sentences and everyday expressions. You can introduce yourself and ask and answer basic personal questions.
A2 – Basic Communication
You can communicate in simple everyday situations, answer short questions and understand basic texts, signs and instructions.
B1 – Independent Communication
You can follow conversations on familiar topics, express your views and write simple, connected texts and messages.
B2 – Confident Communication
You can communicate spontaneously and in detail, participate in more demanding conversations and understand more complex texts and professional content.
C1 – Advanced Language Use
You can communicate confidently and flexibly, understand demanding content and present complex topics clearly and in a well-structured way.
C2 – Mastery
You can understand virtually everything with ease and express yourself spontaneously, precisely and with a high degree of nuance.
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