Understanding the CEFR Levels

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (A1 to C2)

What are CEFR Levels and Why Do They Matter?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the widely accepted standard across Europe and internationally for describing language ability. It defines six levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) that provide a clear, comparable way to assess and articulate language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

This framework is the backbone for language learning curricula, textbooks, and examinations for a vast range of European languages. If you are learning, or plan to learn, any of the following languages (among others), you will likely encounter the CEFR levels:

At Sprachlingua, our courses for languages like German, Spanish, Italian, French, Swedish, Dutch, and others are meticulously structured according to these internationally recognized CEFR levels. This ensures a systematic progression, allows you to track your development against a global standard, and prepares you effectively for official examinations.

A1: Beginner

At the A1 level, you can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. This is where you start your journey in a new language.

Key Outcomes: You can introduce yourself and others, ask and answer simple questions about personal details (e.g., where you live, people you know). You can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly.
This level forms the essential foundation of our beginner language courses, providing the initial building blocks for basic communication.

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A2: Elementary

At the A2 level, you can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). You can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

Key Outcomes: You can describe in simple terms aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. You can handle basic transactions like asking for information or making simple purchases.
The A2 level builds upon the A1 foundation in our language courses, expanding vocabulary and grammatical structures for more varied elementary interactions.

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B1: Intermediate

At the B1 level, you can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. You can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. You can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.

Key Outcomes: You can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. You can handle travel situations and engage in discussions on familiar subjects.
B1 is often considered the threshold of independence in a language. Our courses at this level focus on developing practical communication skills for broader contexts.

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B2: Upper Intermediate

At the B2 level, you can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialization. You can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. You can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Key Outcomes: You can engage in relatively fluent conversations, understand complex ideas, present detailed arguments, and write clear, structured texts.
Our B2 level programs aim to significantly enhance fluency and the ability to handle more complex and abstract language use, essential for academic or professional settings.

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C1: Advanced

At the C1 level, you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. You can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. You can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Key Outcomes: You demonstrate effective operational command of the language, can understand and produce complex discourse, and use language flexibly and appropriately in various contexts.
Our C1 courses focus on refining fluency, expanding vocabulary and idiomatic expression, and mastering complex grammatical structures required for high-level communication.

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C2: Proficiency

At the C2 level, you can understand virtually everything heard or read with ease. You can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. You can express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Key Outcomes: This level signifies near-native fluency. You can communicate effectively in any situation, understand subtle nuances, and handle complex linguistic tasks with ease and precision.
The C2 level at Sprachlingua aims for mastery, allowing you to use the language with a level of sophistication comparable to that of an educated native speaker.

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