Levels CEFR description

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (abbreviated in English as CEFR ) is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and serves to evaluate the language-level proficiency of candidates in different areas. Its main objective is to provide a method for verifying language skills and their teaching, which is applied to the assessment of the language level in all the languages of the countries of Europe. Its main aim is to provide a method of learning, teaching and assessing which applies to all languages in Europe.

In November 2001, a European Union Council Resolution recommended using the CEFR to set up systems of validation of language ability. The CEFR has provided a set of six Common Reference Levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 a C2) widely accepted as the European standard for grading an individual´s language proficiency.

Levels of language proficiency
The Common European Framework divides learner into three broad divisions that can be divided into six levels. For each level, it describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing.

Common Reference Levels:

Basic User

A1 Level (Beginner)

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

A2 Level (Elementary)

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Independent User

B1 Level (Intermediate)

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

B2 Level (Upper-Intermediate)

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. 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.

Proficient User

C1 Level (Advanced)

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

C2 Level (Proficiency)

Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.