The European System of Language Proficiency Levels

According to a Council of Europe document titled Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR), there are three broad levels of foreign-language proficiency: basic (A), intermediate (B), and advanced (C). Each of these is further divided into two levels: 1 and 2. Each of the resulting six levels (in ascending order: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) implies a certain set of language competences. Briefly and clearly, they can be described as follows.

A1 I understand and can use familiar everyday phrases and very basic expressions aimed at the satisfaction of concrete needs. I can introduce myself and others, and ask and answer questions about where I live, people I know, and things I have. I can take part in a simple conversation if the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

A2 I understand isolated sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (for example, very basic personal and family information, shopping, employment, etc.). I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and everyday matters. I can describe in simple terms aspects of my background, my immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need.

B1 I understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in a country where the language is spoken. I can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. I can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

B2 I understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in my field of specialization. I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. I 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.

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

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