CEFR levels explained: what A1 to C2 actually mean

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the scale behind most language courses and certificates: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. It was developed by the Council of Europe and describes levels by what you can do in a language, not by which grammar you have covered. Here is each level in plain words, based on the CEFR’s global scale.

The three bands

• A, basic user: A1 and A2.
• B, independent user: B1 and B2.
• C, proficient user: C1 and C2.

A1: Breakthrough

You understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. You can introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions about where you live and people you know, and get by in a simple conversation if the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is ready to help.

A2: Waystage

You understand sentences and common expressions about things that matter day to day: family, shopping, your area, work. You can handle simple, routine exchanges and describe your background and immediate needs in simple terms.

B1: Threshold

You understand the main points of clear, standard speech and writing on familiar topics like work, school and free time. You can deal with most situations while travelling, write simple connected text, describe experiences, hopes and plans, and briefly explain your opinions.

B2: Vantage

You understand the main ideas of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics, including discussions in your own field. You can talk with native speakers fluently and spontaneously enough that neither side has to strain, and write clear, detailed text explaining a viewpoint and its pros and cons.

C1: Effective operational proficiency

You understand a wide range of long, demanding texts and pick up implied meaning. You express yourself fluently without obviously searching for words, and use the language flexibly at work, in study and socially. Your writing on complex subjects is clear and well structured.

C2: Mastery

You understand virtually everything you hear or read with ease. You can summarise information from different sources, rebuild arguments in a coherent way, and express yourself spontaneously and precisely, with fine shades of meaning even in complex situations.

Pre-A1 and the “plus” levels

The 2020 CEFR Companion Volume added detail to the scale. It describes a Pre-A1 stage for absolute beginners and “plus” levels in between: A2+, B1+ and B2+. Some courses and exams use them, so you may see a level like “B1+” on a placement test.

How to find your level

• Self-assessment: the Council of Europe publishes a self-assessment grid with can-do statements for listening, reading, speaking and writing. It is free and a good first check.
• Placement tests from schools and apps give a rough level, often for one or two skills only.
• Official exams such as Cambridge English, DELE for Spanish, DELF/DALF for French or Goethe-Zertifikat for German give a certified level.

Your skills will rarely sit at the same level. Reading at B2 and speaking at B1 is normal. Want to know how long each level takes? See how many hours it takes to learn a language and how many words you need for each level.

Sources

1. Council of Europe. Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), including the global scale of common reference levels.
2. Council of Europe. CEFR Companion Volume, 2020.