Overview of language levels

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) divides language skills into different language levels. All aspects of language skills are considered, such as understanding, speaking and writing. The aim is to make the various European language certificates comparable with each other and to create a common benchmark for the acquisition of language skills.

The basic levels of the reference framework are

A: Elementary language use
B: Independent use of language
C: Competent use of language

These are further subdivided into a total of 6 levels of language proficiency.

The following overview contains simple statements for the different competence levels that are helpful in assessing your own language level.

Test and assess your language skills yourself here:

Language level A1

Listening	I can understand familiar words and very simple sentences that refer to myself, my family or specific things around me, provided they are spoken slowly and clearly.
Reading	I can understand individual familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on signs, posters or in catalogs.
Taking part in conversations	I can communicate in a simple way if the person I am talking to is prepared to repeat something more slowly or say it differently and helps me to formulate what I am trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions as long as they are about immediately necessary things and very familiar topics.
Connected speech	I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe people I know and to describe where I live.
Writing	I can write a short simple postcard, for example vacation greetings. I can fill in names, addresses, nationalities etc. on forms, for example in hotels.

Language level A2

Listening	I can understand individual sentences and the most common words when it comes to things that are important to me (e.g. very simple information about myself and my family, shopping, work, local area). I understand the essentials of short, clear and simple messages and statements.
Reading	I can read very short, simple texts. I can find concrete, predictable information in simple everyday texts (e.g. advertisements, brochures, menus or timetables) and I can understand short, simple personal letters.
Taking part in conversations	I can communicate in simple, routine situations involving a simple, direct exchange of information and familiar topics and activities. I can hold a very short contact conversation but usually do not understand enough to keep the conversation going.
Connected speech	I can describe my family, other people, my living situation, my education and my current or last job using a series of sentences and simple means.
Writing	I can write short, simple notes and messages. I can write a very simple personal letter, for example to say thank you for something.

Language level B1

Listening	I can understand the main points when clear standard language is used and when it is about familiar things from work, school, leisure , etc. I can get the main information from many radio or TV programs about current events and topics related to my field of work or interest when spoken relatively slowly and clearly.
Reading	I can understand texts that mainly contain very common everyday or professional language. I can understand private letters in which events, feelings and wishes are reported.
Taking part in conversations	I can deal with most situations encountered when traveling in the language area. I can take part in conversations without preparation on topics that are familiar to me, that interest me personally or that relate to everyday topics such as family, hobbies, work, travel, current events.
Connected speech	I can speak in simple coherent sentences to describe experiences and events or my dreams, hopes and goals. I can briefly explain and justify my opinions and plans. I can tell a story or describe the plot of a book or movie and describe my reactions.
Writing	I can write simple, coherent texts on topics that are familiar or of personal interest to me. I can write personal letters and report on my experiences and impressions.

Language level B2

Listening	I can understand longer speeches and presentations and follow complex arguments if I am reasonably familiar with the topic. I can understand most news programs and current affairs reports on television. I can understand most feature films as long as standard language is spoken.
Reading	I can read and understand articles and reports on contemporary issues in which the writers take a particular stance or viewpoint. I can understand contemporary literary prose.
Taking part in conversations	I can communicate so spontaneously and fluently that a normal conversation with a native speaker is quite possible. I can take an active part in a discussion in familiar situations and justify and defend my views.
Connected speech	I can give a clear and detailed account of many topics from my areas of interest. I can explain a point of view on a topical issue and give the advantages and disadvantages of different options.
Writing	I can write clearly and in detail on a variety of topics that interest me. I can reproduce information in an essay or report or present arguments and counter-arguments for or against a particular point of view. I can write letters and make the personal significance of events and experiences clear.

Language level C1

Listening	I can follow longer speeches, even if they are not clearly structured and if contexts are not explicitly expressed. I can understand TV programs and films without too much effort.
Reading	I can understand long, complex factual and literary texts and recognize differences in style. I can understand specialist articles and longer technical instructions, even if they are not in my specialist area.
Taking part in conversations	I can express myself spontaneously and fluently without often having to search for words in a clearly recognizable way. I can use language effectively and flexibly in social and professional life. I can express my thoughts and opinions precisely and link my own contributions skillfully with those of others.
Coherent speaking	I can present complex issues in detail, linking topics, emphasizing certain aspects and concluding my contribution appropriately.
Writing	I can express myself clearly and well-structured in writing and present my views in detail. I can write about complex issues in letters, essays or reports and emphasize the aspects that are important to me. I can choose a style in my written texts that is appropriate for the reader.

Language level C2

Listening	I have no difficulty understanding spoken language, whether "live" or in the media, even when it is spoken quickly. I just need some time to get used to a particular accent.
Reading	I can read practically any type of written text with ease, even if it is abstract or complex in terms of content and language, for example manuals, technical articles and literary works.
Taking part in conversations	I can participate effortlessly in all conversations and discussions and am also familiar with idioms and colloquial expressions. I can speak fluently and express subtle nuances of meaning accurately. If I have difficulty expressing myself, I can restart and rephrase so smoothly that it is hardly noticeable.
Connected speech	I can present and discuss issues clearly, fluently and in a style appropriate to the situation; I can structure my presentation logically, making it easier for the listener to recognize and remember important points.
Writing	I can write clearly, fluently and in a style appropriate to the purpose. I can write sophisticated letters and complex reports or articles that present an issue in a well-structured way, helping the reader to recognize and remember important points. I can summarize and discuss specialist texts and literary works in writing.