What is CEFR and What are Language Learning Levels

CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference. It is a model of assessing one’s command of a foreign language, and it has become acceptable worldwide. According to CEFR, language proficiency can be divided into three categories: A, B and C, and each category has two sublevels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, so we have six total levels. A1 and A2 are beginner levels; B1 and B2 are seen as intermediate levels; and C1 and C2 are considered advanced levels. Each level refers to your ability in four language competences:

• listening comprehension
• reading comprehension
• speaking and 
• writing.

Let’s describe each level in more detail so that when you hear that somebody knows a foreign language, for example, at A2, B2 or C1, you will have a general idea of how good she or he is at that language.

A1 and A2: A Beginner (Basic) User

The A1 level is called Beginner. At this level, you’re just getting started with the new language. As an A1 learner

• you can understand and use simple sentences and everyday words for basic talking. 
• you know how to say hi, introduce yourself, ask about names and locations, where someone lives, or what they like or dislike. 
• you can also use basic words for family, shopping, and places. 
• you can even write a bit, like filling out forms, writing short sentences, and sending simple messages, for example, on postcards.

You can communicate with people at a very basic level, but you need them to use simple words and talk slowly and clearly. A1-learners vocabulary is between 400 and 800 words (different sources provide different figures).

The A2 level is called Elementary or Pre-Intermediate. With A2, you can 

• understand frequently used expressions about common everyday topics, like basic family information, hobbies, work, shopping or your local area. 
• talk in simple ways about familiar topics, like daily tasks, and share simple details about themselves and their surroundings.
• Write in simple sentences and short paragraphs, using basic vocabulary and grammar.

A2-level learner’s vocabulary is about 800-1200 words.

B1 and B2 – an Intermediate User

B1 learner is a true Intermediate. As a B1, you

• can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. 
• can deal with most travel situations (hotel, transportation, ordering food, tickets, etc.) 
• can produce simple, connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. 
• can describe your experiences and events, plans, dreams, hopes and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for your opinions.

The Cambridge exam, previously known as PET (now they call it B1 Preliminary), qualifies you for the B1 level of English; it’s also equivalent to a 4-5 grade at the IELTS exam. A B1 level learner has a vocabulary of about 2000 words.

B2 is called an Upper-Intermediate level, and, frankly speaking, it represents an amazing achievement in language learning. In most European countries, having a B2 level (or it’s equivalent) in the local language represents the minimal requirement for getting official permission to work or study at an academic institution (like a university). On the other hand, even though you can enroll in academic courses conducted in the language, studying would be quite challenging, and you’ll probably have to improve your language significantly during the first academic year in order to succeed. As a B2-level learner, you

• can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialization
• can communicate fairly easily with native speakers, can participate in discussions, and can explain your ideas and opinions clearly and persuasively.
• can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of topics and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

The Cambridge exam, previously known as FCE (now they call it B2 First), qualifies you for the B2 level of English; it’s the most popular Cambridge certification exam, and it’s also equivalent to a 5-6 grade at the IELTS exam. A B2 level learner has a vocabulary of about 4000 words.

C1 and C2: An Advanced User

C1 is called an Advanced level. As a C1 student, you can

• understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning, like irony or sarcasm 
• express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions or grammatical structures.
• use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes
• produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns and connectors.

When a C1 student speaks with a native speaker, the latter doesn’t need any particular effort to support the interaction and can communicate naturally. The Cambridge exam that qualifies for this level is called C1 Advanced, formerly known as CAE (Cambridge English Advanced). It is the in-depth, high-level qualification that shows you have the language skills that employers and universities are looking for. The C1 Advanced Cambridge exam is equivalent to a 7-8 grade on the IELTS exam. A C2 level learner has a vocabulary of about 8000–10,000 words.

C2 is the highest CEFR level of language proficiency and is called Proficiency or Mastery. As a C2 student, you can 

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

When you only start your linguistic journey towards mastery in the new language, you should realize that reaching the C2 level might take four or five years, and, in fact, you don’t even need to get there. The C1 level is sufficient for virtually any practical use of the language. The Cambridge exam that qualifies for this level is called C2 Proficiency, formerly known as CPE (Cambridge Proficiency English). It is the highest-level qualification that shows you have mastered English at an exceptional level. The C2 Proficiency Cambridge exam is equivalent to a 8.5-9 grade on the IELTS exam. If you are at C2 level, you probably have a vocabulary of about 15,000 words or more.