Common European Framework Levels

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) divides foreign language ability into six levels (from A1 – beginners – to C2).

It describes and illustrates what a learner is supposed to be able to do in the different language skill areas (like reading or speaking) as well as describing language competencies (e.g. vocabulary knowledge), and communication strategies.

Please select a level:

 

Levels A1 & A2:
Basic users

Levels B1 & B2:
Independent users

Levels C1 & C2:
Proficient users

A1: The Breakthrough level

  • 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.
  • Correspond approximately to a foundation Tier GCSE (Intermediate 2, ex. Standard Grade in Scotland)

A2: The Waystage level

  • 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.
  • Correspond approximately to Higher Tier GCSE (National 5 in Scotland)

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