Common European Framework of Reference for Language Learning and Teaching
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) was developed by the Council of Europe to standardize descriptions of foreign language proficiency levels.
It is divided into six levels of competence:
Level A1 - Basic language use
| Understanding | |
| Hear |
I can recognize familiar words and very simple sentences that concern myself, my family and immediate surroundings when spoken slowly and clearly. |
| To read |
I can understand familiar names, words, and very simple sentences, e.g., on notices, posters, or catalogs. |
| Speak | |
| Oral interaction with others |
I can communicate with others in a simple way, provided the other person is willing to repeat things or speak more slowly and help me formulate my thoughts. I can ask and answer simple questions about immediate needs or very familiar topics. |
| Oral production |
I can use simple expressions and sentences to describe where I live and people I know. |
| Write | |
| Write |
I can write a short, simple postcard, e.g., holiday greetings. I can fill out forms with personal information, e.g., my name, nationality, and address, on a hotel registration form. |
Level A2 - Basic language use
| Understanding | |
| Hear |
I can understand expressions and the most common vocabulary related to areas that directly affect me personally (e.g., very basic personal or family information, shopping, local geography, workplace). I can understand the main point in short, clear, and simple messages and announcements. |
| To read |
I can understand very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple, everyday materials such as brochures, menus, and timetables or schedules. I can understand short, simple personal letters. |
| Speak | |
| Oral interaction with others |
I can communicate in simple, everyday situations that require a straightforward and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can manage very short dialogues in social settings, although I usually don't understand enough to keep the conversation going. |
| Oral production |
I can use a number of expressions and phrases to describe in simple words my family and other people, living circumstances, educational background, and my current or most recent occupation. |
| Write | |
| Write |
I can write short, simple notes and messages regarding immediate needs and necessities. I can compose very simple personal letters, e.g., thank-you notes. |
Level B1 - Independent language use
| Understanding | |
| Hear |
I can understand the main points of clear statements in standard language on familiar topics that I regularly encounter at work, school/leisure, etc. I can understand the main message of many radio and television programs on current events or topics of personal or professional interest if they are presented relatively slowly and clearly. |
| To read |
I can understand texts that consist mainly of very common everyday or work-related language elements. I can understand descriptions of events, feelings, and wishes in personal letters. |
| Speak | |
| Oral interaction with others |
I can cope in most situations that might arise while traveling in areas where the language is spoken. I can join conversations unprepared on topics that are familiar to me, of personal interest, or related to everyday life (e.g., family, hobbies, work, travel, or current events). |
| Oral production |
I can link sentence fragments in a simple way to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes, and aspirations. I can give brief reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. I can tell a story or the plot of a book or film and describe my reactions. |
| Write | |
| Write |
I can write simple, coherent texts on topics that are familiar to me or of personal interest. I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions. |
Level B2 - Independent language use
| Understanding | |
| Hear |
I can understand detailed statements and lectures and even follow complex arguments, provided I am reasonably familiar with the topic. I can understand most television news reports and current affairs programs. I can understand most films in standard language. |
| To read |
I can read articles and reports on contemporary issues in which the authors express certain viewpoints or opinions. I can understand contemporary prose literature. |
| Speak | |
| Oral interaction with others |
I can interact with a certain fluency and spontaneity that allows me to regularly converse with native speakers. I can actively participate in discussions in familiar contexts, justifying and asserting my views. |
| Oral production |
I can give clear and detailed descriptions on a wide range of topics related to my area of interest. I can explain a point of view on a factual issue by outlining the advantages and disadvantages of different options |
| Write | |
| Write |
I can write clear and detailed texts on a wide range of topics related to my areas of interest. I can write an essay or report that conveys information or presents arguments for or against a particular viewpoint. I can write letters in which I emphasize the personal significance of events and experiences. |
Level C1 - Proficient language user
| Understanding | |
| Hear |
I can understand detailed statements, even if they are not clearly structured and if references are only implied and not explicitly stated. I can understand television programs and films without much difficulty. |
| To read |
I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts and recognize stylistic differences. I can understand specialized articles and lengthy technical instructions, even if they are unrelated to my field of expertise. |
| Speak | |
| Oral interaction with others |
I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without frequently searching for the right words. I can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes. I can formulate ideas and opinions precisely and skillfully relate my contributions to those of other speakers. |
| Oral production |
I can give clear, detailed descriptions of complex topics, as well as include subtopics, highlight specific points and round off with an appropriate conclusion. |
| Write | |
| Write |
I can express myself in clear, well-structured texts and present my viewpoints in detail. I can write detailed accounts of complex topics in a letter, essay, or report, highlighting what I consider to be the most important points. I can write various types of texts in a confident, personal style that is appropriate for the intended reader. |
Level C2 - Proficient language use
| Understanding | |
| Hear |
I have no trouble understanding any kind of spoken language, whether direct or in the form of a transmission or recording, even if it is spoken at a high native-speaker speed, provided I have some time to familiarize myself with the accent. |
| To read |
I can effortlessly read almost all forms of written language, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts, such as manuals, technical articles and literary works. |
| Speak | |
| Oral interaction with others |
I can participate effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and am well-versed in fixed expressions and colloquialisms. I can express myself fluently and convey subtle nuances of meaning precisely. If I encounter a problem, I can spontaneously and skillfully restructure my conversation around the difficulty so that my conversation partners hardly notice. |
| Oral production |
I can present a clear, fluent description or argument in a style appropriate to the context and with a logical structure that helps the listener to notice and remember the important points. |
| Write | |
| Write |
I can write clear, fluent texts in an appropriate style. I can write complex letters, reports, or articles that present a subject with an effective, logical structure that helps readers notice and remember the important points. I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary works. |