Language skills levels
The Council of Europe and cef authors propose 6 levels of advancement A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. There are 4 basic skills to each level that we give you below.
Level A1 Breakthrough
(elementary)
Exams (English, German, French):
DELF 1 – A1, TELC – A1
Description of language competence after completing the course at a given level:
Listening comprehension: I am able to understand familiar-sounding words and very simple messages about myself, my family and my immediate surroundings assuming that the person is speaking slowly and clearly. Reading comprehension: I can recognise familiar names and words. I can understand very simple sentences, e.g. ones on notice boards, posters and in advertisements.
Speaking: I can communicate in a simple way as long as the other person is ready to repeat himself or herself slowly while using other words and to make it easier for me to express my intended meaning; simple exchanges in a shop, at a train station, airport, hotel, restaurant, etc. I can use simple phrases and sentences when answering and asking questions about familiar topics. I can use very simple words and phrases to describe myself, my house or flat and people I know.
Writing: I can write a short, simple postcard, e.g. holiday greetings. I can fill in a form, e.g. a form containing personal details: name, surname, address, nationality, etc.
Level A2 Waystage
(pre-intermediate)
Exams (English, German, French):
Key English Test (KET), DELF 1 – A2, TELC – A2
Description of language competence after completing the course at a given level:
Listening comprehension: I can understand single sentences and frequently used words on matters directly related to me (basic personal information, family, employment, shopping, immediate surroundings). I can understand the meaning of a simple, short and clearly worded message or announcement.
Reading comprehension: I can read very short and simple texts such as a private letter. I can find concrete and predictable information in simple everyday text (e.g. an announcement, leaflet, menu or timetable).
Speaking: I can communicate in simple, everyday situations involving a direct exchange of information on familiar matters. I can describe in simple terms and sentences my family, others, my education, my present or recent job, living conditions. I can cope with a short and simple exchange in a social setting even when I do not understand enough to hold an independent conversation.
Writing: I can write a short, simple message concerning my immediate needs or a very simple personal letter, e.g. a thank-you note.
Level B1 Threshold
(intermediate)
Exams (English, German, French):
Preliminary English Test (PET), Business English Certificate Preliminary (BEC Preliminary), Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD), DELF 1 – A3, A4, TELC B1
Description of language competence after completing the course at a given level:
Listening comprehension: I can understand when somebody speaks clearly in a standard language on topics that are familar to me, usually in the context of work, school and leisure activities. I can extract the most important information from a number of radio or TV broadcasts on current events or topics relating to my profession or hobbies, provided the language is spoken relatively slowly and clearly. Reading comprehension: I can understand texts that contain the most frequently used words in everyday or professional language. I can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in a personal letter.
Speaking: I can use simple phrases to describe an experience, an event, a dream, a hope or an intention and participate without preparation in a conversation on familiar matters of interest, e.g. family, leisure, work, travel, current events. I can describe a story, say a few words about a book or film and express my opinion on it. I can briefly explain and justify my opinion or plans for the future. I can deal with most situations that can arise when travelling in a country where the language is spoken.
Writing: I can write concise texts on a familiar subject and a letter describing my personal experiences and impressions.
Level B2 Vantage
(upper-intermediate)
Exams (English, German, French):
First Certificate English (FCE), Bussines English Certificate (BEC Vantage), Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf (ZDfB), DELF 2 – A5, A6, TELC – B2
Description of language competence after completing the course at a given level:
Listening comprehension: I can understand a longer exchange or lecture and follow complex arguments provided the subject is reasonably familiar. I can understand most news and TV programmes about current events and most films, provided they use standard language.
Reading comprehension: I can read and understand an article or report on current affairs in which the author’s position or point of view is presented. I can understand contemporary literary text in prose.
Speaking: I can communicate quite spontaneously and at ease, which allows me to communicate with a foreigner. I can speak at length about a wide range of subjects of my interest in a clear and detailed manner. I can actively participate in discussions on subjects familiar to me, present and defend my views. I can present a particular point of view, indicating the advantages and disadvantages of a particular solution.
Writing: I can write clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects related to my interests and express a personal attitude towards events and experiences. I can write an essay or report that presents information or arguments for or against a particular point of view.
Level C1 Effective Operational Proficiency (advanced)
Exams (English, German, French):
Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), Business English Certificate (BEC Higher), Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP), Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch International (PWD), DALFB1.B2
Description of language competence at the end of the course at a given level:
Listening comprehension: I can understand what is being communicated when it is not clearly structured and the mental relationships between the different parts of what people say are not clearly marked but only signalled. I can understand TV programmes and films without much effort.
Reading comprehension: I can understand long and complex informational and literary texts and perceive their style. I can understand a long technical manual for a specialised article even outside my field of specialisation.
Speaking: I can express myself spontaneously and fluently, finding the words I need almost without difficulty. I can use language effectively and flexibly in both social and professional contexts and discuss complex subjects in a clear and detailed manner. I can elaborate on specific aspects of what I was said and conclude appropriately. I can express myself accurately and find connections between mine and other people´s opinions.
Writing: I can write a long, clear and structured text. I can present a complex subject in a letter, an essay or a report, highlighting the most important points and showing how I can adapt the language to the recipient.
Level C2 Mastery
(proficiency)
Exams (English, German, French):
Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (GDS), Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS), Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP), DALF B3, B4
Description of language competence after completing the course at a given level:
Listening comprehension: I can easily understand anything that is said to me either in person or on-screen, even if the pace of the speech is fast, I just need some time to get used to the individual accent of the speaker.
Reading comprehension: I can easily understand any text, even an abstract one. I can also understand complex texts in both form and content, e.g. a textbook, a specialised article or a literary work.
Speaking: I can participate effortlessly in any conversation or discussion. I can express myself fluently and without neglecting meaningful nuances. I am familiar with idiomatic expressions and colloquial language. In case of difficulty, I can skilfully and almost imperceptibly rephrase myself. I can develop a coherent description or reasoning using a linguistic register appropriate to the situation and a logical structure that enables the recipient to notice and remember significant points.
Writing: I can write fluently in an appropriate style and summarise and review a specialised text or literary work. I can write a complex letter, report or article, constructing the text in a logical and effective way so as to help the reader grasp key points.