The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) describes language ability in six levels, from A1 for beginners to C2 for near-native users. It is the scale used by most European language exams, many employers and every course on CORE Languages.
The six CEFR levels
Each level describes what you can do with the language, not how many words you know. The levels group into three stages: A (basic user), B (independent user) and C (proficient user).
| Level | What you can do | At work it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| A1 Beginner |
Introduce yourself, ask and answer simple personal questions, and handle everyday basics if the other person speaks slowly. | Order a coffee, give your name and email, ask where the meeting room is. |
| A2 Elementary |
Describe your background, routine and plans in simple sentences, and get through routine exchanges. | Explain what you did last weekend, book a table, describe your job in a few sentences. |
| B1 Intermediate |
Handle most work and travel situations, follow the main points of clear speech, and give reasons for your opinions. | Join a team call on a familiar topic, deal with a delayed flight, write a short email to a colleague. |
| B2 Upper intermediate |
Talk fluently with native speakers on a wide range of topics, follow detailed discussions, and argue a point. | Negotiate details with a supplier, follow a work presentation, write a clear report. |
| C1 Advanced |
Use the language flexibly and precisely at work and in study, and understand long, demanding texts. | Lead a meeting, present to clients, read contracts and technical documents. |
| C2 Proficient |
Understand almost everything you hear or read and express yourself with precision and nuance. | Work in the language at the same level as in your own. |
How CORE Languages uses the CEFR
Every free lesson on this site is tagged with a level from A1 to B2, and each language has a path you can follow in order:
- Spanish lessons (A1 to B2)
- German lessons (A1 to B2)
- French lessons (A1 to B1)
- Italian lessons (A1 to A2)
- English (ESL) lessons (A1 to B1)
Most learners move up one sub-level (for example from A2.1 to A2.2) at a time. That is why our placement tests report results such as A2.1 or B1.2 rather than just a letter.
Which level are you?
If you have studied the language before, take a free placement test. The questions start easy and get harder, and the result gives your CEFR level and the topics to start with.
The CEFR was published by the Council of Europe in 2001 and updated with a Companion Volume in 2020. It describes abilities in listening, reading, speaking and writing, so you may be at different levels in each.
Frequently asked questions
Is B1 or B2 considered fluent?
B2 is where most people feel fluent in everyday and work conversations. At B1 you can get by in most situations, but you will still search for words.
Do employers recognize CEFR levels?
Yes. Many job postings in Europe ask for a CEFR level, and language certificates such as DELE (Spanish), Goethe-Zertifikat (German), DELF/DALF (French) and CELI (Italian) are aligned with it.
How long does it take to reach the next level?
It depends on how often you study, how close the language is to one you already speak, and how much you practice speaking. Steady weekly practice moves most adults up one sub-level every few months.