A Guide to CEFR Levels


The six levels within the CEFR are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. With these levels, you can easily work out your ability in around 40 different languages.

The levels are often used casually by language learners to explain their ability at speaking, reading, writing and understanding a language. But there are also exams and certificates available to those who want to make their level official.

Let’s first take a look at what the different levels are and what’s possible for you at each level.

The “A” Levels: Basic User

A1 | Beginner

At the A1 CEFR level, a language learner can:

  • Understand and use very basic expressions to satisfy concrete needs.
  • Introduce themselves and ask others questions about personal details.

A2 | Elementary

At the A2 CEFR level, a language learner can:

  • Describe matters of immediate need in simple terms.

The “B” Levels: Independent User

B1 | Intermediate

At the B1 CEFR level, a language learner can:

  • Create simple texts on topics of personal interest.

B2 | Upper Intermediate

At the B2 CEFR level, a language learner can:

  • Produce a detailed text on a wide range of subjects.

The “C” Levels: Proficient User

C1 | Advanced

At the C1 CEFR level, a language learner can:

  • Understand a wide range of longer and more demanding texts or conversations.
  • Express ideas without too much searching.
  • Effectively use the language for social, academic or professional situations.
  • Create well-structured and detailed texts on complex topics.

C2 | Proficiency

At the C2 CEFR level, a language learner can:

  • Understand almost everything read or heard with ease.
  • Summarize information from a variety of sources into a coherent presentation.
  • Express themselves using precise meaning in complex scenarios.