You have probably heard of terms like A1 or C2, but what exactly is the CEFR Framework? And what level have you already achieved?
What is the CEFR Framework?
The Council of Europe developed the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to provide a global standard for assessing and teaching languages. The aim: to measure and teach language proficiency consistently, regardless of the language or country of instruction. This framework provides clarity for learners, as well as for teachers and employers.
There are six language levels, from beginner to advanced. The framework assesses five core skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and engaging in conversations. Each level sets specific requirements for these skills, with an emphasis on communicative abilities in everyday situations.
Thanks to this structure, we can set realistic goals and quickly identify areas for improvement. Whether you are just starting to learn a new language or refining your skills as an advanced speaker, CEFR makes your learning journey transparent and achievable.
How do we determine your level?
If you already have an idea of your CEFR level, that’s great! We can immediately start with targeted support. This is often the case if you have attended a secondary school in the Netherlands, where students work towards a specific CEFR level and are regularly assessed against this framework. Would you like to learn a language that was not part of your school curriculum? No worries! In a 60-minute session, we can determine your current level.
The levels are divided into three broad categories: Basic User (A1, A2), Independent User (B1, B2), and Proficient User (C1, C2). Below is an overview of the six CEFR levels and what they entail.
Beginning User (A1 & A2)
This category describes learners in the early stages of language acquisition.
A1: Breakthrough
Learners at this level use simple sentences and expressions in everyday situations. They can introduce themselves and answer basic questions about personal details.
Skills:
- Listening: Understands very slow, clear speech.
- Speaking: Can memorise phrases for immediate needs.
- Reading: Recognises familiar words and simple sentences on signs or posters.
- Writing: Writes short, simple letters, emails, or fills in forms with personal details.
- Engaging in conversations: Asks and answers simple questions on familiar topics.
A2: Waystage
Learners can perform simple, repetitive tasks and communicate about familiar topics such as shopping or family.
Skills:
- Listening: Understands phrases and commonly used expressions.
- Speaking: Communicates about routine tasks and simple activities.
- Reading: Understands short, simple texts such as menus or timetables.
- Writing: Writes short pieces of text, such as messages or notes, for immediate needs.
- Engaging in conversations: Participates in simple conversations and shares information about familiar topics.
Intermediate User (B1 & B2)
This category describes learners who can function independently in familiar and practical situations.
B1: Threshold
Learners can handle most travel and work situations and discuss familiar topics.
Skills:
- Listening: Understands clear speech on familiar topics.
- Speaking: Explains opinions or plans and describes events in detail.
- Reading: Understands simple, coherent texts on familiar topics.
- Writing: Produces clear, detailed descriptions of familiar subjects.
- Engaging in conversations: Participates in conversations about personal interests or daily life without preparation.
B2: Vantage
Learners can engage in more complex interactions and communicate fluently.
Skills:
- Listening: Understands extended speeches and lectures.
- Speaking: Discusses a wide range of topics with clear arguments.
- Reading: Interprets detailed instructions or articles.
- Writing: Produces clear, well-structured texts on various topics.
- Engaging in conversations: Actively participates in discussions, expressing and justifying opinions.
Advanced User (C1 & C2)
This category describes learners who speak the language as if it were their native tongue.
C1: Effective Operational Proficiency
Learners express themselves fluently and spontaneously without searching for words.
Skills:
- Listening: Understands detailed information in complex discussions.
- Speaking: Uses language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, or professional purposes.
- Reading: Understands long, demanding texts.
- Writing: Produces clear, well-structured texts on complex subjects.
- Engaging in conversations: Engages in fluent and spontaneous discussions, including sensitive topics.
C2: Mastery
This category describes learners who speak the language at a near-native level.
Skills:
- Listening: Understands implicit meanings and subtle nuances.
- Speaking: Speaks effortlessly in any conversation or discussion.
- Reading: Understands virtually any written text.
- Writing: Produces complex and detailed documents with precision.
- Engaging in conversations: Participates in conversations in various contexts without any difficulty.
How do we use CEFR levels to achieve your language goals?
We base all our language courses on the CEFR framework to ensure consistent, structured, and effective learning experiences.
We do this by tailoring our education and support to your level and goals, focusing on various skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This way, we progressively build your CEFR level from A1 to C2. Throughout this learning process, we use CEFR to establish clear milestones, showing your progress and the next step. This approach is motivating and makes the quality of our support measurable. With these tools, we can regularly evaluate your individual learning curve.
Ready to start your language journey? Discover our language lessons and courses, available for every CEFR level and tailored to your personal goals.