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CEFR language levels explained

We use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to indicate
the level of language understanding you should already have in order to start and get the most out
of one of our courses. The CEFR system has 3 tiers: basic, independent and proficient.

Need help?
If you are unsure about which course level would be right for you, just ask us for advice.

CEFR
IELTS

Most of our schools can teach you to whatever language level you want to attain in English,
French, German, Italian or Spanish as long as you are able to study on the right courses for long
enough.
For the language you want to study, decide which level below you are at right now, which level
you would like to get to, and view the relevant courses we offer.

Basic language user: A0, A1, A2

CEFR A0
You are at Absolute beginner level if you have

No knowledge of the language to be studied at all

View courses suitable for A0 entry level to study

English
German

Italian
Spanish

CEFR A1
You are at Breakthrough Beginner level if you can

Understand and use familiar expressions and very basic phrases aimed at meeting your
everyday needs
Introduce yourself to others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such
as where you live, people you know and things you have
Interact in a simple way if the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to
help

View courses suitable for A1 entry level to study

English
French
Italian
Spanish

Other standards approximately equivalent to CEFR A1 *

English

TOEFL: 8-12 (speaking)

TOEIC: 60-105 (listening); 60-110 (reading)
City and Guilds: Preliminary
Cambridge Exam: KET 45-59
British general qualifications: Foundation Tier GCSE

French

CIEP / Alliance Franais: TCF A1 / DELF A1

German

Goethe Institut: Start Deutsch 1

Italian

Spanish

CELI: Impatto
CILS: A1
PLIDA: A1

DELE: A1

CEFR A2
You are at Waystage Elementary level if you can

Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate
relevance (for example, very basic personal and family information, shopping, local
geography, employment)
Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of
information on familiar and routine matters
Describe in simple terms aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters
in areas of immediate need

View courses suitable for A2 entry level to study

English
French
Italian
Spanish

Other standards approximately equivalent to CEFR A2 *

English

TOEFL: 13-18 (speaking), 11-16 (writing)

TOEIC: 110-270 (listening), 115-270 (reading)
City and Guilds: Access
Cambridge Exam: PET (45 to 59) / KET Pass with Merit, Pass
British general qualifications: Higher Tier GCSE

French

CIEP / Alliance Franais: TCF A2 / DELF A2 / CEFP 1

German

Goethe Institut: Start Deutsch 2

Italian

Spanish

CELI: 1
CILS: A2
PLIDA: A2

DELE: A2

Independent language user: B1, B2

CEFR B1
You are at Threshold Intermediate level if you have

Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly
encountered in work, school, leisure, etc
Deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is
spoken
Produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest
Describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and
explanations for opinions and plans

View courses suitable for B1 entry level to study

English
Spanish

Other standards approximately equivalent to CEFR B1 *

English

IELTS: 4-5 (5 is borderline between B1 and B2)

TOEFL: 57 to 86
TOEIC: 275 - 395 (listening), 275 - 380 (reading)
City and Guilds: Achiever
Cambridge Exam: FCE (45 to 59) / PET Pass with Merit, Pass / KET Pass with
Distinction
British general qualifications: GCE AS level / lower grade A-level

French

CIEP / Alliance Franais: TCF B1 / DELF B1 / CEFP 2

German

Goethe Institut: Zertifikat Deutsch

Italian

CELI: 2
CILS: Uno
PLIDA: B1

Spanish

DELE: B1 (formerly Inicial)

CEFR B2
You are at Vantage Upper intermediate level if you can

Understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including
technical discussions in your field of specialisation
Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with
native speakers quite possible without strain for either party
Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a
topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options

Other standards approximately equivalent to CEFR B2 *

English

IELTS: 5-6.5 (5 is borderline between B1 and B2)

TOEFL: 87 to 109
TOEIC: 400-485 (listening), 385-450 (reading)
City and Guilds: Communicator
Cambridge Exam: CAE (45 to 59) / FCE grade B or C / PET Pass with Distinction
British general qualifications: GCE A-Level (known as A2)

French

CIEP / Alliance Franais: TCF B2 / DELF B2 / Diplme de Langue

German

Goethe Institut: Goethe-Zertifikat B2, ZDfB

TestDaf: TDN 3 to TDN 4

Italian

CELI: 3
CILS: Due
PLIDA: B2

Spanish

DELE: B2 (formerly Intermedio)

Proficient language user: C1, C2

CEFR C1
You are at Effective operational proficiency Advanced level if you have

Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning
Express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for
expressions
Use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes
Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use
of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices

View courses suitable for C1 entry level to study

English

Other standards approximately equivalent to CEFR C1 *

English

IELTS: 7-8 (8 is borderline between C1 and C2)

TOEFL: 110 to 120
TOEIC: 490-495 (listening), 455-495 (reading)
City and Guilds: Expert
Cambridge Exam: CPE (45 to 59) / CAE grade B or C / FCE grade A

French

CIEP / Alliance Franais: TCF C1 / DALF C1 / DSLCF

German

Goethe Institut: Goethe-Zertifikat C1 Zentrale Mittelstufenprfung (neu)

Italian

CELI: 4
CILS: Tre
PLIDA: C1

Spanish

DELE: C1

CEFR C2
You are at Mastery Proficiency level if you can

Understand with ease virtually everything heard or read

Summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing
arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation
Express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades
of meaning, even in the most complex situations

Other standards approximately equivalent to CEFR C2 *

English

IELTS: 8-9 (8 is borderline between C1 and C2)

TOEFL: 29-30 (reading)
City and Guilds: Mastery
Cambridge Exam: CPE grade A, B or C / CAE grade A

French

CIEP / Alliance Franais: TCF C2 / DALF C2 / DHEF

German

Goethe Institut: Zentrale Oberstufenprfung, Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom

Italian

CELI: 5
CILS: Quattro / DIT C2
PLIDA: C2

Spanish

DELE: C2 (formerly Superior)

Source of language learning standards approximately equivalent to CEFR: Wikipedia.

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