CEFR Level System
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. Learn about each level below.
Basic User
A1 - A2
Proficient User
C1 - C2
A1
Beginner
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
What you can do
- -Understand and use familiar everyday expressions
- -Introduce yourself and others
- -Ask and answer questions about personal details
- -Interact in a simple way if the other person speaks slowly
Vocabulary Range
500-1,000 words
Grammar Focus
Present simpleBasic nouns and pronounsSimple adjectivesNumbers and dates
Example Tasks
Introduce yourselfAsk simple questionsUnderstand basic instructions
A2
Elementary
Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring direct exchange of information.
What you can do
- -Understand sentences about familiar topics
- -Communicate in simple, routine tasks
- -Describe your background and immediate environment
- -Handle short social exchanges
Vocabulary Range
1,000-2,000 words
Grammar Focus
Past simpleFuture with "going to"ComparativesModal verbs (can, must)
Example Tasks
Describe your daily routineMake simple purchasesTalk about past events
B1
Intermediate
Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an English-speaking area.
What you can do
- -Deal with most situations while traveling
- -Describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions
- -Give reasons and explanations for opinions
- -Produce simple connected text on familiar topics
Vocabulary Range
2,000-4,000 words
Grammar Focus
Present perfectConditionals (1st, 2nd)Passive voiceReported speech basics
Example Tasks
Discuss plans and dreamsGive opinionsHandle travel situations
B2
Upper Intermediate
Can interact with native speakers with a degree of fluency and spontaneity.
What you can do
- -Understand the main ideas of complex text
- -Interact with native speakers with fluency
- -Produce clear, detailed text on various subjects
- -Explain viewpoints on topical issues
Vocabulary Range
4,000-8,000 words
Grammar Focus
All conditionalsComplex passive structuresAdvanced reported speechRelative clauses
Example Tasks
Participate in discussionsWrite detailed textsUnderstand complex arguments
C1
Advanced
Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
What you can do
- -Understand a wide range of demanding texts
- -Express ideas fluently and spontaneously
- -Use language flexibly for social and professional purposes
- -Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects
Vocabulary Range
8,000-16,000 words
Grammar Focus
InversionCleft sentencesAdvanced modalsSubjunctive mood
Example Tasks
Express ideas fluentlyUse language flexiblyUnderstand implicit meaning
C2
Proficiency
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
What you can do
- -Understand with ease virtually everything heard or read
- -Summarize information from different sources
- -Express yourself spontaneously and precisely
- -Differentiate finer shades of meaning in complex situations
Vocabulary Range
16,000+ words
Grammar Focus
Complete mastery of all structuresStylistic variationIdiomatic expressionsAcademic language
Example Tasks
Understand virtually everythingSummarize informationExpress yourself precisely
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