The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) provides a standardized scale to assess language proficiency, ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). This article demystifies each level, helping learners set goals and understand their progress.

CEFR Language Levels defined: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, Geneva, learn French

Table of Contents

A1 to C2 – What is it? Definitions Common misconceptions Tests – Theory vs. Practice How long does it take to improve? Conclusion

What are the CEFR language levels?

At its core, the CEFR offers a standardized way to describe and measure language proficiency. The framework divides proficiency into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2, each encompassing incremental language abilities.

CEFR Language Levels defined: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2

CEFR levels defined

The CEFR divides language proficiency into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Each level encompasses specific proficiency markers, allowing learners to understand their current language level and what is required to progress.

It’s important to keep in mind that each level can also be broken down into percentiles. So, it’s possible for a learner to be a low-B1 or high-B1 as opposed to simply B1 or B2.

This said, most tests don’t make this differentiation, meaning that the general understanding of the different levels tends to be too clear-cut.

You’re a complete beginner and can’t yet express yourself in the language. You may be able to say “yes,” “no,” and a few straightforward words, but communication is extremely limited.

Before reaching A1, you might recognise familiar words and respond with simple yes/no answers, often relying on non-verbal cues or gestures to support understanding.

At this level, you’ve reached elementary proficiency. You can understand and use very basic phrases and simple everyday expressions to meet immediate needs in familiar situations.

You can introduce yourself and ask or answer simple questions about personal details like your name, age, and nationality. You understand familiar words and very simple sentences in clear, routine contexts, such as greetings or basic interactions.

Degree of Fluency at A1

At the A1 level, communication relies on memorized basic phrases and familiar context. You can:

Manage very short social exchanges (e.g., ordering food, asking for a price).
Use very simple sentences, though often with incorrect syntax and limited vocabulary.
Handle basic personal interactions, even if grammatical errors are frequent.
Express immediate personal relevance (e.g., your name or age) in simple everyday situations.

As you approach A2, you begin moving beyond memorization toward limited sentence construction.

Example Interaction

You: An iced tea, please.
Server: Sure. 3.50.
You: Thank you.

You can make simple requests (e.g., ask for a shirt) but cannot discuss details like size, color, or style.

Time to Reach A1

You can reach A1 in 20–30 hours of study plus extra practice with effective methods. However, regular use is essential—maintaining this level without speaking outside class is challenging.

At the A2 level, you can understand and use basic vocabulary and grammar to complete simple and routine tasks. You can manage direct information exchange on familiar matters regularly encountered, such as:

Talking about your background or daily activities
Referring to your immediate concrete surroundings
Handling everyday routines like shopping or asking for directions

You are able to engage in spoken interaction using familiar everyday expressions, and while conversations are limited to simple and direct exchanges, they are effective.

You can read simple written texts and simple everyday material, including forms, notices, and emails.

You can also write simple connected text on familiar topics, and complete forms like a hotel registration form. Writing a very simple personal letter is within your ability.

Degree of Fluency at A2

You can introduce yourself using straightforward sentences, including personal details like your name, nationality, and age.
You can manage routine tasks requiring communication, although your speech may include obvious searching for words.
You understand short conversations and can follow television programmes in general terms, but often with too much effort, especially unless people speak slowly.

At this level, your language fluency allows you to reuse learned structures across similar situations. You may not speak quickly, but you can adapt phrases in other contexts, such as ordering food or shopping for clothes.

Threshold with B1

As you near B1, you begin formulating ideas, understand extended speech, and use effective logical structure in your responses. You become more comfortable discussing topics of personal or professional interest, and your language proficiency begins to support more fluid conversation.

However, you still lack the fluency needed for more complex social and professional purposes.

Example Dialogue

You: An iced tea, please, and a packet of chips.
Server: Peach or lemon iced tea?
You: Umm… lemon, please.
Server: Here you go.
You: Thanks. How much is it?
Server: 7.50.

Progress Time

Moving from A1 to A2 typically takes 20 to 30 hours of study, plus additional practice outside class. You can interact confidently in daily situations using high-frequency structures and vocabulary at this level.

B1 – Intermediate

At the B1 level (upper 70th percentile), you can comprehend and produce more complex sentences and express yourself clearly on topics like work, school, leisure, and personal interests.

You’re comfortable sharing opinions, explaining situations, and engaging in spoken interaction on familiar topics.

You understand the main points of clear, standard speech and texts, especially when the subject matter is familiar. You can engage in spontaneous conversation on very familiar topics without preparation.

Degree of Fluency at B1

B1 signifies the ability to handle situations likely to arise whilst travelling where the language is spoken. You’ve moved beyond basic vocabulary and simple routine tasks to functional conversational skills.

At this level, you begin to understand native speakers, even at a natural speed.

You can discuss your day, past events, and plans using more abstract language.
You can write short, simple personal letters and produce connected text on familiar themes.
Your writing can express personal significance and relevance, and follow a clear and effective logical structure.

In reading, you understand job-related language, high-frequency vocabulary, and grasp the meaning of complex factual content or longer technical instructions. You can remember significant points and follow written material with less obvious searching, especially when the topic is familiar.

This progress reflects both natural acquisition and intentional fluency-building.

Example Dialogue B1

You: A packet of paprika chips, please.
Server: Large or small? Large is 5.50, small is 4.50. But you get one small free if you take two large.
You: Umm… I’ll take two large packets, please.
Server: That’s 11.00.

Note: The complexity here lies in understanding and reacting to a conditional offer.

Progress from A2
The transition from A2 to B1 is significant. It requires comfort with faster speech, conditional statements, and more complex grammar. Your syntax evolves beyond linear phrasing to include embedded clauses and nuanced conditions.

Progress Time to B1

Typically, progressing from A2 to B1 takes 50–70 hours and regular practice outside class.

This level marks significant progress in your language proficiency. You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching.

You understand complex subjects and participate in discussions on familiar matters or topics of personal or professional interest, providing arguments and expressing clear viewpoints.

B1 – Spoken interaction and fluency

You can follow extended speech, spoken language, and lectures that involve complex lines of reasoning, especially on familiar topics.

You understand most TV news, current affairs programs, and films in standard dialect without subtitles. Your spoken interaction with native speakers is spontaneous and effective, even during very short social exchanges or when simple and direct information exchange is needed.

B1 – Reading and writing

You can understand contemporary literary prose, though some linguistically complex texts or longer technical instructions may require effort.

You can write complex letters, simple personal letters, or short, simple personal letters on familiar topics or matters of personal significance. You can also produce simple connected text on familiar contexts or of most immediate personal relevance.

At this stage, you may already follow university-level courses and handle routine tasks requiring reading and writing, even in job-related language. You can describe experiences or events of personal interest in a very simple personal letter, or explain viewpoints on a particular point of interest.

Notes on progress

Moving from B1 to B2 typically requires 100–150 hours of class time plus regular exposure to the written language and spoken interaction. Without it, progress may stall, especially in everyday life.

A specialized full-immersion course may reduce the need for outside practice, but this is not always the case.

While B2 covers routine tasks, familiar words, and basic phrases, C1 and C2 levels go further, enabling you to convey finer shades of meaning and understand virtually all forms of speech and text.

Proficiency at the C1 level involves a high degree of fluency and accuracy. Learners can understand a wide range of demanding, linguistically complex texts, including contemporary literary prose, professional or literary works, and specialised articles.

They can recognize implicit meaning and particular attitudes and convey finer shades of meaning through flexible language use.

At this level, learners express themselves fluently and spontaneously, using language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, personal, or professional interests.

They can produce well-structured, detailed texts on complex subjects, and their speech shows an effective logical structure with minimal need for correction.

C1 learners also demonstrate control of appropriate style across a variety of written and spoken language contexts, including debates, essays, reports, and presentations.

Note: Under the current CEFR fluency categorization, most native speakers would fall into the C1 range and fall short of C2, especially in written proficiency or when tackling specialised articles in unfamiliar fields.

This highest CEFR level reflects near-native mastery. You can understand almost everything you read or hear, including contemporary literary prose and specialized articles. Regional accents may pose a brief challenge, but comprehension is strong.

You can summarize and restructure content from multiple spoken and written sources with precision. Your language usage is accurate, flexible, and nuanced, allowing you to develop arguments and convey complex subjects with clarity and particular points.

misconceptions about the CEFR, Learn French, Geneva

Common misconceptions about the Common European Framework of Reference

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is helpful, but several misconceptions persist. Some believe proficiency can only be assessed through formal CEFR-aligned exams, when in fact the framework supports self-assessment and informal learning.

Language schools and institutions aren’t obligated to follow CEFR definitions strictly—an A2 course might be labeled B1. Also, reaching a higher CEFR level doesn’t mean complete language mastery, as language acquisition continues beyond any set level.

Language Certifications and CEFR Alignment

Many tests and certifications, such as the DELF/DALF for French, the Goethe-Zertifikat for German, and the Cambridge English exams, align their test categories and passing grades with the CEFR levels and taxonomies. This alignment ensures that these certifications are internationally understood.

Certifications like DELF/DALF assess both spoken language and written language proficiency, emphasizing the importance of written skills for professional and technical communication.

Theory vs. Practice in CEFR Testing

It’s essential to remember that examining bodies don’t have to answer to the CEFR creators in order to use their evaluation grid. They can set the bar of C1 at a high B2 level or a C2 at a high B2.

Test results reflect the vision of the test creator and not that of the CEFR.

The standardized frame for referring to the language doesn’t ensure a standard for testing. There are many tests, a few of which are internationally recognized. Testing methods vary considerably, and results may differ significantly from one test to another.

The same can be said of language courses. It isn’t uncommon for language schools to label an A2 course as a B2 course. This is a great way to make their students think they’re progressing and recommend the school.

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CEFR Self-Assessment

CEFR provides a self-assessment grid in 32 languages that can be used to self-assess one’s current level.

CEFR Self-assessment

There’s quite a disparity between the official outline of the linguistic levels on the global scale of the CEFR website vs. the language self-assessment on the same CEFR website.

Why Some People Never Reach C1 or C2

Reaching C1 usually requires daily exposure to the language through work, study, or social life. While some tests (like IELTS) may label someone as C1, these tests often average scores across reading, writing, speaking, and listening. A strong performance in reading and writing can mask weaker speaking skills.

Even native speakers can perform poorly in formal tests—making mistakes in grammar or writing—so test results don’t always reflect full mastery.

C2 – Near-Native Proficiency
C2 goes beyond fluency. It represents a highly educated command of the language, similar to what’s expected from people in technical fields or those with extensive reading habits and academic training.

According to CEFR:
“I can read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts such as manuals, specialized articles, and literary works.”

This means that even many native speakers may not meet C2 standards, especially in reading. For example, a history student might easily read academic texts in their field, but struggle with dense chemistry articles—and vice versa.

Time Estimates to Progress Between Levels

There’s no fixed timeline for moving up CEFR levels. Progress depends on motivation, exposure, method, and prior experience.

Generally:

0 to A2: 40–60 hours + basic use outside class
A2 to B1: 50–70 hours + regular practice
B1 to B2: 100–150 hours + sustained exposure

While you may see rapid progress at beginner levels, later stages require more effort and language acquisition beyond memorized vocabulary. True improvement involves practical fluency and consistent interaction with the language.

Summary: Navigating Language Proficiency with the CEFR

The CEFR outlines a clear path from basic skills to advanced fluency, helping learners understand their level and plan their language journey.

While many tests align with CEFR levels, differences in methods and standards make interpretation essential.

Achieving C1 or C2 requires more than study—it demands sustained immersion and regular exposure. True language acquisition involves understanding nuance, implicit meaning, and specialized domains.

Progress depends on motivation, environment, and consistency. The framework supports realistic goals and reminds learners that mastering a language is a continuous, evolving process.

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The author:

My Linguistics specializes in creating language acquisition methods for teachers and students. Our Swiss-based training center serves as a testing ground for our method.

We’re passionate about helping people unlock the power of language and communication, and we’re committed to providing the resources and support needed to achieve fluency.

My Linguistics school: https://mylinguistics.com/

Understanding CEFR Language Levels: A1 to C2 Explained

What are the CEFR language levels?