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CEFR - The Common European Framework of Reference for description of language levels

The European Framework of Reference is a description of language proficiency at different levels. This framework is common to all languages spoken in Europe. Using the framework's descriptions, you can assess your own language proficiency. The framework is also known as the CEFR, which stands for the Common European Framework of Reference. The levels begin at A1 and progress all the way up to the highest level, which is C2. The descriptions are divided into three categories: A Basic Level, B Intermediate Level, and C Advanced Level.

Basic user - basic level A1 and A2

 
A1

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has.
Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
 


A2

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Independent user - intermediate level B1 and B2

 
B1

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

B2

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization.
Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
Can 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.

Proficient user - advanced level C1 og C2

 
C1

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
 

C2

Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.     
Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Language test

Take our online language test - and find your level in Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Icelandic, French, German, English, Spanish or Italian.