The Common European Framework of Reference for Language Learning
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEF) was developed by the Council of Europe to standardise level descriptions for language courses in Europe.
The competence descriptions below should help you to assess your level.
A level is assigned to each language course. If you complete a language course with an examination, you will receive a certificate of the level you have reached. Since it is not possible to reach a whole level in one semester with 2 or 4 hours per week, a distinction is made between two or three levels per course.
This is the level classification at Fulda University of Applied Sciences. Other language centres or schools may use a different system:
| Level | partly | for the most part | completed |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | A1.1 | A1.2 | A1.3 |
| A2 | A2.1 | A2.2 | A2.3 |
| B1 | B1.1 | B1.2 | B1.3 |
| B2 | B2.1 | B2.2 | B2.3 |
| C1 | C1.1 | no intermediate level | C1.2 |
| C2 | C2.1 | no intermediate | C2.2 |
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very simple phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and ask other people questions about themselves - for example where they live, people they know or things they have - and can respond to questions of this kind. Can communicate in a simple way if the interlocutor speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to help.
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (for example personal and family information, shopping, work, local area). Can communicate in simple, routine situations involving a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms own background and education, immediate environment and things related to immediate needs.
Can understand the main points when clear standard language is used and when dealing with familiar matters from work, school, leisure and so on. Can deal with most situations encountered when travelling in the language area. Can produce simple and coherent text on familiar topics and areas of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and give brief reasons or explanations for plans and opinions.
Can understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can communicate so spontaneously and fluently that a normal conversation with native speakers is quite possible without major effort on either side. Can express him/herself clearly and in detail on a wide range of subjects, explaining a point of view on a topical issue and giving the advantages and disadvantages of different options.
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, including implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without having to search for clearly identifiable words. Can use the language effectively and flexibly in social and professional life or in training and study. Can express him/herself clearly, in a structured and detailed way on complex subjects, making appropriate use of various means of linking texts.
Can understand with ease virtually everything he/she reads or hears. Can summarise information from a variety of written and spoken sources, giving reasons and explanations in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and accurately, making clear finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.