Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Language Levels According to the European Reference Scale
The scale below gives a simple overview of the different proficiency levels to help you assess your own skills. According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, language proficiency is divided into six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (expert).
Basic Language Use
| Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very simple phrases aimed at meeting concrete needs. Can introduce themselves and others and ask people questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things they have. Can respond to such questions. Can communicate in a simple way if the other person speaks slowly, clearly and is willing to help. |
| Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance (e.g. personal and family information, shopping, work, local surroundings). Can communicate in simple routine tasks involving a direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe their background, education, immediate environment and topics related to basic needs in simple terms. |
| Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar topics encountered at work, school or leisure. Can deal with most situations that may arise while travelling in a German-speaking area. Can produce simple, connected text on familiar topics and matters of personal interest. Can describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for plans and opinions. |
| Can understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible without strain for either party. Can express themselves clearly and in detail on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. |
Independent Language Use
Proficient Language Use
| Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning. Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without clearly searching for expressions. Can use the language effectively and flexibly in social, academic and professional contexts. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns. |
| Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, even when dealing with more complex topics, and distinguish finer shades of meaning. |
