Language levels according to CEFR
We recommend our lessons to applicants of at least pre-intermediate level of language knowledge (level A2 according to CEFR – Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
Are you not sure about your language level?
| CEF level | A1 |
|---|---|
| LISTENING | I can recognize familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly. |
| READING | I can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues. |
| SPOKEN INTERACTION | I can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I’m trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics. |
| SPOKEN PRODUCTION | I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and people I know. |
| WRITING | I can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form. |
| LEVEL | Beginner 1 Beginner 2 Beginner 3 |
| TYPES OF EXAMS | English – KET (Key English Test) German – GZ A1 (Gothe – Zertifikat A1) French– DELF A1 Spanish – DELE A1 |
| CEF level | A2 |
|---|---|
| LISTENING | I can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements. |
| READING | I can read very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables and I can understand short simple personal letters. |
| SPOKEN INTERACTION | I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I can’t usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself. |
| SPOKEN PRODUCTION | I can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, my educational background and my present or most recent job. |
| WRITING | I can write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate needs. I can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something. |
| LEVEL | Pre-Int 1 Pre-Int 2 Pre-Int 3 FCE-Long FCE-Medium FCE-Short |
| Types of tests | English – KET (Key English Test) German – GZ A2 (Gothe – Zertifikat A2) French – DELF A2 Spanish– DELE A2 |
| CEF level | B1 |
|---|---|
| LISTENING | I can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main point of many radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear. |
| READING | I can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job-related language. I can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters. |
| SPOKEN INTERACTION | I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. I can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events) |
| SPOKEN PRODUCTION | I can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and ambitions. I can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. I can narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe my reactions. |
| WRITING | I can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions. |
| LEVEL | Int 1 Int 2 Int 3 |
| TYPES OF EXAMS | English – PET (Preliminary English Test) German – GZ B1 (Gothe – Zertifikat B1) French– DELF B1 Spanish – DELE B1 |
| CEF level | B2 |
|---|---|
| LISTENING | I can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programmes. I can understand the majority of films in standard dialect. |
| READING | I can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. I can understand contemporary literary prose. |
| SPOKEN INTERACTION | I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. I can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining my views. |
| SPOKEN PRODUCTION | I can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to my field of interest. I can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. |
| WRITING | I can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my interests. I can write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view. I can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences. |
| Level | Upp-Int 1 Upp-Int 2 Upp-Int 3 FCE-Long FCE-Medium FCE-Short |
| Types of exams | English – FCE (First Certificate in English) German – GZ B2 (Gothe – Zertifikat B2) French – DELF B2 Spanish – DELE B2 |
| CEF level | C1 |
|---|---|
| LISTENING | I can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly. I can understand television programmes and films without too much effort. |
| READING | I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style. I can understand specialised articles and longer technical instructions, even when they do not relate to my field. |
| SPOKEN INTERACTION | I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. I can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes. I can formulate ideas and opinions with precision and relate my contribution skilfully to those of other speakers. |
| SPOKEN PRODUCTION | I can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion. |
| WRITING | I can express myself in clear, wellstructured text, expressing points of view at some length. I can write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining what I consider to be the salient issues. I can select style appropriate to the reader in mind. |
| LEVEL | Advanced 1 Advanced 2 Advanced 3 CAE-Long CAE-Medium CAE-Short |
| Types of exams | English – CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) German – GZ C1 (Gothe – Zertifikat C1) French – DALF C1 Spanish – DELE C1 |
| CEF level | C2 |
|---|---|
| LISTENING | I have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered at fast native speed, provided I have some time to get familiar with the accent. |
| READING | I can read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts such as manuals, specialised articles and literary works. |
| SPOKEN INTERACTION | I can take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and have a good familiarity with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. I can express myself fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely. If I do have a problem I can backtrack and restructure around the difficulty so smoothly that other people are hardly aware of it. |
| SPOKEN PRODUCTION | I can present a clear, smoothly-flowing description or argument in a style appropriate to the context and with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. |
| WRITING | I can write clear, smoothly-flowing text in an appropriate style. I can write complex letters, reports or articles which present a case with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary works. |
| LEVEL | Prof Long Prof Medium Prof Short CPE Long CPE Medium CPE Short |
| Types of exams | English – CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) German – GZ C2 (Goethe – Zertifikat C2) French – DALF C2 Spanish – DELE C2 |