Language Skill Levels
The Levels of the Common European Framework (CEF)
Our teaching is geared to the Common European Framework (CEF) of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment.
What is the CEF?
The CEF provides the basis for the development of teaching plans, examinations as well as teaching and learning materials for all of Europe. It is organized according to six levels of competence and specifies what learners at each stage are able to understand and express.
The CEF defines six internationally comparable levels of progress:
- A1 and A2: basic language skills
- B1 and B2: independent use of language
- C1 und C2: proficient use of language
On completing these levels, you will have the following skills:
A1
Listening
understand familiar words and simple phrases when they are spoken slowly and clearly.
Reading
comprehend single words and simple sentences, e.g. signs and billboards.
Speaking
communicate in short, simple phrases.
Writing
produce short, simple notes and postcards and fill in forms.
A2
Listening
understand the overall meaning of short, simple, clearly spoken messages.
Reading
read and comprehend short, simple text, e.g. advertisements and personal correspondence.
Speaking
make yourself understood with a series of sentences in familiar everyday situations.
Writing
produce short, simple notes, messages, emails and personal letters.
B1
Listening
understand important information regarding work, school, free time, etc.
Reading
comprehend texts written in everyday language for general and job-related purposes.
Speaking
participate in conversations regarding family, hobbies, work, travel and current events.
Writing
produce simple, connected text on familiar themes and topics.
B2
Listening
follow lengthy statements and reports as well as most films and TV programmes when the topics are somewhat familiar.
Reading
understand articles, reports and contemporary literary prose.
Speaking
relay ideas relatively fluently and spontaneously, and actively participate in discussions.
Writing
produce detailed texts such as essays, reports and letters, and present arguments effectively.
C1
Listening
understand lengthy reports, lectures, TV programmes and films without great effort.
Reading
comprehend complex and lengthy texts of a specialised or literary nature.
Speaking
express thoughts spontaneously, fluently and precisely.
Writing
produce clear, well-structured texts in appropriate style on complex subjects.
C2
Listening
understand spoken language with ease, even when spoken quickly.
Reading
comprehend original texts of any complexity with ease.
Speaking
participate effortlessly in all conversations and discussions, understanding and using colloquial language.
Writing
produce sophisticated and complex texts, summarize and discuss specialized texts and literature.