The Common European Framework of Reference provides a common basis for the development of modern language programs, benchmarks, exams, manuals, etc. in Europe. It describes as completely as possible what learners of a language need to learn in order to use it for the purpose of communication; it also lists the knowledge and skills they must acquire in order to have effective language behavior. The description also includes the cultural context that supports the language. Finally, the Reference Framework defines the competency levels that make it possible to measure learner progress at each stage of learning and at any time of life.
The advantages of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:
It allows you to define levels recognized by everyone.
It allows these levels to be assessed according to practical skills.
It helps to implement learning strategies (methods, manuals, ways of teaching) oriented towards practice (actional pedagogy).
It encourages self-evaluation (being able to evaluate oneself to understand how to progress) and autonomy (knowing how to go beyond the school framework to use the language in life).
It helps to define official evaluation structures, such as exams with diplomas or certifications.
It facilitates the recognition of skills in the world of work.
Levels defined by the CEFR:
Levels and skills combine to give evaluation grids. *
The CEFR is only a “framework”. It does not impose any obligation and each organization or institution that refers to it can build its system as it deems useful. For example, for French as a foreign language, there are several exams or tests (DELF, DALF, TCF, DFP, TEF, etc.) which are all based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
What are language proficiency levels?
The Common European Framework divides learners into three broad divisions that can each be further divided into two levels; for each level, it describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing. The following table indicates these levels. A more thorough description of each level, with criteria for listening, reading, speaking and writing, is available on the Internet.
Basic User
Language Users at A level have a basic understanding of the language and can use it in familiar context and situations. They can interact on a personal level and talk about themselves, their life and others.
Language proficiency level: A1
A1 corresponds to an elementary user level (introductory or discovery level). his means that you have the following capabilities:
Understand and use familiar and everyday expressions and very simple statements that are intended to meet concrete needs.
Knowing how to introduce yourself or someone.
Being able to ask and answer questions about a person.
Communicate simply if the caller speaks slowly and clearly and is cooperative.
Language proficiency level: A2
A2 corresponds to an elementary user level (intermediate or usual level). This means that you have the following capabilities:
Understand single phrases and frequently used expressions in relation to areas of the everyday environment (e.g. simple personal and family information, shopping, work)
Ability to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring only a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine subjects
Describe with simple means his training, his immediate environment and talk about subjects that correspond to immediate needs
Independent User
Language users at the B levels can already use a language well and have a good understanding in that target language. They can handle situations in work, school and in everyday life well. They can handle complex situations and communicate sufficiently. They can comprehend tests and speech by native speakers, but may still express themselves in simpler grammatical constructs.
Language proficiency level: B1
B1 corresponds to an independent user level (threshold level). This means that you have the following capabilities:
Understand the essential points of a discussion when clear and standard language is used and if it is familiar things at work, school, leisure, etc.
Be autonomous in most situations encountered while traveling in an area where the target language is spoken
To be able to produce a simple and coherent discourse on familiar subjects and in its fields of interest
The ability to tell a story, an experience or a dream, describe a hope or a goal, and briefly explain the reasons or reasons for a project or idea
Language proficiency level: B2
B2 is an independent user level (advanced or independent) This means that you have the following capabilities:
Understand the essential content of concrete or abstract subjects in a complex text, including technical discussion in its specialty
Communicating spontaneously and easily with a native speaker
Express a clear and detailed opinion on a wide range of topics, express an opinion on a topical issue and set out the advantages and disadvantages of different possibilities
Proficient User: C proficiency levels
These levels certify the ability to use a language on an academic level, reading complicated studies, or even writing them. As such C level language tests do not just test for mere everyday use of a language, but also evaluate the education level and academic thinking ability of a user.
C level users are supposed to be able to use a language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Students at that level are expected to be able to produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on academic complex subjects.
This is the highest language level and even most native speakers in any language are not expected to pass a c level language test, at least not without intensive preparation.
Language proficiency level: C1
C1 is an advanced user level (stand-alone level). This means that you have the following capabilities:
Understand long and demanding texts and grasp implicit meanings
Speak spontaneously and fluently without having to search for words
Use language effectively and flexibly in social, professional or academic life
Express themselves on complex subjects in a clear and well-structured way and demonstrate their control of the linguistic tools of organization, articulation and cohesion of the discourse
Language proficiency level: C2
C2 is an advanced user level (proficiency level). This means that you have the following capabilities:
Effortlessly understand virtually everything that is read or heard
Be able to convey facts and arguments from various written and oral sources in a coherent manner
Express yourself spontaneously, very commonly, accurately, and make distinct nuances of meaning in relation to complex subjects
The CEFR is used in teacher education, the reform of foreign and local language curricula and for the development of teaching materials. CEFR provides comparability of qualifications and language proficiency levels. Due to its simplicity, effectiveness and detailed documentation, this European standard is getting adopted worldwide, which transforms it into a global standard for talking about language levels.
Knowing your language level and going on a language journey in light of this will help you learn a language. If you do not know your language level and want to learn, take our free online language test or start a test offline.
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