The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is designed to provide a transparent, coherent and comprehensive basis for the elaboration of language syllabuses and curriculum guidelines and the assessment of foreign language proficiency. It is used in Europe but also in other continents.
It describes foreign language proficiency at six levels: A1 and A2, B1 and B2, C1 and C2. This framework makes possible to establish learning and teaching objectives, review curricula, design teaching materials and provide a basis for recognising language qualifications thus facilitating educational and occupational mobility.
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
This table is © Council of Europe.
A1 - Basic User
You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions in order to be able to communicate in simple, everyday situations. You are able to introduce yourself and others, ask and answer questions about personal details such as what is your name, where you live, where you come from and basic family information. You can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
A2 - Basic User
You can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of every day life such as shopping, local geography, employment. You can communicate in simple tasks and describe in simple terms aspects of your background: family, work, friends, holidays.
B1 - Independent User
You can understand the main points of clear spoken language on familiar topics: work, school, leisure, etc. You are able to deal with most situations likely to arise while speaking with a native in Greece. You can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. You can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2 - Independent User
You can understand without difficulty the main ideas of a complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialisation. You are able to interact with fluency and spontaneity with native speakers and produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options: everyday problems, employment, media, health, environment.
C1 - Advanced User
You can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts such as newspaper articles, the news, lectures and discussions and recognise implicit meaning. You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. You are able to use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2 - Proficient User
You can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. You can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. You are able to express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.