Understanding language levels

All language schools in Europe (and now many language schools around the world) use the same framework to assess students’ level of proficiency.

Levels A1 → C2

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) is a document published by the Council of Europe (2001) and updated in 2018, which defines levels of proficiency in a foreign language based on skills in different areas of competence. These levels are the benchmark for language learning and teaching in many countries.

The main innovation introduced by the CECRL framework is the assessment chart of language proficiency, which is independent of the assessing organisation, and can be applied to any language. Other assessment methods are often only valid in a given country, or a given school, and can generally only be applied to a specific language. For these reasons, organisations are increasingly inclined to use the same assessment bank of descriptors based on the CECRL proficiency levels, or at least to provide a conversion grid.

PROFICIENT USER

C2

Understands practically everything read or heard with ease. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent manner. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating even the finest distinctions of meaning in complex situations.

C1

Can understand a wide range of demanding longer texts, and recognize implicit meanings. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for words. Can use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can express him/herself clearly, using well-structured sentences on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

INDEPENDENT USER

B2

Can understand the main ideas of complex, standard or abstract texts and can follow a technical discussion in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible without strain for either party. Can produce a clear and detailed speech on a wide range of subjects and explain a point of view on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

B1

Can understand the main points of a clear and standard communication, and is capable of input on familiar matters (work, studies, hobbies etc.) Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple and relevant text on topics which are familiar, or of personal interest. Can describe events, experiences, dreams, hopes, goals, and briefly justify a project.

BASIC USER

A2

Can understand isolated sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance (personal and family information, shopping, local geography and work). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information. Can describe his or her path and immediate environment in simple terms and express him/herself on matters in areas of immediate need.

A1

Can understand and use familiar daily expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete nature. Can introduce him/herself or introduce someone. Can ask and answer questions about personal details (who he or she is, where he or she lives, what he or she possesses etc.) Can interact in a simple way provided that the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

French Residence Card → A2 French Citizenship → B1

Apply for a Bachelor’s degree → B2 Apply for a Master’s degree → C1

Same classification for all language tests

TCF

TEF

DELF / DALF

IELTS

TOEFL (ib)

TOEFL (cb)

TOEIC

HSK

Goethe

DELE

PROFICIENT USER

C2

600

834

DALF C2

8.0

119

300

990

-

6

C2

C1

500

699

DALF C1

5

110

270

945

6

5

C1

INDEPENDENT USER

B2

400

541

DELF B2

5.0

87

227

785

5

4

B2

B1

300

361

DELF B1

4.0

57

163

550

4

3

B1

BASIC USER

A2

200

204

DELF A2

3.0

18

60

225

3

2

A2

A1

100

69

DELF A1

2.0

-

-

120

2

1

A1

The vast majority of our students progress from the level
A1 to C1 in 12 months.

The progression at the Alliance Française

hours usually required
to progress to the next level

C2

C1
PROFICIENT

Level 14
C1-3

variable

Level 13
C1-2

variable

Level 12
C1-1

variable

B2
INDEPENDANT

Level 11
B2-3

50-80

Level 10
B2-2

50-80

Level 09
B2-1

50-80

B1
THRESHOLD

Level 08
B1-3

50-80

Level 07
B1-2

50-80

Level 06
B1-1

50-80

A2
BASIC

Level 05
A2-3

50-80

Level 04
A2-2

50-80

Level 03
A2-1

50-80

A1
INITIATION

Level 02
A1-2

50-80

Level 01
A1-1

80