CEFR Levels Explained

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an internationally recognised system for describing language ability — and this page provides CEFR Levels Explained in detail, from beginner (A1) to mastery (C2).

To learn more about the official CEFR descriptors, visit the

Council of Europe’s CEFR Levels Explained page
.

CEFR Levels Explained: From A1 to C2

🟢 A1 – Beginner English Level

A1 is the first level of the CEFR and represents basic communication ability. Learners at this level can understand and use very simple expressions, introduce themselves, and interact in a limited way, provided the other person talks slowly and clearly.

🔹 What can an A1 learner typically do?

• Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
• Introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have.
• Interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
• Recognise and understand common signs, instructions, and basic written forms.

🔸 Typical uses of A1 English

A1 learners can understand classroom language, follow simple directions, complete basic forms, and communicate at a survival level when travelling abroad. This level is ideal for complete beginners or those starting formal English study.

📊 How does A1 compare?

🟡 A2 – Elementary English Level

The A2 level is considered elementary and represents a step up from absolute beginner. Learners at this level can understand frequently used expressions related to daily tasks and can communicate in simple and routine situations.

🔹 What can an A2 learner typically do?

• Understand phrases and expressions related to personal and family information, shopping, local geography, and employment.
• Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information on familiar topics.
• Describe aspects of their background, immediate environment, and basic needs.

🔸 Typical uses of A2 English

A2 learners can participate in simple conversations, fill out basic forms, and read straightforward texts such as menus, signs, and short messages. It’s a common level for those finishing a first-year general English course.

📊 How does A2 compare?

🟠 B1 – Intermediate English Level

The B1 level on the CEFR scale represents a solid intermediate ability in English. Learners at this level can understand the main points of clear, standard input on familiar topics and can manage everyday communication in work, travel, and social situations.

🔹 What can a B1 learner typically do?

• Understand the main ideas of straightforward spoken or written information on familiar matters.
• Deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where English is spoken.
• Produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
• Describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

🔸 Typical uses of B1 English

As part of the CEFR Levels Explained, B1 marks the shift from basic survival English to more independent communication.

📊 How does B1 compare?

🔵 B2 – Upper Intermediate English Level

B2 is a strong upper-intermediate level. Learners at this stage can communicate with fluency and spontaneity, participate actively in discussions, and understand complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics.

🔹 What can a B2 learner typically do?

• Understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field.
• Interact with native speakers with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction quite possible.
• Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue.
• Handle academic or professional tasks requiring intermediate to advanced English skills.

🔸 Typical uses of B2 English

B2 users can participate confidently in meetings, give presentations, write reports, and follow lectures or webinars. Many universities and employers consider B2 the minimum level for success in academic or professional environments.

📊 How does B2 compare?

🟣 C1 – Advanced English Level

The C1 level indicates a high level of English proficiency. Learners at this level can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for academic, professional, and social purposes.

🔹 What can a C1 learner typically do?

• Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
• Express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious effort.
• Use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.
• Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns and cohesive devices.

🔸 Typical uses of C1 English

C1 users can perform effectively in English-speaking work environments, follow advanced academic courses, write detailed reports, and participate in formal meetings, interviews, and presentations with confidence.

📊 How does C1 compare?

⚫ C2 – Mastery (Proficient English Level)

C2 is the highest level on the CEFR scale and represents near-native fluency. Learners at this level can understand virtually everything heard or read, and can express themselves very fluently and precisely, even in complex situations involving academic or technical language.

🔹 What can a C2 learner typically do?

• Effortlessly understand almost any spoken or written language, including idioms, implied meanings, and academic discourse.
• Summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
• Express themselves spontaneously, with a high degree of accuracy and sophistication, even in complex, sensitive, or abstract topics.
• Use language flexibly and creatively for professional, academic, or literary purposes.

🔸 Typical uses of C2 English

C2 users can write academic articles, negotiate complex contracts, teach or translate English at a professional level, and participate in high-level discussions with ease and nuance.

📊 How does C2 compare?

📊 Compare CEFR Levels with Cambridge, IELTS, and Trinity Exams

See how each CEFR level aligns with major English exams. This can help you understand which exam best suits your current ability — or what to aim for next.

If you’re still unsure about your current proficiency, scroll through our CEFR Levels Explained to see how your skills align with popular exam frameworks.