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What Is CEFR? A Simple Guide to Levels In Language Proficiency.
Have you ever wondered how your levels in language proficiency are measured? Whether you are learning a new language or preparing for an exam, you might have come across the term CEFR. But what exactly does it mean, and why should you care? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.
What is CEFR?
CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is a standardized system that helps describe how well someone can use a language, whether it is English, Portuguese/ Brazilian Portuguese, French, Spanish, or any other language. In simple words, it is a rubric to assess your language skills from beginner to advanced, no matter where you are learning.
Developed by the Council of Europe, CEFR is widely recognized by schools, employers, and language testing organizations around the world. It gives a clear way to assess levels in language proficiency and makes it easier to compare different tests, like IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge exams.
Why should I know about it?
Imagine you are applying for a job abroad, or you want to study in another country. The recruiter or university might ask about your language level. Instead of saying, “I am pretty good at English,” you can confidently say, “I am at a B2 level in English according to CEFR.” That makes a huge difference!
CEFR helps with:
- Setting clear learning goals.
- Tracking your progress.
- Comparing different language exams.
- Showing your skills to employers and universities.
Let’s break down the CEFR Levels in language proficiency:
CEFR levels is divided into six levels, from absolute beginner to native-like proficiency:
| Language Components | A1 (Beginner) |
A2 (Pre Intermediate) |
B1 (Intermediate) | B2 (Upper Intermediate) |
C1 (Advanced) | C2 (Proficient) |
| Reading | I can read very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables and I can understand short simple personal letters | I can recognise familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly | I can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job-related language. I can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters. | I can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. I can understand contemporary literary prose. | I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style. I can understand specialized articles and longer technical instructions, even when they do not relate to my field. | I can read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts such as manuals, specialised articles and literary works. |
| Listening | I can recognise familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly | I can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements. | I can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main point of many radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear | I can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programmes. I can understand the majority of films in standard dialect. | I can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly. I can understand television programmes and films without too much effort. | I have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered at fast native speed, provided I have some time to get familiar with the accent. |
| Writing | I can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form. | I can write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate needs. I can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something. | I can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions. | I can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my interests. I can write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view. I can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences. | I can express myself in clear, well structured text, expressing points of view at some length. I can write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining what I consider to be the salient issues. I can select style appropriate to the reader in mind. | I can write clear, smoothly-flowing text in an appropriate style. I can write complex letters, reports or articles which present a case with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary works |
| Speaking | I can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I’m trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics. | I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I can’t usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself | I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. I can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events). | I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. I can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining my views. | I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. I can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes. I can formulate ideas and opinions with precision and relate my contribution skilfully to those of other speakers. | I can take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and have a good familiarity with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. I can express myself fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely. If I do have a problem I can backtrack and restructure around the difficulty so smoothly that other people are hardly aware of it |
How Can You Find Out Your CEFR Level in the English Language?
Not sure where you stand? You can take a CEFR-based language test online or check your score in well-known exams like:
Final Thoughts On Levels In Language Proficiency
CEFR is a simple yet powerful way to understand and showcase your language skills. Whether you are learning a language for fun, work, or study, knowing your CEFR level helps you track progress and set new goals.
If you’re looking to improve your English and climb the CEFR ladder, Join Profound Careers’ Online Spoken English Course today. Let’s make learning fun and effective!
