What is CEFR?
CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Many schools, books, and teachers use it to describe a learner’s level. Instead of saying, “My level is medium,” you can say, “I am A1” or “I am B2.” Each level has a clear description of what you can do in the language.
The main idea is simple: every level says what you can do. Can you introduce yourself? Can you give an opinion? This is more useful than counting how many words you know.
The six levels at a glance
There are six levels in three groups. Each group has two levels.
- A1 and A2: Basic user.
- B1 and B2: Independent user.
- C1 and C2: Proficient user.
As you move toward C, you use English with more freedom and more care.
Level self-check table
Read the table. Find the highest row where you can say, “Yes, I can do this easily.”
| Level | Name | I can… | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | introduce myself and ask and answer very simple questions | My name is Sara. I live in Cairo. |
| A2 | Elementary | talk about daily life, shopping, and family in simple sentences | Yesterday I went to the market and bought some fruit. |
| B1 | Intermediate | manage most travel situations and describe experiences and plans | I want to study abroad because I would like to learn about other cultures. |
| B2 | Upper-intermediate | speak clearly about many topics and understand the main ideas of complex texts | Although the plan is expensive, I think it will save us time. |
| C1 | Advanced | express ideas fluently and understand long, difficult texts | The report raises several concerns that deserve closer attention. |
| C2 | Proficient | understand almost everything and show fine shades of meaning | That remark was well meant, but it hardly helped the discussion. |
A1 and A2: basic user
At A1 you learn the basics: greetings, name, age, country, and numbers. Your sentences are very short, and people need to speak slowly. Examples:
- Hello, I am Omar.
- I am from Jordan.
- I have two sisters.
At A2 you can talk about familiar things: your daily routine, shopping, and places near you. You start to use the simple past:
- I wake up at seven every day.
- Yesterday I visited my aunt.
B1 and B2: independent user
At B1 you can manage normal situations on your own. You can book a hotel, tell a story, and give a short reason for your opinion. Example: I missed the bus, so I was late for work.
At B2 you can talk with other speakers without much effort, and you can write clear, detailed texts. Example: If I had more time, I would take another course.
C1 and C2: proficient user
At C1 you use English with flexibility for work and study, and you understand hidden meaning. At C2 you understand almost everything easily, and you can summarise, explain, and separate very small differences in meaning. These levels are far from the beginning, so do not worry if you are A1 now. Everyone starts there.
How to find your level step by step
- Start at the A1 row and ask: can I do this easily?
- If yes, go to the next row.
- Stop at the first row that feels very hard.
- Your level is the row before it.
- Make the next row your goal.
This is only your own idea of your level. It is not an official test. Your level can also be different for each skill. You may read at a higher level than you speak.
Common A1 mistakes for Arabic speakers
Many beginners from Arabic-speaking countries copy Arabic patterns into English. Compare the mistake with the correct form:
| Mistake | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I have 25 years. | I am 25 years old. | In English we use am for age, not have. |
| I am agree. | I agree. | Agree is a verb, so we do not add am. |
| I speak English good. | I speak English well. | We use well with a verb. Good describes a noun. |
| I not understand. | I do not understand. | With most verbs we need do not. |
How to use your level
When you know your level, you can choose books and videos that fit you. Content that is a little easier than your level gives you confidence. Content that is a little harder helps you grow. Pick one small goal from the next level. If you are A1, learn five new sentences about your family. Look at the table again from time to time to see your progress. Do not compare yourself with other people. Every learner has a different road and speed.
Quick summary
CEFR has six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Each level describes what you can do. Use the self-check table to find your place, and take small steps. If you are A1, you are in exactly the right place to begin.