Understanding Your French Level with the CEFR: A Complete Guide to Help You Identify Your Level
Are you learning French and wondering, What’s my level? Maybe you’ve already heard about the famous A1, B2, or C1 levels, but you’re not quite sure what they mean. Don’t worry! In this article, I’ll explain in detail what the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is. We’ll go through each level, from A1 to C2, so you can better understand where you stand. I’ll also give you concrete examples, including vocabulary for each level, to help you evaluate yourself.
What is the CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) was created by the Council of Europe in 2001. It’s a tool used to evaluate and standardize language skills in many languages, including French. It’s divided into three main categories, each with two levels:
- Basic User: A1 and A2
- Independent User: B1 and B2
- Proficient User: C1 and C2
Each level describes what you can understand, express, and interact with in various situations. Let’s now explore these levels one by one.
Category 1: Basic User
Level A1: Beginner or Discovery Level
A1 is the starting point. If you’re at this level, you can understand and use very simple expressions for practical needs. Here’s what you can do:
- What you can do:
- Introduce yourself (your name, age, nationality).
- Ask simple questions like “What’s your name?” or “Where do you live?”
- Answer basic questions about your daily life.
- Communicate in a very simple way if the person you’re speaking to talks slowly and clearly.
If you have at least an A1 level, you should be able to understand the following 12 words:
Level A2: Intermediate or Everyday Level
A2 is a step forward. You’re still a basic user, but you can handle simple and familiar situations.
- What you can do:
- Understand common phrases about familiar topics (shopping, talking about your job or family).
- Describe your daily routine, hobbies, or immediate surroundings.
- Take part in simple exchanges, like asking for information or expressing preferences.
If you have at least an A2 level, you should be able to understand the following 12 words:
Category 2: Independent User
Level B1: Threshold Level
B1 is an important milestone. You become an independent user, able to handle more complex situations and express your ideas.
- What you can do:
- Understand the main points of a conversation or a simple text on familiar topics (work, studies, hobbies).
- Manage in situations you might encounter while traveling in a French-speaking country.
- Talk about past events, describe experiences, or discuss future plans.
- Give your opinion on simple topics.
If you have at least an B1 level, you should be able to understand the following 12 words:
Level B2: Upper-Intermediate Level
At B2, you can participate in more complex discussions and express yourself more fluently.
- What you can do:
- Understand complex texts or conversations, including technical discussions in your field.
- Take part in spontaneous discussions with native speakers.
- Express your ideas clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics.
- Argue and defend your point of view.
If you have at least an B2 level, you should be able to understand the following 12 words:
Category 3: Proficient User
Level C1: Advanced Level
C1 marks an advanced mastery of the language. You can express yourself with ease in complex contexts.
- What you can do:
- Understand long and demanding texts, even with implicit meanings.
- Express yourself spontaneously and fluently, even in complex discussions.
- Structure your ideas clearly and coherently.
- Take part in debates on complex topics.
If you have at least an C1 level, you should be able to understand the following 12 words:
Level C2: Mastery Level
C2 is the top of the scale. You’re an expert user, capable of understanding and producing complex content with exceptional precision.
- What you can do:
- Understand everything you read or hear effortlessly, including technical or literary texts.
- Summarize and reformulate information from multiple sources.
- Express yourself with exceptional precision, even in specialized contexts.
- Adapt your speech to any context (formal, informal, academic, poetic).
If you have at least an C2 level, you should be able to understand the following 12 words:
So, where do you stand?
Now that you know the six CEFR levels, where do you think you stand? Do you recognize skills or words that match your level? Remember: every step is a victory in your learning journey. Keep practicing, exploring, and improving. With consistency, you’ll reach your language goals.
If this article was helpful, share it and keep learning. Good luck with your French studies!