The Common European Framework divides learners into three broad divisions that can be divided into six levels:
- A Basic User
- A1 Breakthrough or beginner
- A2 Waystage or elementary
- B Independent User
- B1 Threshold or intermediate
- B2 Vantage or upper intermediate
- C Proficient User
- C1 Effective Operational Proficiency or advanced
- C2 Mastery or proficiency
The CEFR describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing at each level.
level group | A | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
level group name | Basic User | |||||
level | A1 | A2 | ||||
level name | Breakthrough or beginner | Waystage or elementary | ||||
description |
|
|
B | |||
---|---|---|---|
Independent User | |||
B1 | B2 | ||
Threshold or intermediate | Vantage or upper intermediate | ||
|
|
C | |
---|---|
Proficient User | |
C1 | |
Effective Operational Proficiency or advanced | |
|
C2 |
---|
Mastery or proficiency |
|
These descriptors can apply to any of the languages spoken in Europe, and there are translations in many languages.
Deutsche Welle
suggests A1 is reached with about 75 hours of German tuition, A2.1 with
about 150 hours, A2.2 with about 225 hours, B1.1 with about 300 hours,
and B1.2 with about 400 hours.[5]
Cambridge ESOL said that each level is reached with the following
guided learning hours: A2, 180–200; B1, 350–400; B2, 500–600; C1,
700–800, and C2, 1,000–1,200.[6]
Alliance Française has stated students can expect to reach CEFR
levels after the following cumulative hours of instruction: A1 60–100,
A2 160–200, B1 360–400, B2 560–650, C1 810–950, C2 1060–1200.[7]