The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. Developed by the Council of Europe, it provides a clear, comprehensive way to describe what language learners can do at different stages of their learning journey. Since its publication in 2001, the CEFR has become the global standard for language assessment, used by educational institutions, employers, and governments worldwide.

A1 - Beginner

At the A1 level, learners are taking their first steps in a new language. This is the foundation stage where everything is new and exciting.

What you can do at A1:

• Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases
• Introduce yourself and others, ask and answer questions about personal details
• Interact in a simple way if the other person speaks slowly and clearly
• Write simple postcards, fill in forms with personal details
• Recognize familiar words and basic phrases on signs, posters, and catalogs

Typical vocabulary size: 500-1,000 words

Example situations: Ordering coffee using simple words, greeting people, asking for directions with gestures to help, understanding price tags and basic signs.

Start by reading the first chapter of our A1 level adapted book Robinson Crusoe!

A2 - Elementary

The A2 level represents a significant step forward. You're no longer a complete beginner and can handle basic social interactions.

What you can do at A2:

• Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to immediate relevance
• Communicate in simple, routine tasks requiring direct exchange of information
• Describe your background, immediate environment, and matters of immediate need
• Read short, simple texts and find specific information in everyday material
• Write short notes, messages, and simple personal letters

Typical vocabulary size: 1,000-2,000 words

Example situations: Shopping for groceries and asking about products, making simple phone calls, describing your family and hobbies, understanding simple instructions and announcements.

Continue your language learning progress with our A2 level adapted version of Around the World in 80 days!

B1 - Intermediate

B1 marks a crucial transition point. You become an independent user who can navigate most everyday situations without assistance.

What you can do at B1:

• Understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters
• Deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling
• Produce simple connected text on familiar topics or personal interests
• Describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions with brief reasons
• Understand the main points of clear standard writing on familiar subjects
• Write personal letters describing experiences and impressions

Typical vocabulary size: 2,000-3,000 words

Example situations: Following the plot of a TV show, participating in meetings about familiar topics, writing emails to colleagues about routine matters, handling unexpected travel situations like changed flights or hotel problems.

Drop into the magical world of The Wondrous Wizard of Oz and continue progressing your language skills. 

B2 - Upper Intermediate

At B2, you've achieved a level of fluency that allows for complex communication. This is often the minimum level required for university study or professional work in a second language.

What you can do at B2:

• Understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics
• Interact with native speakers with a degree of fluency and spontaneity
• Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects
• Explain viewpoints on topical issues, giving advantages and disadvantages
• Understand extended speech and follow complex arguments on familiar topics
• Read articles and reports about contemporary problems with particular viewpoints

Typical vocabulary size: 3,000-5,000 words

Example situations: Participating actively in discussions with native speakers, writing essays arguing for or against a position, understanding news broadcasts and current affairs programs, negotiating and problem-solving in professional contexts.

Your Language skills are admirable. You are ready to enjoy original works suchs as Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde and The Time Machine.

C1 - Advanced

C1 represents advanced proficiency. You can use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes.

What you can do at C1:

• Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning
• Express yourself fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching for words
• Use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes
• Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects
• Understand extended speech even when not clearly structured
• Read complex literary and technical texts, appreciating distinctions of style

Typical vocabulary size: 5,000-8,000 words

Example situations: Delivering presentations to professional audiences, writing detailed reports and proposals, understanding implicit humor and cultural references, following academic lectures and taking effective notes, participating in fast-paced negotiations.

Your language skill have progressed so far you are able to enjoy original works such as The Great Gatsby and The Picture of Dorian Grey! 

C2 - Mastery

C2 represents mastery of the language, approaching native-speaker competence in many areas.

What you can do at C2:

• Understand virtually everything heard or read with ease
• Summarize information from different sources, reconstructing arguments coherently
• Express yourself spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely
• Differentiate finer shades of meaning in complex situations
• Read virtually all forms of written language, including abstract or linguistically complex texts
• Write complex letters, reports, or articles with an effective logical structure

Typical vocabulary size: 8,000+ words

Example situations: Understanding and using idiomatic expressions naturally, appreciating literary works in their original form, participating in any academic or professional discussion at the highest level, writing publication-quality articles or research papers

At the C2 level, you have achieved near-native proficiency and can enjoy any literature in its original form without linguistic support. While we're sad we can no longer accompany you on this part of your journey, the entire world of literature is now open to you! 

Explore bookstores, libraries, and online resources to discover the full wealth of literature available. And once you've mastered one language to this level, perhaps you're ready for a new challenge? Why not start a new language journey and explore our collection in another language? We know of some great resources for levels A1 all the way to C1 ;)

Assessment and Certification

Many official examinations align with CEFR levels, providing internationally recognized certifications.

How Long Does It Take to Progress?

The time needed to progress between levels varies significantly based on several factors:

• Learning intensity: Full-time study versus part-time classes
• Language background: Your native language and any other languages you know
• Learning environment: Immersion versus classroom-only learning
• Personal factors: Age, motivation, learning style, and practice opportunities

As a general guide, the Council of Europe suggests these approximate learning hours:

• A1: 80-100 hours
• A2: 180-200 hours (including A1)
• B1: 350-400 hours (total from zero)
• B2: 550-650 hours (total from zero)
• C1: 750-850 hours (total from zero)
• C2: 1,000+ hours (total from zero)

Remember, these are cumulative totals and rough estimates. Some learners progress faster, others need more time. Having access to a great learning tool such as Love For Languages (wink wink) will of course speed up your progress. 

The Love for Languages Advantage

Traditional language learning methods often force you to choose between boring textbook exercises or materials that are too difficult for your level. Love for Languages bridges this gap by providing:

For Beginners (A1-A2):

• Custom-written short stories designed specifically for early learners, with carefully controlled vocabulary and grammar.
• Classic literature adapted to your level: Read real books like Robinson Crusoe adapted to your level and with linguistic support.
• Dual translation system: Get instant word-by-word translations when you hover or click, or translate entire paragraphs when you need more context.
• Full audio narration: Every single story and book includes native speaker audio, so you can hear authentic pronunciation while reading.
• PDF downloads: Take your learning offline with beautifully formatted PDFs for screen-free study sessions.

For Intermediate Learners (B1-B2):

• Classic literature adapted to your level: Read real books like The Wizard of Oz and The Time Machine adapted to your level where necessary and with linguistic support.
• Contextual grammar tips: Click the mascot icon to reveal grammar explanations specific to each paragraph, understanding not just what words mean but why they're used that way.
• Progressive difficulty: Stories that gradually introduce more complex structures as you improve.
• Audio-supported reading: Train your ear while you read, connecting written and spoken language naturally.
• Offline study materials: Download PDFs to annotate, review, and study at your own pace without screen fatigue

For Advanced Learners (C1-C2):

• Authentic, unabridged classics: Experience The Great Gatsby and The Picture of Dorian Grey, and other masterpieces in their original form.
• Selective translation control: Use translations sparingly for only the most challenging passages or cultural references.,
• Literary language exposure: Encounter sophisticated vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and stylistic devices in context.
• Offline study materials: Download PDFs to annotate, review, and study at your own pace without screen fatigue

The Complete Learning System:

• Start with custom beginner stories that build confidence
• Progress through adapted classics that challenge without overwhelming
• Graduate to authentic literature with full linguistic support
• Always have audio to guide your pronunciation
• Access grammar insights exactly when you encounter difficult structures
• Study online or offline with downloadable PDFs
• Control your learning pace with on-demand translations at word or paragraph level

Conclusion

The CEFR provides a clear roadmap for language learning, helping both learners and teachers understand where they are and where they're heading. Whether you're just starting at A1 or pushing toward C2 mastery, understanding these levels helps you set realistic goals and track your progress effectively.

The framework reminds us that language proficiency isn't just about grammar and vocabulary – it's about what you can actually do with the language in real-world situations. Each level builds systematically on the previous one, creating a solid foundation for genuine communication and cultural understanding.

With platforms like Love for Languages providing level-appropriate materials and learning tools, you can focus on enjoying the journey rather than struggling with inappropriate materials. Whatever your current level, celebrate your achievements so far and keep pushing forward. Every story you read, every new word you learn, and every grammatical structure you master brings you closer to your language learning goals.