What is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. It's used worldwide by educators, employers, and language learners to measure and communicate language proficiency.
The framework divides language ability into six levels, grouped into three broad categories:
Can handle basic interactions and everyday situations
Can function independently in most situations
Near-native or native-level proficiency
Why CEFR Matters
University Admissions
Most universities require B2 or C1 for international students. Medical and law programs often require C1+.
Employment
Job postings increasingly specify CEFR levels. B2 is typically required for professional roles in international companies.
Immigration
Many countries require proof of language proficiency (usually B1-B2) for residency or citizenship applications.
Self-Assessment
CEFR provides clear benchmarks to understand your current level and set realistic learning goals.
The Six CEFR Levels
Each level represents a significant step in language ability. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you can expect at each level:
Beginner
Can understand and use very basic phrases for concrete needs. Can introduce themselves and ask simple questions about personal details.
What you can do at this level
- Introduce yourself and others
- Ask and answer simple personal questions (where you live, people you know, things you have)
- Interact in a simple way if the other person speaks slowly and clearly
- Understand familiar names, words, and very simple sentences
Example expressions
Elementary
Can understand frequently used expressions related to most relevant areas (personal info, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple, routine tasks.
What you can do at this level
- Handle routine tasks requiring simple, direct exchange of information
- Describe aspects of your background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need
- Understand sentences about high-frequency topics (family, shopping, local area)
- Communicate in simple everyday situations
Example expressions
Intermediate
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure. Can deal with most situations while traveling.
What you can do at this level
- Deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling
- Produce simple connected text on familiar or personal interest topics
- Describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes and ambitions
- Give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans
Example expressions
Upper Intermediate
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Can interact with native speakers without strain.
What you can do at this level
- Interact fluently and spontaneously with native speakers without strain for either party
- Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects
- Explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving advantages and disadvantages
- Understand the main ideas of complex text, including technical discussions
Example expressions
Advanced
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning. Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously for social, academic, and professional purposes.
What you can do at this level
- Express ideas fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching for expressions
- 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 or signaled
Example expressions
Mastery
Can understand virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
What you can do at this level
- Understand with ease virtually everything heard or read
- Summarize information from different sources, reconstructing arguments coherently
- Express yourself spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely
- Differentiate finer shades of meaning even in complex situations
Example expressions
How to Progress Through Levels
Moving from one CEFR level to the next requires consistent practice and exposure. Here are evidence-based strategies:
A1 → A2
Focus on high-frequency vocabulary, basic grammar patterns, and simple conversations. Use flashcards and beginner podcasts.
A2 → B1
Start consuming native content with subtitles. Focus on developing speaking stamina. This is where BoldSpeak's simpler scenarios help bridge the gap.
B1 → B2
The hardest jump. Requires significant input and output. Read extensively, write regularly, and practice speaking in realistic scenarios.
B2 → C1
Focus on nuance, idioms, and specialized vocabulary. Engage with academic and professional content.
C1 → C2
Immersion is key. At this level, you need extensive interaction with native speakers and exposure to varied registers and styles.
How BoldSpeak Uses CEFR
BoldSpeak scenarios are designed with CEFR levels in mind. When you set your target level, our AI adjusts:
- Vocabulary complexity and range
- Speaking speed and natural speech patterns
- Grammar expectations in your responses
- Scenario difficulty and objectives
- Feedback specificity and recommendations
Pro tip: If you're unsure of your level, start with a B1 scenario. If it feels too easy, move up. If you're struggling significantly, try A2. BoldSpeak will help you find your sweet spot.
Find Your Level Through Practice
The best way to understand your CEFR level is to test yourself in real scenarios. Try BoldSpeak and discover where you truly stand.