English Levels Explained
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is the international standard for describing language ability. It has six levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).
You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. You can introduce yourself and others, and ask and answer simple questions about personal details.
You can do the following:
- Understand simple greetings and introductions
- Ask and answer basic questions about yourself
- Fill out forms with personal details
- Understand slow, clearly spoken English
Score range: 0–20
You can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance. You can communicate in simple and routine tasks.
You can do the following:
- Describe your family, background, and daily routines
- Read short, simple texts and find specific information
- Write short notes and messages
- Handle simple social exchanges
Score range: 21–40
You can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. You can deal with most situations while travelling and produce simple connected text.
You can do the following:
- Talk about experiences, events, and ambitions
- Understand the main points of TV and radio programmes
- Write simple connected text on familiar topics
- Describe plans and give reasons for opinions
Score range: 41–60
You can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. You can interact with a degree of fluency that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible.
You can do the following:
- Understand the main ideas of complex articles
- Interact with native speakers without strain
- Write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects
- Explain a viewpoint giving advantages and disadvantages
Score range: 61–75
You can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning. You can express yourself fluently without much obvious searching for expressions.
You can do the following:
- Understand long and complex factual and literary texts
- Express yourself fluently and spontaneously
- Use language flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes
- Write well-structured, detailed texts on complex subjects
Score range: 76–90
You can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. You can summarise information from different sources and express yourself very fluently and precisely.
You can do the following:
- Understand virtually everything you read or hear
- Summarize information from different spoken and written sources
- Express yourself very fluently and precisely
- Differentiate finer shades of meaning in complex situations
Score range: 91–100