You’ll see levels such as A2 or B1–C2 on every magazine page. They come from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This short guide explains what they mean and how to find yours.
What is the CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages was developed by the Council of Europe and published in 2001 to describe language ability in the same way for every language. It is now used across Europe and beyond by schools, universities, publishers, exam boards and employers.
The six levels
The framework has three bands – basic, independent and proficient user – each divided into two levels. The UK qualifications in brackets are only a rough guide.
| Level | What you can do |
|---|---|
| A1 Beginner | Understand and use very simple everyday expressions and phrases; introduce yourself and have a very basic conversation if the other person speaks slowly and helps you. |
| A2 Elementary (about Foundation GCSE) | Understand short sentences and frequently used expressions; have a simple conversation about familiar topics such as yourself, your family, shopping and hobbies. |
| B1 Intermediate (about Higher GCSE) | Deal with most situations when travelling; describe experiences, events and plans, and give reasons and opinions briefly. |
| B2 Upper intermediate (about A level) | Talk with some fluency and spontaneity with native speakers; understand the main ideas of complex texts; explain a point of view on a topic. |
| C1 Advanced | Express yourself fluently and spontaneously; use the language effectively for social, academic and work purposes; understand long, demanding texts. |
| C2 Proficient | Understand almost everything you read or hear with ease, and express yourself precisely, fluently and naturally, close to a well-educated native speaker. |
How can it help me?
- Choosing what to read: many publishers – including the magazines we offer – grade their material on the CEFR scale, so you can pick resources that suit you.
- Choosing an exam: the main language exams are mapped to the framework, so knowing your level helps you choose the right qualification.
- Describing your ability: a CEFR level is a quick, widely understood way to tell an employer, a university or a language school how well you speak a language.
Find your level
Use the table above as a starting point. For a more detailed check of your listening, reading, speaking and writing, try the Council of Europe’s self-assessment grid. Most learners find their level differs from skill to skill – that’s normal.
Our magazines by level
| Magazine | Language | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Bien-dire Initial | French | A1–B1 |
| Bien-dire | French | B1–C2 |
| Tutto italiano | Italian | B1–C2 |
| Punto y Coma | Spanish | B1–C2 |
| Eli magazines for schools | Eight languages | A1–C2, one magazine per level |
Still not sure? Call or email us and we’ll help you choose.
Call us on 0800 141 2210 (UK Freephone) or +44 117 927 2236 from outside the UK, or email support@languages-direct.com.
Call us toll free on 1-866-467-4946 from the US and Canada, or email support@languages-direct.com.
