CEFR levels (A1 to C2): what do they really mean?

“I’m B1 in English”, “I need C1 for my visa”… The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) has become the universal way to talk about language level. But what does each grade really mean?

The 6 CEFR levels

A1 — Discovery

You can introduce yourself, ask where the toilets are, order a coffee. Vocabulary of 500 to 800 words. Average learning time: 60 to 100 hours.

A2 — Survival

You understand station announcements, hold a simple conversation on familiar topics. Time: +120 to 200 hours.

B1 — Threshold

You get the gist of a news broadcast, talk about your holidays, give your opinion. Minimum level for most student visas in Europe. Time: +200 hours.

B2 — Independent

You follow a professional meeting, write a report, argue on complex topics with ease. Required by most US universities and the TOEIC (785+). Time: +250 hours.

C1 — Autonomous

You get Anglo-Saxon humour, read the press in the original, present to an international audience without hesitation. Target level for export executives. Time: +300 hours.

C2 — Mastery

You are almost indistinguishable from an educated native speaker. Level of sworn translators and conference interpreters. Time: +400 hours, often with immersion.

How to know where you stand?

Self-assessment is misleading — most candidates overestimate by 1 to 2 grades. The free AMBIZ diagnosis combines a written test and an oral interview to position your level precisely.

Book your free language diagnosis and get your CEFR level certificate within 48 hours.