What is the CEFR?
CEFR = Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
CEFR
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a system that helps determine how well a person knows a foreign language - from beginner to expert. Levels A1 to C2 give a clear indication of what a person can do - whether they speak, listen, read or write.
V jazykové škole TLC používáme CEFR jako základ pro plánování výuky, testování i certifikaci. Pokud od nás dostanete výsledek testu nebo certifikát s označením např. „B1“, právě zde zjistíte, co to znamená a co na této úrovni obvykle zvládnete.
Source: coe.int
To tell you what you can do, we use clear rules. The CEFR is our common language for measuring progress - fairly, clearly and respectfully.
Basic description of CEFR levels
The CEFR table defines exactly 6 levels of proficiency and describes the language skills that a learner should have at each of these levels.
We use the CEFR and to further refine and facilitate the recognition of students' language level, TLC uses its own added level A0.
A0
This is how we refer to courses, or rather their participants, who have no initial knowledge of the target language, i.e. who are just starting to learn the target language. Level A0 is not an official CEFR level, so there is no defined content of knowledge.
A participant who completes the A0 level course has the most basic knowledge of the language at the end of the course.
Knows a very basic vocabulary; can introduce himself very easily and express basic information about himself; can make basic agreements in the most basic situations.
A1
A person who has this level of language proficiency understands and can use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases designed to meet specific needs.
They can introduce themselves and others and ask and answer simple questions about personal information such as where they live, people they know and things they own.
They can make simple arrangements if their partner speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to help.
A2
Someone who has this level of language proficiency understands sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate concern to them (e.g. basic information about the person and their family, shopping, local history and employment).
Can communicate through simple and common tasks that require a simple and direct exchange of information about familiar and common facts.
Can describe in simple terms his/her own family, immediate surroundings and matters relating to his/her most pressing needs
B1
A person who speaks the language at this level of proficiency understands the main ideas of comprehensible written input on common topics that he or she encounters regularly at work, school, leisure, etc.
They can cope with most situations that may arise when travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
Can write a simple, coherent text on topics that
knows well or that interest him/her personally. He/she can describe his/her experiences and events, dreams, hopes and goals and can explain and justify his/her opinions and plans in a concise way.
B2
Those who master the language at this level can understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field.
Can participate in conversation so fluently and spontaneously that he or she can carry on a normal conversation with native speakers without this constituting increased effort for any participant in the
interaction.
They can write clear detailed texts on a wide range of topics and explain their point of view on a current issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of different options.
C1
Those who master the language at this level understand a wide range of difficult and long texts and recognise the implicit meanings of texts. They can express themselves fluently and fluently without overtly searching for expressions.
They can use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
Can produce clear, well-organized, detailed texts on complex topics, demonstrating
mastery of compositional formations, connective expressions, and means of cohesion.
C2
Those who know the language at this level can easily understand almost everything they hear or read.
Can summarize information from other sources, written
or spoken, and can present a polemic and explanation in a logically organized form.
He can express himself spontaneously, very fluently and accurately and distinguish subtle shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
Everyone has a level, we'll help you name it
Beginner, advanced or expert?
The CEFR levels (from A1 to C2) help describe how well a person knows a foreign language - from first steps to confident, fluent communication.
In addition, TLC also works with so-called intermediate levels - for example B1-, B1 and B1+. We do this because most of our students learn a language for work, not for an academic career. They don't have years of time and they need results that can be used quickly in practice - for example, when speaking to foreign colleagues or filling in work forms.
Tyto jemnější rozdíly v úrovních nám pomáhají lépe sledovat pokrok, nastavovat reálné cíle a motivovat studenty k dalšímu zlepšování – krok za krokem.
LANGUAGES TAKE TIME, HOW MANY HOURS DO YOU NEED TO MOVE?
How many lessons are needed to achieve each level?
Klienti i samotní účastníky jazykového vzdělávání se často dotazují na počet hodin samostudia nebo vyučovacích hodin s lektorem, jichž je potřeba pro to, aby dosáhli na určitou úroveň CEFR. Není možné na tuto otázku odpovědět kategoricky a jednoznačně, jelikož potřebný počet hodin je ovlivňován mnoha faktory, jako je pozadí jazykového vzdělávání konkrétního studenta, intenzita studia, osobní motivace a věk jednotlivce a samozřejmě také to, jak intenzivně se konkrétní student s jazykem a jeho použitím setkává i mimo výuku. Nicméně pro přibližnou představu je možné použít následující orientační rozpis hodinových dotací pro jednotlivé úrovně:
| CEFR level | Lessons (60 minutes) |
Number of weeks of instruction at a given intensity | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1×60 min | 1×90 min | 2×60 min | ||
| A1 | 90-120 | 90-120 | 60-80 | 45-60 |
| A2 | 180-200 | 180-200 | 120-135 | 90-100 |
| B1 | 350-400 | 350-400 | 235-265 | 175-200 |
| B2 | 500-600 | 500-600 | 335-400 | 250-300 |
| C1 | 700-800 | 700-800 | 465-535 | 350-400 |
| C2 | 1000-1200 | 1000-1200 | 665-800 | 500-600 |
see for yourself where you stand, we have prepared a self-assessment table for you
How do I know what I can do?
You may have heard that someone "has a B2 level of English" or "has finished an A2 course". But what does that actually mean in practice? Does it mean that I can order a coffee, write an email or that I can now conduct a business meeting in English?
In order to be able to understand this, descriptors were created - specific descriptions of what a person should be able to do at each language level. And not only in speaking, but also in listening, reading and writing.
At TLC we use an extended version of this table - it includes intermediate levels such as B1- or B2+, because not every student has a clearly defined "whole" level. Sometimes they can do part of the level very well, but still struggle with other areas. And it is the intermediate levels that allow us to name progress more accurately.
In the download links below you will find a detailed self-assessment table to help you see what you should be able to do at each level. It's great not only for self-assessment, but also for comparison with the results of a language test or the content of a course you are currently taking.
And don't worry - you don't have to meet everything 100%. Each of us is a little stronger in language in other skills. The important thing is to know where you are and where you want to go.
Mini FAQ - what do you ask most often?
What is the CEFR?
CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is an international system for describing language levels, developed under the auspices of the Council of Europe. It allows you to describe what a student of a foreign language can do - from the very beginning to fluent professional communication.
What is the CEFR for?
The main aim of the CEFR is to unify language levels and make it easier to compare courses, teaching and examinations across countries and institutions. Simply put - with the CEFR, you know what "B1 level" means in different courses and countries.
Why is the CEFR important for language schools?
It helps us plan lessons, set goals and assess student progress. Everything - from the entrance test to the final certificate - is built on the same system. The CEFR encourages us to think beyond the textbook and think about what students really need to master in practice.
Where did the different levels (A1-C2) come from?
The CEFR builds on a long history of language testing. For example, the C2 level corresponds to the highest exams such as the CPE (Cambridge).The "Threshold level" B1 was created in the 1970s as the level needed to live in a foreign country. Gradually, other levels were created: A1, A2, B2, C1 and various "intermediate levels" such as A2+, B1+ etc.
Does everyone have to teach to the CEFR?
No - the CEFR is not a dogma, but a framework. It does not force anyone to a particular method. It is a tool to help think about teaching, goals and students' needs. But language schools, textbooks and exams often use it because it provides a common basis.
How does the CEFR relate to the European Language Portfolio (ELP)?
The European Language Portfolio is a tool where students can keep track of their language skills according to the CEFR. It serves as an overview of what they can do in different languages - and helps them to realise this and put it into a CV, for example. There are also electronic versions.
What are "Can Do Statements"?
These are specific descriptions of what a student should be able to do at a given level. E.g. "At B1 level I can write a simple work email." They have been developed through extensive research and are now used by textbooks, exams and language schools.
Can I combine the CEFR with the grammar curriculum?
Yes, I'm sure. The CEFR does not preclude grammar lessons. On the contrary, it makes it easier to relate it to practical situations. The CEFR promotes an action-oriented approach - that is, learning a language so that it is applicable in real life.
How does the CEFR relate to task-based learning?
They complement each other very well. The CEFR does not describe teaching task by task, but gives the teacher guidance on how to plan learning objectives based on students' real language needs. It guides instruction to be connected to what students actually need to be able to do in the language.
Useful links and downloads
Here you will find all the information you need about the CEFR, including original documents, videos and examples of language descriptions.
CEFR self-assessment table - download
A practical overview to check your own skills at levels A1 to C2 - reading, listening, speaking and writing.
Description of CEFR language levels
The CEFR levels are clearly described to help you understand what a student at each level should be able to do in speaking, understanding and writing.
If you're unsure what level you're at, we can help you find out.
Thanks to the language audit, you get a clear overview, without guesswork and doubts.