The Language Channel · CEFR
Overview All Levels A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2

CEFR Levels Explained – A1 to C2

The six CEFR levels are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. They describe what a learner can do in a language, from first words to near-native mastery.

The six levels at a glance

LevelBandShort description
A1 Beginner Simple words and phrases for everyday situations.
A2 Elementary Simple routine tasks, basic descriptions and questions.
B1 Intermediate Most daily situations, experiences, plans and opinions.
B2 Upper Intermediate More fluent conversation, concrete and abstract topics.
C1 Advanced Complex texts, academic and professional communication.
C2 Mastery Near-native precision and nuance in the language.

Typical uses of each level

  • A1–A2: survival language and basic small talk
  • B1: everyday life, travel, work in simple contexts
  • B2: study, work, meetings and presentations
  • C1: university, complex projects, professional writing
  • C2: advanced academic work and near-native fluency

Many universities ask for B2 or C1. Citizenship and integration programs often use A2 or B1 as their target. A Fluency Certificate from The Language Channel is designed to sit on this same scale.

Next: see details and sample sentences for A1 up to C2.
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