Common European Framework of Reference For Languages (CEFR)
BASIC USER
A1 – Breakthrough or Beginner
The student can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
The student can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has.
The student can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Possible diplomas: none
A2 – Waystage or Elementary
The student can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
The student can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
The student can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Possible diplomas in English: Cambridge Key English Test (KET)
Possible diplomas in German: TELC A2
INDEPENDENT USER
B1 – Threshold or Intermediate
The student can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
The student can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
The student can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
The student can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Possible diplomas in English: Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET) / Business Preliminary (BECP)
Possible diplomas in German: TELC B1
B2 – Vantage or Upper Intermediate
The student can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.
The student can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
The student can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Possible diplomas in English: Cambridge First Certificate (FCE) / Business Vantage (BECV)
Possible diplomas in German: Kleines Goethe Zertifikat / TELC B2
PROFICIENT USER
C1 – Effective Operational Proficiency or Advanced
The student can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
The student can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
The student can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
The student can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Possible diplomas in English: Cambridge Advanced Certificate (CAE) / Business Higher (BECH)
Possible diplomas in German: TELC C1
C2 – Mastery or Proficiency
The student can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
The student can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
The student can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.
Possible diplomas in English: Cambridge Proficiency Certificate (CPE)
Possible diplomas in German: Grosses Goethe Zertifikat