The Common European Frame of Reference for Languages

This is a European standard for evaluating the different levels of language proficiency. The framework recognizes 6 different levels in the 4 skill areas: speaking, reading, writing and listening.

A1 Breakthrough	A2 Waystage	B1 Threshold	B2 Vantage	C1 Proficiency	C2 Mastery
Beginner					Advanced

Below is a simplified overview illustrating how the levels relate to speaking skills.

Level

General Description of Skills

Breakthrough (A1)

Very basic concrete communication. Survival vocabulary & very limited knowledge of grammar.
Capable of very short 1 or 2 word answers about personal & familiar topics.

Waystage (A2)

Simple & direct exchange of information possible about familiar & routine tasks.
Can ask for & provide everyday goods & services.
Can deal with simple transactions in shops, post offices & banks.

Threshold (B1)

Understands the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters.
Can enter unprepared into conversation about familiar topics & connect ideas in a simple way.
Can provide information, take messages, give simple instructions & deal with less routine problems, e.g. complaints.
Can describe events, experiences, hopes & ambitions, give reasons, explanations of plans & opinions.

Vantage (B2)

Understands the main points of both concrete & abstract input.
Can take active part in discussions on familiar topics, support ideas, discuss advantages & disadvantages, speculate about causes & hypothetical situations.
Can interact spontaneously & fluently enough with a native speaker to avoid strain for either party.

Proficiency (C1)

Capable of fluent, spontaneous almost effortless communication.
Can understand extended speech & present clear detailed descriptions of complex subjects.
Can use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

Mastery (C2)

Almost native speaker level.
Can interact spontaneously & with ease. Consistent grammatical accuracy even when otherwise engaged or distracted.
Extensive knowledge of idioms & colloquial expressions.
Able to use different degrees of formality & differentiate finer shades of meaning.