CEFR language proficiency framework

Learn about the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for language proficiency, which encompasses six levels (A1 to C2) and five skills (reading, listening, writing, speaking, and interaction).

What is the CEFR? And why is it important?

The CEFR is an international standard for describing language proficiency levels.

CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. There are six levels: from A1 for beginners to C2 for those who have mastered a language.

The CEFR is a tool to indicate the level of proficiency in a (foreign) language. It is used both in learning a foreign language and in teaching Dutch to non-native speakers (though a separate standard exists for that).

The CEFR is also known as ERK (from Dutch: Europees Referentiekader).

Skills and levels

The CEFR describes the skills that a learner is expected to master at a certain level. The CEFR distinguishes between five skills (reading, listening, writing, speaking, interaction) and six levels of language proficiency, from beginner to near-native speaker. The levels, from lowest to highest, are: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.

Sometimes, level A0 is used to indicate someone who has no knowledge of the foreign language.

Level A applies to basic users of the language. If you function at level B, you are considered an independent language user. Those who master the language at level C are proficient users. Someone who has a basic grasp of a language usually scores higher in passive skills (reading and listening) than in active skills (speaking, writing, interaction). The level can therefore vary per skill. This is why intermediate levels, such as A1.1 and A1.2, are sometimes used.

Elycio Talen uses the CEFR level description model in all its training programs. You can view a complete overview with detailed explanations here.

What is your language proficiency level?

Elycio Talen offers various tests to determine your language proficiency level.

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