Understanding the CEFR : A Practical Guide for English Language Learners
What is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, better known as CEFR, is an international standard for describing language ability. It provides a common language for learners, teachers, schools, and educational publishers to discuss language proficiency. Developed by the Council of Europe, it's widely used across the globe, not just in Europe.
The CEFR is all about communication. It’s not just focused on how many words you know or the grammar rules you've mastered. It is about how well you can use a language to interact, express ideas, and understand others.
CEFR Levels
The CEFR has six levels, which are divided into three groups: Basic user (A), Independent user (B), and Proficient user (C). These levels are:
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. 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. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
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). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. 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.
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/ herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
How Can CEFR Help You?
Understanding the CEFR levels can guide you in setting realistic language learning goals. For example, if you're at the A2 level,
your next aim might be to reach B1.
CEFR levels are also used by educational institutions, employers, and government bodies to assess language proficiency. If you wish to study or work in a country where English is spoken, your CEFR level could be an important factor in the application process.
How to Use CEFR for English Learning
- Assess your level: First, it’s important to identify your current CEFR level. There are numerous online self-assessment tools available. These will help you gauge your current standing. You can assess your level here.
Set your goals: Once you know where you are, determine where you want to go. What's your target CEFR level? Whether you're aiming to advance one level or jump from a basic to a proficient user, setting a clear goal is crucial for your motivation and progress. - Find suitable materials: English learning resources are often labeled by CEFR levels. Once you know your level, you can find textbooks, online courses, language apps, and other learning materials that are appropriate for your current skills.
- Adapt your learning strategies: Each CEFR level has different language skills as a focus. For example, at the A1 level, you might be focusing on basic vocabulary and grammar. At B2, you might be more concerned with understanding complex texts and expressing your ideas clearly and logically. Tailoring your learning strategies to your level will help you improve more effectively.
- Test your progress: There are many English language tests (such as IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge English Exams) aligned with the CEFR. Taking these tests can give you a clear indication of your progress and help you see if you're ready to move on to the next level.
- Practice, practice, practice: Regardless of your level, practice is key. Constantly interacting with the language—through listening, speaking, reading, and writing—will help you internalize what you've learned and improve your fluency.
Remember, the CEFR is just a guide. Everyone's language learning journey is unique, and progress isn't always linear. There might be times when you feel like you're not improving, but with consistent effort and practice, you'll keep moving forward. The most important thing is to enjoy the process of learning and communicating in English.
Your Assignment today!
- Do the assessment test here.
- Set up your goal and time to reach your goal. Look at the table below for reference.
- Send your homework via our facebook direct message here! Our team will send you back a discount code.
How many hours/day do you need to study?
This table can help you set realistic goals. You can see the needed time and commitment to reach your goals for each stage of your English learning journey.
For example, if you are in level B1 and your goal is to reach B2 in 100 days, you know that you need to make time to study around 1 hour per day. With our help you can reach your goal faster while making new friends along the way. English can be fun learning with friends! If you want to study with friends you can get a discount code. Just direct message us on our facebook page here to get more information.
Understanding the CEFR : A Practical Guide for English Language Learners
What is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, better known as CEFR, is an international standard for describing language ability. It provides a common language for learners, teachers, schools, and educational publishers to discuss language proficiency. Developed by the Council of Europe, it's widely used across the globe, not just in Europe.
The CEFR is all about communication. It’s not just focused on how many words you know or the grammar rules you've mastered. It is about how well you can use a language to interact, express ideas, and understand others.
CEFR Levels
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. 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. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
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). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. 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.
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/ herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
How Can CEFR Help You?
your next aim might be to reach B1.
CEFR levels are also used by educational institutions, employers, and government bodies to assess language proficiency. If you wish to study or work in a country where English is spoken, your CEFR level could be an important factor in the application process.
How to Use CEFR for English Learning
- Assess your level: First, it’s important to identify your current CEFR level. There are numerous online self-assessment tools available. These will help you gauge your current standing. You can assess your level here.
Set your goals: Once you know where you are, determine where you want to go. What's your target CEFR level? Whether you're aiming to advance one level or jump from a basic to a proficient user, setting a clear goal is crucial for your motivation and progress. - Find suitable materials: English learning resources are often labeled by CEFR levels. Once you know your level, you can find textbooks, online courses, language apps, and other learning materials that are appropriate for your current skills.
- Adapt your learning strategies: Each CEFR level has different language skills as a focus. For example, at the A1 level, you might be focusing on basic vocabulary and grammar. At B2, you might be more concerned with understanding complex texts and expressing your ideas clearly and logically. Tailoring your learning strategies to your level will help you improve more effectively.
- Test your progress: There are many English language tests (such as IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge English Exams) aligned with the CEFR. Taking these tests can give you a clear indication of your progress and help you see if you're ready to move on to the next level.
- Practice, practice, practice: Regardless of your level, practice is key. Constantly interacting with the language—through listening, speaking, reading, and writing—will help you internalize what you've learned and improve your fluency.
Remember, the CEFR is just a guide. Everyone's language learning journey is unique, and progress isn't always linear. There might be times when you feel like you're not improving, but with consistent effort and practice, you'll keep moving forward. The most important thing is to enjoy the process of learning and communicating in English.
Your Assignment today!
- Do the assessment test here.
- Set up your goal and time to reach your goal. Look at the table below for reference.
- Send your homework via our facebook direct message here! Our team will send you back a discount code.
How many hours/day do you need to study?
This table can help you set realistic goals. You can see the needed time and commitment to reach your goals for each stage of your English learning journey.
Note: This is just an average time, different students may take more or less time.
For example, if you are in level B1 and your goal is to reach B2 in 100 days, you know that you need to make time to study around 1 hour per day. With our help you can reach your goal faster while making new friends along the way. English can be fun learning with friends! If you want to study with friends you can get a discount code. Just direct message us on our facebook page here to get more information.