The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard used worldwide to describe how well someone can communicate in a language. It was developed by the Council of Europe in the 1990s.
CEFR uses six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. These levels are divided into three bands – A for beginners, B for intermediate learners, and C for advanced speakers.
The Six CEFR Levels Explained
A1 – Breakthrough Level (Beginner)
At A1, you are just starting out. You can understand and use very common everyday phrases and expressions. You can introduce yourself and ask simple questions about personal details.
Example: “My name is Anna. I am from Brazil. I live in Sao Paulo. I am a student.”
At this stage, vocabulary is limited to around 500-1,000 of the most frequent words. Estimated study time: 80-120 hours.
A2 – Waystage Level (Elementary)
At A2, you can communicate in routine tasks that require a direct exchange of information on familiar topics. You can describe aspects of your background and immediate environment.
Example: “I have been learning English for six months. I can read simple texts about my job and write short emails.”
Vocabulary grows to about 1,500-2,500 words. Estimated study time: 180-250 hours.
B1 – Threshold Level (Intermediate)
At B1, you can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. You can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an English-speaking country.
Example: “I recently watched an English film without subtitles for the first time. It was difficult, but I understood the main story.”
Vocabulary expands to approximately 3,000-4,000 words. Estimated study time: 350-450 hours.
B2 – Vantage Level (Upper Intermediate)
At B2, you can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. You can interact with a degree of fluency that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible.
Example: “I can hold a conversation about environmental policy and express my opinions clearly. I recently read a non-fiction book in English and understood most of it.”
Vocabulary at this level sits around 5,000-6,000 words. Estimated study time: 500-600 hours.
C1 – Effective Operational Proficiency (Advanced)
At C1, you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. You can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much searching for expressions.
Example: “I can participate in academic discussions and contribute complex ideas with precision. I can write detailed reports that require analysis of competing perspectives.”
Vocabulary reaches approximately 8,000-10,000 words. Estimated study time: 700-800 hours.
C2 – Mastery Level (Proficiency)
At C2, you can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Your proficiency is close to that of an educated native speaker. Misunderstandings are extremely rare.
Example: “I can read classical literature in English and appreciate stylistic nuances. I can draft complex technical reports or creative writing with precision.”
Vocabulary at this level is estimated at 12,000-16,000+ words. Estimated study time: 1,000-1,200+ hours.
CEFR Levels Overview: A1 Beginner to C2 Mastery — showing the six proficiency levels and their characteristics.
How to Know Your CEFR Level
Take a standardized test. Cambridge exams: KET (A2), PET (B1), FCE (B2), CAE (C1), CPE (C2). IELTS: B1 = 4.0-5.0, B2 = 5.5-6.5, C1 = 7.0-8.0. TOEFL iBT: B1 = 42-71, B2 = 72-94, C1 = 95-120.
Why CEFR Levels Matter
Understanding CEFR levels helps you set realistic goals. Universities often require B2 for undergraduate and C1 for postgraduate programs. CEFR also helps you choose the right materials – most textbooks and graded readers are labeled with CEFR levels.
Use our free English reading app to practice at your CEFR level with stories and exercises designed for each stage.
