CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It divides language ability into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. A1 is basic, you can introduce yourself and understand simple phrases. C2 is full mastery, you can understand virtually everything you read or hear. Most employers, universities, and immigration offices use CEFR levels to describe the language skills they require.
What CEFR stands for
The Council of Europe published the CEFR in 2001 to standardize how language skills are described across countries. Before it existed, "good German" meant something different to every employer, school, and immigration office. The framework gave everyone a shared vocabulary.
Today CEFR is used by universities for admission requirements, employers on job postings, immigration authorities for visa applications, and language schools to place students in the right class.
The six levels
| Level | Name | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | Introduce yourself, understand simple phrases, fill in basic forms |
| A2 | Elementary | Handle routine tasks, describe your background and immediate environment |
| B1 | Intermediate | Manage most travel situations, write simple connected text on familiar topics |
| B2 | Upper-Intermediate | Understand complex texts, interact fluently without strain |
| C1 | Advanced | Use language flexibly for professional and academic purposes |
| C2 | Mastery | Understand virtually everything, express yourself spontaneously and precisely |
What each level means in practice
A1 and A2 cover basic survival. At A2 you can order food, ask for directions, and handle a simple transaction at a post office. Most people reach A2 after one to two years of occasional study.
B1 is where the language becomes useful. You can handle a phone call with a bank, follow a meeting when people speak clearly, and write a short email. Several EU countries require B1 for permanent residency. The Council of Europe describes B1 as "independent user", you no longer need constant help.
B2 is what most employers mean when they write "professional proficiency" in a job posting. You can participate in meetings, write reports, and follow complex conversations without constant effort. It is also the minimum for most university programmes taught in a foreign language.
C1 means the language stops being an obstacle. You switch between formal and informal registers without thinking about it. Job postings that say "fluent" typically mean C1 in practice.
C2 is native-equivalent. Very few non-native speakers reach it, and most roles that claim to require C2 would accept a strong C1.
Which level do employers expect
The answer depends on the role. Customer service and sales roles that involve daily contact with clients in a foreign language typically require B2. Administrative roles with occasional written communication often accept B1. Managerial and client-facing roles at international companies usually require C1. Translation, legal, and diplomatic roles may specify C2, though C1 with specialist knowledge often suffices in practice.
If a job posting says "conversational" it usually means B1. "Fluent" means C1. "Native or bilingual" means C2.
CEFR compared to other tests
| CEFR | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| A2 | 3.0–3.5 | — | KET |
| B1 | 4.0–5.0 | 42–71 | PET |
| B2 | 5.5–6.5 | 72–94 | FCE |
| C1 | 7.0–8.0 | 95–114 | CAE |
| C2 | 8.5–9.0 | 115–120 | CPE |
These are approximate equivalences. Each test measures slightly different skills. IELTS and TOEFL include speaking and writing components, while CEFR-based online tests typically focus on reading and comprehension.
How to find out your CEFR level
The fastest way is a 25-question online test. You get your result immediately after the last question, no waiting, no registration. Examinizer covers 13 languages including English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Czech, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese.
If you need a certificate to show an employer or university, you can get an official PDF with a unique verification code for $8 (incl. EU VAT). The certificate does not expire and can be verified by anyone at examinizer.net/verify/.
Find out your CEFR level in 25 minutes, free
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