The CEFR, from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is a language level classification system adopted by the Council of Europe and recognised worldwide. In short, it is an international standard designed to describe language skills (such as listening, speaking, reading and writing).

The CEFR scale distinguishes six levels in three groups, namely:
Group A, beginner level: | A1 - A2 (beginner) |
Group B, level of independence: | B1 - B2 (intermediate) |
Group C, proficiency level: | C1 - C2 (advanced) |
However, it is possible to distinguish level A0, i.e. no knowledge of a particular language.
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Brief description of the individual levels
A1
Breakthrough
(Beginning, Beginner, Level 1)
This is the beginner's level at which one makes a breakthrough in language skills.
At this level, one has the ability to communicate in a simple way and to exchange basic information (introduce oneself, say where one lives, where one comes from, objects one owns, etc.).
A2
Waystage
(Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Level 2)
That is still a beginner level, but no longer completely basic.
At this level, one has the ability to deal with simple, uncomplicated information and has the ability to begin to express oneself on familiar and typical topics. One has the ability to talk about topics related to family life and everyday needs.
B1
Threshold
(Lower intermediate, Intermediate, Level 3)
This is the lower intermediate level. You could say that this is a kind of language threshold.
Having mastered the language at this level, one has the ability to express oneself (still to a limited extent) in familiar situations. A person at this level of language proficiency can cope (in a general way) with non-routine information.
At this level one is able to express one's experiences, plans and opinions and is able to justify or explain them briefly. One is able to express oneself about school, work or leisure time.
B2
Vantage
(Upper intermediate, Pre-advanced, Level 4)
The next level of language proficiency is the higher intermediate level. At this level, one is able to communicate about concrete, but also abstract topics. One is also able to express oneself regarding technical matters related to e.g. work or hobbies, using (within one's area of expertise) an advanced vocabulary.
One is able to converse fluently and intelligibly. One can easily live, study and work in a country where the target language is spoken.
C1
Operational Proficiency
(Advanced, Level 5)
The fifth level of language proficiency is the advanced level, the operational proficiency level.
One has the ability to speak about unfamiliar topics. One understands a wider range of longer and complex utterances. One is able to express oneself in a clear and understandable way, spontaneously and fluently, finding the right linguistic means without much difficulty.
C2
Mastery
(Proficient, Level 6)
The last level on the CEFR scale is the proficient level.
At this level, speech is constructed with ease and is precise, clear and comprehensible. One speaks on all topics. One understands practically every spoken and written communication, and distinguishes subtle differences in meaning within an utterance.
This is a linguistic level which even native speakers of a language often fail to reach. (It is, however, a level reached by people with some interest in the language, e.g. linguists).
You can find out more about the CEFR scale here.
Here you can, for free, check your level of English.
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