German Proficiency Levels A1 - C2

No matter what level you are on right now, we offer German courses for all levels at our German language school in Berlin. We teach German on all levels all year round - ranging from beginners to advanced (levels as defined by the Common European Reference Framework: A = elementary, B = intermediate, C = advanced).

Understanding German Levels with CEFR

The Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for language ability and comprehension. This standard includes 6 distinct levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Some institutions also recognize the pre-A1 level, though it is not as common. So what do these designations actually mean about your German abilities?

All CEFR language levels were originally created by the Council of Europe in order to standardise language ability. These standards are used to determine language ability for speakers all over the world. Let’s take a closer look at each level to see what they mean:

A1 (Beginner Level) 

at A1 level, you can:

• understand and use familiar, everyday expressions and very basic phrases
• introduce yourself and others, ask and answer simple personal questions
• communicate in a simple way when your conversation partner speaks slowly, clearly, and is willing to help

A2 (Elementary Level) 

at A2 level, you can:

• understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to personal information, family, shopping, work, and your immediate surroundings
• communicate in simple, routine situations involving direct exchanges of familiar information
• describe your background, education, immediate surroundings, and things relevant to everyday needs

B1 (Intermediate Level) 

at B1 level, you can:

• understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar topics such as work, school, or leisure
• manage most situations that occur while traveling in German-speaking areas
• produce simple, connected text on familiar subjects
• describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, and briefly explain your opinions or plans

B2 (Upper Intermediate Level)

at B2 level, you can:

• understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field
• interact with native speakers fluently and spontaneously without strain for either side
• express yourself clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics
• explain your viewpoint on current issues and outline the advantages and disadvantages of various options

C1 (Advanced Level) 

at C1 level, you can:

• understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning
• express yourself fluently and spontaneously without noticeable searching for words
• use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes
• produce clear, structured, and detailed text on complex subjects using appropriate linking devices

C2 (Near-Native Proficiency)

at C2 level, you can:

• understand virtually everything you read or hear effortlessly
• summarize information from different spoken and written sources into a coherent presentation
• express yourself spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, conveying subtle shades of meaning even in complex situations

Not sure which level is right for you?

Confused about which level is right for you? By choosing us, you will be able to do a free placement test (written and oral), which will make sure that you will be learning with others of a similar level!