The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, abbreviated as CEFR, is a language level assessment system used to determine the language level of foreign language learners in Europe. This system, which applies to all languages spoken in Europe, exists to set a clear line on German language levels.
The CEFR, which is also recognized by other German language institutions such as the Goethe Institute and Telc, forms the basis of the German course curriculum and exams of almost every language school in Germany.
The CEFR stipulates 3 different levels for each European language, including German: A for beginners, B for intermediate and C for advanced. At the end of each level, you will be tested on your knowledge of that level with exams and after you pass the exam, you will be able to prove your language level with a certificate.
Let’s get to know these levels briefly.
Beginner – German language A1 level
A person who has knowledge of German at level A1 can understand very simple expressions about meeting daily needs and can use these expressions in everyday life. They can introduce themselves and others.
Furthermore they ask and answer simple questions about others (e.g. who they are, where they live, who they know and what they own). Within the German language levels, a person at level A1 communicates in a simple way with the person they are communicating with if they speak slow and clear German and are willing to help.
Beginner – German language A2 level
At level A2, a person with knowledge of German understand topics that are directly relevant to him/her (e.g. personal information or information about his/her family, shopping, work, immediate surroundings) and respond to these topics, where necessary, with stereotyped words and phrases.
They also express themselves through simple and direct exchanges of information on everyday and general topics. Additionally it is possible to communicate in a simple way about background, profession, education, immediate surroundings and other topics related to immediate needs.
Intermediate – German language B1 level
A person with a B1 level of German among the German language levels understand the main points of the subjects (work, school, hobby) by using clear and simple language. When traveling in Germany, communication in German in most situations may encounter during the trip.
Plus it is possible to express oneself in a simple and coherent way about familiar topics and personal interests. They describe experiences and events that have happened and share their dreams, hopes and goals. In Addition they make short statements expressing their own views and plans.
Tip: German B1 is the level at which you really start to express yourself in German and your integration accelerates. In this sense, at least German B1 level is also required for permanent residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) and citizenship (Einburgerüng) applications. However, it is not a sufficient level for you to apply for jobs requiring German, especially for white-collar jobs.
Intermediate – B2 German language level
A person with a B2 level of German will be able to clearly understand standard texts on standard topics that they encounter on a regular basis. He or she will also easily understand discussions in his or her core area of expertise.
They communicate fluently with a native German speaker, corresponding to high German language levels. This communication requires little effort on both sides. He/she expresses themselves clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics, sharing their opinions on current issues. Furthermore, they can propose solutions to various problems and easily express the advantages and disadvantages of different options.
Advanced – C1 German level
A person who has German at level C1 expresses himself/herself fluently and naturally. In addition, he/she reads long texts without any difficulty and interpret them according to his/her own opinion.
As well as making German a part of his/her social life, he/she can easily work in business environments where German is the working language by speaking professional German. They give structured and detailed explanations for complex issues and offer solutions in German.
Advanced – C2 level
Level C2 is the sixth and final level of the German language as defined by the CEFR. A person who speaks German at this level easily understand everything they read or hear.
He/she summarizes information from a variety of written and spoken sources, giving reasons, explanations, and presenting it coherently, demonstrating advanced German language levels. He/she easily expresses themselves with very fluent and accurate language, explaining complex situations as effortlessly as if speaking in their mother tongue. This proficiency level is very close to that of a native speaker.
I first came to Germany in 2014 to study for my master’s degree in International Culture and Management. The friendships I made here made me feel like I belonged to this completely different culture, and the family I built with my wife Evrim and son Leo made me call Germany “home”.
As a NASM-certified Personal Fitness Trainer, I also write about sports on Vasistdas.
