Reference levels
What do we mean by "level"?
In 2001, the Council of the European Union published the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning. Teaching. Evaluate (CEFR), which imposes an approach to quality and transparency in the teaching/learning of foreign languages on the member states of the European Union. Thanks to this reference framework, there are now six common reference levels, ranging from the most basic (A1) to the most advanced (C2).
We offer foreign language training at all levels, from A0, complete beginner, to C1, experienced and autonomous user. You'll find more information on the common reference levels below.
Common reference levels
According to the CEFR
The CEFR proficiency scales provide a practical structure for examining and communicating a progression of language skills, and for assessing where people stand in relation to this progression. Corresponding l
language tests results to CEFR levels is therefore a useful way of assigning practical meaning to these results.
A0
Level A0 is not listed in the CEFR. This level corresponds to the complete beginner user, with no prior knowledge of the language-culture.
A1
Level A1 is an introduction to the language and culture. At this level, learners should be able to interact in simple everyday situations. The real-life documents on which they are based familiarize the learner with the richness and complexity of the day-to-day environment, but the tasks required are simple and limited, in line with a discovery level.
A2
The A2 level is called "survival". At this level, learners should be able to interact relatively independently in everyday situations. The activities proposed are designed to give the learner the strategies needed to deal with these situations. The real-life documents on which they are based encourage a hands-on approach to the daily environment.
B2
Level B2 specifies an advanced level. At this level, the user must be able to give and defend a point of view, develop an argument, explain a situation or a problem. In interaction, they can understand precisely what is being said, adapt to a conversation, take the initiative, speak effectively and fluently, correcting mistakes when they lead to misunderstandings. The suggested activities are designed to give students the strategies they need to deal with these situations as effectively as possible. The real-life documents on which they are based encourage a concrete approach to the day-to-day environment.
B1
Level B1 is known as the "threshold level". At this level, the learner is an independent user of the language: he/she should be able to carry on an interaction, take part in a conversation, express and justify his/her opinions. They should also be able to achieve what they like in various situations, and deal with the problems of daily life. The proposed activities are designed to give students the strategies they need to deal with these situations. The real-life documents on which they are based encourage a concrete approach to the everyday environment.
C1
Level C1 is known as the "autonomous level". At this level, learners communicate fluently and spontaneously, with a good command of a wide lexical repertoire, structures, connectors and articulators. Speech flows naturally, without hesitation; it is well constructed.
C2
Level C2 is called "mastery". At this level, the learner's ambition is not to match the skills of the native speaker, but to demonstrate the degree of precision, appropriateness and fluency that is the hallmark of high-level learners. He can convey subtleties of meaning with precision, and is aware of the connotations present in colloquial expressions. They are also able to reformulate a challenge in such a way that the interlocutor hardly notices it.