In the CEFR, a system set up under initiative of the Council of Europe, language ability is assessed according to common European standards. The framework consists of 5 aspects of language ability:
- listening;
- reading;
- spoken interaction;
- productive speaking;
- writing.
At the end of the course the teacher assesses which level of language ability the student has reached, according to the CEFR. If you wish your level will be included on the certificate which you receive at the end of your course.
Common European Framework of Reference language levels
The assessment of language ability takes place at 6 levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.
Level C2: Mastery Level
Can understand without difficulty everything that s/he hears or reads. Can summarise information from spoken or written sources, can reformulate arguments and explanations in a coherent way. Can spontaneously, fluently, and accurately express him/herself in complex situations with subtle shades of meaning.
Level C1: Effective Operational Proficiency Level
Can understand difficult, longer texts of a diverse nature. Can recognise implied meaning. Can quickly and spontaneously express him/herself without noticeably searching for words. Can apply the language efficiently and in a flexible way for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed texts about complex subjects with a well considered text structure, coherence and good use of linking words.
Level B2: Vantage Level
Can understand the main points of complex texts about concrete and abstract subjects, as well as technical discussions in his or her speciality. Can so spontaneously and fluently communicate that regular interaction with native speakers is no problem to either. Can produce clear, detailed texts about diverse subjects. Can explain a viewpoint around a particular theme and hereby state advantages,disadvantages and different options.
Level B1: Threshold Level
Can understand the main points of standard communication in familiar subjects that come up at work/school/leisure time. Can cope with most situations that arise during a journey through a country where the language is spoken. Can produce simple, coherent texts about familiar topics or about topics which are of personal interest. Can describe experiences, events, dreams, expectations and ambitions and provide brief explanations or reasoning for opinions and plans.
Level A2: Waystage Level
Can understand sentences and common expressions which relate to subjects of immediate interest, such as personal information about self and family, shopping, work. Can communicate in simple everyday situations about familiar everyday subjects. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate surrounding and his/her immediate needs.
Level A1: Breakthrough Level
Can understand and use familiar, everyday expressions and basic sentences about concrete needs. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions for personal information (such as where someone lives, who they know and things that they have). Can communicate in a simple way if the conversation partner speaks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
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