Levels Common European Framework

A1: A basic user is able to:

• understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
• introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has.
• interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

At UvA Talen, this level is divided into two sub-levels: A1.1 (part of level A1) and A1.2 (complete level A1).

A2: A basic user is able to:

• understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
• communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

At UvA Talen, this level is divided into two sub-levels: A2.1 (part of level A2) and A2.2 (complete level A2).

B1: An independent user is able to:

• understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
• deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
• produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
• describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

At UvA Talen, this level is divided into two sub-levels: B1.1 (part of level B1) and B1.2 (complete level B1).

B2: An independent user is able to:

• understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.
• interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
• produce a clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

At UvA Talen, this level is divided into two sub-levels: B2.1 (part of level B2) and B2.2 (complete level B2).

C1: A proficient user is able to:

• understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
• express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
• use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
• produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

At UvA Talen, this level is divided into two sub-levels: C1.1 (part of level C1) and C1.2 (complete level C1).

C2: A proficient user is able to:  

• understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
• summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
• express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Are you interested in a Japanese or Korean course? In this case you will start at level N5 as beginner and progressively advance to level N4.

Are you interested in a Chinese course? In this case you start at level HSK 1 and advance to level HSK 4.