German Language Levels CEFR (A1 to C2)
Understanding your current German level is the first step toward choosing the right course for you. At SprachMeister, we use the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR), an international standard for measuring language ability and comprehension to help you assess your language skill. It defines six proficiency levels (A1,A2,B1,B2,C1,C2):
We offer German courses for all levels, whether you’re a complete beginner, an intermediate learner, or an advanced student.
What is my German language level?
To find out, you can use the detailed language proficiency table below based on the CEFR level. This will help determine your existing knowledge and find the language level that suits you best. This framework is applicable to all languages.
| Level | Listening | Reading | Spoken/Interaction | Spoken/Production | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | I can recognise simple words and very basic phrases related to myself, my family, and my immediate surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly | I can recognise familiar names, words, and basic sentences, for example on notices, posters, or in catalogues. | I can interact in a simple way if the other person is willing to speak slowly, repeat, or rephrase things, and help me express what I want to say. I can ask and answer very simple questions about immediate needs or very familiar topics. | I can describe where I live and the people I know using simple phrases and sentences. | I can write a short, simple postcard, like sending holiday greetings. I can also fill out forms with personal information, such as my name, nationality, and address on a hotel registration form |
| A2 | I can understand common phrases and frequently used words related to things that are most relevant to me, such as very basic personal and family information, shopping, or my local area. I can also grasp the main point of short, clear, and simple messages or announcements | I can read very short, simple texts and find specific, predictable information in everyday materials, such as ads, brochures, menus, and timetables. I can also understand short, simple personal letters | I can express in simple, everyday conversations about familiar topics and daily activities. I can handle very short social interactions, even though I may not always understand enough to continue the conversation | I can describe in simple terms my family, other people, my living situation, my education, and my current or most recent job using simple phrases and sentences | I can write short, simple notes and messages about things I need in everyday life. I can also write very simple personal letters, for example to thank someone |
| B1 | I can understand the main points of clear, standard speech on familiar topics I encounter regularly at work, school, or during leisure activities. I can also follow the main ideas of many radio or TV programs on current events or subjects of personal or professional interest, as long as they are spoken slowly and clearly | I can understand texts that use mostly high-frequency everyday or work-related language. I can also understand wishes in personal letters, descriptions of events and feelings | I can handle most situations that might come up while traveling in a country where the language is spoken. I can take part in conversations on familiar topics, or personally interesting topics, or everyday matters, such as family, hobbies, work, travel, and current events | I can connect phrases together in a simple way to talk about experiences, events, and my dreams, hopes, and ambitions. I can briefly explain my opinions and plans, and I can narrate a story or describe the plot of a book or film, including my reactions | I can write basic, connected texts on familiar or personally relevant topics. I can also write personal letters that describe my experiences and impressions |
| B2 | I can follow extended speech and lectures and understand complex arguments when the topic is reasonably familiar. I can follow most TV news and current affairs programs, and I can understand most films in a standard dialect | I can read articles and reports on contemporary issues where the writers express specific attitudes or viewpoints. I can also understand modern literary prose | I can handle most situations that might come up while traveling in a country where the language is spoken. I can take part in conversations on familiar topics, or personally interesting topics, or everyday matters, such as family, hobbies, work, travel, and current events | I can connect phrases together in a simple way to talk about experiences, events, and my dreams, hopes, and ambitions. I can briefly explain my opinions and plans, and I can narrate a story or describe the plot of a book or film, including my reactions | I can write basic, connected texts on familiar or personally relevant topics. I can also write personal letters that describe my experiences and impressions |
| C1 | I can follow extended speech even when it is not well structured and when connections are implied rather than clearly stated. I can also understand television programs and films without much difficulty | I can understand long, complex factual and literary texts and recognise differences in style. I can also comprehend specialised articles and detailed technical instructions, even when they are not related to my field | I can express myself fluently and spontaneously, with little obvious effort in finding words. I can use language flexibly and effectively in both social and professional contexts. I am able to articulate ideas and opinions precisely and integrate my contributions smoothly with those of other speakers | I can deliver clear and detailed presentations of complex topics, effectively integrating sub-themes, elaborating key points, and concluding appropriately | I can write clear, well-organized texts, presenting my points of view in detail at some length. I can produce complex topics in letters, essays, or reports, highlighting thekey issues I consider most important. I can also adjust my writing style to suit the intended audience |
| C2 | I can easily understand any type of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered at native speed, as long as I have some time to adjust to the accent | I can read almost all forms of written language with ease, including abstract or linguistically and structurally complex texts such as manuals, specialised articles, and literary works | I can participate effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and have a strong command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. I can express myself fluently and convey subtle nuances of meaning with precision. If I encounter a difficulty, I can backtrack and reformulate my speech so smoothly that it goes almost unnoticed by others | I can deliver a clear and well-structured description or argument, using a style suited to the context and a logical flow that highlights and reinforces the key points for the listener | I can write clear, fluent written texts in in a style suited to the context. I am able to compose complex letters, reports, or articles that present a case with a logical structure, ensuring key points are highlighted and easily remembered by the reader. I can summarize or review professional and literary works |
Here is a simpler version of the CEFR proficiency standard :