What is my level? Understanding levels A1 through C2

When learning a language, one question often comes up: “What is my actual level?”
A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2… These letters and numbers may seem abstract at first glance. However, they provide a fairly precise way to gauge what you’re capable of understanding, saying, reading, and writing in a language.

These levels correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is used throughout Europe to assess language proficiency.

Understanding these levels helps you choose the right class, track your progress, and set realistic goals.

What are the A1 through C2 levels used for?

The CEFR levels are divided into three main categories:

• A1 and A2: Beginner
• B1 and B2: Independent User
• C1 and C2: Experienced user

They don’t just measure grammar or vocabulary. They assess several skills:

• listening comprehension;
• reading comprehension;
• oral expression;
• written expression;
• the ability to interact in real-life situations.

In other words, knowing a lot of grammar rules isn’t necessarily enough to reach a high level if you still have trouble understanding or speaking spontaneously.

As a result, at SwitzerLangues we often welcome students who learned French in school but who, once they arrive in Geneva, realize that they don’t understand at all what people are saying to them and can’t make themselves understood.

Level A1: First Steps

Level A1 corresponds to a beginner.

At this level, you can generally:

• introduce yourself;
• provide basic personal information;
• understand very basic questions;
• ask for a price or directions;
• order something at a café;
• understand common words and expressions.

Example

You can say:

“Hello, my name is Anna. I live in Geneva. I work at a bank.”

Or in English:

“Hello, my name is Anna. I live in Geneva. I work at a bank.”

The main goal of Level A1 is to be able to communicate in very simple everyday situations.

Level A2: Communicating in Everyday Situations

At the A2 level, you’ll be able to handle yourself in a wider range of situations.

For example, you can:

• talk about your family and your job;
• briefly describe your day;
• go shopping;
• understand simple messages;
• ask for and provide information;
• talk about your tastes and habits.

You’re also starting to understand short conversations when people speak clearly.

Example

Can you explain:

“Last weekend, I went to Lausanne with some friends. We toured the city and ate at a restaurant.”

Your vocabulary is still limited, but you’re already able to handle many everyday situations.

Level B1: Becoming Independent

Level B1 is often an important milestone.

At this point, you can:

• understand the main points of a clear conversation;
• to describe an experience;
• explain a project;
• express a simple opinion;
• handle most situations that arise while traveling;
• write simple, well-structured texts.

Above all, you’re starting to be able to communicate without having to prepare every sentence in advance.

Example

You can explain your opinion on a familiar topic and provide a few reasons:

“I prefer working as part of a team because it allows us to exchange ideas, but I also like having moments when I can work on my own.”

At SwitzerLangues, we often say that Level B1 is where the magic happens, because it’s during the transition from A2 to B1 that learners make the biggest leap in their language learning. They finally dare to speak and make mistakes—an invaluable source of learning!

Level B2: Communicate with ease

At the B2 level, you can interact much more spontaneously.

You are generally able to:

• follow a conversation between native speakers;
• understand relatively complex texts;
• defend your point of view;
• actively participate in a meeting;
• write detailed professional emails;
• discuss abstract or specialized topics.

At this level, communication becomes much more natural.

You still make mistakes, but they rarely prevent the person you’re talking to from understanding you.

B2 at Work

The B2 level is often sought after in the professional world because it allows people to work in the language with a certain degree of independence:

• attend meetings;
• talk with customers;
• draft documents;
• give a presentation;
• understand complex instructions.

Level C1: Express oneself accurately and spontaneously

Level C1 corresponds to an advanced level of proficiency.

You can:

• understand fast-paced and complex conversations;
• understand the unspoken implications;
• to express yourself spontaneously without constantly searching for the right words;
• adapt your language to suit your audience;
• write well-structured professional or academic texts;
• argue precisely.

At this level, you have a broad vocabulary and are able to express your thoughts in a nuanced way.

Level C2: Very Advanced Proficiency

Level C2 is the highest level on the CEFR.

It refers to the ability to:

• understand practically everything you hear or read;
• rephrase complex information;
• distinguish very subtle differences;
• express yourself very precisely.

Keep in mind, however, that a C2 level does not necessarily mean speaking exactly like a native speaker.

Rather, it is an extremely advanced and flexible command of the language.

Can we have multiple levels at the same time?

Yes, and it’s actually very common.

For example, you might have:

• B2 in reading comprehension;
• B1 in listening comprehension;
• A2 in oral expression.

This often happens to people who have learned a lot in school but have had little opportunity to practice speaking the language.

That is why a good placement test should ideally assess several skills.

In Geneva, it’s very common to meet people who have lived here for more than 10 years but who work in another language. As a result, they often have a very good command of spoken French but struggle with writing it.

How can you figure out your level?

Online tests can provide an initial indication, particularly regarding:

• grammar;
• vocabulary;
• reading comprehension.

But they have their limits.

A multiple-choice questionnaire doesn’t really allow you to assess your ability to hold a conversation.

To get a more reliable estimate, it is best to combine:

1. a written test;
2. an oral assessment;
3. A discussion about your background and your goals.

This combination helps guide you toward a course that truly matches your skill level.

Why is it important to choose the right level?

A course that’s too easy can quickly become demotivating.

On the other hand, joining a group that’s too advanced can make you feel like you don’t understand anything and lead to a loss of confidence.

The right level should allow you to be challenged without being overwhelmed.

You need to understand enough to keep up with the course, while regularly encountering new material. You have to step outside your comfort zone without, however, feeling overwhelmed.

How long does it take to move from one level to the next?

There is no single answer.

Progress depends, in particular, on:

• the number of class hours;
• consistency;
• practice outside of class;
• of one’s native language;
• languages already spoken;
• exposure to the language in everyday life;
• the learner’s goal.

For example, someone living in Geneva who uses French every day will likely make faster progress than someone who only practices during their weekly class.

The important thing, then, is not just to try to “move on to the next level,” but to build up the skills needed to be truly independent.

What level should be achieved?

It all depends on your goal.

For traveling and handling simple situations, an A2 level can already be very helpful.

To be self-sufficient in daily life, achieving a B1 level is often an important goal.

To work comfortably in a language, a B2 level is generally much more suitable.

And for tasks that require complex, academic, or highly precise communication, C1 may be necessary.

So the best goal isn’t necessarily to reach C2, but to reach the level you actually need.

Assess your current level

Not sure if you’re at the A2, B1, or B2 level?

At SwitzerLangues, we offer French and English courses for adults in Geneva tailored to the various levels of the CEFR.

A placement test helps determine your current level, identify your needs, and guide you toward the program that best suits your goals.

Whether you want to learn French to live in Geneva, improve your business English, or simply gain confidence in speaking, knowing your level is the first step toward making effective progress.

Don’t know your level yet?

Take our placement test, sign up for a trial class, and find out which class is right for you.