If you've ever researched language learning, you've seen terms like "B2 level" or "reach C1." But what do these levels actually mean in practice? What can you do at each stage?
This guide breaks down the CEFR framework in plain English.
What is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for measuring language proficiency. Created by the Council of Europe, it's now used worldwide—even for non-European languages like Japanese or Mandarin.
The framework has 6 levels divided into 3 bands:
- A (Basic User): A1 & A2
- B (Independent User): B1 & B2
- C (Proficient User): C1 & C2
A1: Breakthrough (Beginner)
The "survival phrases" level.
What You Can Do
- Introduce yourself and others
- Ask and answer simple questions (name, where you live, people you know)
- Interact in a basic way if the other person speaks slowly
Real-World Examples
- Order food at a restaurant (with pointing)
- Buy a train ticket
- Fill out a simple hotel registration form
- Understand basic signs and notices
Study Time: ~80-100 hours
A2: Waystage (Elementary)
The "tourist level."
What You Can Do
- Handle routine social exchanges
- Describe your background, education, and environment
- Discuss immediate needs and familiar topics
Real-World Examples
- Have a basic conversation with a taxi driver
- Describe your job in simple terms
- Understand the main points of a short news story
- Write a simple personal letter
Study Time: ~180-200 hours total
B1: Threshold (Intermediate)
The "independence" level.
What You Can Do
- Deal with most travel situations in the language area
- Describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions
- Give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans
Real-World Examples
- Navigate a doctor's appointment
- Explain why you disagree with something
- Understand the main points of clear standard speech
- Write personal letters describing experiences
Study Time: ~350-400 hours total
B2: Vantage (Upper Intermediate)
The "fluency" level. This is where most learners aim.
What You Can Do
- Interact with native speakers without strain for either party
- Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects
- Explain viewpoints on topical issues with pros and cons
Real-World Examples
- Participate actively in professional meetings
- Understand main ideas of complex texts in your field
- Watch movies without subtitles (mostly)
- Write essays or reports with clear arguments
Study Time: ~500-600 hours total
C1: Effective Operational Proficiency (Advanced)
The "professional" level.
What You Can Do
- Express yourself fluently and spontaneously
- Use language flexibly for social, academic, and professional purposes
- Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects
Real-World Examples
- Give a presentation in the language with minimal preparation
- Understand demanding texts including subtle meanings
- Write professional documents, complex letters, and reports
- Catch humor, irony, and cultural references
Study Time: ~700-800 hours total
C2: Mastery (Proficient)
Near-native proficiency.
What You Can Do
- Understand virtually everything heard or read
- Summarize information from different sources
- Express yourself spontaneously, fluently, and precisely
- Differentiate finer shades of meaning in complex situations
Real-World Examples
- Interpret for others in both directions
- Write sophisticated articles or complex reports
- Read and understand classical literature
- Participate in humor-based conversations naturally
Study Time: ~1,000+ hours total
Which Level Should You Target?
For most learners, B2 is the sweet spot:
- It's functional fluency for work and travel
- It's achievable in 1-2 years of consistent study
- It opens doors (many jobs require B2)
- Conversation becomes genuinely enjoyable
C1/C2 is only necessary if you:
- Plan to work professionally in the language
- Want to attend university in that language
- Are aiming for interpreter/translator work
- Simply want mastery for personal satisfaction
How to Know Your Current Level
- Take an official test: DELE (Spanish), DELF (French), Goethe (German), etc.
- Self-assessment: Use the Council of Europe's self-assessment grid
- Track your hours: If you've studied 400 hours of Spanish, you're likely around B1
Track Your CEFR Journey
Knowing where you are on the CEFR scale keeps you motivated. When you see you're 70% of the way to B2, that next study session feels more meaningful.
That's why Jacta shows your progress on the CEFR roadmap. Log your hours, see your level, and watch yourself advance from A1 toward fluency.
Where are you on your CEFR journey? Download Jacta to find out.
