Language Levels: A CEFR Guide for the UK

Understanding Language Levels is key to selecting the right course and setting achievable goals. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the most widely adopted scale, organising proficiency into six levels—A1 to C2—grouped under three broad user categories: Basic, Independent and Proficient. This framework provides clear “can‑do” descriptors to guide learners, teachers and employers Portal.

CEFR Language Levels at a Glance

Level	CEFR Code	User Category	Can‑Do Overview
Beginner	A1	Basic User	Use familiar everyday expressions; introduce yourself; ask/answer simple questions.
Elementary	A2	Basic User	Understand sentences and frequently used expressions; engage in routine tasks.
Intermediate	B1	Independent User	Handle travel situations; produce simple connected text on familiar topics.
Upper Intermediate	B2	Independent User	Understand main ideas of complex text; interact fluently with native speakers.
Advanced	C1	Proficient User	Express ideas fluently and spontaneously; use language flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes.
Proficiency	C2	Proficient User	Understand virtually everything heard or read; summarise information from multiple sources coherently.

Table source: Council of Europe, CEFR Global Scale Portal.

Start Your Private Course Now

Ready to take your language skills to the next level?

Enroll now

Start Your Private Course Now

Ready to take your language skills to the next level?

Enroll now

What Each Language Level Means

A1 – Beginner (Basic User)

You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions, introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions about personal details, and interact if the other person speaks slowly and clearly LearnEnglish – British Council.

A2 – Elementary (Basic User)

You grasp sentences and common expressions related to personal and family information, shopping, local geography and employment. You can communicate in simple, routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information LearnEnglish – British Council.

B1 – Intermediate (Independent User)

You understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters in work, school or leisure. You can navigate travel situations, produce simple connected text on topics of personal interest, and describe experiences and plans LearnEnglish – British Council.

B2 – Upper Intermediate (Independent User)

You can understand the main ideas of complex text on concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field. Interaction with native speakers is effortless, and you can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects LearnEnglish – British Council.

C1 – Advanced (Proficient User)

You comprehend a variety of demanding texts, recognise implicit meaning, and express yourself fluently without much obvious effort. You use language effectively for social, academic and professional purposes LearnEnglish – British Council.

C2 – Proficiency (Proficient User)

You can effortlessly understand virtually everything you read or hear. You can summarise information from different sources, reconstructing arguments coherently, and express yourself with precision, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in complex scenarios LearnEnglish – British Council.

Why Language Levels Matter

Personalised Learning Paths
- Tailor course content to your CEFR level to avoid frustration and stagnation.
Transparent Qualifications
- Employers and institutions recognise CEFR levels, making your achievements more credible.
Clear Progress Tracking
- Use “can‑do” statements to set measurable milestones and celebrate your progress.