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German Proficiency Levels A1 - C2

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (Levels of German)

No matter what level you are on right now, we offer German courses for all levels at our German language school in Berlin. We teach German on all levels all year round - ranging from beginners to advanced (levels as defined by the Common European Reference Framework: A = elementary, B = intermediate, C = advanced).

Understanding German Levels with CEFR

The Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for language ability and comprehension. This standard includes 6 distinct levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Some institutions also recognize the pre-A1 level, though it is not as common. So what do these designations actually mean about your German abilities?

All CEFR language levels were originally created by the Council of Europe in order to standardise language ability. These standards are used to determine language ability for speakers all over the world. Let’s take a closer look at each level to see what they mean:

A1 - German beginner’s level

Topics	Rate of Speech	Pronunciation and Grammar	Vocabulary
Understand and use familiar, everyday expressions and very simple sentences that are aimed at satisfying specific needs	80 WPM or less	Basic knowledge with frequent errors Communicate in a simple way if the person you are speaking to speaks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help	Situation-specific Ask and answer simple questions (i.e. How old are you? Where do you live?) Introduce yourself and others and ask other people questions about themselves - and answer these kinds of questions

A2 - German elementary level

Topics	Rate of Speech	Pronunciation and Grammar	Vocabulary
Same topics as Level A1 - plus expanded social interactions that are related to areas of very immediate importance i.e. varied greetings, hobbies, future arrangements, etc. Hold a full conversation about yourself and various parts of your life i.e. one's own origin and education etc.	80 WPM or less	Basic knowledge with frequent errors Speak in full sentences and phrases on simple topics Improved listening comprehension, although might occasionally need others to speak slowly or repeat themselves	Situation-specific Covers a broader array of subjects than A1 level, but your interactions are still limited to direct exchanges of information

B1 – Intermediate - German Independent/Intermediate level

Topics	Rate of Speech	Pronunciation and Grammar	Vocabulary
Same topics as Level A2 plus maintained speech in a wider range of contexts, including personal opinions and other informal discussions on experiences and events Can describe dreams, hopes and goals and give short reasons or explanations for plans and views Matters related to your daily routine i.e. work, school, leisure, etc.	100 WPM or less	Frequent errors with new or complex words Express yourself simply and coherently on familiar topics and areas of personal interest	Adapted to a broad range of circumstances Handle most situations encountered while travelling in the language area

B2 – Upper Intermediate - German Independent level

Topics	Rate of Speech	Pronunciation and Grammar	Vocabulary
The same topics as Level B1 plus the ability to express a point of view on a topical/specialist issue and state the respective advantages and disadvantages Understand the main content of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics	120 WPM or less	Occasional errors with new or complex words Communicate so spontaneously and fluently so that a normal conversation with native speakers comes without too much strain on both sides	Extensive knowledge of conversational German plus some basic technical vocabulary related to work or personal hobbies Despite not a lot of technical vocabulary, you can still convey complex thoughts, explanations, experiences, or concepts with moderate accuracy

C1 – Advanced - German Proficient level

Topics	Rate of Speech	Pronunciation and Grammar	Vocabulary
The same topics as Level B2 plus the ability to speak on completely new topics spontaneously Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and also grasp implicit meanings	140 WPM or less	Infrequent errors with new or complex words Express yourself spontaneously and fluently without having to search for clearly recognizable words Can express oneself in a clear, structured and detailed manner on complex issues and use various means of linking text appropriately	Extensive knowledge of conversational German and technical vocabulary Use language effectively and flexibly in social and professional life or in training and studies

C2 – Advanced - German Near-Native / Highest assessment of all 6 CEFR levels

Topics	Rate of Speech	Pronunciation and Grammar	Vocabulary
Understand all or nearly all of the same topics as a native German speaker Summarise information from various written and oral sources and present reasons and explanations in a coherent presentation	160 WPM or less	Very infrequent errors You can understand the finer nuances of tone, pacing, and word choice, even in complex texts or situations. Despite the odd error, your proficiency is near or equal to that of a native German speaker	Extensive knowledge of conversational German and technical vocabulary Can understand the vast majority of German, spoken or written, that you encounter with ease

Confused about which level is right for you? By choosing us, you will be able to do a free placement test (written and oral), which will make sure that you will be learning with others of a similar level!