European Language Levels

In principle, the student has no knowledge of the language in question. Beginners are classified in two groups:

• Absolute beginners, who have had no previous contact with the target language.
• False beginners, who have already been exposed to the language in a passive way or have studied it in the past.

The student understands basic phrases and instructions used in specific situations. He/she can interact in a very simple way and uses incomplete sentences, without real grammatical content.

The student masters simple sentences and can write them, and understands expressions related to areas of immediate relevance. He/she is able to participate in a direct exchange of simple information and uses vocabulary that is generally taught in school.

The student gets the general idea of what is being said, but usually has difficulties, except in some specific contexts. He/she can read and write simple texts and is able to hold a basic conversation about topics that are familiar or of personal interest.

The student is able to understand the main ideas of a complex text. He/she can interact with a degree of spontaneity, but often has trouble with grammar and vocabulary.

The student understands everyday language. Despite making some grammar and spelling mistakes, he/she can write and speak fluently. He/she is able to interact with native speakers without strain. Language knowledge is sufficient to use in professional contexts.

The student can understand almost everything, including idiomatic expressions. He/she can produce complex texts and uses the language effectively for professional, academic and social purposes.

Usually following a long stay abroad, the student can understand virtually everything and masters the foreign language perfectly. Sometimes, his/her knowledge of the language is superior to that of a native speaker, with perhaps fewer idiomatic expressions.