The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is an international standard used to describe language ability. It provides a way to measure comprehension and oral/written expression in any language. Educators, institutions and employers use it to set clear targets.

The CEFR organizes learners into six levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) and for each level gives “can-do” statements that describe what a learner can realistically achieve.

As a rough guide, vocabulary tends to expand significantly with each level:

• A1: about 500 words

• A2: about 1,000 words

• B1: about 2,000 words

• B2: about 4,000 words

• C1: about 8,000 words

• C2: 15,000–20,000 words or more

These figures are approximate, but they show how knowledge grows as learners progress.

Level A1 (Beginner/Breakthrough)

Overview
Learners can handle very basic situations. They can introduce themselves and ask or answer simple personal questions (name, nationality, address, family). They know a few hundred of the most common words and need the speaker to talk slowly and clearly.

Everyday tasks

• Greet and introduce themselves

• Buy simple groceries (“One apple, please”)

• Ask for directions with very simple phrases

• Understand numbers, days, weather, and basic colours

Academic tasks

• Recognize common classroom words (book, pen, teacher)

• Fill in basic forms with name and personal details

• Follow very simple classroom instructions

Professional tasks

• State their name and job title

• Understand safety signs

• Follow very simple, clearly demonstrated instructions

Level A2 (Elementary/Waystage)

Overview
Learners can manage short, routine exchanges. They understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to everyday matters. Vocabulary is still limited (around 1,000 words).

Everyday tasks

• Shop for groceries and ask simple prices

• Book a taxi and give an address

• Ask and follow simple directions

• Make short appointments (doctor, restaurant)

Academic tasks

• Follow basic teacher instructions (“Turn to page 5”)

• Write a short note or email with basic information

• Understand short, adapted dialogues

Professional tasks

• Read short, routine workplace emails (“Meeting at 10am”)

• Ask and answer predictable workplace questions

• Handle simple office or customer interactions

Level B1 (Intermediate/Threshold)

Overview
Learners can deal with most everyday situations and familiar topics. They understand the main points of clear standard speech and can produce simple connected text. Vocabulary expands to about 2,000 words.

Everyday tasks

• Explain symptoms to a doctor

• Make travel arrangements and handle common problems

• Understand the gist of TV or newspaper reports on familiar topics

Academic tasks

• Take part in a class discussion on known topics

• Read short articles and summarize the main points

• Write 300–400 word essays or reports with basic structure

Professional tasks

• Participate in routine meetings and make short contributions

• Write simple emails or updates about projects

• Understand and follow work instructions independently

Level B2 (Upper-Intermediate/Vantage)

Overview
Learners communicate more fluently and confidently. They can understand the main ideas of complex texts and interact with native speakers without strain. Vocabulary is around 4,000 words.

Everyday tasks

• Understand films, TV news, and novels with reasonable ease

• Discuss current events and give clear opinions

• Follow conversations between native speakers

Academic tasks

• Follow university lectures and textbooks in their field

• Write structured essays or reports (500–800 words)

• Give presentations and lead discussions

Professional tasks

• Understand and use professional jargon in their specialty

• Negotiate and solve problems with colleagues

• Write clear reports and proposals

• Lead meetings or briefings

Level C1 (Advanced/Effective Operational Proficiency)

Overview
Learners can use language flexibly for academic and professional purposes. They understand demanding texts and express themselves fluently and spontaneously. Vocabulary is around 8,000 words.

Everyday tasks

• Understand films, podcasts, and cultural references without difficulty

• Debate complex or controversial topics with nuance

• Use idioms and advanced expressions naturally

Academic tasks

• Read and interpret research papers and scholarly books

• Take part in seminars and lead group discussions

• Write long essays, theses, or research papers with clear structure and argumentation

Professional tasks

• Give detailed technical presentations

• Write grant proposals, reports, and strategic documents

• Participate fully in high-level meetings and negotiations

• Switch between formal and informal styles as needed

Level C2 (Mastery/Proficiency)

Overview
This is near-native level. Learners understand virtually everything heard or read. They can summarise information from different sources and express themselves very fluently, precisely, and naturally. Vocabulary is 15,000–20,000 words or more.

Everyday tasks

• Understand jokes, sarcasm, and cultural nuances easily

• Engage in any conversation at native speed

• Enjoy and analyze all kinds of media — novels, films, news

Academic tasks

• Conduct independent research in the language

• Write and defend theses, dissertations, or scholarly articles

• Teach advanced seminars and write at publication level

Professional tasks

• Lead high-level negotiations and conferences

• Draft legal documents, contracts, and policies with precision

• Mentor or supervise colleagues in professional language use

• Represent institutions at the highest levels with full linguistic confidence

This framework shows the progression from survival skills at A1 to professional mastery at C2. Each level requires time, practice, and patience — and at every stage the key question is not just “What grammar do I know?” but “What real tasks can I perform confidently?”