What is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language proficiency. Developed by the Council of Europe, it provides a clear, consistent way to measure how well you speak, read, write, and understand a foreign language.
Whether you're learning Spanish, French, Japanese, or any other language, CEFR levels give you a roadmap from complete beginner to near-native fluency.
The Six CEFR Levels
A1 — Beginner
At the A1 level, you can understand and use basic everyday expressions. You can introduce yourself, ask simple questions about personal details, and interact in a basic way if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
What you can do:
- Understand familiar words and basic phrases
- Introduce yourself and others
- Ask and answer simple questions about personal details
- Read very short, simple texts like signs and forms
Reading level: Simple sentences, common words, picture-supported texts.
A2 — Elementary
A2 learners can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to everyday topics like shopping, family, and employment. You can communicate in simple, routine tasks.
What you can do:
- Understand short, clear messages and announcements
- Handle simple social exchanges like greetings and small talk
- Read short, simple texts and find specific information
- Write short notes and simple personal letters
Reading level: Short stories with familiar vocabulary, simplified news articles, menus and schedules.
B1 — Intermediate
This is often called the "breakthrough" level. B1 speakers can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling. You can produce simple connected text and describe experiences, events, and ambitions.
What you can do:
- Understand the main points of clear speech on familiar topics
- Deal with most travel situations in the target language
- Write simple connected text on familiar topics
- Describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions
Reading level: Graded readers, blog posts, straightforward news articles, everyday correspondence.
B2 — Upper Intermediate
At B2, you can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. You can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics.
What you can do:
- Understand the main ideas of complex texts in your field
- Interact fluently with native speakers without much strain
- Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects
- Explain a viewpoint on current issues with pros and cons
Reading level: Newspapers, contemporary fiction, technical articles in your field of interest.
C1 — Advanced
C1 speakers can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning. You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
What you can do:
- Understand long, complex texts including literary works
- Express ideas fluently without much obvious searching for words
- Use language flexibly for social, academic, and professional purposes
- Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects
Reading level: Literary novels, academic papers, professional publications, nuanced opinion pieces.
C2 — Proficient
C2 represents near-native proficiency. You can understand virtually everything heard or read, and can express yourself spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning.
What you can do:
- Understand with ease virtually everything heard or read
- Summarize information from different spoken and written sources
- Express yourself spontaneously with precision and nuance
- Handle complex academic and professional language tasks
Reading level: Any native-level text including specialized literature, poetry, satire, and cultural references.
How Polylingo Uses CEFR
Polylingo uses CEFR levels throughout its story library so you can always find the right material:
- Every story is tagged from A1 to C2, so you can browse stories at your level
- Original graded stories are written with vocabulary and grammar appropriate to each level
- Step up when you're ready — try a story one level higher as your comprehension improves
- Tap-to-translate any word or phrase helps you tackle stories above your current level
Tips for Advancing Through CEFR Levels
- Read consistently — Even 15 minutes daily of reading at your level builds vocabulary and comprehension
- Read slightly above your level — Challenge yourself with texts one level up, using translation tools to fill gaps
- Review vocabulary — Save new words and phrases and review them regularly
- Listen while reading — Combining audio and text reinforces both reading and listening skills
- Track your progress — Set goals for each level and celebrate milestones
Understanding where you are on the CEFR scale helps you choose the right materials and set realistic goals. With Polylingo, you always have content matched to your level — and the tools to push beyond it.