Common European Framework of

Reference for Languages

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The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning,

Teaching, Assessment, abbreviated as CEFR, is a guideline used to describe
achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other
countries[1]. It was put together by the Council of Europe as the main part of the project
"Language Learning for European Citizenship" between 1989 and 1996. Its main aim is
to provide a method of assessing and teaching which applies to all languages in Europe.
In November 2001 a European Union Council Resolution recommended using the
CEFR to set up systems of validation of language ability. The six reference levels (see
below) are becoming widely accepted as the European standard for grading an
individual's language proficiency. Nonetheless, existing examination boards have
retained their own naming conventions, e.g. "Intermediate", which are, arguably, easier
for them, and their students, to remember.[citation needed]

• UNIcert (for different languages of both European and non-European

countries), which is used in several European countries, is a university-
language-education standard based on the CEFR.

Contents
[hide]

• 1 Development
• 2 Levels
• 3 Use in language testing
• 4 Equivalence with common North American standards
o 4.1 Canada
o 4.2 United States
• 5 See also
• 6 References

• 7 External links

[edit] Development
In 1991 the Swiss Federal Authorities held an Intergovernmental Symposium in
Rüschlikon, Switzerland, on "Transparency and Coherence in Language Learning in
Europe: Objectives, Evaluation, Certification". This symposium found that a Common
European Framework for languages was needed to improve the recognition of language
qualifications and help teachers co-operate, eventually leading to improved
communication and cooperation generally in Europe.
As a result of the symposium, the Swiss National Science Foundation set up a project to
develop levels of proficiency, to lead on to the creation of a "European Language
Portfolio" - certification in language ability which can be used across Europe.

[edit] Levels
The Common European Framework divides learners into three broad divisions which
can be divided into six levels:

A Basic Speaker
A1 Breakthrough or beginner
A2 Waystage or elementary
B Independent Speaker
B1 Threshold or pre-intermediate
B2 Vantage or intermediate
C Proficient Speaker
C1 Effective Operational Proficiency or upper intermediate
C2 Mastery or advanced

The CEFR describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening,

speaking and writing at each level.

level description
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases
aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and
A1 others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where
he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple
way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most
immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping,
local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks
A2
requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine
matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate
environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters
regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations
likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can
B1
produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give
reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract
topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can
interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction
B2
with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce
clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical
issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1 Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit
meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much
obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for
 social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured,
detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational
patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise
information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments
C2 and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously,
very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the
most complex situations.

Deutsche Welle (sponsored by the German government) suggests A-1 is reached with
about 75 hours of German study. A-2.1 about 150 hours. A-2.2 about 225 hours. B 1.1
about 300 hours. B 1.2 about 400 hours.[11]