The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a comprehensive system for assessing and comparing language skills in Europe. It was developed by the Council of Europe in the 1990s and first published in 2001. The framework aims to strengthen international cooperation in the field of modern languages and facilitate the comparability of language certificates.

The CEFR classifies language competency into three main levels, each divided into six proficiency levels:

• A1: Beginner
  • Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
  • Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things they have.
  • Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

• A2: Elementary
  • 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 requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
  • Can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

• B1: Intermediate

  • 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 while traveling in an area where the language is spoken.

  • Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.

  • Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

• B2: Upper Intermediate

  • Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization.

  • Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction 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: Advanced

  • Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning.

  • Can express themselves 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 organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

• C2: Proficiency

  • Can effortlessly understand virtually everything he/she reads or hears.

  • Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.

  • Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

• Comparability: The CEFR enables the comparability of language certificates and educational qualifications in Europe.
• Transparency: It provides clear and objective criteria for describing language competency.
• Flexibility: The framework can be used for different languages and educational systems.
• Promotion of Multilingualism: The CEFR promotes multilingualism and supports individual plurilingualism.

The CEFR is used in many European countries for the development of curricula, examinations and teaching materials. It also serves as a basis for the recognition of language certificates and qualifications.