Is this you?

I can read and guess the meaning of foreign words or phrases that look the same in my language.

I can understand a few basic words or phrases that are international.

I can say a few basic words or phrases that are international.

I can write a few basic words or phrases that are international if my language has the same script.

If you can do some of these, then your level in a second language is probably A0.

If you can do all of these with no problems, read the next level.

Is this you?

Reading

I can read and understand common words and phrases that I see often.

I can find the information I want in advertisements, notices, menus, timetables, brochures and on websites.

Listening

I can understand common words and phrases that I hear often.

I can understand people talking about where they live, their families, jobs and interests when they speak slowly and clearly.

Speaking

I describe where I live, my family, my job, my interests and give basic information about my country.

I can ask for things I need, e.g. order food and drink in a restaurant, book a room, hire a car, buy something in a shop, find out information, etc.

Writing

I can write a text message, note, email or post card.

I can fill in an application form with personal information.

If you can do most of these, then your level in a second language is probably A1.

If you can do all of these with no problems, read the next level.

Is this you?

Reading

I can read and understand short general interest articles if the language is not complicated and I know something about the topic.

I can read and understand short emails for work, from friends or giving information.

I can read and understand advertisements, menus, timetables, brochures and websites.

I can read and understand newspaper headlines and articles in simple language.

Listening

I can understand native people asking me questions about my life, my family, my job, my interests and my country.

I can have a telephone conversation with people who speak slowly and clearly.

I can understand and follow clear directions and instructions.

I can understand the main points in short, clear announcements, e.g. news bulletins.

Speaking

I can describe my life, my family, my job, my interests, my country and give some opinions.

I can talk about my education and my present or most recent job at an interview.

I can communicate reasonably well at work if I can use the same language most of the time.

I can have short conversations with native speakers, but I don’t always find the right words to say what I want to say.

Writing

I can write text messages, notes, postcards and personal emails to friends.

I can write short emails for work.

I can write a CV.

I can fill in an online job application.

If you can do most of these, then your level in a second language is probably A2.

If you can do all of these with no problems, read the next level.

Is this you?

Reading

I can read and understand newspaper or magazine texts about topics that I am interested in.

I can read and understand descriptions, requests and feelings in work emails or personal emails.

I can read and understand many texts related to my job, e.g. regulations, instructions, etc.

I can read a text and recognise if the language used is formal or informal.

Listening

I can understand most questions about myself, my life, my work, my interests and my country.

I can understand most native speakers speaking at normal speed in a telephone conversation.

I can understand the main points on radio programmes if people speak reasonably slowly and clearly.

I can understand a lot of the dialogue in a films if the accent(s) are familiar to me.

Speaking

I can have a conversation with native speakers about my life, work, travel and stories in the news.

I can describe my experiences, my ambitions and my plans in detail, e.g. at a job interview.

I can tell a story or the plot of a book or film and give reasons or explanations for my opinions.

I can deal with most situations likely to happen while I am travelling in an area where the language is spoken.

Writing

I can write text messages, work and personal emails which other people can easily understand.

I can write short articles about my country, my personal experiences or my opinions.

I can write a simple formal letter, e.g. a letter to inquire or complain about something.

I can write a CV and a cover letter.

If you can do most of these, then your level in a second language is probably B1.

If you can do all of these with no problems, read the next level.

Is this you?

Reading

I can read and understand newspaper and magazine texts about familiar and some unfamiliar topics.

I can read and understand most material related to my work or studies.

I can read opinion articles or debates and understand the attitudes or views of the writers.

I can read and understand a lot of contemporary literature.

Listening

I can understand extended speech and follow some complex arguments if the topic is familiar.

I can understand most native and non-native speakers on the telephone or in videoconferences.

I can understand most native and non-native speakers on radio and TV current affairs programmes.

I can understand the majority of films in standard dialect.

Speaking

I can interact with native speakers with a good degree of fluency.

I can take an active part in discussions, explaining and supporting my opinions.

I can give a clear, detailed presentation on subjects related to my work or personal interests.

I can deal independently with a variety of problems or situations by phone or in person.

Writing

I can write a variety of formal and informal notes, emails, and letters with very few mistakes.

I can write clear, detailed articles on a variety of subjects related to my interests.

I can write a report for work presenting information in a clear, organised way

I can write a detailed CV and cover letter highlighting my skills and experience to explain my suitability for a job.

If you can do most of these, then your level in a second language is probably B2.

If you can do all of these with no problems, read the next level.

Is this you?

Reading

I can read and understand almost all newspaper or magazine texts even if the topic is unfamiliar to me.

I can read and understand almost all material related to my work or studies.

I can read and understand most long, complex factual texts and literary texts written in different styles.

I can understand specialised articles and technical instructions, even if the topic is unfamiliar to me.

Listening

I can understand lectures and follow complex arguments even if the topic is unfamiliar.

I can understand the majority of radio and television programmes and films with very little effort.

I can understand most native speakers provided that I am reasonably familiar with their accent(s).

I can participate in telephone conversations or videoconferencing at work or with no difficulties.

Speaking

I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without having to think of the language I need to use.

I can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes.

I can formulate opinions and arguments precisely linking my ideas to those of other speakers with ease.

I can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects using sub-themes, expansion and summarising.

Writing

I can express myself in clear, well-structured text, expressing my viewpoint in detail.

I can write about complex subjects in an essay or report, clearly highlighting the most important points.

I can select the most appropriate register, formal or informal, depending on the person I am writing for.

I can write fluently, only producing occasional inaccuracies when I use more complex language.

If you can do most of these, then your level in a second language is probably C1.

If you can do all of these with no problems, read the next level.

Is this you?

Reading

I can read and understand with ease everything I read in newspapers, magazines, journals, etc.

I can read and understand structurally or linguistically complex manuals and specialised articles.

I can read and understand with ease all forms of contemporary prose or fiction.

I can read and understand many non-contemporary literary works or historical documents.

Listening

I can understand any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even at fast native speed.

I can understand familiar accents easily.

I can understand an unfamiliar accent if I am given a short time to familiarise myself with it.

I can understand non-native, less fluent speakers and help them express their intended meanings.

Speaking

I can express myself fluently and precisely.

I can take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion on a subject I am familiar with.

I can use idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms spontaneously and appropriately.

I can backtrack and rephrase what I want to say very naturally when I need to re-express myself.

Writing

I can write clear, cohesive text in an appropriate style without language inaccuracies.

I can write complex letters, reports, articles, instructions, university assignments, research projects, etc.

I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary works.

I can write in such a way as to make my writing virtually indistinguishable from that of a native user.

If you can do most of these, then your level in a second language is probably C2.