The German language levels are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. These six levels are set to categorize German language learners and are widely regarded as the golden standard for measuring language proficiency achievements. In this blog, you will discover the various German language proficiency levels in detail. Moreover, you will also know about their purpose.
Table of Contents
The CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This framework orders and organizes the language framework into 6 levels of German language (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). These are arranged from basic users to proficient users.
The levels A1 and A2 are used to describe basic-level users. Moreover, C1 and C2 are used to describe proficient or fluent users. B1 and B2 are for independent users. Besides, the CEFR levels were set by the Council of Europe. The primary objective was to make it simple for employers and educational institutions to have a common understanding of German language proficiency levels in terms of language. This helps them analyze people and their language proficiency. Hence, CEFR provides a road map to assess all the European languages and teach them as per the following language proficiency levels:
| LEVEL NAME | DESCRIPTION | RATE OF SPEECH(WPM = Words per Minute) |
|---|---|---|
| A1 Level: Beginner | Can understand simple sentences and basic words. Can use German greetings and fill out forms. | 80 WPM or less |
| A2: Pre-intermediate | Can discuss about family, job, and express basic needs. Also, can understand schedules and other similar things. | 80 WPM or less |
| B1 level: Intermediate | Is able to express basic thoughts and describe ideas and plans with short explanations. | 100 WPM or less |
| B2 level: Upper-Intermediate | Can hold conversations with comparatively fewer mistakes. Can also understand the content of complex texts on various topics. | 120 WPM or less |
| C1: Advanced | Can engage in complex and implicit meanings. Hence, can enjoy media like a native. | 140 WPM or less |
| C2: Mastery | Understand and convey highly advanced German. Fluency is like a native speaker or close to it. | 160 WPM or less |
All these levels are explained in detail below:
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The German A1 level is for absolute beginners. To reach this level, you will have to show that you understand basic words, phrases, and expressions. Moreover, you must also know how to introduce yourself and ask some general questions. Achieving this level will enable you to understand basic German phrases when spoken (slowly and clearly) or written.
If a learner has reached the German A2 level, it demonstrates that they understand sentences related to basic topics like family, work, and self. Moreover, it implies that they can describe their surroundings in simple terms and very short explanations. Being on this level also helps them convey their routine and everyday situations.
Thirdly, the German speakers at the B1 German level have lesser to no issues identifying the gist of a conversation. Especially, when it is about familiar topics like school or work. They are fluent in describing their demands, days, requests, plans, dreams, etc. As, from this level, they are independent users, they can handle most of the travel situations by themselves.
Another level of independent German users is the B2 German level. They can convey complex ideas and give explanations. However, their technical vocabulary is not much, but they can still hold a fluent simple conversation.
The C1 German level is where the learner starts getting proficient in the German language. This demonstrates that they understand a wide range of complex words and topics. Moreover, they are able to use the German language well in social and professional settings. Additionally, proficient users at level C1 are good at linking the text using different methods.
Lastly, the C2 German Level demonstrates the learner understands the German language and converses in it like a native’s German language proficiency levels. However, as this is the highest certificate, it will take longer to attain this level. Hence, to reach this level of proficiency, the best way is to join a German online coaching. The trained experts will help you ace the learning process and reach the C2 level in less time with super-intensive courses.
If you are planning to work, study, or live in a German-speaking country like Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, you must be proficient in the language. For living, working, or studying there, reaching the B2 German level is crucial. This will help you hold basic conversations in German.
Furthermore, for upper positions or research-based jobs, you will be required to reach at least at C1 German level. This will help you deal with complicated things without trouble.
The B1 and B2 German language levels are, indeed, enough for exchanging daily life dialogues with natives. However, learning further will not only make your life easier but also increase your chances of securing a job or university seat.
To learn German at different German language levels, you will have to spend at least 6 months to 2 years, depending on the level you wish to attain. For some, this can be a matter of a few months and for others, it can take them years to reach B2. All of this not only depends on how intensive are the classes but also on how fast of a learner you are, as an individual. Here is a table to help you understand the average time to master all the German language levels:
| German Language Levels | (20 lessons/week) | (30 lessons/week) |
|---|---|---|
| A1: Beginner | 8 weeks | 6 weeks |
| A2: Elementary | 8 weeks | 6 weeks |
| B1: Intermediate | 8 weeks | 6 weeks |
| B2: Upper Intermediate | 10 weeks | 6 weeks |
| C1: Advanced | individual | 6 weeks |
| C2: Highly Competent | individual | individual |
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To sum up, German language levels are of 6 types. Each level is associated with one’s fluency in the language. The one with a basic understanding of the language is considered to be on A1. Whereas, C2 is associated with the proficient user who is as fluent as a native German speaker. If you wish to reach that level, you can start by learning Months, Greetings, and Long Words in German today. Good luck!
Basic German Vocabulary Blogs:
As per the CEFR (Common European Framework of References for Languages), the German language levels are as follows:
Yes, it is possible to learn a language in three months. However, it is crucial to invest rigorous effort and time in the learning process. German is one of the toughest languages to learn, yet one can gain professional proficiency within a year.
The German language learners have language proficiency and fluency divided into 6 levels from A1 to C2. The least fluent level is A1 and the most fluent level is the C2 level.
The highest German language levels are C1 and C2. In descending order comes B2, B1, A2, and then the least fluent A1.
Reaching this level ensures that the person can handle most of the travel situations in a German-speaking country. Moreover, this level is also enough to describe you as an independent German user.
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