Proficiency levels

The Common European Framework (CEF) divides learners into three broad divisions that can be divided into six levels; for each level, it describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing. These levels are:

The Common European Framework of Reference describes what a language user should be able to do in terms of reading, listening, speaking and writing at the individual levels, both for Danish, English, German and other languages.

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic expressions aimed at satisfying concrete needs.
Can introduce oneself and others – can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows, and things he/she has.

Can engage in simple conversation, provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to help.

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to matters of immediate relevance (e.g. very basic information about personal and family matters, shopping, local geography, employment).

Can communicate in uncomplicated and routine situations that require a simple and direct exchange of information about familiar and routine matters, and can use simple expressions to describe aspects of one’s background, immediate environment and express one’s immediate needs.

Can understand the main points of clear, standard output on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise when travelling in areas where the language is spoken.

Can produce uncomplicated, coherent text on everyday topics and topics of personal interest.

Can describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly justify and explain attitudes and plans.

Can understand the main points of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including academic discussions within his/her familiar field.

Can engage in conversation with such fluency and spontaneity that conversations with native speakers are not tiring for either party.

Can express himself/herself clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics and explain a point of view on a current issue by giving the advantages and disadvantages of different options.

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and can perceive implied meaning.

Can express himself/herself fluently and spontaneously without overt searching for an expression.

Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, educational and professional purposes.

Can produce clear, well-structured and detailed text on complex subjects, including showing control over the use of structural patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Can understand almost everything he/she hears or reads without difficulty.

Can summarise information from a variety of spoken and written sources and present arguments and explanations in a coherent manner.

Can express himself/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, distinguishing between finer nuances of meaning even in more complex situations.

These descriptions can be applied to all languages spoken in Europe, and translations are available in many languages.