French Language levels – A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2

French Language Levels: When you begin learning French, understanding French language proficiency levels can provide a roadmap for your journey. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an internationally recognized standard that categorizes language proficiency into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. These French language levels act as milestones, assessing your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills at each stage.  

French is spoken by over 300 million people across the globe and serves as the official language in 29 countries, including France, Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland. Learning the French language is not only a cultural achievement but also a professional asset. It opens the doors to careers in international organizations, business, and education.  

Now, let’s explore French language levels in detail and understand what they entail and how they shape your learning journey.  

What are the Six French Language levels?  

The six French language levels, as outlined by CEFR, are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Each French level signifies a different stage of language proficiency, ranging from beginner to near-native expertise.  

A1 French Level: Beginner

A1 Level French is the first level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You have little to no prior understanding of French if you are at the A1 level.   

The basics of the language, such as conjugations, auxiliaries, numerals, etc., can be learned by students at the A1 French level.

Students will also learn how to start talking to others by asking and answering simple inquiries, as well as how to express oneself succinctly on personal topics like their family.  

Skills Achieved:  

• Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases.  

• Introduce yourself and others using simple sentences.  

• Ask and answer basic questions about personal details, such as where you live and your interests.  

• Communicate with others if they speak slowly and clearly.  

Key Focus Areas:  

French A1 syllabus helps the learners to focus on learning basic sentence structures, essential verbs (like être, avoir, aller, faire), and vocabulary related to daily life. It forms the foundation for further language development.  

A2 French Level: Elementary

According to CERF, the A2 level comes after the A1 level in French. At this level, you have progressed beyond the novice stage and have a strong foundation in the language. Additionally, the A2 French level emphasizes vocabulary growth, grammatical comprehension, and the development of fundamental French communication abilities.   

At this level, you will get deeper into the fundamentals of the French language and, by extension, communication. The curriculum for the French A2 syllabus covers a number of language learning topics, such as vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, reading, and writing.  

Skills Achieved:  

• Understand commonly used expressions related to immediate needs (shopping, work, or family).  

• Communicate in simple and direct exchanges on familiar topics.  

• Describe your background, immediate environment, and daily activities in basic terms.  

Key Grammar Learned:  

You’ll start using past tenses like passé composé, future tenses, and pronouns. By the end of A2, you should feel more confident in basic day-to-day conversations.  

B1 French Level: Intermediate

French B1 level is an intermediate level of the language. B1 French level increases your chances of landing a better job and offers up a number of options. For students, finishing the DELF B1 level syllabus is a significant accomplishment.   

This allows students to advance from a fundamental comprehension of the language to a competent and self-assured dialogue with native speakers on a range of topics that they may come across in their everyday life.  

Skills Achieved:  

• Understand the main points of clear speech or text on familiar topics.  

• Handle situations commonly encountered while traveling in French-speaking countries.  

• Write simple and connected text on topics of personal interest.  

• Describe experiences, dreams, and goals and provide reasons or explanations.  

Significance of B1 Level:  

Achieving B1 is often required for standardized tests like DELF B1, which are recognized for work or study opportunities in French-speaking countries.  

B2 French Level: Upper-Intermediate  

According to the Common European Framework of References (CEFR), the B2 French level is the fourth level. It is often referred to as the ‘Upper Intermediate’ level of French.    

An individual at this learning stage is able to Recognize the main concept of a technical article or difficult material pertaining to their subject.

With the B2 French syllabus, learners can better interact with native speakers. This facilitates their ability to communicate more effectively in French while discussing everyday subjects.  

Skills Achieved:  

• Understand detailed texts on both concrete and abstract topics.  

• Interact spontaneously and fluently with native speakers without much effort.  

• Express opinions and arguments clearly in discussions.  

Importance of B2 Level:  

Most French universities and employers require B2 French language proficiency for admission or job opportunities. Completing this level demonstrates confidence and versatility in the language.  

C1 French Level: Advanced

The C1 level French signifies advanced fluency, allowing you to use French effectively for academic, professional, or social purposes. Clearing this level opens multiple career paths in an individual’s life. By the end of the C1 level, you will be able to effectively communicate in challenging situations, both orally as well as in writing.    

Skills Achieved:  

• Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meanings.  

• Use French flexibly and effectively in both formal and informal settings.  

• Produce clear, well-structured, and detailed text on complex subjects.  

Career Opportunities:  

C1 French language proficiency is ideal for professionals in international organizations or students pursuing advanced academic studies in French-speaking countries.  

C2 French Level: Proficient

C2 is the advanced level of French proficiency, representing near-native fluency. At this level, you can effortlessly express yourself in any context.   

A C2-level speaker is exceptionally proficient in grammar, vocabulary, and informal idioms. Whether you’re reading, writing, speaking, or listening, you can easily comprehend and communicate in any situation.  

Skills Achieved:  

• Understand virtually everything heard or read, including idiomatic expressions.  

• Summarize and synthesize information from different sources.  

• Express yourself with precision, fluency, and spontaneity.  

Why C2 Matters:  

Achieving this French language levels demonstrates mastery of the language and opens doors to global opportunities in academia, business, and beyond.  

Why Understanding French Proficiency Levels is Important  

1. Set Clear Goals: Understanding your current level and the next steps makes learning French more structured and achievable.  
2. Monitor Progress: CEFR levels allow you to track your improvement effectively.  
3. Enhance Career Opportunities: Certifications aligned with these levels, like DELF and DALF, are globally recognized and boost your resume.  

What Level of French is Considered Fluent?  

You must become proficient in French at the B2 level in order to speak it fluently. At this level, one may effectively communicate with multiple audiences on a wide variety of familiar and unfamiliar topics to satisfy the majority of personal, academic, or professional expectations, including several that require prior experience with public speaking and critical listening.

Many French language proficiency tests are easier for learners to pass when they are proficient at the B2 level.   

However, some individuals believe that the C1 or C2 French language levels represent the genuine level of French fluency. At these levels, you can communicate with greater precision, fluency, and subtlety.  

Popular French Language Certifications  

Here is the important list of the French language certifications:

• DELF: The French Ministry of Education administers the Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF), a test of proficiency in the language. DELF consists of four separate examinations, each of which focuses on one of the four major language abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).   

• DALF: Recognized by all French-speaking nations, it is regarded as one of the most distinguished French-language credentials. The highest level of proficiency on the DALF is C2, which is separated into two levels, C1 and C2. Candidates must have already finished the DELF B2 level in order to take the DALF.  

• TCF: The Test de Connaissance du français, or TCF, is a French language proficiency exam conducted by the French Ministry of Education. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are the four language abilities that are evaluated in this multiple-choice exam. The TCF is intended for non-native French speakers who want to pursue French citizenship or study in France.   
• TEF: The TEF is a globally recognized reference exam that assesses your proficiency in French. The result of this exam is only valid for two years. The French Ministry of Education and the French Ministry of Higher Education Research both formally acknowledge this CEFR French test. 

Conclusion  

Understanding French language levels is essential for setting realistic goals and navigating your learning journey. Whether you aim to master A1 for basic conversations or C2 for near-native fluency, each French grade levels plays a crucial role in your progress.  

At Kochiva, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive and tailored online French language courses, helping you achieve your aspirations with confidence.

Kochiva offers expert guidance from certified trainers who have assisted numerous students in successfully clearing TCF, TEF, and DELF exams.

With Kochiva’s comprehensive program, designed to be completed within 10-12 months, students undergo immersive learning experiences and receive tailored instruction to achieve fluency comparable to native speakers.

Take the first step today and unlock endless possibilities with the French language classes!