CEFR French Language levels - A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2

French Language levels

CEFR 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 CEFR 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.

Time Required:

It takes 40 to 60 hours to finish the French CEFR A1 level. One can build a strong basis in French with the help of excellent study materials and practice.

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.

Time required:

Reaching the CEFR A2 level takes around 50 to 60 hours. Your A1-level foundation will be reinforced as you increase your vocabulary at the A2 level of French, enabling you to talk about a greater variety of topics.

B1 French Level: Intermediate

CEFR 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.

Time Required:

To finish this level, 60–80 hours of study are needed. Throughout this year, students have the opportunity to get a deeper understanding of French vocabulary, sentence structure, and other phrases that facilitate communication with native speakers.

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.

Time Required:

To get to the CEFR B2-level of learning, you have probably put in between 65 and 80 hours. When discussing topics that you are familiar with, it is simple to identify the appropriate verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.

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 CEFR 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.

Time Required:

Students at this level are proficient in French in both social and formal contexts. Between 80-100 hours of labor are needed for this.

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

Time Required:

You can dispute in French and comprehend slang terms because you have a fairly large vocabulary at this level. You’ve probably put in between 100-120 hours to get here.

Why Understanding French Proficiency Levels is Important

Set Clear Goals: Understanding your current level and the next steps makes learning French more structured and achievable.
Monitor Progress: CEFR levels allow you to track your improvement effectively.
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.

How to level up your French language proficiency

If you’re wondering how to improve your French language skills, don’t worry! This section of the blog will provide you with five suggestions to help you get better at communicating in French. These pointers will also help you become a better speaker.

1. Read French every day

Whatever you decide, just read on! Reading about a subject you are interested in is crucial. Read a French cuisine blog if you enjoy cooking. If you enjoy reading magazines, consider reading the online French editions. Don’t forget to write down any words that are new so you can research them later.

2. Pronunciation is crucial

Speaking French with a (fairly) genuine accent is enjoyable; think of it as your prize for learning the pronunciation of the language. Speaking in front of a mirror can help you become accustomed to the way your mouth works and will help you improve every day. Additionally, practicing the difficult back of the throat “r” sound (as in “rien”) while taking a shower will help you speak more easily.

3. Watch and listen

Watch French television shows on Netflix with French audio and subtitles to get used to the language’s pace. Try to distinguish the sound of words from their spelling, and don’t worry if you don’t comprehend every word.

4. Learn French with a private tutor

To enhance their communication abilities, one can even take online or in-person French courses with an instructor.

An essential component of teaching and learning a language is interaction. Technology won’t teach you how to engage with others, though. Tutors and students can share thoughts, feelings, views, insights, and more through interaction.

Kochiva provides individualized and adaptable online French lessons to fit your unique needs if you wish to begin studying the language with a private teacher.

5. Repeat a word or phrase for 24 hours

Select a term or phrase that you will repeat throughout the day since repetition is the most effective method for helping people remember it. Set reminders for yourself and use this term or phrase as frequently as you can.

For example, you may place a note next to your clock to remind you to say “What time is it?” (Quelle heure est-il?) everytime you look at it. This will help you remember the phrase. To help you remember to say the phrase every time you look at your computer or phone, you may also install it as a screen saver or on your phone.

Conclusion

Understanding CEFR 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!