Since moving to Madrid back in 2022, I’ve been on a mission to teach myself Spanish. And let me tell you—learning a new language as an adult is no walk in the park. From tackling tricky grammar rules to staying motivated when progress feels slow, it can feel like a big mountain to climb.
That’s where the CEFR Language Levels come in. The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is like a roadmap for your language-learning journey. It breaks the process into clear, achievable levels—A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. For me, understanding these levels has been a game-changer. It helps set realistic goals, pick the right tools, and track progress in a way that keeps things on track.
In this blog, I’ll break down what the CEFR Language Levels are, why they matter for Spanish learners like us (especially if you are an adult), and how you can use them to make your Spanish journey more focused and rewarding. Let’s dive in!
What CEFR and CEFR Language Levels
The CEFR, or Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is a system created to describe how well someone can use a language in real-life situations. It’s not just about knowing grammar or vocabulary; it’s about what you can actually do with the language—like having a conversation, writing an email, or understanding a podcast. If you’re familiar with IELTS or TOEFL, think of the CEFR as something similar, but it’s used more widely across Europe.
This framework is recognized by over 40 countries and is used to set clear standards for language learning and assessment. Schools, universities, and language courses use it to create their programs, and employers or immigration offices often rely on it to assess your language level.
Think of the CEFR as a ladder with six steps:- A1 (Beginner): You’re just starting out and can handle basic phrases.
- A2 (Elementary): You can talk about simple topics, like your daily routine or hobbies.
- B1 (Intermediate): You’re gaining confidence and can have conversations about work or travel.
- B2 (Upper Intermediate): You’re handling more complex topics and can discuss your opinions.
- C1 (Advanced): You’re almost fluent and can talk about anything, even tricky subjects.
- C2 (Proficient): You’re basically a native speaker—you’ve mastered it all!
Why the CEFR Matters for Spanish Learners
Every journey starts with a single step, but sometimes it’s hard to know where that first step should be. That’s where the CEFR Language Levels come in. Not only does it help you figure out where to begin, but it also simplifies the entire process of learning Spanish. Knowing your level gives you a clear starting point and a way to track progress as you go.
Here’s how the CEFR can make a real difference in your Spanish learning journey:
1. Helps Set Realistic GoalsInstead of saying, “I want to speak Spanish fluently,” which can feel overwhelming and frustrating because it’s such a big, long-term goal, the CEFR Language Levels allow you to break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example:
- “I want to reach A2 in six months so I can confidently talk about my daily routine or order food.”
- “By the end of the year, I’ll aim for B1 to hold casual conversations about work or travel.”
Setting goals like these makes your progress feel more achievable. It keeps you motivated and helps you track your improvement without feeling lost or overwhelmed. The CEFR gives you a clear roadmap to stay focused and celebrate small wins along the way!
2. Clarifies What You Need to Work OnThe CEFR doesn’t just tell you what level you’re at—it also outlines exactly what you need to be able to do at each level. It provides a clear guide on the topics and grammar rules you should focus on:
- A1: Learn basic greetings, introduce yourself, and understand simple grammar like the present tense.
- A2: Talk about your hobbies, describe your family, and start using past tense.
- B1: Handle everyday conversations, express opinions, and start using more advanced tenses like the subjunctive (in simple forms).
- B2+: Discuss more complex topics, use idioms, and refine your grammar and vocabulary.
- And so on…
In your language learning journey, you´ll eventually realize how super frustrating it is to use resources that are either too basic or way too advanced for your level. With the CEFR, you’ll know exactly what tools and materials are best suited for your progress.
Resources aligned with the CEFR will specifically introduce grammar and sentence structures appropriate for your current level, making sure you’re working at just the right pace. Here’s an example of materials for each level:
- A1–B1: Apps like Duolingo, beginner textbooks, or YouTube tutorials.
- B1–B2: Intermediate Podcasts, Spanish TV shows with subtitles, or graded readers.
- C1–C2: Advanced literature, debates, or immersive experiences like travel.
Reaching a new CEFR level is a huge achievement! Whether it’s finally being able to introduce yourself confidently at A1 or debating topics with ease at B2, take a moment to recognize your progress. Small wins like these are key to staying motivated for the bigger challenges ahead.
CEFR Language Levels Broken Down
In this section, let me break down the focus of each CEFR language levels. Now, keep in mind, this is just an overview. The topics for each level are broad, and I really feel like each one could have its own dedicated blog. But for now, here’s a quick look at what each level generally focuses on:
- A1: Beginner
- Understand and use basic everyday phrases and simple sentences.
- Introduce yourself and others, and ask or answer questions about personal details like where you live or what you do.
- Interact in a simple way if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
- A2: Elementary
- Handle short social exchanges, such as ordering food at a restaurant, asking for directions, or making small talk about the weather.
- Describe your daily routine, hobbies, and family members in simple terms.
- Use common expressions related to basic needs, like shopping or transportation.
- Start using basic past and future tenses to talk about events.
- B1: Intermediate
- Carry on conversations about familiar topics like work, travel, or personal interests.
- Handle most situations when traveling in a Spanish-speaking country, like asking for help or solving issues at a hotel.
- Express opinions and feelings, and give explanations for your ideas.
- Write simple connected texts, like emails or short stories.
- B2: Upper-Intermediate
- Speak and write confidently about a wider range of topics, including abstract ideas like culture or social issues.
- Understand extended speech, podcasts, and movies without needing much repetition.
- Participate actively in discussions, giving detailed explanations and defending your views.
- Read and comprehend articles, books, and academic texts with some challenging vocabulary.
- C1: Advanced
- Participate fluently and spontaneously in any type of conversation, whether social, academic, or professional.
- Discuss complex and abstract topics, like politics, philosophy, or literature, with precision.
- Write clear, well-structured texts, including detailed essays or formal reports.
- Use advanced idiomatic expressions and master subtle nuances of the language.
- C2: Proficient
- Understand almost everything, including idiomatic expressions, specialized texts, and fast native speech.
- Speak fluently and precisely, even when discussing unfamiliar or technical topics.
- Write at a professional or academic level, producing flawless reports, essays, or creative pieces.
- Adapt your tone and style effortlessly to any situation or audience.
How to Identify Your CEFR Language Level
If you’re unsure where you stand on the CEFR scale, don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to figure it out, whether you want a quick estimate or a formal certificate. Here’s how you can identify your level with both free and official options:
1. Start with a Free Online TestFree online tests are a quick and easy way to get a rough idea of your Spanish proficiency. These tools can evaluate your grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills in just a few minutes. Here are some trusted options:
- ESL-Languages: A straightforward online test designed to measure your Spanish level in just a few minutes.
- Leeds.Cervantes.ES: Created by the Cervantes Institute, this test provides an estimate of your CEFR level, with a focus on real-world Spanish usage.
For those who want a more official certification of their Spanish level, there are exams you can take. These certifications are great for job applications, university admissions, or even Spanish citizenship. Here are some well-known options:
- 1. DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera)
- Best for: Spanish citizenship, job applications, and academic purposes.
- Where to take it: DELE exams are offered worldwide at official Cervantes Institute testing centers, including locations in Madrid and other major cities.
- Why it’s ideal for Spanish citizenship: For Madrid or other parts of Spain, DELE A2 (or higher) is a requirement for citizenship applications.
- 2. SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española)
- Best for: A flexible, digital option to prove your Spanish skills quickly.
- Where to take it: SIELE is offered globally, but you’ll need to check for authorized centers. Since it’s entirely digital, it’s easier to schedule compared to DELE.
- Good to know: SIELE is not accepted for Spanish citizenship but works well for other professional or academic purposes.
- 3. TELC (The European Language Certificates)
- Best for: Those living in Europe who need certification for work or study.
- Where to take it: Mostly available in European countries, including Spain, but not as widely recognized as DELE or SIELE.
- Good to know: TELC is rarely required for citizenship but can be useful for professional validation within Europe.
Conclusion: CEFR Language Levels
Hopefully, this blog has been helpful to you. For me, discovering the CEFR language levels has been a real lifesaver. After months of learning Spanish, I felt stuck because I still couldn’t hold a solid conversation with locals. But it turns out I’ve actually made a ton of progress! Sure, I’m not having long, deep C2 conversations just yet, but I can easily navigate around Madrid, handle B1-level small talk, and get things done—whether it’s running errands or just taking care of personal stuff. It’s all about progress, not perfection.
Wherever you are on your Spanish journey, embrace it. Whether you’re at A1, just starting out, or at C1, pushing toward fluency, every step you take is progress. The CEFR language levels are here to help make sense of it all and guide you through the process.