THE COMMON EUROPEAN FRAMEWORK OF REFERENCE FOR LANGUAGES: LEARNING,
TEACHING, ASSESSMENT, ABBREVIATED
IN ENGLISH AS CEFR OR CEF OR CEFRL (COMPARED TO THE GERMAN ABBREVIATIONS GER OR GERS, THE FRENCH
ABBREVIATION CECR, THE ITALIAN QCER, OR THE SPANISH MCER), IS A GUIDELINE USED TO DESCRIBE ACHIEVEMENTS OF LEARNERS OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
ACROSS EUROPE AND, INCREASINGLY, IN OTHER COUNTRIES. IT WAS PUT TOGETHER BY THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE AS THE MAIN PART OF THE PROJECT
"LANGUAGE LEARNING FOR EUROPEAN CITIZENSHIP" BETWEEN 1989 AND 1996. ITS MAIN AIM IS TO PROVIDE A METHOD OF LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSING
WHICH APPLIES TO ALL LANGUAGES IN EUROPE. IN NOVEMBER 2001, A EUROPEAN UNION COUNCIL RESOLUTION RECOMMENDED USING THE CEFR TO SET UP SYSTEMS
OF VALIDATION OF LANGUAGE ABILITY. THE SIX REFERENCE LEVELS (SEE BELOW) ARE BECOMING WIDELY ACCEPTED AS THE EUROPEAN STANDARD FOR GRADING AN
INDIVIDUAL'S LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY.
Students who are new to the Alliance Française but who have taken French courses before or have spent time in a French speaking country must
take an informal placement test at the time of registration.
This test can be done in person during registration or can be taken online. In order to ensure a more accurate placement, the preliminary
online placement, will be followed by a quick interview with a French instructor who will recommend a class.
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Beginner: A1 |
Can recognize and use familiar words and simple phrases for concrete purposes. Can introduce himself or someone else. Can ask and answer basic questions about home, family, surroundings, etc. Can communicate in a basic way when the other person speaks slowly and clearly, and is ready to repeat or reformulate to help communication. |
|
Elementary: A2 |
Can understand isolated phrases and common expressions that relate to areas of high personal relevance (like personal or family information, shopping, immediate environment, work). Can communicate during easy or habitual tasks requiring a basic and direct information exchange on familiar subjects. Using simple words, can describe his or her surroundings and communicate immediate needs. |
|
Intermediate
: B1 |
Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar subjects in work, school, leisure activities, etc. Can manage in most situations that come up when travelling in a region where the language is spoken. Can produce a simple and cohesive text on familiar subjects or subjects of personal interest. Can narrate an event, an experience or a dream; describe a desire or goal, and outline reasons or explanations behind a project or idea. |
|
Upper Intermediate: B2 |
Can understand the main ideas of concrete or abstract topics in a complex text, including a technical article in the user’s area of expertise. Can communicate with a degree of spontaneity and fluency during a conversation with a native speaker, in a way that is comfortable for everyone. Can speak in a clear, detailed way on a number of subjects; express an opinion on current affairs, giving the advantages and disadvantages of the various options. |
|
Advanced
: C1 |
Can understand a wide range of long and complex texts, including any sub textual or stylistic nuances. Can express him or herself freely and fluidly, without obviously fumbling for words. Can use the language effectively and fluently in a social, professional or academic context. Can speak in a clear, organised way about complex subjects, developing a well-structured argument. |
|
Master: C2 |
Can effortlessly understand almost everything he or she reads or hears. Capable of a coherent summary of events or arguments from oral or written sources. Can express him or herself precisely in a spontaneous, fluent way, conveying finer shades of meaning precisely. |
101: Introduces the first-time student to speaking, listening, reading and writing in French with a
strong vocabulary for talking about oneself and others, asking questions, responding in the affirmative and the negative, using a large
group of verbs and a varied vocabulary.
102-105: Continuation of 101 presenting a natural progression of work with grammar and vocabulary. An informal placement test is offered at registration.
201: Reviews, refines and expands the material of 101-105 at the intermediate level.
202-206: Presents new material in units designed to be self-contained with an emphasis on conversation, reading, and writing skills at the intermediate level.
300: Levels are advanced intermediate conversation courses, with a grammar review and a text for reading and discussion (literary texts and/or articles from the media).
310: Is an advanced conversation course for those who wish to continue their review of grammar, while reading a variety of texts.
400: Is an advanced conversation level using current events as a base for discussion.
401: Is an advanced conversation level with literary texts and literary discussion subjects.