German language levels
at the Goethe-Institut

A1 level denotes basic language skills and is the first of six levels which form part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It encompasses the following skills:
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

A2 denotes elementary language skills and is the second of six levels which form part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It encompasses the following skills:
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Level B1 denotes independent usage of the German language and is the third of six levels which form part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It encompasses the following skills:
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Level B2 denotes sophisticated language skills and is the fourth of six levels which form part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It encompasses the following skills:
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Level C1 denotes advanced language skills and is the fifth of six levels which form part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It encompasses the following skills:
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Level C2 denotes very advanced language skills and is the sixth of six levels which form part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It encompasses the following skills:
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Before each course, you will participate in a free language level assessment which is provided by the Goethe-Institut. This guarantees that you continue your learning at the right level.

The six levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) include different amounts of teaching content, also known as ‘can-do statements’. This means that there is less teaching content at the first level, A1, than the second level, A2.

The type of course also plays a role here. Learning German as part of a two-week or three-week intensive course is a different experience to an evening course which lasts for 8 or 12 weeks. On online language courses, the course participants sometimes study independently on the learning platform. This also affects the number of teaching hours which are advertised.

You can find out more about the can-do statements here.