All You Need to Know About the CEFR Levels
- January 15, 2026
- By Tobias Woudt
If you are learning a new language, you have probably seen levels like A1, B2, or C1. But what do these levels really mean? Why were they created? And how long does it actually take to move from one level to the next?
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) — and share realistic timelines based on our experience at Tobian Language School.
Table of Contents
What You Will Learn in This Guide:
The Basics: What CEFR levels actually mean (A1 to C2).
The Timeline: How many lessons it really takes to move from one level to the next.
Real Life: A case study of how CEFR certification changed a student’s career.
Tobian Insights: Why private lessons speed up the process for European languages.
FAQ: Common questions about language proficiency standards.
What Is the CEFR?
The CEFR is an international system that describes language ability in a clear and standardized way. It does not focus on how long you studied, but on what you can really do in the language.
Instead of saying: “I speak some English,” you can say: ➡️ “I’m at B1 level.“
And everyone understands exactly what that means. Today, the CEFR is used by language schools, universities, employers, and governments all over the world.
Why Was the CEFR Created?
Before the CEFR existed, every school and country used different systems. This caused confusion:
- A “Level 3” in one school could mean something completely different in another.
- Employers could not easily compare language skills.
- Students didn’t really know what their true level was.
The CEFR was created to give the world one clear language about language skills—fair, transparent, and internationally recognized.
The Six CEFR Levels Explained
The CEFR has six levels, grouped into three stages.
A – Basic User
A1 (Beginner): You can understand and use very simple expressions, introduce yourself, and ask basic questions.
A2 (Elementary): You can communicate in simple everyday situations and talk about your background and daily life.
B – Independent User
B1 (Intermediate): You can handle most daily situations, talk about experiences, and express opinions in a simple way.
B2 (Upper-Intermediate): You can communicate fluently, understand complex texts, and take part in discussions with confidence.
C – Proficient User
C1 (Advanced): You can use the language effectively for professional, academic, and social purposes.
C2 (Proficient): You can understand almost everything you hear or read and express yourself naturally and precisely.
💡 Case Study: From "Getting By" to Professional Confidence
To understand why knowing your CEFR level matters, let’s look at a real-world example.
Meet Sarah.
Sarah is a graphic designer who wanted to relocate to Berlin. She had used language apps for years and thought her German was “pretty good.” However, when she applied for jobs, she struggled to get past the initial interview stage.
The Problem:
Sarah listed her German as “Conversational” on her resume. In reality, she was stuck at a high A2 level—great for ordering coffee, but insufficient for discussing design briefs with clients.
The Solution:
Sarah came to us for an assessment. We identified her level (A2) and set a clear goal: reach B2 (Upper-Intermediate) to qualify for German-speaking roles. We built a roadmap of 60 private lessons focusing specifically on professional vocabulary.
The Result:
Six months later, Sarah reached B2. She updated her LinkedIn profile with “German: B2 (CEFR)” and attached her certificate. Within weeks, she secured a role at a Berlin agency. The certificate gave the employer proof of her ability, and the targeted lessons gave Sarah the confidence to back it up.
Languages We Focus On at Tobian Language School
In this article, we focus on the European languages we teach at Tobian Language School:
These languages share similar alphabets and many grammatical features, which makes progress between CEFR levels more predictable.
Languages such as Chinese, Arabic, and Russian use very different writing systems and structures.
Learning these languages usually takes much more time—which is why the timelines below focus on European languages only.
💡 Not sure where you stand right now? Before looking at the timelines below, we recommend knowing your current starting point. We offer a free CEFR placement test specifically for these European languages. It takes just a few minutes and gives you immediate results.
How Long Does It Take to Move From One Level to the Next?
This is the question we hear most often. The honest answer: it depends on the person.
Your learning speed is influenced by your motivation, the time you invest, and especially which languages you already speak.
For example, a Spanish speaker will often learn Italian or Portuguese much faster than someone who has never learned a Romance language before.
In the same way, someone who already speaks German may find Dutch easier. After teaching thousands of students over the past six years, we can share realistic guidelines for European languages—especially for private lessons.
How Many Lessons Do You Really Need?
Below is an overview of how long it usually takes to reach each level for fast learners, average learners, and slower learners.
A1 – Beginner Level
Fast learners: about 20 lessons
Average learners: 25–30 lessons
Slower learners: 30–35 lessons
Goal: Introduce yourself, order food, and manage basic everyday situations.
A2 – Elementary Level
Fast learners: about 20 lessons
Average learners: 25–30 lessons
Slower learners: 30–35 lessons
Goal: Become confident in daily conversations and speak more naturally.
B1 – Intermediate Level
Fast learners: about 30 lessons
Average learners: 35–40 lessons
Slower learners: 40–45 lessons
Goal: Move from simple communication to real independence in the language.
B2 – Upper-Intermediate Level
Fast learners: about 30 lessons
Average learners: 50–60 lessons
Slower learners: 60–70 lessons
Goal: Go from “I can manage” to “I feel confident.”
The 100-Lesson Fast-Track to B2
For fast learners who stay focused and do regular homework, it is absolutely possible to reach B2 level in about 100 private lessons:
A1: 20 lessons
A2: 20 lessons
B1: 30 lessons
B2: 30 lessons
Total: 100 lessons
We have seen students achieve this within one year by taking just two lessons per week, practicing consistently, and using the language outside the classroom.
What Really Makes the Difference?
After teaching thousands of students over the past six years, these are our key conclusions:
- Private lessons lead to faster progress: Everything is focused on your goals and your pace—which usually leads to quicker results than group lessons.
- Consistency is the key: We strongly recommend taking at least two lessons per week.
- Homework changes everything: Just one hour per week of self-study can make a big difference.
- Practice outside the classroom: Using the language at work, while traveling, or in daily life accelerates your progress more than anything else.
- Plan your learning with your teacher: Decide together which topics you want to focus on and where you need extra attention.
Frequently Asked Questions About The CEFR
Is C2 level the same as being a native speaker?
Not exactly.
C2 represents “Mastery” or proficiency. It means you can understand nuance, humor, and complex academic texts almost as well as a native speaker. However, you may still have a slight accent or lack some very obscure local slang.
Can I skip a CEFR level?
You cannot technically “skip” a level because language learning is cumulative.
You need the grammar and vocabulary of A2 to build B1 skills.
However, intensive private courses can help you move through a level much faster than traditional group classes.
Do language apps like Duolingo count towards CEFR levels?
Apps are excellent for vocabulary building and getting started (A1/A2).
However, reaching B1 or B2 requires active conversation practice and complex sentence construction, which is difficult to achieve through apps alone.
We recommend using apps as a supplement to lessons with a qualified teacher.
How do I know my current level?
The best way is to take a standardized placement test.
At Tobian Language School, we assess your speaking and grammar skills before you start, ensuring you begin at exactly the right stage of the CEFR ladder.
We also have our own CEFR language tests for multiple languages you can take for free
Final Words On: All You Need to Know About the CEFR Levels
The CEFR was created to make language skills clear, fair, and comparable worldwide. It gives learners confidence and gives schools, employers, and universities a shared standard they can trust.
At Tobian Language School, we are proud to support students at every stage of their journey — from their first words at A1 to confident communication at B2 and beyond.
If you would like to find out your CEFR level or create a learning plan that fits your goals, we are pleased to help you.
Tobias is a polyglot, traveller and founder of the Tobian Language School.