If you have ever seen "B2 required" in a job advert or been placed in an "A2 class", you have met the CEFR. It is the most widely used scale for describing what someone can do in a language. This guide explains each level with a focus on speaking, because that is where the levels feel most real.
What is the CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a framework published by the Council of Europe that describes language ability in terms of what learners can do, not just what they know. It applies to any language, so a B1 in Spanish means the same as a B1 in Japanese.
In 2020 the Council of Europe released the CEFR Companion Volume, which expanded the descriptors with areas such as mediation (helping others understand) and online interaction (Council of Europe, 2020).
The 6 CEFR levels at a glance
| Level | Name | In one sentence (speaking) |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Breakthrough | You can introduce yourself and ask simple questions if the other person speaks slowly. |
| A2 | Waystage | You can handle routine tasks such as shopping, ordering food and asking for directions. |
| B1 | Threshold | You can deal with most situations while travelling and talk about experiences, plans and opinions. |
| B2 | Vantage | You can hold a natural conversation with native speakers and argue a point of view. |
| C1 | Effective operational proficiency | You can speak fluently and flexibly at work and in study, without searching for words. |
| C2 | Mastery | You can express yourself precisely, spontaneously and with fine shades of meaning. |
What can you say at each CEFR level?
A1: Breakthrough
At A1 you use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. You can introduce yourself, say where you live and ask someone how they are, as long as they speak slowly and help you.
Example: "Hello, I'm Anna. I live in Zurich. And you?"
Practise by: Repeating short dialogues out loud and shadowing simple audio.
A2: Waystage
At A2 you can communicate in simple, routine tasks. You can talk about your background, your family and your immediate needs, and handle short exchanges in shops, cafés and stations.
Example: "Could I have a coffee and a croissant, please? How much is that?"
Practise by: Rehearsing everyday situations: ordering, buying tickets, asking for directions.
B1: Threshold
B1 is the point where you become an independent user. You can deal with most situations while travelling, describe experiences and events, and briefly explain your opinions and plans.
Example: "Last summer I went to Lisbon. I loved the old town, but it was very hot, so next time I'd go in spring."
Practise by: Unscripted conversation. B1 learners know enough to talk, but often freeze when the conversation goes somewhere unexpected.
B2: Vantage
At B2 you can interact with native speakers with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes conversation comfortable for both sides. You can explain a viewpoint and give the pros and cons of different options.
Example: "I see your point, but I think remote work only works if teams meet in person regularly."
Practise by: Discussions and debates on topics you care about, and role-plays of work situations.
C1: Effective operational proficiency
At C1 you speak fluently without obviously searching for expressions, and you use language flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes.
Practise by: Presentations, negotiations and conversations where register and tone matter.
C2: Mastery
At C2 you understand virtually everything you hear and can express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, even in complex situations.
Practise by: Varied, demanding conversations with feedback on nuance, idiom and style.
How long does it take to reach each CEFR level?
Cambridge English gives these approximate cumulative guided learning hours for English, starting from zero (Cambridge English):
| Level | Guided learning hours (cumulative) |
|---|---|
| A2 | 180–200 |
| B1 | 350–400 |
| B2 | 500–600 |
| C1 | 700–800 |
| C2 | 1,000–1,200 |
Cambridge stresses these are guidelines only. Your background, study intensity and practice outside lessons all change the numbers.
The language also matters. For English speakers, the US Foreign Service Institute estimates that reaching professional working proficiency takes about 24–30 weeks (600–750 class hours) for languages such as Spanish, French and Italian, about 36 weeks (900 hours) for German, and about 88 weeks (2,200 hours) for Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Arabic (U.S. Department of State).
Why do learners get stuck at B1?
Many learners describe a "B1 plateau": they understand a lot, but speaking does not get easier. The usual reason is that B1 is where spontaneous speaking becomes the main skill, and spontaneous speaking only improves with a lot of real conversation. Grammar exercises and vocabulary apps stop being enough.
The fix is volume: many short, unscripted conversations on varied topics, ideally with feedback. If a lack of conversation partners is the problem, see how to practise speaking a language alone.
How do you find out your CEFR level?
- Official exams such as Cambridge English, DELF/DALF for French, Goethe-Zertifikat for German and DELE for Spanish give a certified level.
- Placement tests at language schools give a quick estimate.
- Self-assessment with the CEFR "can do" statements is a free first check: be honest about what you can do in conversation, not only on paper.
Key takeaways
- The CEFR has six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery), grouped as basic, independent and proficient users.
- B1 is the turning point where spontaneous speaking becomes the main skill.
- Reaching B2 in English takes roughly 500–600 guided learning hours, according to Cambridge English.
- Speaking practice should match your level: repetition at A1–A2, free conversation from B1.
How Oravita uses the CEFR
Oravita maps every scene and conversation to the CEFR, from A1 to C2. The AI teacher adjusts its pace, vocabulary and topics to your level as you speak, so an A2 learner orders a coffee while a B2 learner debates the future of city centres in the same street. Oravita is in beta now. Join the beta.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 6 CEFR levels?
The six CEFR levels are A1 (Breakthrough), A2 (Waystage), B1 (Threshold), B2 (Vantage), C1 (Effective operational proficiency) and C2 (Mastery).
Is B2 considered fluent?
B2 is often described as conversationally fluent: you can interact with native speakers naturally and without strain on either side. Many employers and universities ask for B2 or C1.
How many hours does it take to get from B1 to B2?
Based on Cambridge English guidelines (about 350–400 hours for B1 and 500–600 hours for B2), moving from B1 to B2 in English takes roughly another 150–200 guided learning hours, though this varies widely between learners.
What CEFR level do I need for a job?
It depends on the role. Many jobs that use a language daily ask for B2, while roles involving negotiation, writing or client contact often require C1.
Can I skip a CEFR level?
You cannot skip the skills a level describes, but you can move through levels faster with intensive practice, especially speaking practice.