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Study and research in Germany
Home « Study and research in Germany « Learn German « Exams & Tests « German language levels
Common European Framework of Reference
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, abbreviated as CEFR, is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe. It was put together by the Council of Europe with the main aim to provide a method of assessing and teaching 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.
We give you an overview of the six reference levels and their equivalents concerning German language exams:
| Level | Contents | Exams |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Basic Speaker Breakthrough 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. |
Europäisches Sprachenzertifikat Deutsch A 1 Fit in Deutsch 1 für Jugendliche Start Deutsch 1 |
| A2 | Basic Speaker Waystage 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. |
Europäisches Sprachenzertifikat Deutsch A 2 Fit in Deutsch 2 für Jugendliche Start Deutsch 2 |
| B1 | Independent Speaker Threshold 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. |
Europäisches Sprachenzertifikat Deutsch B 1 Zertifikat Deutsch Zertifikat Deutsch für Jugendliche |
| B2 | Independent Speaker Vantage 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. |
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang Stufe 1 (DSH-1) Europäisches Sprachenzertifikat Deutsch B 2 Goethe-Zertifikat B 2 Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) – TDN 3 Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf |
| C1 | Proficient Speaker Effective Operational Proficiency 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. |
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang Stufe 2 (DSH-2) Europäisches Sprachenzertifikat Deutsch C 1 Goethe-Zertifikat C 1 Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) – TDN 4+5 Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP) |
| C2 | Proficient Speaker Mastery 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 the most complex situations. |
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang Stufe 3 (DSH-3) Europäisches Sprachenzertifikat Deutsch C 2 Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS) Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP) |
Source: Council of Europe: "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR)"
Further information about the different language levels you can find on: www.alpha.at/deutsch-lernen/kursstufen/referenzrahmen_d.html
Date: 2011-06-17
(Beginn der Partner-Links)
© 2012 Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst e.V. (DAAD), Kennedyallee 50, D-53175 Bonn
Source: http://www.daad.de/deutschland/deutsch-lernen/wo-deutsch-lernen/13848.en.html
Date: 2012-02-10