The different levels of German

The German language levels from A1 to C2 provided by many German tests or certifications are scores derived from the European language proficiency scale developed by the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Find out your level of German with this reference grid, based on your results in the main existing language tests.

Elementary German level (A1, A2)

The A1 threshold, the so-called introductory level, is the lowest in the CEFR scale. It defines the abilities of a beginner student of the German language. You will be able to understand the most common German expressions and use them in a simple context. Introducing yourself, asking for directions or holding a basic conversation are part of your skills. This is a good start, but you will need several lessons to progress further.

With grade A2 you have moved beyond the introductory stage and are able to communicate more naturally in German. The skills you have acquired here enable you to understand German sentences and expressions in context, to exchange information and to describe your surroundings. With this grade you can travel alone in an English-speaking country and make yourself understood for simple everyday tasks.

Independent German level (B1, B2)

By achieving a B1 grade through a recognised certification, you are able to demonstrate some understanding of German. Your grammar and vocabulary are more developed and you can understand the main points in a standard conversation. You have sufficient ability to describe facts, discuss various topics and hold a conversation in a professional context. You can also form long and complex sentences.

The B2 grade makes you an independent user. You have reached an advanced stage in German, which means that you can demonstrate real competence in speaking and writing. You will be able to give technical speeches in your chosen fields and read complex texts. Your communication style is also more natural and spontaneous. Your German is perfectly correct and allows you to be perfectly at ease in any German-speaking country.

Experienced German level (C1, C2)

If you can achieve a grade of C1, you can consider yourself an experienced speaker. You have become autonomous: you can understand long texts with complex words, you can express yourself naturally and easily, and you have mastered different levels of language depending on the context. Your expression is fluid and you can answer complex questions. This grade shows a real command of the language which gives you the possibility of working abroad.

The C2 grade is the highest in the CEFR classification. It justifies a level that is excellent in every respect, which is difficult to achieve by simply following a course. If you achieve this result, you are perfectly bilingual. Your knowledge of the language is similar to that of a native speaker. This means you have no difficulty in studying or working in the English-speaking country of your choice. It is a passport to an international career.

Improve your level with École Suisse d’Allemand

With École Suisse d’Allemand, you can take a free German test which will help you define your language level:

You can then set yourself a realistic target for progress. To make rapid progress thanks to an exclusive method based on oral expression, don't wait any longer to contact the Wall Street English centre nearest to you.The German levels from A1 to C2 provided by many German tests or certifications are scores derived from the European language skills scale developed by the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Find out your level of German with this reference grid, based on your results in the main existing language tests.