When registering for a language course, one of the first things you’ll come across is the levels A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1. But what do these terms mean exactly? And what can you say, hear, write and read after finishing each level?
These descriptors are used by language learners and teachers/schools to measure their ability in a language. They are skill levels in the CEFR system, which is short for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, an international standard that describes your ability in a language. It was put together by the Council of Europe as the main part of the project “Language Learning for European Citizenship” between 1989 and 1996.
The CEFR divides users into three broad divisions (A, B and C) that can be divided into six levels, and it describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do with the four main skills at each level: reading, listening, speaking and writing. The six levels within the CEFR are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. Below you can read how we organise our Italian courses within these levels:
Our courses for beginners are divided into two levels. For the A1.1 course, no previous knowledge of Italian is required. You’ll learn to introduce yourself, tell something about yourself and ask questions, and also practice ordering at a restaurant, booking a room and asking for information.
In the A1.2 course you’ll learn how to request information in a store or at the market, how to describe places and how to ask for help and advice. You’ll also talk about food and Italian eating habits, and have conversations about events in the past.
You can finish the A1 level by following the A1 deepening course, in which you’ll refresh what you’ve learned so far. This course will help you to use the language not only passively, but also actively. In addition to that, it’s meant for everyone who has learned Italian long ago and needs to refresh their basics before going further.
After finishing the A1 level, you can:
– Understand and use very basic expressions to satisfy concrete needs.
– Introduce yourself and ask others questions about personal details.
– Interact simply as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly
The A2 level is divided into three levels. In the A2.1 course, you’ll expand your skills by practising day to day activities and learn how to talk about your past experiences. In the A2.2 course you’ll expand your speaking skills by talking about your needs and desires, food preferences and habits, and work on practical skills that you might need during a trip or a visit to the doctor. In the A2.3 course you’ll learn how to express your opinions and doubts, how to apologise, to describe your neighbourhood, your house and people, give advice and talk about leisure time.
You can finish the A2 level by following the A2 deepening course, in which you’ll refresh what you’ve learned so far. This course will help you to use the language not only passively, but also actively. In addition to that, it’s meant for everyone who has learned Italian long ago and needs to refresh their basics before going further.
From this level you can also follow our A2-B1 conversation course, if you want to improve your speaking skills. Or join one of our specials, from music to cooking-themed conversation courses!
After finishing the A2 level, you can:
– Understand frequently used expressions in most intermediate areas such as shopping, family, employment, etc.
– Complete tasks that are routine and involve a direct exchange of information.
– Describe matters of immediate need in simple terms.
The B1 level is divided into three levels. In the B1.1 course you’ll practice expressing your opinion, reaching agreement and discussing disagreement, expressing doubts and formulating hypotheses. You also learn to complain, telephone and ask for help, and an essential part of the Italian language and culture: speaking with your hands!
In the B1.2 course you’ll speak about Italian society, about advantages and disadvantages and learn to give advice, formulate hypotheses about the past and talk about your experiences. You will learn about Italian culture in its full breadth: from literature to society and national holidays!
In the B1.3 course you’ll learn about Italian history and culture, about famous Italian people and places. You will develop your communication skills needed in different kinds of situations, to express doubts, irony and disbelief, to ask explanations or to report what you have heard, and to express disagreement as an Italian would do.
You can finish the B1 level by following the B1 deepening course, in which you’ll refresh what you’ve learned so far. This course will help you to use the language not only passively, but also actively. In addition to that, it’s meant for everyone who has learned Italian long ago and needs to refresh their basics before going further.
At this level you can also follow our A2-B1 conversation course, if you want to improve your speaking skills. Or join one of our book clubs or (music or cooking) themed conversation courses!
After finishing the B1 level, you can:
– Understand conversation regarding family, work, school or leisure-related topics.
– Deal with most travel situations in areas where the language is spoken.
– Create simple texts on topics of personal interest.
– Describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions, as well as opinions or plans in brief.
The B2 level is divided into three levels. In the B2.1 course you’ll speak about more complex issues in the past and present, and learn to defend your opinions and express intentions.
In the B2.2 course you’ll learn about current themes, films, art and cultural events and how to express criticism, but also appreciation. You’ll practice giving detailed descriptions of objects, situations and people.
In the B2.3 course you’ll learn how to express doubts and judgments in new ways, give compliments and ask for advice.
You can finish the B2 level by following the B2 deepening course, in which you’ll refresh what you’ve learned so far. This course will help you to use the language not only passively, but also actively. In addition to that, it’s meant for everyone who has learned Italian long ago and needs to refresh their basics before going further.
From this level you can also follow one B2 conversation course, if you want to improve your speaking skills. Or join one of our book clubs or (music or cooking) themed conversation courses!
After finishing the B2 level, you can:
– Understand the main ideas of a complex text such as a technical piece related to their field.
– Spontaneously interact without too much strain for either the learner or the native speaker.
– Produce a detailed text on a wide range of subjects.
The C1 level is divided into three levels. In the C1.1 course you’ll practice having discussions as the Italians do, with idiomatic expressions and refined language, and expressing complex thoughts and expressing anger, amazement and intentions. You’ll also read different kinds of texts and become acquainted with regional variations of Italian.
In the C1.2 course you’ll learn to reflect on the Italian language and take a look at your own learning process. You’ll study the different ways in which you can share your point of view, desires, doubts and complaints and learn to use neologisms and idiomatic expressions.
In the C1.3 course you will discuss and read about different topics related to the Italian way of life, about Italian literature, music, and science, but also to discover how Italian language changes in time and how this change reflects society.
You can finish the C1 level by following the C1 deepening course, in which you’ll refresh what you’ve learned so far. This course will help you to use the language not only passively, but also actively. In addition to that, it’s meant for everyone who has learned Italian long ago and needs to refresh their basics before going further.
From this level you can also follow our C1 conversation course, if you want to improve your speaking skills. Or join one of our specials, from music to cooking-themed conversation courses!
After finishing the C1 level, you can:
– Understand a wide range of longer and more demanding texts or conversations.
– Express ideas without too much searching.
– Effectively use the language for social, academic or professional situations.
– Create well-structured and detailed texts on complex topics.
The C2 level is divided into three courses. In the C2.1 course you will study the subtle differences between written language and spoken language in different contexts and media, and discuss news and science and learn more about Italian accents, neologisms and punctuation.
In the C2.2 course you’ll practice with literature and speeches, novels and fairy tales and written press. You will work on developing integrated abilities like taking notes and interpreting abstract and humoristic texts.
In the C2.3 course you’ll continue working on texts from various communicative contexts and in different styles. You will analyse them and learn more about bureaucratic and juridical language, but you will also encounter different dialects and accents from different Italian regions. Your teacher will guide you to learn the best pronunciation of difficult Italian sounds and you will work on your communicative skills by speaking about complex subjects.
You can finish the C2 level by following the C2 deepening course, in which you’ll refresh what you’ve learned so far. This course will help you to use the language not only passively, but also actively. In addition to that, it’s meant for everyone who has learned Italian long ago and needs to refresh their basics before going further.
At this level you can also follow our C1 conversation course, if you want to improve your speaking skills. Or join one of our specials, from music to art-themed conversation courses!
After finishing the C2 level, you can:
– Understand almost everything read or heard with ease.
– Summarise information from a variety of sources into a coherent presentation.
– Express themselves using precise meaning in complex scenarios.