The CEFR Levels Explained: A1 to C2
A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. Every French course and every certificate uses these six labels, but rarely explains them. Here is what each French level actually means, in terms of what you can do, and how to work out where you stand.
What is the CEFR?
The CEFR is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, the international standard for describing how well someone speaks a foreign language. It splits ability into six levels grouped in three bands: A for a basic user, B for an independent user, and C for a proficient user. Because it is shared across Europe and beyond, a French B1 means the same thing to a university, an employer or an immigration office anywhere.
The short answer
A1–A2 is basic French for everyday survival. B1–B2 is independent French, where you handle daily life and then work or study. C1–C2 is proficient, near-native French. Most learners aim for B1 to get by, or B2 to work, study, or apply for citizenship.
The six French levels, and what you can do at each
Beginner
BreakthroughYou understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very simple phrases. You can introduce yourself, ask and answer basic personal questions, and interact simply if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
Order a coffee, give your name and address, count and shop.Elementary
WaystageYou understand frequently used expressions about immediate needs: shopping, family, work, local geography. You handle simple, routine exchanges and describe your background in basic terms.
Make an appointment, explain what you need in a shop, chat about your day simply.Independent
ThresholdYou understand the main points of clear, standard speech on familiar matters. You cope with most situations while travelling, produce simple connected text, and describe experiences, opinions and plans with reasons.
Handle daily life in France on your own. The level for a ten-year resident card.Confident
VantageYou understand the main ideas of complex text, including discussion in your own field. You interact with fluency and spontaneity, hold a natural conversation with native speakers, and argue a viewpoint with pros and cons.
Work and study in French. The level for citizenship and most universities.Advanced
Effective operational proficiencyYou understand demanding, longer texts and grasp implicit meaning. You express yourself fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching for words, and use French flexibly for social, academic and professional life.
Follow a lecture, write a structured report, work in a French-speaking team with ease.Mastery
MasteryYou understand virtually everything you hear or read, summarise from different sources, and express yourself very fluently and precisely, catching finer shades of meaning even in complex situations. Near-native command.
Operate in French as comfortably as in your own language.Which level do you need?
You rarely need C2. Most goals sit at B1 or B2, so aim for the level your plan actually requires rather than the highest one.
| Your goal | Target level |
|---|---|
| Get by as a tourist or short stay | A1–A2 |
| Live daily life in France independently | B1 |
| Work, study at university, or apply for citizenship | B2 |
| Academic, research or high-level professional use | C1–C2 |
The exact certificate that proves each level depends on the goal. Our guide to the DELF and DALF exams covers which one to sit, our DELF, DALF and TCF comparison explains the differences, and the full learning French guide puts levels, exams and methods together.
Find your French level, then your class
Guessing your level wastes time, in a class that is too easy or over your head. A short placement check pins down exactly where you are on the A1 to C2 scale, so you start in the right group and move up on solid ground. Tell us your goal and we will match the level to it.
Frequently asked questions
What do A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 mean?
They are the six levels of the CEFR, the European scale for language ability. A1 and A2 are basic levels, B1 and B2 are independent levels where you manage daily life and then work or study, and C1 and C2 are proficient, near-native levels. A1 is a complete beginner and C2 is mastery.
What is the difference between B1 and B2 in French?
At B1 you handle familiar, everyday situations and can get by living in France on your own. At B2 you understand complex material, hold natural conversations with native speakers, and can work or study in French. B2 is the jump from "I can cope" to "I can operate".
Which French level counts as fluent?
Most people mean B2 when they say fluent: you converse naturally and function at work or university in French. True near-native command is C1 to C2. You do not need C2 for most goals.
How is my French level tested?
Officially, through exams like the DELF, DALF or TCF, which assess listening, reading, writing and speaking against the CEFR. Before enrolling, a short placement test at a language school quickly estimates your level so you join the right class.
What level do I need to study or work in France?
Usually B2. Most universities and many employers expect a solid, independent level where you can follow complex French and express detailed ideas. Since 2026, B2 is also the level required for French citizenship.