What level are you?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a common groundwork for the preparation of teaching plans, educational materials and development of testing.

Purpose of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is concerned with evaluating progress in foreign language learning. The goal is to standardize European  speech certification and to create a common form of assessment in language learning.

The CEFR levels

The basic levels are:

A: Basic User

B: Independent User

C: Proficient User

A1: German courses for beginners without previous knowledge

Listening comprehension: understand simple sentences and have the basis skills to initiate a simple dialogue (e.g. filling out forms, simple information about themselves, greetings and introducing themselves).

Reading: read simple sentences and information (e.g. on forms, on posters, folders, etc.).

Speaking: tell something about themselves in easy situations, greet others, recognize the difference between questions and answers, and ask questions.

Writing: fill out forms and write simple sentences (i.e. questions and answers, postcards, etc.).

Certificate: Proof of Basic Language Knowledge (Sprachkenntnisnachweis)

ÖSD A1

A2: German for intermediates

Listening comprehension: understand the content of short, simple, clear statements and can understand individual sentences, as well as frequently used expressions. Students will also be able to understand directions and simple telephone calls.

Reading: read short, simple texts, announcements and dialogues.

Speaking: speak about well-known topics, in simple sentences, as their vocabulary increases (e.g. their family, education, occupation and interests). Students will also be able to lead small dialogues and ask questions on these subjects.

Writing: write simple reports and simple letters.

Certificate: ÖSD A2 Grundstufe

ÖIF A2 Test

B1: German for advanced speakers

Listening comprehension: understand the most important themes on radio and television broadcasts with good articulation. They will be able to differentiate information that they hear.

Reading: read longer texts and information. They will expand their vocabulary each hour.

Speaking: initiate and hold longer conversations and express their views on known subjects. They will be able to report their own experiences and express texts in their own words.

Writing: write simple texts about familiar topics and express their own opinion.

Certificate: ÖSD B1 ZDÖ Zertifikat Deutsch

DTÖ Test

Valid for Austrian citizenship application after 10 years residency

B2: German for further advanced speakers

Listening comprehension: understand the majority of a conversation, even if spoken quickly.

Reading: already read longer and more complex texts about well-known topics (e.g. from the course).

Speaking: initiate and take part in discussions and express their opinions more exactly. They will be able to talk about events, plans, goals, desires, etc. and express their impressions in different tenses and by using several sentences.

Writing: independently write a simple text.

Certificate: ÖSD B2 Intermediate –

Valid for Austrian citizenship application after a short residency

C1: German for very advanced speakers

Listening comprehension: easily understand the content of more complex discussions, as well as understand films, documentaries and TV programs.

Reading: understand articles and reports in newspapers and magazines, as well as the majority of popular novels, simple literature and special books.

Speaking: establish and justify their opinions on all subjects.

Writing: write more complex and longer texts.

Certificate:  ÖSD C1

C2: German for very advanced speakers

Listening comprehension: easily understand longer discussions, feature films and documentaries.

Reading: be more expressive in all types of situations with greater and greater ease. They will be able to participate in discussions of all kinds and be able to describe clearly. They will be almost up to their native level of reading and speaking.

Speaking: understand complex articles, literary texts and books.

Writing: express themselves more and more clearly, within both the private and work sector.

Certificate: ÖSD C2