What is Your English Level? CEFR Levels Explained (A1-C2)
Have you ever wondered what people mean when they say, “I’m B1” or “I want to reach C1”? 🤔
These levels come from the CEFR – the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – a global system that helps learners, teachers, and schools describe and measure language ability.
If you're curious about how to level up your English according to your current level, you can check out the explanation, along with a free checklist, at the end of this blog in the "Explore Your Level" section.
🎯 What does CEFR help with?
CEFR helps you:
Understand your current English level
Set clear, realistic goals
Track your progress
Focus your learning on the right skills at the right time
🚦The CEFR Levels: A1 to C2
The CEFR scale includes six levels, grouped into three main stages of learning:
🟢 Beginner – A1 & A2
🔵 Intermediate – B1 & B2
🟣 Advanced – C1 & C2
Each level represents a stage in your English journey—from just starting out to mastering the language like a native speaker.
⏳ How Long Does It Take to Level Up?
Ready to move from one level to the next?
Check out the chart below to see how many hours of study you might need at each stage.
Just remember—these numbers are estimates. Your study methods, motivation, and consistency can make a big difference!
🕒 Estimated Study Hours:
📚 How Many Words Do You Need?
The higher your level, the more vocabulary you’ll need to understand and express yourself fluently. Here’s a guide to the approximate number of words learners know at each level:
🔤 Estimated Vocabulary Size:
🧠 What Can You Actually Do at Each Level?
This chart from the Council of Europe gives you a clear breakdown of what learners can typically do at each CEFR level in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Use it to self-assess your level, or identify what you still need to work on to move up!
You can visit the website to learn more: Council of Europe Website
🎓 Ready to Find Your Level and Level Up?
Not sure if you're A1, B2, or somewhere in between? Let's change that!
👉 Take the Free CEFR Test
Use the Atlaz English Placement Test to check your real level across reading, listening, speaking, and writing. It’s free, detailed, and super helpful.
🧪 Take the CEFR Test with Atlaz
🎥 Watch the Video
Check out my YouTube episode: “What’s Your English Level? A1 to C2 Explained + Free CEFR Test Tips” to hear me walk you through each level with examples, tips, and real talk on what it takes to move up.
📺 Watch the Video on YouTube - Coming Soon
📚 Explore Your Level
Ready to dive deeper into what your level really means—and how to reach the next one?
Explore the levels and their checklists below:
🌟 Each post includes:
Must-know grammar & vocabulary
Skill-building strategies
Study tips & recommended resources
Common challenges to avoid
🌈Your English Journey Starts Here
Learning a language isn’t just about memorizing words or passing a test—it’s about opening doors to new experiences, people, and opportunities. Whether you're just starting out at A0 or aiming to polish your skills at C1 or C2, you’re already on the path—and every step counts.
✨ Use the CEFR to guide you.
📘 Follow the level checklists.
🎧 Stay consistent, stay curious, and most importantly—keep going.💬 Got questions about your level or how to improve?
I’d love to help— book a free consultation and we’ll make a plan together.You've got this! 🌟
Want to learn more about the CEFR levels?
Watch my podcast episode where we climb through all 6 levels together:
