French levels A1 to C2: what each CEFR level means

What are the French levels?

In short: Six levels, from A1 to C2: those of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the same for every language. They form three groups: basic user (A1, A2), independent user (B1, B2) and proficient user (C1, C2).

What can you do in French at each level?

In short: The CEFR global scale describes each level by what the person “can” do. Here are two of its sentences per level, with a CEFRHub prompt at that level to practise, in speaking and in writing.

Each sentence below is quoted word for word from the CEFR global scale. The CEFRHub prompts come from our bank, one per level, in speaking and in writing.

C2 is not “perfect”: it is the highest level of the scale, the level of mastery; it describes what the person can do, not language free of any error.

What are sub-levels (A2.1, B1.2…)?

In short: The CEFR levels can be “further subdivided according to the needs of the local context”. A sub-level places a person within a level without changing the scale.

In the CEFRHub assessment, the sub-level places your production within the level: .1, the level is reached; .2, it is consolidated and features of the next level are starting to appear, what the CEFR calls a “plus” level (A2+, B1+, B2+). A2, B1 and B2 have two sub-levels; A1, C1 and C2 have none.

Which French exam for which level?

In short: The DELF has four independent diplomas: A1, A2, B1 and B2; beyond them, the DALF has two: C1 and C2. The TCF issues a certificate of level.

Each DELF and DALF level is a separate diploma: you register for the level you aim for. A CEFRHub result is indicative: it places a production and helps you choose the exam level, without replacing the diploma. When a process requires an official result, you need an official exam.

How long does it take to move up a level?

In short: According to Cambridge English, approximately 200 guided learning hours (lessons and supervised study) per level. It is an order of magnitude: the actual time depends on your learning background, the intensity of your study and your practice outside lessons.

To practise at the level you aim for, our practice pages offer one speaking prompt and one writing prompt per level, from A1 to C2.

What level of French is considered bilingual?

In short: The CEFR scale has no “bilingual” level: it describes six levels and what you can do at each. In Canada, the federal public service rates second-language proficiency at its own levels, A, B and C, and its standard gives no correspondence with the CEFR.

In the federal public service, second-language proficiency is rated at levels A, B and C of the Treasury Board standard; the choice of assessment methods rests with the Public Service Commission, and the standard gives no correspondence with the CEFR.

How do I find out my French level?

In short: Three ways: the CEFR self-assessment grid for a first reference point; an official exam when a process requires a recognized result; the assessment of a real production, written or spoken, such as CEFRHub's.

1. 1Self-assessment: the CEFR self-assessment grid (Table 2) is “a draft for a self-assessment orientation tool intended to help learners to profile their main language skills”. It is a first reference point.
2. 2An official exam (DELF, DALF, TCF): it issues a recognized result, after registering for a session. It is the right choice when a process requires an official result.
3. 3Assessment of a real production: a written text or a spoken recording is analysed against the CEFR descriptors. The result helps guide your learning.

CEFRHub is an educational assessment aligned with the CEFR: it is neither an official exam nor a certification. It assesses written and spoken production; it does not measure reading or listening comprehension.

Is it free to find out my level with CEFRHub?

In short: Yes, to start: one free written assessment every 30 days and one spoken assessment offered once, no credit card. After that, credits from CA$5 or a subscription.

Free to start, no credit card: one spoken assessment offered once and one written assessment every 30 days. After that, credits with no subscription from CA$5 (1 credit = 1 assessment), or a subscription: Professional at CA$49/month (50 assessments), Power at CA$89/month (200 assessments), Expert at CA$179/month (unlimited assessments, under a fair-use policy: 50 analyses per day). 7-day money-back guarantee on the first subscription (full refund if 5 assessments or fewer); cancel anytime, with no cancellation fees. Plus applicable taxes.