Is your child starting to learn French at school and their teacher mentions the A1 level? Are you an FFL teacher looking to structure your program according to CEFR levels? Understanding this system is essential for tracking progress and setting clear goals.
In this guide, we explain the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as applied to French, with concrete examples, indicative timeframes, and practical advice for each stage.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is an international system created by the Council of Europe to assess and compare language skills in a consistent way across Europe and beyond.
It defines six levels of proficiency, grouped into three categories:
This framework applies to all living European languages, including French. It is used by schools, language centers, official examinations (DELF, DALF), and employers worldwide.
| Level | Name | What the student can do | Estimated duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | Introduce themselves, understand simple words, spell their name | 60–100 hrs |
| A2 | Elementary | Communicate on familiar topics, understand short sentences | 100–200 hrs |
| B1 | Intermediate | Get by while travelling, express a simple opinion, read everyday texts | 200–350 hrs |
| B2 | Advanced | Understand complex topics, express themselves with ease | 350–500 hrs |
| C1 | Autonomous | Master the language in almost all situations | 500–700 hrs |
| C2 | Mastery | Express themselves with precision and nuance, close to a native speaker | 700+ hrs |
The A1 level is the first step in learning French. The student can introduce themselves, spell their name, understand and use very common everyday expressions. They can interact in a simple way if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
Concrete examples of what an A1 student can do:
Between 60 and 100 hours of effective learning, depending on the student’s age, their exposure to the language, and their native language. For a school-age child, this represents roughly half a school year with 3 sessions per week.
At this stage, the student can communicate on familiar topics: their family, school, hobbies, and neighborhood. They understand isolated sentences and frequently used expressions. Communication remains simple but becomes more independent.
Concrete examples of what an A2 student can do:
Between 100 and 200 additional hours after A1. A student who reaches A2 by the end of their first year of intensive learning is making very good progress.
The B1 level is often considered the survival level in a French-speaking country. The student can manage in most everyday situations when travelling in France or a French-speaking country. They can express simple opinions and understand the main points of a straightforward newspaper article.
Concrete examples of what a B1 student can do:
The DELF B1 is one of the most widely recognized official certifications for students in a school setting. It is often prepared for in international high schools. Obtaining this diploma is an official recognition of independence in French.
The student can understand complex and abstract texts, express themselves spontaneously and with ease, and write clear texts on a variety of topics. B2 is often required for higher education in France or in a French-speaking country.
These levels correspond to a very advanced level of mastery, close to that of a native speaker. C1 allows for fluent and spontaneous self-expression. C2 represents near-perfection: the student can produce literary and technical texts with great precision.
These levels are reached after several years of immersion and correspond to the DALF C1 and DALF C2 diplomas.
There are several practical ways to place a learner on the CEFR scale:
Progression depends on the intensity of learning, the student’s native language, and their exposure to French outside the classroom. The early stages (A1 to B1) are the fastest. Higher levels require more time and immersion.
| Progression | Indicative hours | Typical school context |
|---|---|---|
| A1 to A2 | 100–150 hrs | 1 year (3 sessions/week) |
| A2 to B1 | 150–200 hrs | 1 to 2 years |
| B1 to B2 | 200–300 hrs | 2 to 3 years |
| B2 to C1 | 300–400 hrs | 3 to 4 years + immersion |
Understanding the A1, A2, B1, and higher levels makes it easier to support students in their progress. For teachers, the CEFR is a valuable pedagogical planning tool. For parents, it is a concrete way to understand where their child stands and to encourage their efforts in an appropriate way.
The important thing is not to progress quickly, but to move forward steadily, with clear goals at each stage.
Want to help your student progress level by level? Visit myfluentfrench.com to find exercises and resources tailored to each CEFR level, designed specifically for students learning French as a foreign language in a school setting.
What is the CEFR in French? The CEFR is a language proficiency assessment system created by the Council of Europe. It defines six levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) used to measure proficiency in French and other European languages.
What level of French is needed to attend high school in France? To follow classes in a French-speaking high school without specific support, a B1–B2 level is generally recommended. Below that, support in a reception class (UPE2A) is often offered.
How do I know if my child is A1 or A2 in French? An A1 student can introduce themselves and name common objects. An A2 student can describe their family and write a short message. An online placement test or a teacher assessment can place them precisely.
Is B1 level sufficient to live in France? B1 is considered the survival level in a French-speaking country. It allows for getting by in everyday life but may be insufficient for higher education or skilled employment, which generally require at least B2.
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