Job adverts and university forms often ask for "B2 level", but what does that really mean? English levels A1 to C2 come from a European framework called the CEFR, used around the world to describe what a person can do in a language. This article explains each level with simple examples, shows how to find your real level, and looks at how to move up to the next one.
What is the CEFR?
The CEFR is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It does not measure how many rules you have memorised. It describes what you can do: order a coffee, follow a meeting, write a report. It sorts learners into three broad groups, with two levels in each:
- Basic user: A1 and A2
- Independent user: B1 and B2
- Proficient user: C1 and C2
Each level builds on the one before. Some schools, Ethanna among them, add an A0 level for people starting from almost nothing.
The basic levels: A0, A1 and A2
A0: starting from zero
You know a few separate words, or just the alphabet. You cannot make sentences yet. For example: Hello, Thank you.
A1: beginner
You can introduce yourself, ask simple questions and understand short sentences if people speak slowly and clearly. For example: My name is Sami. I live in Sfax.
A2: elementary
You can talk about your family, your job and your daily needs in simple sentences, and manage practical situations such as shopping. For example: I work in a bank and I usually finish at five.
The intermediate levels: B1 and B2
B1: intermediate
You can handle most situations in daily life and travel, describe an experience and give your opinion simply. You may search for words, but you get there. For example: I think working from home is good because I save time.
B2: upper-intermediate
You can discuss abstract topics, understand the main points of a complex text and speak quite spontaneously with English speakers. This is a common target for work and study.
The advanced levels: C1 and C2
C1: advanced
You express yourself fluently and flexibly, and use the language effectively at work and in academic study.
C2: mastery
You understand almost everything you hear or read, and express yourself with great precision, even on complex subjects.
Which level do you really need?
You do not need C2 to live your life in English. It depends on what you want to do:
- Travel and daily life: A2 to B1 is usually enough.
- Working in an English-speaking setting: B1 to B2, depending on the job.
- Study or migration: each university or authority sets its own requirement, often as an IELTS score. Check it at the source.
Your level may not be the same in every skill either. Many people read at B2 and speak at A2, which is normal if you learned through grammar and texts more than conversation.
How to find your real level
Your own feeling is not enough, because people easily overrate or underrate themselves. Start with the Ethanna placement test: 25 reading and grammar questions, about 7 minutes, an instant result from A0 to C2, and an "I don't know" button so you do not have to guess. There is no account: your name and WhatsApp number are enough to see the result.
This test measures reading and grammar, so a level check with the team comes next, to place you in the right group.
How long does it take to move up a level?
There is no single number that fits everyone: it depends on how regular you are and how much time you give English between classes. What matters is to keep going. At Ethanna, the adults programme from A0 to A2 is 32 hours over 8 weeks for 320 TND, which comes to 10 TND per hour. The B1 to B2 programme is 48 hours over 12 weeks for 540 TND, which comes to 11.25 TND per hour. We teach from A0 to B2, in groups of 6 students at most.
How to move up to the next level
What helps you progress changes with your level:
- A0 to A2: focus on the most frequent words, short sentences and a little simple listening every day.
- A2 to B1: link your sentences with because, but and so, and talk about your day for a full minute.
- B1 to B2: read, note whole phrases, and practise giving and defending your opinion.
- Beyond B2: work on precision and style, with wide reading and specialist correction.
Check your progress every few weeks: can you do something today that you could not do before? That is the real measure, not the number of lessons finished.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between B1 and B2?
At B1 you manage in familiar situations. At B2 you can discuss and defend your opinion on wider topics, with more spontaneity.
Are CEFR levels a certificate?
No. They are a scale for describing a level. Certificates come from recognised exams. The Ethanna completion certificate shows that you finished a unit: it is not a Cambridge or IELTS certificate.
Can I lose a level?
Yes, if you stop using the language for a long time, especially speaking. Regular listening and speaking keep your level up.
Where do I start if my level is low?
Start where you are, with no embarrassment, then read how to overcome the fear of speaking English.
A free 25-question test, with an instant result from A0 to C2.