The CEFR explained
Your journey through the CEFR levels: from beginner to mastery
How quickly do you move up a level during an individual online language training? This depends entirely on your starting point, your learning goal and the time you invest. Because we work exclusively one-on-one with experienced certified trainers, we tailor the pace and content precisely to your schedule and ambitions.
During the live online intake (the first 30 minutes of your programme) and based on our Needs Analysis, we determine your exact starting level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
DETERMINE YOUR START LEVEL
Check Your Language Level with the Official CEFR
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR / ERK) is the international benchmark for measuring language proficiency. Use the table below to quickly identify your current level in a professional context:
CEFR Level | Category | What You Can Do in Practice | Typical Workplace Scenario |
A0* (Starter / Absolute beginner) | Basic User (No prior knowledge) | You have little to no prior knowledge of the language. At most, you recognize a few individual words or international terms. | You do not feel comfortable speaking yet and cannot follow emails or conversations. |
A1 (Breakthrough) | Basic User | Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases. | You can introduce yourself and answer simple questions about your role. |
A2 (Waystage) | Basic User | Understand short business texts and perform routine tasks. | You can schedule appointments, read brief emails, and follow simple small talk at the coffee machine. |
B1 (Threshold) | Independent User | Understand main points and participate independently in familiar work settings. | You follow most meetings, write standard business emails, and feel comfortable contributing to team discussions. |
B2 (Vantage) | Independent User | Communicate smoothly, fluently, and convincingly on complex business topics. | You present with confidence, negotiate smoothly, and actively participate in detailed professional debates. |
C1 (Effective Operational) | Proficient User | Express yourself effortlessly, strategically, and with rich nuance in professional environments. | You lead complex negotiations, advise at executive board level, and draft technical or legal reports. |
C2 (Mastery) | Proficient User | Understand virtually everything effortlessly and communicate with the finesse of a mother-tongue speaker. | You grasp cultural subtext and humor flawlessly, speaking and writing with complete authority and precision. |
*Is CEFR level A0 an official level?
Officially, the CEFR scale starts at level A1. In practice, we use level A0 for learners who are starting a language entirely from scratch. Through our 1-on-1 coaching, we build your confidence in a comfortable environment right from day one, helping you progress smoothly toward A1.
The levels
The steps you can take with us
While we cannot provide firm guarantees in advance about a specific final level, now that you know where you want to go, these are the guidelines for the steps you can take with us:
- 1
From A0 to A1: building a solid foundation from scratch
Starting completely from scratch? No problem. In this phase, you will overcome the hesitation to speak, learn basic pronunciation, everyday greetings, and essential cultural etiquette. Recommended package: LanguageImpact for a confident start without hesitation.
- 2
From A1 to A2: laying the foundation
This is the fastest win. In a short time you build up an active basic vocabulary, learn the fundamentals of grammar and hold everyday, simple conversations. Recommended package: TaalGroei (20 hours) to quickly lay the foundations and lower the barrier to speaking.
- 3
From A2 to B1: over the threshold
The most important step for professionals. You learn to overcome hesitation while speaking once and for all, write business emails and take an active part in meetings. Recommended package: TaalFocus (30 hours) for focused depth in speaking or writing.
- 4
From B1 to B2: communicating confidently in business
You move from 'keeping up reasonably well' to communicating fluently about complex and abstract topics at work. You speak with more authority and significantly expand your professional vocabulary. Recommended package: TaalFocus (for one specific skill) or TaalTotaal (40 hours) for a complete all-round acceleration.
- 5
From B2 to C1/C2: mastery & finesse
The final finishing touches. You learn to add nuance effortlessly, understand cultural subtext and communicate with conviction and finesse at board level. Recommended package: TaalTotaal (40 hours). Because this level demands the most practice hours and a high personal commitment, this flagship offers the calm, depth and intensive guidance you need.
Why we are honest and realistic
Raising your language level is the sum of our teaching expertise and your own effort. The steps towards B2 and C1 in particular simply take more time and focus. Thanks to our 50/50 formula, you get the maximum return from every hour of live coaching, provided you actively work with the app and the self-study material at home. Whatever level you are aiming for: we map out the most efficient route for you.
Not sure about your current CEFR level?
Our training advisors are happy to help you assess your starting level and choose the right package.