French levels
To reach the level of French they want, students need to develop different skills that enable them to communicate in verbal and written forms according to their level.
There are 6 levels of French :
A1 – Beginner
You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases to satisfy basic practical needs (buying, eating,…). You are capable to introduce yourself and others and you can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you/they live, people you/they know and things you/they have. You can interact in a simple way if the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
A2 – Elementary
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
B1 – Independent user (intermediate)
Can understand the main points of a clear speech or text about familiar matters related to work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2 – Upper intermediate
Can understand the main ideas of a complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without difficulty for them or the learner. Can produce clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1 – Advanced
Can understand a wide range of demanding, long sentences, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without needing to search for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2 – Proficient
Can understand with ease virtually anything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.
French: the language of love
Grammar tips
French levels
- 1
- 2