The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, abbreviated as CEFR, is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries. The six reference levels (see below) describe what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing at each level.
Spanish Levels
Basic User
Level A1 (Beginner)
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Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
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Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has.
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Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Level A2 (Elementary)
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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).
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Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
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Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Independent User
Level B1 (Intermediate)
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Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
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Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
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Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
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Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Level B2 (Upper Intermediate)
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Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.
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Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
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Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Proficient User
Level C1 (Advanced)
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Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
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Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
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Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
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Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Level C2 (Proficiency)
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Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
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Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
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Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.