If you’ve ever looked at language courses, exams, or study apps, you’ve probably seen these mysterious codes: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.
They come from the CEFR — the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages — and they define your fluency on a scale recognized around the world.
But what do these levels actually mean? How long does it take to reach them? And what do you really need — in terms of skills, time, and habits — to level up?
At Our Polyglot, CEFR is the backbone of our language roadmap. So today, we’re breaking down what each level truly represents and how to reach your goals more strategically.
First Things First: What Is CEFR?
CEFR is a universal framework that:
- Describes what a language learner can do at each level
- Provides a shared standard for learners, teachers, and institutions
- Applies to all major languages (German, French, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, etc.)
There are six main levels:
- A1 and A2 – Beginner
- B1 and B2 – Intermediate
- C1 and C2 – Advanced
Think of it as a language ladder. Each step builds on the last — but not always in equal difficulty or time investment.
🟢 A1 – Breakthrough / Beginner
What You Can Do:
- Understand and use basic everyday phrases
- Introduce yourself and ask simple personal questions
- Interact if the other person speaks slowly and clearly
Real-Life Example:
You can order food, ask for directions, and say where you’re from — as long as it’s scripted or familiar.
What You Need:
- Around 60–80 hours of study
- Basic vocabulary (~500–600 words)
- Repetition, repetition, repetition
How We Teach It:
Our A1.1 and A1.2 modules combine visuals, interactive dialogues, and live speaking drills from Day 1 — because comprehension comes fast, but production takes practice.
🟢 A2 – Waystage / Elementary
What You Can Do:
- Communicate in simple tasks (shopping, travel, daily routine)
- Describe your background, environment, and immediate needs
- Handle short social exchanges
Real-Life Example:
You can survive in a foreign country, read signs, and ask locals for help — but complex discussions are still tough.
What You Need:
- Around 160–180 total hours
- Vocabulary of ~1,000–1,200 words
- Early grammar: past tense, modal verbs, basic sentence connectors
Tip:
A2 is where listening and reading grow faster than speaking. You’ll understand more than you can say — and that’s okay.
🟡 B1 – Threshold / Intermediate
What You Can Do:
- Handle most travel and social situations
- Express thoughts on familiar topics
- Write emails, describe experiences, express opinions
Real-Life Example:
You can tell a story, explain a routine, or make a complaint at a hotel. Still, you may struggle with abstract topics or fast-paced speech.
What You Need:
- 300–350 total study hours
- Vocabulary of ~2,000–2,500 words
- Sentence variety: subordinate clauses, comparisons, indirect speech
Why This Level Matters:
Most universities and visa processes require at least B1. It’s a huge milestone for independence.
How to Get There:
Our B1 path includes mock tests, topic-based vocabulary packs, and live speaking practice to train fluency, not just grammar.
🟡 B2 – Vantage / Upper Intermediate
What You Can Do:
- Participate in complex conversations and debates
- Read detailed texts, follow arguments
- Write structured essays and emails
Real-Life Example:
You can hold your own in professional meetings, give presentations, and understand most TV shows or news reports.
What You Need:
- 500–600 total study hours
- Vocabulary of ~4,000+ words
- Strong grasp of idioms, passive voice, conditional structures, connectors
Warning:
This level has a “fluency illusion”. You feel confident — but gaps still appear under pressure or in unfamiliar topics.
🔵 C1 – Effective Operational Proficiency / Advanced
What You Can Do:
- Use language flexibly in academics, work, and social life
- Understand implicit meaning, tone, and nuance
- Express yourself fluently with few mistakes
Real-Life Example:
You can give a TED Talk, write a blog, or handle job interviews in your target language.
What You Need:
- 700–800 total hours
- Vocabulary of ~6,000–7,000 words
- Deep grammar usage and listening to varied accents
What’s Different:
C1 is less about “learning rules” and more about mastery — making your speech natural, precise, and culturally appropriate.
🔵 C2 – Mastery / Near-Native
What You Can Do:
- Understand almost everything you read or hear
- Summarize complex information
- Speak with spontaneity and sophistication
Real-Life Example:
You can read novels, argue philosophy, understand satire, and switch registers (formal/informal) effortlessly.
What You Need:
- 1,000+ total study hours
- Vocabulary of ~8,000+ words
- Exposure to native content (films, literature, academic articles)
Note:
C2 is rarely required outside of academia or interpreting jobs. But it’s a beautiful goal if you love the language.
How Long Does It Take to Reach Each Level?
Here’s a rough guide, assuming consistent daily practice (30–60 mins/day):
| CEFR Level | Total Hours | Typical Time (With Coaching) |
| A1 | 60–80 | 1–2 months |
| A2 | 150–180 | 3–4 months |
| B1 | 300–350 | 6–8 months |
| B2 | 500–600 | 10–14 months |
| C1 | 700–800 | 1.5–2 years |
| C2 | 1,000+ | 2–3 years+ |
Note: These are estimates. Progress depends on method, consistency, and exposure.
What You Actually Need to Reach the Next Level
- Structured Plan
Don’t jump randomly between grammar rules and vocab lists. Use a CEFR-based curriculum like Our Polyglot’s, designed for real progression. - Daily Speaking Practice
Even 10 minutes of live conversation beats 2 hours of passive study. You need output to improve. - Mock Tests
Track your progress, fix weak spots, and get familiar with exam formats. - Targeted Resources
Use materials designed for your level, not too easy or too hard. Frustration = burnout. - Smart Feedback
Automated apps help — but teacher feedback on writing/speaking is what actually levels you up.
How Our Polyglot Helps You Through the Levels
We divide each CEFR level into two mini-stages:
- A1.1 & A1.2
- A2.1 & A2.2
- …all the way to C2.2
Each stage includes:
- Video lessons (4 per block)
- Live sessions with tutors
- Mock tests + quizzes
- Summaries for revision
That means you’re not just “guessing” your level — you’re building it brick by brick.
Final Thoughts: CEFR Is a Map, Not a Race
Reaching the next level doesn’t happen by accident. It takes:
- Smart routines
- Honest assessments
- Lots of speaking
- And the right environment
CEFR is just the map. You choose the pace.
And we’re here to walk the path with you — from your first “Hallo” to your fluent debate on climate policy.