Your level

The language proficiency levels we use follow the recommendations of the CEFR developed by the Council of Europe .
CEFR is a common basis for all our courses, tests and certifications.
Three main levels are delimited:
elementary (A1-A2), independent (B1-B2) and experimented (C1-C2).

Beware:
To complete a level, the number of hours vary.

For instance, depending on the formula you choose:
A1 requires 54-57h and A2 requires 108-114h.

More information on levels, here.

The language proficiency levels we use are recognised internationally and all covered by our course offering:

BEGINNER

You discover a new language, its familiar words and daily life expressions.

ELEMENTARY

You can manage to speak in French in your daily routine.

INTERMEDIATE

You manage to get into a conversation without preparation, to formulate ideas, to express emotions, in writing as in speaking.

ADVANCED

You have reached such a degree of spontaneity and ease that you have no difficulty in actively participating in French.

AUTONOMOUS

You speak French in an even more complex and spontaneous way on various subjects.
You know how to structure your subject, you have your own style.

MASTERY

You can use the language with ease arguing about complex subjects. You no longer feel like you're making an effort in writing as in speaking.


LEVEL SCALE

The course levels at the Alliance Française Bruxelles-Europe follow the recommendations of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages which provides a common basis for designing curricula and qualifications.

Each level is divided into sub-levels. For example, level A2 consists of levels A2.1 and A2.2. To progress from one sub-level to another (from level A2.1 to level A2.2), you must complete 60 hours of lessons.

If you have a C2 level, you need a tailor-made solution. We advise you to consult our private course offer.

Understand my level


A1 | Discovery level

LISTEN 

I can understand familiar words and very common expressions about myself, my family and the concrete and immediate surroundings.

READ 

I can understand very simple words and sentences.

WRITE

I can write a short, simple postcard.
I can complete a questionnaire with personal details.

SPEAK

I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe
where I live and the people I know.

PARTICIPATE IN A CONVERSATION

I can communicate in a simple way. I can ask and answer simple questions about familiar or immediate needs topics.

A2 | elementary level


LISTEN

I can understand the essentials of simple, clear messages, using familiar vocabulary (family, shopping, close environment, work).

READ

I can read very simple short texts.

WRITE

I can write simple and short messages.

SPEAK

I can use a series of simple sentences to talk about me
and other people.

PARTICIPATE IN A CONVERSATION

I can communicate in simple situations and have very brief exchanges. Usually I don't understand enough to continue a conversation.


B1 | INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

LISTEN

I can understand many radio shows or television, news or familiar subjects if we speak rather slowly and distinctly.

READ

I can understand texts written in everyday or professional language related to my work. 

WRITE

I can write simple, coherent text on familiar topics. I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.

SPEAK

I can relate experiences, events, a story, my dreams, my hopes or my goals. I can briefly justify my opinions.

PARTICIPATE IN A CONVERSATION 

I can cope with the majority of situations that can meet while traveling. I can take part in a conversation without preparation on familiar topics.

B2 | ADVANCED LEVEL


LISTEN

I can understand rather long speeches and follow a complex argument on a relatively familiar subject.
I can understand most current affairs TV shows and most films in standard language.

READ

I can read articles on contemporary issues. I can read contemporary literary text.

WRITE

I can write clear, detailed texts on a wide range of topics related to my areas of interest. I can give reasons for or against a given opinion. I can comment on events or experiences.

SPEAK

I can express myself clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics related to my areas of interest. I can develop a point of view on a hot topic and explain the advantages and disadvantages of different possibilities.

PARTICIPATE IN A CONVERSATION

I can communicate with a good degree of spontaneity and fluency with a native speaker. I can actively participate in a conversation in familiar situations, present and defend my opinions.


C1 | Autonomous level

LISTEN

I can understand a long speech even if it is not clearly structured and the articulation are only implicit. I can understand TV shows and movies without much effort.

READ

I can understand long and complex factual or literary texts and appreciate the differences in style. I can understand specialized articles and lengthy technical instructions even when they are not related to my field. 

WRITE

I can express myself in clear, well-structured text and develop my point of view. I can write about complex topics in a letter, essay or report, emphasizing points that I think are important. I can adopt a style suited to the recipient. 

SPEAK

I can present clear and detailed descriptions of complex subjects, integrating related themes, developing certain points and ending my speech appropriately. 

PARTICIPATE IN A CONVERSATION

I can express myself spontaneously and fluently without apparently having to search for my words too much. I can use the language flexibly and effectively for social or professional relationships. I can express my ideas and opinions with precision and link my interventions to those of my interlocutors. 

C2 | Niveau maîtrise


LISTEN

I have no difficulty understanding oral language, whether in live conditions or in the media and when one speaks fast, under condition that I have time to familiarize myself with a particular accent.

READ

I can effortlessly read any type of text, even abstract or complex in content or form, for example a manual, a specialized article or a literary work.

ÉCRIRE

I can write a clear, fluid and stylistically adapted text. I can write complex letters, reports or articles, with a clear construction allowing the reader to understand and remember the important points. I can summarize and criticize a professional work or a literary work.

SPEAK

I can present a clear and fluid description or argument in a style appropriate to the context, construct a presentation logically, and help my listener notice and remember important points.

PARTICIPATE IN A CONVERSATION

I can participate effortlessly in any conversation or discussion, and I am also very comfortable with idioms and colloquialisms. I can express myself fluently and accurately express fine nuances of meaning. If there is a problem, I can go back and remedy it with enough skill and have it go almost unnoticed.


If you have a C2 level, you need a tailor-made solution to continue your French learning.
We recommend that you take private lesson that will be more suited to your needs and more effective in helping you progress than a group lesson.