German Language Levels

Find German learning resources organized by CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) levels. Each level includes vocabulary, grammar, skills, and practice materials.

The CEFR divides language proficiency into six levels: A1 and A2 (Basic User), B1 and B2 (Independent User), and C1 and C2 (Proficient User). Each level builds upon the previous one, gradually increasing in complexity.

CEFR Levels Overview

Basic User

  • A1 (Beginner): Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
  • A2 (Elementary): Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance.

Independent User

  • B1 (Intermediate): Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered.
  • B2 (Upper Intermediate): Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics.

Proficient User

  • C1 (Advanced): Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning.
  • C2 (Mastery): Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.

All Levels

A1

Beginner

Basic German for absolute beginners

Estimated study time: 60 hours

A2

Elementary

Basic German for everyday situations

Estimated study time: 120 hours

B1

Intermediate

Intermediate German for independent use

Estimated study time: 200 hours

B2

Upper Intermediate

Advanced German for complex topics

Estimated study time: 300 hours

C1

Advanced

Advanced German for proficient users

Estimated study time: 400 hours

C2

Mastery

Mastery level German for near-native speakers

Estimated study time: 500 hours