A guide to finding the right level of German

– all 6 language levels explained easily: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 –

What do the levels A1–C2 mean in German courses, and what level of German do I need?

If you want to take a German course, you must always enrol at a specific language level. But what is a language level, and how do I know which one I need?

There are six language levels according to the CEFR: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. Each language level corresponds to specific language skills: A1 is for those with no prior knowledge of the language, whilst C2 means you have reached the language proficiency of a native speaker. You can recognise a good German course by the fact that it always specifies a particular language level that you can achieve with the help of the course. Not every language school offers German courses at every level, so you should read the course descriptions carefully.

One language school where you can not only take German courses for levels A1–C1, but which also helps you find the course that’s just right for you, is iQ Lingua:

This provider runs German courses throughout Germany, both online and in person, for all levels from A1 to C1. Before you enrol, iQ Lingua carries out a comprehensive needs assessment to help you find the right German course for you. You can also take a free placement test to determine your language level and ensure you are placed in the most suitable course. iQ Lingua is also a telc licence partner, meaning you can obtain the language certificate you need directly at the centre. As an added bonus, iQ Lingua offers a free German Learning Centre: here, the language school provides grammar content, including exercises, which you can access without having to register. You’ll also find a free German learning plan at iQ Lingua. This is a ready-made mini-learning programme with short grammar lessons and exercises, which you’ll receive regularly by email. You can also book a free trial lesson at iQ Lingua at any time before deciding on a German course.

Below you will find a guide that explains the six language levels in a clear and easy-to-understand way.

What language levels are there?
Learning German at the iQ Lingua language school
CChecklist: Choosing the right language level
Frequently asked questions
Summary

What is a language level?

Language skills are categorised into what are known as language levels. The language level provides information about the level of proficiency a person has in a language. The language levels therefore do not refer exclusively to the German language, but to all languages in general. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) was introduced to enable language certificates to be compared across Europe. This is a system that classifies language levels. There are six language levels in total: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.

The practical advantage of this classification is that it is standardised. The A1 language level means the same thing throughout Europe. This also applies to all the other language levels.

Overview: Language levels (A1–C2)

There are essentially 6 language levels:

Language level A1
Language level A2
Language level B1
Language level B2
Language level C1
Language level C2

Tip for you: Before you enrol on a German course, you can check what language level you can achieve through the course and how long it will take.

Language levels are divided into 6 levels:

A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2

A = basic language use │ B = independent language use │ C = proficient language use

Everyone starts at A1 level. This means you are a complete beginner with no prior knowledge of the language.

If you are at A1 level, you can: introduce yourself in German, have simple conversations in German, and talk about where you live and the things you like, the food you enjoy, and the activities you do in your spare time.

At A2 level, you will continue to build on your basic language skills.

If you speak at A2 level, you will be able to: form simple sentences using common adjectives; and provide slightly more detailed information about yourself, your work, your hobbies, your family and your life. You will also be able to hold simple, short conversations in familiar everyday situations, such as at the supermarket, at work or at university.

At B1 level, you will develop advanced language skills.

If you speak at B1 level, you will be able to: understand the main points of longer conversations on familiar topics such as everyday life, work, family, friends, hobbies or yourself. You can hold conversations on simple topics, both briefly and in more detail, and communicate about familiar topics in everyday situations. You can also form your first complex sentences, talk about your life goals, dreams and experiences, and put forward a simple argument.

At B2 level, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the language.

If you speak at a B2 level, you will be able to: understand the main points of more complex texts and conversations and contribute to specialist discussions; communicate spontaneously and smoothly; use your language skills fluently and flexibly in everyday life and at work without having to think too much; present detailed arguments; and explain both sides of an issue (pros and cons).

At C1 level, you will develop more in-depth specialist knowledge.

If you speak at C1 level, you will be able to: grasp the implicit and detailed meanings of texts and conversations; express yourself spontaneously and flexibly without having to search for words; and contribute to specialist discussions with precision and clarity.

At C2 level, your language skills are almost on a par with those of a native speaker.

If you speak at C2 level, you can: understand almost everything with ease (both spoken and written), gather and summarise information from various sources, express yourself flexibly, spontaneously and precisely without having to search for words, and understand subtle nuances of meaning.

Learn German at the iQ Lingua language school

If you’re still looking for a suitable German course, take a look at what the iQ Lingua language school has to offer. iQ Lingua not only offers German courses at language levels A1 to C1, but also the following six extras, which can help you get started on your German-learning journey:

1. Language levels

The iQ Lingua language school offers German courses for the following language levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1.

2. Needs assessment

Before you enrol on a German course at iQ Lingua, a comprehensive needs assessment is carried out. What does this mean? You will receive detailed advice and support to help you find the right German course for your language skills and needs. An initial needs assessment is carried out over the phone if required, followed by a second appointment at the school’s premises, where you can ask any further questions and take a look around the language school.

3. Free placement test

iQ Lingua offers free placement tests as part of the needs assessment. The free placement test is used to determine your language level so that the most suitable German course can be found for you.

4. telc Licence partner

The iQ Lingua language school is an official telc licence partner. This means that you can take the exams for levels A1 to C1 directly at your language school, and you will receive your telc certificate immediately after completing your German course. In addition, the German courses at iQ Lingua can also prepare you for these further exams: DSH, TestDaF, TestAS and WiDaF.

5. German Learning Centre

iQ Lingua also offers a free German Learning Centre: there you’ll find a comprehensive range of free grammar resources, including exercises, which you can read through and complete without having to enrol on a German course. This allows you to get an idea of the quality of the course content in advance and start learning German right away – completely free of charge.

6. Free German learning plan

The language school iQ Lingua also offers a free German learning plan. There you’ll find a ready-made mini-course, including short grammar lessons and exercises, which you’ll receive regularly by email. So you can start learning German straight away.

Checklist: Choosing the right language level

Here are some questions you should ask yourself if you want to find out your language level:

What can I say in German without preparing beforehand?
Can I introduce myself in German?
Can I hold a conversation in German?
Can I speak fluently about various topics in German?
Do I understand complex German texts?
Which German courses have I completed so far?
Can the language school advise me on choosing the right language level?
Does the language school offer a free placement test?
Are the levels for the German courses clearly indicated according to the CEFR (A1–C2)?

FAQ

What level of German do I need?

The language levels are divided into three categories in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A, B and C. A stands for basic language use. B stands for independent language use. C stands for proficient language use.

To apply for German citizenship, you need sufficient knowledge of German at language level B1 (in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This applies to every federal state across Germany, including Berlin. You can prove your language level with a Goethe Certificate or a telc certificate. It’s always best to check whether the German course prepares you for one of these certificates and the required language level. If you need further information, simply ask the language school in question.

For example: The language school iQ Lingua offers telc certificate examinations throughout Germany.

Please note: You can generally progress through one language level per German course. On average, a German course lasts three months, with one to two sessions per week. However, the duration may vary depending on which course format you choose.

If, for example, you opt for an intensive course at the iQ Lingua language school, you can reach a full language level in just 2 months. With a Classic course at iQ Lingua, you can reach the next language level in 4 months.

The time it takes to reach a language level therefore depends on the course format, the frequency of the sessions and the target language level.

It’s best to find out which language skills correspond to which language level. Ask yourself: How well can I speak German off the cuff, without preparing? A reputable language school should always offer placement tests so that your language level can be assessed before you enrol on a German course.

Yes. The language levels A1–C2 are recognised internationally. Just bear in mind that you will probably need different certificates to prove your language level in different countries.

How to find the right level of German:

To enrol on a German course, you need to know your language level. That is why all German courses are assigned a language level. But which language level do I need?

There are the following 6 language levels:

Language level A1
Language level A2
Language level B1
Language level B2
Language level C1
Language level C2

An excellent example of a language school where you can enrol on a German course is iQ Lingua:

At iQ Lingua, German courses are offered from A1 to C1, and you can take a free placement test to determine your language level. In addition, a comprehensive needs analysis is carried out before you enrol to find the German course that’s right for you. iQ Lingua is also a telc licence partner, meaning you can obtain the language certificate you need directly at the school. As an added bonus, iQ Lingua offers a free German Learning Centre: here, the language school provides grammar content, including exercises, which you can access without having to register. You’ll also find a free German learning plan at iQ Lingua. This is a ready-made mini-learning programme with short grammar lessons and exercises, which you’ll receive regularly by email. So you can start learning German at iQ Lingua straight away and reach your desired language level (A1–C1).

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