A1 Level – Beginner

What You Can Do at This Level:

• Communicate in simple everyday situations, such as introducing yourself, talking about family, residence, and daily activities.
• Understand and use basic phrases and expressions like greetings and simple questions (name, address, time, etc.).
• Interact in public places by asking for basic information or help.
• Read and understand short texts, advertisements, notices, and simple messages.
• Write simple sentences, such as personal notes or letters.

A1 is the first step towards mastering German and enables basic communication in everyday situations.

A2 Level – Elementary

What You Can Do at This Level:

• Communicate in slightly more complex daily situations, discussing work, hobbies, and family with more fluency.
• Understand short, straightforward conversations onfamiliar topics like shopping, asking for directions, or planning activities.
• Read and comprehend simple texts such as emails, advertisements, and instructions.
• Write short messages, emails, and simple requests.
• Handle familiar social or work conversations and ask for assistance when needed.

A2 learners gain confidence in everyday interactions, making it easier to navigate life in a German-speaking environment.

B1 Level – Intermediate

What You Can Do at This Level:

• Engage in everyday conversations with confidence, including discussions about work, travel, and education.
• Understand the main points of conversations or texts on familiar topics, such as news articles and letters.
• Express personal opinions, experiences, and ideas clearly and logically.
• Write structured messages, simple reports, and emails related to work or daily life.
• Discuss more complex topics in a simple way, though some challenges may arise with specialized subjects.

B1 is a crucial step towards using German independently in both personal and professional settings.

B2 Level – Upper Intermediate

What You Can Do at This Level:

• Communicate fluently with native speakers in various situations, including work and academic settings.
• Understand complex texts and follow discussions on abstract topics, news, and professional subjects.
• Express opinions clearly, participate in debates, and present arguments effectively.
• Write well-structured reports, essays, and business emails.
• Work and study in Germany with minimal language barriers.

Importance of B2: This level is often required for university admission and job applications in Germany. It also qualifies learners to take exams like Goethe-Zertifikat B2 or TestDaF.

Key Difference Between B1 and B2: While B1 learners can manage everyday conversations, B2 learners can articulate complex ideas, engage in discussions, and understand professional materials.

C1 Level – Advanced

What You Can Do at This Level:

• Understand complex and extended conversations, university lectures, and professional discussions with ease.
• Express yourself fluently and precisely in both formal and informal settings.
• Read and analyze academic texts, newspaper articles, and professional documents.
• Write academic essays, business reports, and formal communications.
• Participate confidently in work and study environments without additional language support.

Importance of C1: Many universities and professional fields in Germany require C1 proficiency. It is also a prerequisite for exams such as TestDaF or Goethe-Zertifikat C1.

Key Difference Between B2 and C1: While B2 speakers can communicate fluently, C1 speakers have more precision, flexibility, and understanding of complex topics.

C2 Level – Proficient / Near-Native Fluency

What You Can Do at This Level:

• Understand and process any type of conversation, even fast or dialect-heavy speech.
• Express yourself spontaneously, precisely, and naturally like a native speaker.
• Read and comprehend literary, scientific, and philosophical texts, understanding figurative language and implicit meanings.
• Write at a professional level, including academic research, journalistic articles, and literary texts.
• Work in high-level professional roles, such as translation, journalism, academia, and law.

Importance of C2: This level is essential for careers requiring mastery of German, such as university teaching, translation, or advanced research. Exams like Goethe-Zertifikat C2 or telc C2 validate this level.

Key Difference Between C1 and C2: While C1 learners are highly fluent, C2 speakers function effortlessly in German society without noticeable differences from native speakers.