LEARN · CEFR GUIDES

Every English level, explained.

The CEFR scale runs from A1 to C2. See what each level means and how long it takes.

Can-do lines from the Council of Europe's own grid

— THE SIX LEVELS

Start with your level.

Each level builds on the last. Open one for what it lets you do, how long it takes, and the step after it.

  • A1

    A1 · Beginner

    Use basic everyday phrases. Introduce yourself and answer simple questions when people speak slowly.

    • ~500 active words
    • Basic user
  • A2

    A2 · Elementary

    Handle simple, routine tasks. Describe your background and daily life in simple words.

    • ~1,000 active words
    • Basic user
  • B1

    B1 · Intermediate

    Follow the main points on familiar topics. Cope when you travel, and give reasons for your views.

    • ~2,000 active words
    • Independent user
  • B2

    B2 · Upper-Intermediate

    Understand the main ideas of complex texts. Talk with native speakers without strain, and explain your view.

    • ~4,000 active words
    • Independent user
  • C1

    C1 · Advanced

    Understand long, hard texts and what they only imply. Use English with ease for study and work.

    • ~8,000 active words
    • Proficient user
  • C2

    C2 · Proficient

    Understand almost everything you hear or read, and express fine shades of meaning.

    • ~16,000 active words
    • Proficient user

Active-word figures are typical estimates, not a standard.

— IN CARNA TODAY

The same scale, on the screen.

Carna for Schools runs on the CEFR scale today: assigned work shows its level on the card, and so do the books in the student's library. The individual tutor is in early access.

  • CARNA FOR SCHOOLS · LIVE TODAY

    Every card names its level.

    A student's Learn screen lists the work the teacher assigned, with the soonest due first. Each module shows its CEFR level on the cover.

    A student's Learn screen in Carna for Schools. Carna School London is a sample school; the courses, levels and dates are demo data.

  • CARNA FOR SCHOOLS · LIVE TODAY

    Books with their level on the cover.

    Each reader a school publishes shows its CEFR level on the cover. So students can read at their own level.

    A student's Library in Carna for Schools. Carna School London is a sample school; the books and levels are demo data.

— FIND YOUR LEVEL

Not sure where you stand?

A placement test scores each skill separately, because reading and speaking are rarely at the same level. Carna Test is the assessment platform from Carna, on its own site.

See how an English level test works, and what your result means.

EARLY ACCESS

Learning on your own?

Carna's personal tutor is still on its way, so there is no individual sign-up yet. Join the early-access list and we will write to you when it opens. Schools and teams run on Carna today.