Short description of the levels of the European Framework of Reference for Languages
All language courses offered by the Foundation Language Courses German
School The Hague refer to the European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Basic
speaker
A1
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and
very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can
introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal
details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has.
Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly
and is prepared to help.
A2
Can
understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most
immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping,
local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks
requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine
matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate
environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Independent
speaker
B1
Can understand the main points of clear standard input
on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can
deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the
language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are
familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams,
hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and
plans.
B2
Can understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and
abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of
specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes
regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for
either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and
explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages
of various options.
Proficient
Speaker
C1
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts,
and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and
spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language
flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can
produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing
controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise
information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments
and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously,
very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the
most complex situations.
Please
note that the Foundation Language Courses German School The Hague offers
a fast-track beginner course (A1.1 and A1.2 combined) in spring 2011 that leads
in 18 teaching units of 3 x 45 min each to language level A2. In order to
successfully complete this course, course participants are required to
thoroughly prepare and revise for the lessons.
All other language courses
are subdivided in levels 1.1 and 1.2 leading in two semesters with 12 course
units each to the following language level.
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