{"id":7473,"date":"2022-11-07T14:30:30","date_gmt":"2022-11-07T14:30:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.applelanguages.com\/blog\/?p=7473"},"modified":"2023-03-02T14:41:00","modified_gmt":"2023-03-02T14:41:00","slug":"language-levels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.applelanguages.com\/blog\/information\/language-levels.php","title":{"rendered":"Language Levels"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"All our schools offer classes at a range of language levels, most according to the Common European Framework of Reference <\/strong>for languages (CEFR<\/a>)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The CEFR framework below outlines the following categories or levels of language users.<\/p>\n

Whether you have zero experience learning the language of your choice, you know a bit, or you\u2019re already a pro, we\u2019ve got the course for you!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A0<\/strong>: Absolute beginner: Has no experience of learning the language in any capacity.<\/p>\n

A: Basic user. Has some knowledge but struggles to hold a conversation or recognise more complex vocabulary. This section is split into A1<\/strong> \u2013 Breakthrough (false beginner) and A2<\/strong> \u2013 Waystage (elementary).<\/p>\n

B: Independent user. Can hold relatively complex conversations and is familiar with more complex vocabulary. This section is split into B1<\/strong> \u2013 Threshold (low intermediate) and B2<\/strong> \u2013 Vantage (upper intermediate).<\/p>\n

C: Proficient user. Is fluent, or very nearly fluent. This section is split into C1<\/strong> \u2013 Effective Operation Proficiency (advanced) and C2<\/strong> \u2013 Mastery (fluent).<\/p>\n

This table goes into more detail about the specific skills required for each level over all the core language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing):<\/p>\n

\"Level<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not sure what your starting level is, don\u2019t worry. Whatever programme you select at whichever of our schools, you\u2019ll be assessed prior to beginning your course. This allows the staff at the school to get a good gauge of your starting ability level so they can place you in a group with other students of a similar level. This methodology means all students learn at an appropriate pace \u2013 no one is left behind or stuck feeling bored!<\/p>\n

In most of our schools, complete beginners (A0) need to start their course on a specific beginners\u2019 date, while anyone with at least A1 experience can begin their course on any Monday*. Some schools accept all levels on Mondays, and some schools require A1 students (\u2018false beginners\u2019) to start on set dates, too. You should be sure to book your course for the right date! If you\u2019re unsure about this, contact us<\/a> right away and we\u2019ll be happy to help.<\/p>\n

*Not applicable to specialist courses, which are often scheduled to start on set dates.<\/p>\n

Language levels and progression<\/h3>\n

The length of time required to complete one level ranges depending on the language you\u2019re studying. To a large extent, it also depends on what your mother tongue is. For example, a Dutch national wouldn\u2019t need as long to study German as their French, Spanish, or Chinese counterparts, since the two languages are closely related. That same Dutch national would, however, likely need longer to progress in Japanese than the Chinese counterpart, because Mandarin and Japanese share similar writing systems.<\/p>\n

There is, however, a general estimate of hours needed for the average student to progress through their language tuition by one level. This information is based on data from our schools for students studying 20 hours per week in an immersive group environment. The specific duration you require for your language course may vary.<\/p>\n

Please find below the average estimate for the number of weeks it takes to progress by one level per language.<\/p>\n

Arabic language levels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
Level<\/td>\nA0 – A1<\/td>\nA1 – A2<\/td>\nA2 – B1<\/td>\nB1 – B2<\/td>\nB2 – C1<\/td>\nC1 – C2<\/td>\nTotal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weeks<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Arabic<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Chinese language levels<\/h4>\n

Note: Chinese proficiency is measured across HSK<\/a> levels 1 – 6. We have used the CEFR below as a guide only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Level<\/td>\nA0 – A1<\/td>\nA1 – A2<\/td>\nA2 – B1<\/td>\nB1 – B2<\/td>\nB2 – C1<\/td>\nC1 – C2<\/td>\nTotal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weeks<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Chinese<\/p>\n

\n

English language levels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
Level<\/td>\nA0 – A1<\/td>\nA1 – A2<\/td>\nA2 – B1<\/td>\nB1 – B2<\/td>\nB2 – C1<\/td>\nC1 – C2<\/td>\nTotal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weeks<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n16<\/td>\n13<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n66<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"English<\/p>\n

English language assessment grid<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

French language levels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
Level<\/td>\nA0 \u2013 A1<\/td>\nA1 \u2013 A2<\/td>\nA2 \u2013 B1<\/td>\nB1 \u2013 B2<\/td>\nB2 \u2013 C1<\/td>\nC1 \u2013 C2<\/td>\nTotal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weeks<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n57<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"French<\/strong><\/p>\n

French language assessment grid<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

German language levels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
Level<\/td>\nA0 – A1<\/td>\nA1 – A2<\/td>\nA2 – B1<\/td>\nB1 – B2<\/td>\nB2 – C1<\/td>\nC1 – C2<\/td>\nTotal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weeks<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n48<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"German<\/p>\n

German language assessment grid<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Greek language levels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
Level<\/td>\nA0 – A1<\/td>\nA1 – A2<\/td>\nA2 – B1<\/td>\nB1 – B2<\/td>\nB2 – C1<\/td>\nC1 – C2<\/td>\nTotal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weeks<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Greek<\/p>\n

Greek language assessment grid<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Italian language levels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
Level<\/td>\nA0 \u2013 A1<\/td>\nA1 \u2013 A2<\/td>\nA2 \u2013 B1<\/td>\nB1 \u2013 B2<\/td>\nB2 \u2013 C1<\/td>\nC1 \u2013 C2<\/td>\nTotal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weeks<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Italian<\/p>\n

Italian language assessment grid<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Japanese language levels<\/h4>\n

Note: Japanese proficiency is measured across levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. We have used the CEFR below as a guide only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Level<\/td>\nA0 – A1<\/td>\nA1 – A2<\/td>\nA2 – B1<\/td>\nB1 – B2<\/td>\nB2 – C1<\/td>\nC1 – C2<\/td>\nTotal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weeks<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n23<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n82<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Japanese<\/p>\n

\n

Polish language levels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
Level<\/td>\nA0 – A1<\/td>\nA1 – A2<\/td>\nA2 – B1<\/td>\nB1 – B2<\/td>\nB2 – C1<\/td>\nC1 – C2<\/td>\nTotal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weeks<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n12<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n38<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Polish<\/p>\n

Polish language assessment grid<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Portuguese language levels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
Level<\/td>\nA0 – A1<\/td>\nA1 – A2<\/td>\nA2 – B1<\/td>\nB1 – B2<\/td>\nB2 – C1<\/td>\nC1 – C2<\/td>\nTotal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weeks<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n8<\/td>\n36<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Portuguese<\/p>\n

Portuguese language assessment grid<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Russian language levels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
Level<\/td>\nA0 – A1<\/td>\nA1 – A2<\/td>\nA2 – B1<\/td>\nB1 – B2<\/td>\nB2 – C1<\/td>\nC1 – C2<\/td>\nTotal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weeks<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n17<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n17<\/td>\n75<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Russian<\/p>\n

Russian language assessment grid<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Spanish language levels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n
Level<\/td>\nA0 – A1<\/td>\nA1 – A2<\/td>\nA2 – B1<\/td>\nB1 – B2<\/td>\nB2 – C1<\/td>\nC1 – C2<\/td>\nTotal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weeks<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n9<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n45<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"Spanish<\/p>\n

Spanish language assessment grid<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

REMEMBER: there are various factors affecting your progression. These include practical things like how much time you can dedicate to extra-curricular study and how much exposure and practice you get outside the classroom, as well as more abstract things like how you learn and whether you are naturally disposed to language learning.<\/p>\n

Things you can do to increase your rate of progression:<\/h4>\n