A1 Beginner

This skill relates to the comprehension of audio-visual media, understanding not only spoken content but also visual cues and context provided by the medium to decode the message.

At level A1 this means:

Can recognise familiar words/signs and phrases and identify the topics in headline news summaries and many of the products in advertisements, by exploiting visual information and general knowledge.

Associated Concepts

This is a general ability to understand written texts, encompassing various types and purposes of reading. It serves as the foundation for processing written information in different forms and contexts.

At level A1 this means:

Can understand very short, simple texts a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words and basic phrases and rereading as required.

Associated Concepts

This involves recognizing implicit hints or signals in spoken or written language and deducing meanings or conclusions based on them. It's a critical skill for understanding subtleties and reading between the lines.

At level A1 this means:

Can deduce the meaning of an unknown word/sign for a concrete action or object, provided the surrounding text is very simple, and on a familiar everyday subject.

Can guess the probable meaning of an unknown word/sign that is similar to one in the language they normally use.

Associated Concepts

This competency pertains to grasping the content of discussions between others, often without being an active participant. It involves processing dialogue, contextual cues, and underlying dynamics.

At level A1 this means:

Can understand some expressions when people are discussing them, family, school, hobbies or surroundings, provided the delivery is slow and clear.

Can understand words/signs and short sentences in a simple conversation (e.g. between a customer and a salesperson in a shop), provided people communicate very slowly and very clearly.

Associated Concepts

This skill is centered on understanding written communications such as letters, emails, or messages. It requires the ability to grasp both the explicit content and the intended tone or sentiment of the correspondence.

At level A1 this means:

Can understand short, simple messages on postcards.

Can understand short, simple messages sent via social media or e-mail (e.g. proposing what to do, when and where to meet).

Associated Concepts

This involves comprehending spoken content in settings like lectures, presentations, or performances. As part of an audience, one needs to process information while considering group dynamics and atmosphere.

At level A1 this means:

Can understand in outline very simple information being explained in a predictable situation like a guided tour, provided the delivery is very slow and clear and that there are long pauses from time to time.

Associated Concepts

This pertains to reading with the purpose of familiarizing oneself with new information or environments. It can involve skimming and scanning texts like maps, directories, or brochures for specific details.

At level A1 this means:

Can recognise familiar names, words/signs and very basic phrases on simple notices in the most common everyday situations.

Can understand store guides (information on which floors departments are on) and directions (e.g. where to find lifts).

Can understand basic hotel information (e.g. times when meals are served).

Can find and understand simple, important information in advertisements, programmes for special events, leaflets and brochures (e.g. what is proposed, costs, the date and place of the event, departure times).

Associated Concepts

This competency revolves around processing and following spoken directives, such as public announcements or guidelines. It requires attention to detail and the ability to translate auditory content into actionable steps.

At level A1 this means:

Can understand instructions addressed carefully and slowly to them and follow short, simple directions.

Can understand when someone tells them slowly and clearly where something is, provided the object is in the immediate environment.

Can understand figures, prices and times given slowly and clearly in an announcement by loudspeaker, e.g. at a railway station or in a shop.

Associated Concepts

This skill focuses on in-depth reading to extract facts, insights, and logical reasoning from texts. It often involves engaging with more complex content, such as academic articles, reports, or opinion pieces.

At level A1 this means:

Can get an idea of the content of simpler informational material and short, simple descriptions, especially if there is visual support.

Can understand short texts on subjects of personal interest (e.g. news flashes about sports, music, travel or stories) composed in very simple language and supported by illustrations and pictures.

Associated Concepts

This relates to comprehending content delivered through auditory channels without the benefit of visual context, like in audio books or podcasts. It demands focused listening and the ability to interpret content based solely on auditory cues.

At level A1 this means:

Can pick out concrete information (e.g. places and times) from short recordings on familiar everyday topics, provided they are delivered very slowly and clearly.

Associated Concepts

This competency is about understanding written directives aimed at guiding actions or processes. It's essential for tasks like assembling a product, following a recipe, or completing a form.

At level A1 this means:

Can follow short, simple directions (e.g. to go from X to Y).

Associated Concepts

This refers to reading for pleasure or relaxation, often involving narratives like novels, magazines, or comics. The focus here is on enjoyment and engagement, rather than critical analysis or information extraction.

At level A1 this means:

Can understand short, illustrated narratives about everyday activities described in simple words.

Can understand in outline short texts in illustrated stories, provided the images help them to guess at a lot of the content.

Associated Concepts

This competency focuses on one's ability to articulate thoughts, ideas, and information verbally. It encompasses a variety of speaking situations, from casual conversation to more formal discourse.

At level A1 this means:

Can produce simple, mainly isolated phrases about people and places.

Associated Concepts

This skill is about the ability to effectively communicate ideas and information through written mediums. It spans various forms of writing, from short messages to comprehensive documents.

At level A1 this means:

Can give information about matters of personal relevance (e.g. likes and dislikes, family, pets) using simple words/signs and basic expressions.

Can produce simple isolated phrases and sentences.

Associated Concepts

This refers to an extended spoken discourse where an individual shares personal experiences or recounts events without interruption.

At level A1 this means:

Can describe themselves, what they do and where they live.

Can describe simple aspects of their everyday life in a series of simple sentences, using simple words/signs and basic phrases, provided they can prepare in advance.

Associated Concepts

This skill focuses on producing original written content, often involving imaginative storytelling, poetry, or other forms of artistic expression.

At level A1 this means:

Can produce simple phrases and sentences about themselves and imaginary people, where they live and what they do.

Can describe in very simple language what a room looks like.

Can use simple words/signs and phrases to describe certain everyday objects (e.g. the colour of a car, whether it is big or small).

Associated Concepts

This competency pertains to adjusting one's communication approach when faced with gaps in vocabulary or grammar knowledge. It's about finding alternative ways to express a thought or idea when the exact words or structures are not readily accessible.

At level A1 this means:

Can use gestures to support simple words/signs in expressing a need.

Associated Concepts

This involves a continuous spoken discourse centered on imparting specific information or details on a subject without interruption.

At level A1 this means:

Can name an object and indicate its shape and colour while showing it to others using basic words/signs, phrases and formulaic expressions, provided they can prepare in advance.

Associated Concepts

This competency focuses on speaking to groups, whether small or large, ensuring the content is engaging, relevant, and adapted to the audience's needs and context.

At level A1 this means:

Can use a very short prepared text to deliver a rehearsed statement (e.g. to formally introduce someone, to propose a toast).

Associated Concepts

This competency revolves around engaging in spoken dialogues, ensuring mutual understanding and effective exchange of ideas across various contexts.

At level A1 this means:

Can interact in a simple way but communication is totally dependent on repetition at a slower rate, rephrasing and repair. Can ask and answer simple questions, initiate and respond to simple statements in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.

Associated Concepts

This skill involves comprehending the spoken words, sentiments, and intentions of a conversation partner, ensuring effective and empathetic communication.

At level A1 this means:

Can understand everyday expressions aimed at the satisfaction of simple needs of a concrete type, delivered directly to them clearly and slowly, with repetition, by a sympathetic interlocutor.

Can understand questions and instructions addressed carefully and slowly to them and follow short, simple directions.

Associated Concepts

This competency pertains to participating in casual spoken exchanges, demonstrating fluency, coherence, and adaptability based on the context and participants.

At level A1 this means:

Can understand everyday expressions aimed at the satisfaction of simple needs of a concrete type, delivered directly to them in clear, slow and repeated language by a sympathetic interlocutor.

Can take part in a simple conversation of a basic factual nature on a predictable topic (e.g. their home country, family, school).

Can make an introduction and use basic greeting and leave-taking expressions.

Can ask how people are and react to news.

Associated Concepts

This skill refers to engaging in relaxed, non-structured dialogues where participants share opinions, ideas, and experiences without a rigid agenda.

At level A1 this means:

Can exchange likes and dislikes for sports, foods, etc., using a limited repertoire of expressions, when addressed clearly, slowly and directly.

Associated Concepts

This skill revolves around collaborating with others to achieve a specific purpose or outcome through oral communication, ensuring mutual understanding and shared responsibility.

At level A1 this means:

Can understand questions and instructions addressed carefully and slowly to them and follow short, simple directions.

Can act on basic instructions that involve times, locations, numbers, etc.

Can ask people for things, and give people things.

Associated Concepts

This competency concerns communicating effectively to procure products or services, demonstrating clarity, politeness, and negotiation skills when required.

At level A1 this means:

Can ask people for things and give people things.

Can ask for food and drink using basic expressions.

Can handle numbers, quantities, cost and time.

Associated Concepts

This skill involves sharing and receiving data or knowledge, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and relevance in both oral and written contexts.

At level A1 this means:

Can understand questions and instructions addressed carefully and slowly to them and follow short, simple directions.

Can ask and answer simple questions, initiate and respond to simple statements in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.

Can ask and answer questions about themselves and other people, where they live, people they know, things they have.

Can indicate time by lexicalised phrases like “next week”, “last Friday”, “in November”, “3 o’clock”.

Can express numbers, quantities and cost in a limited way.

Can name the colour of clothes or other familiar objects and can ask the colour of such objects.

Associated Concepts

This competency pertains to both conducting interviews and responding as an interviewee, demonstrating effective questioning, listening, and answering techniques.

At level A1 this means:

Can reply in an interview to simple direct questions, put very slowly and clearly in direct, non-idiomatic language, about personal details.

Can state in simple language the nature of a problem to a health professional and answer simple questions such as “Does that hurt?” even though they have to rely on gestures and body language to reinforce the message.

Associated Concepts

This competency centers on engaging in written exchanges, ensuring mutual comprehension and effective sharing of ideas across diverse platforms.

At level A1 this means:

Can ask for or pass on personal details.

Associated Concepts

This skill involves writing letters, emails, or other direct written communications, ensuring clarity, appropriateness, and adherence to conventions.

At level A1 this means:

Can compose messages and online postings as a series of very short sentences about hobbies and likes/ dislikes, using simple words and formulaic expressions, with reference to a dictionary.

Can compose a short, simple postcard.

Can compose a short, very simple message (e.g. a text message) to friends to give them a piece of information or to ask them a question.

Associated Concepts

This competency refers to composing brief written communications or filling out informational forms, ensuring accuracy, brevity, and relevance.

At level A1 this means:

Can fill in numbers and dates, own name, nationality, address, age, date of birth or arrival in the country, etc., e.g. on a hotel registration form.

Can leave a simple message giving information regarding for instance where they have gone, or what time they will be back (e.g. “Shopping: back at 5 p.m.”).

Associated Concepts

This skill revolves around participating in digital interactions, such as chats or forums, ensuring effective exchange, netiquette, and adaptability based on the platform.

At level A1 this means:

Can formulate very simple messages and personal online postings as a series of very short sentences about hobbies, likes/dislikes, etc., relying on the aid of a translation tool.

Can use formulaic expressions and combinations of simple words/signs to post short positive and negative reactions to simple online postings and their embedded links and media, and can respond to further comments with standard expressions of thanks and apology.

Associated Concepts

This competency pertains to working with others in a digital environment towards a shared objective, ensuring mutual understanding, and effective online communication.

At level A1 this means:

Can complete a very simple online purchase or application, providing basic personal information (e.g. name, e-mail or telephone number).

Associated Concepts

This skill involves seeking further information or verification when something is unclear in a conversation or written communication, ensuring full comprehension.

At level A1 this means:

Can indicate with simple words/signs, intonation and gestures that they do not understand.

Can express in a simple way that they do not understand.

Associated Concepts

This competency involves conveying precise details clearly and accurately, ensuring that the intended audience understands the exact data points.

At level A1 this means:

Can relay (in Language B) simple, predictable information about times and places given in short, simple statements (delivered in Language A).

Can list (in Language B) names, numbers, prices and very simple information of immediate interest in oral texts (in Language A), provided the articulation is very slow and clear, with repetition.

Associated Concepts

This skill refers to reading and understanding written content, extracting essential information, and discerning its significance.

At level A1 this means:

Can convey (in Language B) simple, predictable information given in short, very simple signs and notices, posters and programmes (in Language A).

Can, with the help of a dictionary, convey (in Language B) the meaning of simple phrases (in Language A) on familiar and everyday themes.

Can copy out single words and short texts presented in standard printed format.

Associated Concepts

This competency concerns converting text from one language to another while retaining the original message's essence, tone, and intent.

At level A1 this means:

Can provide a simple, rough oral translation (into Language B) of simple everyday words/signs and phrases (written in Language A) that are encountered on signs and notices, posters, programmes, leaflets, etc.

Can, with the help of a dictionary, translate simple words/signs and phrases (from Language A into Language B), but may not always select the appropriate meaning.

Associated Concepts

This competency involves articulating one's interpretations, feelings, and thoughts about artistic or imaginative writings.

At level A1 this means:

Can use simple words/signs to state how a work made them feel.

Associated Concepts

This competency concerns leading and managing group discussions, ensuring all members contribute, understand, and work harmoniously.

At level A1 this means:

Can invite others’ contributions to very simple tasks using short, simple phrases prepared in advance. Can indicate that they understand and ask whether others understand.

Associated Concepts

This skill involves working together with others to interpret, create, or convey shared understandings, pooling collective insights.

At level A1 this means:

Can express an idea and ask what others think, using very simple words/signs and phrases, provided they can prepare in advance.

Associated Concepts

This skill refers to promoting deeper, more abstract discussions, stimulating participants to think critically and share innovative ideas.

At level A1 this means:

Can use simple isolated words/signs and non-verbal signals to show interest in an idea.

Associated Concepts

This competency pertains to creating an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds can share and learn from one another.

At level A1 this means:

Can facilitate an intercultural exchange by showing a welcoming attitude and interest with simple words/ signs and non-verbal signals, by inviting others to contribute, and by indicating whether they understand when addressed directly.

Associated Concepts

This skill involves mediating between parties, bridging communication gaps, and resolving misunderstandings to ensure harmonious interactions.

At level A1 this means:

Can communicate (in Language B) other people’s personal details and very simple, predictable information (in Language A), provided other people help with formulation.

Associated Concepts

This competency revolves around tactfully handling sensitive topics or conflicts, guiding participants towards understanding and resolution.

At level A1 this means:

Can recognise when people disagree or when someone has a problem and can use memorised, simple expressions (e.g. “I understand” or “Are you okay?”) to indicate sympathy.

Associated Concepts

This skill pertains to one's ability to use a broad spectrum of linguistic structures and expressions in various contexts, showcasing language proficiency.

At level A1 this means:

Has a very basic range of simple expressions about personal details and needs of a concrete type.

Can use some basic structures in one-clause sentences with some omission or reduction of elements.

Associated Concepts

This competency focuses on the extent of words and phrases an individual knows and can use effectively in diverse situations.

At level A1 this means:

Has a basic vocabulary repertoire of words/signs and phrases related to particular concrete situations.

Associated Concepts

This skill revolves around the correct and consistent use of grammatical structures in speech or writing, ensuring clarity and proper language form.

At level A1 this means:

Shows only limited control of a few simple grammatical structures and sentence patterns in a learnt repertoire.

Associated Concepts

This skill involves the ability to produce sounds, stress patterns, intonations, and rhythms of a language accurately and naturally.

At level A1 this means:

Pronunciation of a very limited repertoire of learnt words and phrases can be understood with some effort by interlocutors used to dealing with speakers of the language group. Can reproduce correctly a limited range of sounds as well as stress for simple, familiar words and phrases.

Associated Concepts

This competency concerns the correct and consistent use of spelling and punctuation, ensuring written clarity and following standard language norms.

At level A1 this means:

Can copy familiar words and short phrases, e.g. simple signs or instructions, names of everyday objects, names of shops, and set phrases used regularly.

Can spell their address, nationality and other personal details.

Can use basic punctuation (e.g. full stops, question marks).

Associated Concepts

This skill revolves around understanding and applying the social rules of language use, ensuring one's expressions align with the cultural and societal norms of the audience.

At level A1 this means:

Can establish basic social contact by using the simplest everyday polite forms of: greetings and farewells; introductions; saying please, thank you, sorry, etc. Pre-A1

Associated Concepts

This competency focuses on organizing ideas logically and connecting them with appropriate linguistic tools, ensuring the content flows smoothly and is easy to follow.

At level A1 this means:

Can link words/signs or groups of words/signs with very basic linear connectors (e.g. “and” or “then”).

Associated Concepts

This skill concerns conveying ideas with exactness, ensuring the message is clear, concise, and free from ambiguity.

At level A1 this means:

Can communicate basic information about personal details and needs of a concrete type in a simple way.

Associated Concepts

This skill refers to the ease and flow of speech or writing, ensuring the message is conveyed smoothly and without undue hesitation or disruption.

At level A1 this means:

Can manage very short, isolated, mainly pre-packaged utterances, with much pausing to search for expressions, to articulate less familiar words/signs, and to repair communication.

Associated Concepts