German — Exams & Certification

CEFR (A1–C2)

The six-level European scale (A1 to C2) every German and French course and exam is built around.

CEFR — the Common European Framework of Reference — is the ruler used to measure language ability across German and French. It runs A1 and A2 (basic), B1 and B2 (independent), then C1 and C2 (mastery). Goethe, telc, DELF and most visa rules all quote a CEFR level rather than a vague label like 'fluent'.

Honestly: most goals need a specific level, not just 'some German'. A1 is enough for a family-reunion visa; B1 is the floor for Ausbildung; B2 is what most German employers and hospitals actually want. Knowing the exact level your goal needs is the difference between passing once and paying for the same exam twice.

What level / visa it maps to

A1 = survival · A2 = everyday basics · B1 = independence (Ausbildung, PR) · B2 = work-ready · C1–C2 = academic / professional mastery.

We'll be straight with you about the level and timeline your goal actually needs — then get you there.

Related terms

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