Language levels

What does it mean to know a language?

The CEFR framework turns “kind of fluent” into something precise and useful — six levels that describe exactly what you can hear, read, speak, and write. Here's everything you need to know.

A1A2B1B2C1C2

A universal yardstick

CEFR — the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages — is the global standard used by universities, employers, and language schools in 40+ countries to describe what a learner can actually do.

Six levels, three bands

The framework has two beginner levels (A), two intermediate levels (B), and two advanced levels (C). Each step roughly doubles the time and effort needed to progress.

Skills, not just grammar

CEFR judges four skills — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — separately. Langera is built around exactly these four areas so your real-world ability grows in step with your score.

The learning journey at a glance
A1
A2
B1
B2
C1
C2
Complete beginnerNative-equivalent
The six levels

From your first word to absolute fluency.

A1
Beginner
Your first words.
Introduce yourself and greet people
Say numbers, dates, and basic quantities
Order food and ask for directions
~30% of learners start here
Example at A1
“Mi chiamo Anna. Sono americana.”

My name is Anna. I'm American.

A2
Elementary
Everyday survival.
Describe your family, job, and daily routine
Handle simple transactions at shops or cafes
Exchange information about familiar topics
Most learners finish A2 in 3–6 months
Example at A2
“Di solito faccio colazione alle sette.”

I usually have breakfast at seven.

B1
Intermediate
Holding a real conversation.
Deal with most situations when travelling
Describe experiences, events, and ambitions
Explain and give brief reasons for plans
B1 is the most common "goal" level
Example at B1
“Ho vissuto a Milano per due anni e mi è piaciuto molto.”

I lived in Milan for two years and I really liked it.

B2
Upper-Intermediate
Fluency within reach.
Understand the main ideas of complex texts
Interact with native speakers without strain
Write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects
B2 is the threshold for working in Italian
Example at B2
“Nonostante la stanchezza, ho finito il progetto in tempo.”

Despite being tired, I finished the project on time.

C1
Advanced
Effortless expression.
Express ideas fluently and spontaneously
Use language flexibly for social and professional purposes
Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects
C1 qualifies you for Italian universities
Example at C1
“Pur riconoscendo i limiti della proposta, la trovo interessante.”

While acknowledging the proposal's limits, I find it interesting.

C2
Mastery
Indistinguishable from a native.
Understand virtually everything you hear or read
Summarize information from different sources coherently
Express yourself precisely in complex situations
Fewer than 1% of learners reach C2
Example at C2
“La sua argomentazione, sebbene sottile, risulta convincente.”

Their argument, though subtle, is convincing.

Time to level up

How long does each level take?

These are guided study hours — not calendar time. Ten focused minutes a day with Langera counts. Two hours staring at a textbook on Sunday, less so.

From
To
Study hours
Approx. time
Zero knowledge
A1
60–80 h
1–2
A1
A2
150–180 h
3–4
A2
B1
300–360 h
6–9
B1
B2
500–600 h
12–18
B2
C1
700–800 h
18–24
C1
C2
1,000+ h
3–5 years

Based on Council of Europe and FSI estimates for Italian (a Category I language for English speakers).

Not sure where you are?

Use these quick self-checks.

You don't need a formal test to find your level. Answer these three questions honestly:

Can you introduce yourself and ask basic questions in Italian?

No → Start at A1Yes → You're at least A2

Can you hold a short conversation about your daily life without major pauses?

No → Focus on A2–B1Yes → You're probably B1+

Can you watch an Italian TV show and understand the main plot?

No → Aim for B2 firstYes → You're already B2+
How Langera fits in

Built around the skills CEFR actually measures.

Every feature in Langera maps directly to one of the four CEFR competencies — so the progress you feel is the progress you'd show on a test.

CEFR: Reading

Vocabulary

1,000 core words in real phrases, with spaced-repetition scheduling.

CEFR: Listening

Listening

Native audio in podcasts and stories, graded to your level.

CEFR: Speaking

Speaking

Record and get instant word-by-word pronunciation feedback.

CEFR: Writing

Writing

Personalised phrase prompts you can adapt to your own context.

Start today

You already know where you want to be.
Langera gets you there.

Start free at your current level. Ten minutes a day across vocabulary, listening, and speaking — the three things that actually move your CEFR score.

Free to startAll 6 CEFR levelsItalian, with more languages coming