Study and research in Germany
Home « Study and research in Germany « Learn German « How to learn German? « Common European Framework
Common European Framework of Reference
The Common European Framework of Reference, was compiled on the initiative of the Council of Europe with the aim of achieving greater uniformity and transparency in foreign language learning amongst the European member states. This serves to improve mobility within the member states, to make it easier to recognise each other´s language certificates, and to promote co-operation between educational establishments in the various countries.
The Common European Framework of Reference defines attainment levels for identifying language proficiency in the fields of communicative proficiency, active and receptive skills, and language proficiency for specific tasks. An overview shows the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference and their equivalents in German language examinations.
| A 1 | Elementary use of language (Breakthrough) 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. |
Europäisches Sprachenzertifikat Deutsch A 1 Fit in Deutsch 1 für Jugendliche Start Deutsch 1 |
| A 2 | Elementary use of language (Waystage) 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. |
Europäisches Sprachenzertifikat Deutsch A 2 Fit in Deutsch 2 für Jugendliche Start Deutsch 2 |
| B 1 | Independent use of language (Threshold) 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 and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. |
Europäisches Sprachenzertifikat Deutsch B 1 Zertifikat Deutsch Zertifikat Deutsch für Jugendliche |
| B 2 | Independent use of language (Vantage) Can understand the main ideas of complex text 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. |
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang Stufe 1 (DSH-1) Europäisches Sprachenzertifikat Deutsch B 2 Goethe-Zertifikat B 2 Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) – TDN 3 Zertifikat Deutsch für den Beruf |
| C 1 | Competent use of language (Effective Operational Proficiency) 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. |
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang Stufe 2 (DSH-2) Europäisches Sprachenzertifikat Deutsch C 1 Goethe-Zertifikat C 1 Prüfung Wirtschaftsdeutsch Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache (TestDaF) – TDN 4+5 Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP) |
| C 2 | Competent use of language (Mastery) 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 more complex situations. |
Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang Stufe 3 (DSH-3) Europäisches Sprachenzertifikat Deutsch C 2 Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS) Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP) |
Source of the Common Reference Levels: Council of Europe, Language Policy Division, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, www.coe.int
Further information
... including current essays and articles on the functioning of the Common European Framework of Reference may be found under:
© 2008 Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst e.V. (DAAD), Kennedyallee 50, D-53175 Bonn
Source: http://www.daad.de/deutschland/deutsch-lernen/wie-deutsch-lernen/00534.en.html
Date: 2008-12-04