Your roadmap
From A1 to C2, step by step
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) describes language ability across six levels, from A1 for complete beginners to C2 for near-native mastery. Here’s what each one means, and roughly how long it takes.
The big picture
Three stages, six levels
- A1 · A2
Basic user
- B1 · B2
Independent user
- C1 · C2
Proficient user
The journey
Your step-by-step roadmap
- A1
Beginner 90–100 guided hours
Introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and manage everyday phrases, greetings, polite small talk, ordering a coffee.
Your very first steps in German.
- A2
Elementary 180–200 guided hours
Talk about daily life, hold short everyday conversations, and share simple opinions about familiar topics.
You can get by in everyday German life.
- B1
Intermediate 350–400 guided hours
Handle most real-life situations, talk about experiences and plans, and follow the main points of clear speech.
You become an independent speaker.
- B2
Upper Intermediate 500–600 guided hours
Speak fluently and spontaneously with native speakers, follow lectures and media, and argue your point of view.
Often required for university study in Germany.
- C1
Advanced 700–800 guided hours
Use German flexibly for study, work, and social life, follow fast speech and express yourself precisely.
German becomes a tool you wield with confidence.
- C2
Mastery 1000+ guided hours
Understand virtually everything with ease and express yourself with near-native precision and elegance.
Near-native command of the language.
At a glance
What you can do at each level
| Level | Stage | What you can do | Guided hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Beginner | Basic user | Introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and manage everyday phrases, greetings, polite small talk, ordering a coffee. | 90–100 |
| A2 Elementary | Basic user | Talk about daily life, hold short everyday conversations, and share simple opinions about familiar topics. | 180–200 |
| B1 Intermediate | Independent user | Handle most real-life situations, talk about experiences and plans, and follow the main points of clear speech. | 350–400 |
| B2 Upper Intermediate | Independent user | Speak fluently and spontaneously with native speakers, follow lectures and media, and argue your point of view. | 500–600 |
| C1 Advanced | Proficient user | Use German flexibly for study, work, and social life, follow fast speech and express yourself precisely. | 700–800 |
| C2 Mastery | Proficient user | Understand virtually everything with ease and express yourself with near-native precision and elegance. | 1000+ |
How long will it take?
It depends on you, honestly
These hours are honest estimates of typical guided learning time to reach each level. Your pace depends on how many languages you already speak, how intensively you study, and how much you practise between lessons.
Standard pace
[TBC, depends on the class format and weekly hours you choose.]
Intensive pace
[TBC, set once intensive schedules are confirmed.]
Want an estimate for your situation? Tell us your goal and how much time you can give it, we’ll map out a realistic plan.
Find your starting point
Not sure which level you’re at? Say Hallo for a friendly placement chat and a plan to reach your goal.
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