How CEFR Levels Actually Work for French (with Examples)

The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) splits language ability into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. Every French course, exam (DELF/DALF), and textbook uses it — but the labels are vague unless you've seen real text at each level.

This post gives you a working definition of each level for French, with example sentences you can use as anchors.

A1 — Beginner

You can introduce yourself, ask basic questions, and handle predictable everyday exchanges. Grammar is limited to the present tense and a few set phrases.

Je m'appelle Marie. J'habite à Lyon. J'aime le café.

If a text uses only present-tense verbs, common nouns, and short sentences, it's probably A1.

A2 — Elementary

You can describe your background, talk about the recent past (passé composé), and handle routine situations like shopping or asking directions.

Hier, j'ai mangé au restaurant avec mes amis. C'était sympa, mais le service était lent.

A2 introduces the imperfect (c'était) and connectors like mais, parce que, donc.

B1 — Intermediate

You can handle most situations while traveling, express opinions, and read straightforward articles. Future tense, conditional, and a basic subjunctive show up.

Si j'avais plus de temps, je voyagerais en France pour améliorer mon français.

B1 is where most learners plateau — the jump to B2 is the biggest in the whole framework.

B2 — Upper-intermediate

You can follow abstract discussion, argue a point, and read newspaper opinion pieces without a dictionary. Complex subjunctive, conditional, and nuanced connectors are normal.

Bien qu'il soit difficile de prédire l'avenir, il est probable que les énergies renouvelables joueront un rôle central.

B2 is the level required for university study in France and for many work contexts.

C1 — Advanced

You handle long, complex texts with implicit meaning. Idioms, register shifts, and the literary past (passé simple) all become accessible.

Il eût été préférable qu'elle s'abstînt de tout commentaire, eu égard aux circonstances.

If you see eût, fût, or -ît endings, you're firmly in C1+ literary territory.

C2 — Mastery

Effectively native. You catch puns, regionalisms, and stylistic choices. Very few learners (or texts) actually need C2 as a target.

How to use the levels

Don't try to be B2 — instead, find material slightly above your current level (the famous "i+1"). Paste any French text into the French Level Checker to see exactly which level it sits at and which words are pushing it up.