The German Language Levels

The German Language Levels

Are you studying German and you’re wondering how long it will take to master each level of the German language?

Whenever you come across a discussion about learning German online, you usually see people mentioning German language levels and referring to them with letters and numbers (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2). 

In this guide, I will walk you through each of the German language levels, explain how long you might need to reach them, provide resources to help you get there, and describe how proficient in German you’ll be once you’re there. 

CEFR Levels

Every letter and number combo is a CEFR level. And your CEFR level decides how well you speak German. CEFR is short for the “Common European Reference Framework”, which is a system used in Europe to make language learning and assessment easier. 

If you’re wondering how long learning German will take you, understanding the CEFR levels is crucial. And knowing your current CEFR level is the first step to figuring out how much resources and time you will need to snag that job opportunity with a certain CEFR level as a requirement. 

So let’s start with the basic question:

How many German language levels are there?

The German language has 6 CEFR levels – starting with A1 (absolute beginner), and ending with C2 (completely fluent). And in this table you will see each level explained in detail.

The A Levels: Beginners

Level Description Courses & Resources
A1
  • At this level you will be able to
    use everyday expressions and form simple sentences that are
    related to everyday life (like asking for water).
  • You will also be able to introduce yourself, state where you
    come from and ask other people for similar information.
  • You can comprehend what other people are saying at this
    level as long as they speak slowly and use simple words.
A1-B1 Beginners Bundle

*Free*
German Articles Course

A2
  • At the A2 level you begin
    understanding frequently used expressions that are related
    to a wider variety of topics as long as they are of
    immediate importance (like work, the environment around you
    and shopping).
  •  

  • Communicating in routine
    situations and exchanging familiar information will also be
    easier at this level.
  •  

  • A2 German speakers can
    describe their origin, education and other common attributes
    about their person or their past.

 

A1-B1 Beginners Bundle

*Free*
German Articles Course

A Levels: Recap

  • These first two German language levels are very elementary, and they’re the bare minimum needed for communication.
  • Reaching the A1 level (from a point of no previous knowledge of a particular language) has been estimated to take between 60 – 80 hours of instruction by both Deutsche Welle and Alliance Française.
  • While there are many different ways to start learning German, I’ve found that the most effective way is through online courses with a community. Smarter German offers exactly that with the A1 Beginner’s German and A2 Elementary German Courses.

The B Levels: Conversational

Level Description Courses & Resources
B1
  • B1 German speakers have no problem
    understanding the main points of a conversation when
    clear
    standard German is used, especially when the topic
    is
    something familiar like school or work.
  • If you
    reach this level, you can rest assured that you can
    handle
    most of the travel situations you will face if you
    go to
    Germany.
  •  

  • At B1, you will be
    able to talk
    about your interests and areas of expertise.
  • B1
    speakers can talk about the past, describe their day
    and
    their dreams, make plans and explain familiar
    topics.
B1
Exam Preparation

A1-B1
Beginners Bundle

B2
  • At this level, you will start
    understanding the main ideas in complex texts
    involving both
    abstract and concrete topics.
  •  

  • If you are a
    specialist in a certain area, at B2 you will
    have the
    ability to easily discuss topics within your
    speciality.
  • B2 speakers can carry fluent conversations with
    native
    speakers with neither side having to speak
    slowly or use
    simple words.
  • If you reach B2,
    you will be able to
    express yourself in detail and with a wide range
    of
    expressions, give your opinions on things and
    discuss the
    advantages and disadvantages of different
    options.
B2 Upper-Intermediate
German

B Levels: Recap

  • The B levels in the German language is when you really start to use the language independently, requiring little to no help in keeping the conversation going.
  • The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) suggests that you need about 750 hours to get to the B2 level.
  • Don’t let that number scare you, because Smarter German has made reaching these levels easier than ever with two powerful courses:
    • The first one is designed to get you there as fast as possible by focusing on the B1 German exam (B1 Exam Preparation)
    • The second one will help you elevate your German speaking abilities to the next level with maximum effectiveness (B2 Upper-Intermediate German)

The C Levels: Fluency

Level  Description Courses & Resources
C1
  • At this point, you will be
    able to understand a wide range of texts with demanding
    concepts and implied meanings.
  • C1 speakers
    almost never need to search for a simple word to express
    their ideas.
  • At C1, you will be able to use
    German effectively in your social, academic and
    professional life. You will also be able to express your
    thoughts eloquently and use different ways to link ideas
    together appropriately.
C1 Advanced German
C2
  • The last of the German
    language levels means that you can understand basically
    anything you read or hear.
  • You will have the
    ability to summarize long texts and condense complex
    ideas in order to explain them to other people.
  • C2 speakers express their thoughts in a very precise and
    nuanced manner no matter how complex these thoughts may
    be.

C Levels: Recap

  • The C levels are as competent as you can get in German. And it’s difficult to say how long you’re gonna need to get there, since it depends on how often you use the language. The Goethe Institut says you need to have studied German for at least 750 hours to get to this point. But realistically, it might take you up to 3 years to reach the C2 level.
  • You shouldn’t feel discouraged if you feel like the C2 level is out of your reach, since even native Germans struggle with reaching this level. But with frequent and correct learning and practice, you will definitely arrive at your German speaking goals.
  • Smarter German offers you the C1 Advanced German Course that will make reaching the C1 level infinitely easier.

How do I know which level I’m at?

You might have this question on your mind if you’re already learning German. The above table can give a rough idea of where you fit among the 6 German language levels, but the most accurate way to assess your level is by taking an exam. 

The TestDaF (Test Deutsch auf Fremdsprache) corresponds loosely to the CERF levels of B2 and C1, as the test is meant to tell whether a student has the German language skills needed for academic study in Germany, and so it is not suited for beginners. Meanwhile, the Goethe-Institut has adapted their certificates and levels to match the CERF levels. 

With all the different levels and assessments involved, German has a bad reputation for being difficult. Many people are too scared of taking the first step. But with my Everyday German Course, you will rediscover the joy and happiness of learning a new language. 

If you have any questions on any of the German language levels, let me know in the comments below.