CEFR A1 Level – Beginner

What is CEFR A1 Level?

The A1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) represents a Beginner level of proficiency. Learners at this stage can communicate in very simple and basic ways, using familiar words and expressions.

At A1, students can:
✅ Understand and use everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
✅ Introduce themselves and others.
✅ Ask and answer simple questions about personal details (e.g., where they live, what they do).
✅ Interact in a simple way, as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
✅ Read and write basic words and short sentences.

Skills Breakdown

1. Listening (Understanding Spoken Language)

✔ Can recognize basic words and phrases when spoken slowly and clearly.
✔ Can understand simple instructions (e.g., "Please sit down," "Turn right").
✔ Can catch the main idea of a short, clear conversation.

2. Speaking (Communicating Orally)

✔ Can introduce themselves and others.
✔ Can ask and answer basic personal questions (e.g., "What is your name?" "Where are you from?").
✔ Can make simple requests (e.g., "I want a coffee, please").
✔ Can use common expressions for daily interactions (e.g., "Excuse me," "Thank you").

3. Reading (Understanding Written Texts)

✔ Can read familiar words and very simple sentences.
✔ Can understand basic signs and notices (e.g., "Exit," "No smoking").
✔ Can read short, simple texts like a postcard or a basic email.

4. Writing (Producing Written Texts)

✔ Can write simple phrases and sentences about themselves (e.g., "My name is Anna. I am from Italy.").
✔ Can fill in basic forms (e.g., personal information in a registration form).
✔ Can write a short greeting or message (e.g., "Happy Birthday!").

Examples of A1 Level Abilities

• Conversation Example:
  A: "Hello! What is your name?"
  B: "My name is John."
  A: "Where are you from?"
  B: "I am from Canada."

• Writing Example:
  Hi Tom,
  How are you? I am in London now. The weather is good. See you soon!
  Best,
  Emma

• Listening Example:
  (At a café)
  "Hello! What would you like?"
  "A coffee, please."
  "Small or large?"
  "Small, please."

Who Should Learn A1 Level?

A1 is ideal for learners who:
🔹 Are just starting to learn a language.
🔹 Want to learn basic communication for travel or daily life.
🔹 Need a foundation before moving to A2 (Elementary).
🔹 Are preparing for beginner-level language exams (e.g., Cambridge A1 Movers, DELF A1).

How to Improve at A1 Level?

🔹 Listen to slow, clear speech (e.g., beginner-friendly podcasts, videos).
🔹 Practice basic greetings and questions in conversations.
🔹 Read simple texts like signs, menus, or children’s books.
🔹 Write short sentences about yourself.
🔹 Use language-learning apps to memorize common words and phrases.

A1 Level Exams & Certificates

Many international exams assess A1 proficiency, including:
📌 Cambridge A1 Movers / A1 Key (KET)
📌 DELF A1 (French)
📌 Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (German)
📌 DELE A1 (Spanish)

Passing an A1 exam shows that a learner has basic communication skills in the language.

Conclusion

The A1 level is the first step in language learning. At this stage, learners can understand and use basic phrases, introduce themselves, and interact in simple daily situations. With practice, they can progress to A2 (Elementary) for more fluency.