CEFR B1 Level – Intermediate

What is CEFR B1 Level?

The B1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) represents an Intermediate level of proficiency. Learners at this stage can communicate in everyday situations and express opinions on familiar topics. They can handle most daily conversations and write clear, simple texts.

At B1, students can:
✅ Understand the main points of clear speech and written texts on familiar topics (e.g., work, school, travel).
✅ Handle most situations when traveling to a country where the language is spoken.
✅ Describe experiences, dreams, and ambitions, and briefly give reasons for opinions.
✅ Write simple connected texts on topics of personal interest.

Skills Breakdown

1. Listening (Understanding Spoken Language)

✔ Can understand clear, standard speech on familiar topics (e.g., work, school, travel, hobbies).
✔ Can follow short narratives, news reports, and simple presentations.
✔ Can recognize the main ideas in spoken conversations.

2. Speaking (Communicating Orally)

✔ Can hold a conversation on familiar topics like hobbies, work, and daily life.
✔ Can describe experiences, plans, and opinions in a structured way.
✔ Can give simple reasons and explanations for ideas, dreams, or plans.
✔ Can handle most travel situations, such as asking for directions, ordering food, or booking a hotel.

3. Reading (Understanding Written Texts)

✔ Can understand texts related to work, school, and everyday life.
✔ Can find specific information in newspapers, instructions, and emails.
✔ Can understand the main points of simple articles and opinion pieces.

4. Writing (Producing Written Texts)

✔ Can write personal letters and emails, describing events and feelings.
✔ Can write a short story or report about familiar topics.
✔ Can give reasons and explanations for opinions in writing.
✔ Can fill out detailed forms and applications.

Examples of B1 Level Abilities

• Conversation Example:
  A: "What did you do last weekend?"
  B: "I went to the mountains with my friends. We hiked all day, and in the evening, we had a barbecue. It was great!"
  A: "That sounds fun! Do you like hiking?"
  B: "Yes, I love it because I enjoy nature and fresh air."

• Writing Example:
  Hi Alex,
  How are you? I just moved to a new city for work. My job is interesting, and I like my colleagues. The city is beautiful, but life here is expensive. What’s new with you?
  Best,
  Tom

• Listening Example:
  (At an airport announcement)
  "Passengers on Flight 202 to Madrid, please proceed to Gate 15. The flight is now boarding."

Who Should Learn B1 Level?

B1 is ideal for learners who:
🔹 Can communicate in simple situations but want to speak more fluently.
🔹 Want to work or study in a country where the language is spoken.
🔹 Need to pass language exams (e.g., Cambridge B1 Preliminary, DELF B1, Goethe-Zertifikat B1).
🔹 Are preparing for higher levels like B2 (Upper-Intermediate).

How to Improve at B1 Level?

🔹 Listen to conversations, interviews, and news in the target language.
🔹 Practice expressing opinions on different topics.
🔹 Read simple articles and blogs to build vocabulary.
🔹 Write daily journal entries or emails.
🔹 Watch movies with subtitles to improve comprehension.

B1 Level Exams & Certificates

Many international exams assess B1 proficiency, including:
📌 Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET)
📌 DELF B1 (French)
📌 Goethe-Zertifikat B1 (German)
📌 DELE B1 (Spanish)
📌 TOEIC Listening & Reading (550–785 score range)

Passing a B1 exam shows that a learner can communicate independently in daily life.

Conclusion

The B1 level is a major step toward fluency. At this stage, learners can express themselves clearly in everyday situations, understand main ideas in conversations and texts, and write simple, structured texts. With practice, they can progress to B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for more complex discussions and fluency.