C2
C1+
C1
B2+
B2
B1+
B1
A2+
A2
A1+
A1
- I can understand any kind of text including those written in a very colloquial style and containing many idiomatic expressions or slang.
- I can scan quickly through complex tests from a variety of genres, including unfamiliar ones; I can read several texts in parallel to integrate information from them.
- I can understand texts (for example newspaper columns and satirical glosses) in which much is said in an indirect and ambiguous way and which contain hidden value judgements.
- I can understand complex reports, manuals and contracts, including finer shades of meaning and differentiation, plus issues that are implied rather than stated.
- I can understand and interpret critically classical as well as contemporary literary texts in different genres. [New]
- I can easily understand any formal correspondence, including on specialized or legal matters.
C1+
- I can understand in detail lengthy, complex texts, whether or not they relate to my area of speciality.
- I can scan quickly through a variety of sources both within and outside my field and assess their relevance to my needs.
- I can understand complex reports, analyses and commentaries in which opinions, viewpoints and connections are discussed, recognizing contradictions, inconsistencies, or illogical arguments.
- I can understand complex manuals, regulations and contracts even within unfamiliar fields if I can reread difficult sections.
- I can appreciate shifts of tone and style in contemporary literary texts and recognise their significance.
- I can understand any formal or informal correspondence.
C1
- I can understand in detail a wide range of lengthy, complex texts likely to be encountered in social, professional or academic life, though I may want time to reread them.
- I can scan relatively quickly through books and articles within my field of interests and assess their relevance to my needs.
- I can understand complex texts where stated opinions and implied points of view are discussed.
- I can understand lengthy, complex manuals, instructions, regulations and contracts in my field.
- I can read extensively, for example enjoying novels without consulting a dictionary unless I want to note precise meaning, usage or pronunciation. I can understand formal letters connected or unconnected to my field if I can occasionally check with a dictionary.
B2+
- I have a broad active reading vocabulary, which means I can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes.
- I can quickly scan through long and complex texts on topics of interest to locate relevant details.
- I can understand in detail texts within my field of interest or speciality.
- I can understand specialised articles outside my own field if I can occasionally check with a dictionary.
- I can understand lengthy, complex instructions, (e.g. for formal procedures in an academic, professional or health context) including details on conditions and warnings, as long as I can reread difficult sections.
- I can read novels and short stories with little use of a dictionary, after I have got used to the writer’s style.
- I can understand correspondence relating to my personal and professional interests with occasional use of a dictionary.
B2
- I can read with a large degree of independence, using dictionaries and other reference sources selectively when necessary.
- I can rapidly grasp the content and the significance of news, articles and reports on topics connected with my interests or my job, and decide if a closer reading is worthwhile.
- I can understand articles, reports and reviews in which the writers express specific points of view (e.g., political commentary, critiques of exhibitions, plays, films, etc).
- I can understand lengthy instructions, for example in a user manual for a TV or digital camera, for installing software, as long as I can reread difficult sections.
- I can read short stories and novels written in a straightforward language and style, making use of a dictionary, if I am familiar with the story and/or the writer.
- I can understand the main points in formal and informal letters relating to my personal and professional interests, with occasional use of a dictionary.
B1+
- I can understand the main points in straightforward texts on subjects of personal or professional interest.
- I can look quickly through simple, factual texts in magazines, brochures or on a website, and identify information that might be of practical use to me. I can identify the main conclusions in texts which clearly argue a point of view.
- I can understand clear instructions, for example for a game, for the use of medicines or for installing computer software.
- I can read simplified versions of novels, plus stories with a clear structure, with little use of a dictionary.
- I can understand the main points in short, clear, formal letters relating to my personal and professional interests, provided I can use a dictionary.
B1
- I can understand the main points in straightforward factual texts on subjects of personal or professional interest well enough to talk about them afterwards.
- I can find and understand the information I need in brochures, leaflets and other short texts relating to my interests.
- I can understand the main points in short newspaper and magazine articles about current and familiar topics.
- I can follow simple instructions, for example for a game, using familiar types of equipment or cooking a meal.
- I can understand simplified versions of novels, and follow the story line in short stories with a clear structure, with some effort and regular use of a dictionary.
- I can understand private letters about events, feelings and wishes well enough to write back.
A2+
- I can understand short, simple texts on familiar subjects, which consist of high-frequency, everyday or job-related language.
- I can use telephone directories and other reference books to find what I want and understand the most important pieces of information, for example price, size (apartments), power (cars, computers).
- I can understand the main points in short newspaper / magazine stories, especially when they are illustrated.
- I can understand instructions expressed in simple language (for example public telephones, public transport ticket machines, safety information, directions). I can understand short everyday stories about familiar subjects if the text is written in simple language.
- I can understand simple texts, emails and letters from friends or colleagues, for example saying when we should meet for lunch/dinner or asking me to be at work early.
A2
- I can understand short, simple texts containing familiar vocabulary including international words.
- I can find the most important information in advertisements, information leaflets, webpages, catalogues, timetables etc.
- I can understand the main points in short, simple news items and descriptions if I already know something about the subject. For example: news about sport or famous people.
- I can understand clear instructions. For example: how to use a telephone, a cash machine or a drinks machine.
- I can understand the man points in short, simple, everyday stories, especially if there is visual support.
- I can understand short simple messages from friends. For example: e-mails, web chats, postcards or short letters.
A1+
- I can very slowly read very short, simple texts by understanding familiar names, words and basic phrases.
- I can find basic information in posters, adverts or catalogues.
- I can understand information about people (place of residence, age, etc.) in a text if there is visual support.
- I can follow short simple written directions (e.g. how to go from X to Y).
- I can understand short simple greetings and messages e.g. on birthday cards, party invitations or in SMS phone messages.
A1
- I can recognise names, words and phrases I know and use them to understand very simple sentences if there are pictures.
- I can understand words and phrases on everyday signs (for example "station”, "car park”, "no parking”, ""no smoking”, "keep left”).
- I can understand simple forms well enough to give basic personal details (e.g., name, address, date of birth).
- I can understand very simple instructions if they are supported by pictures and if I know this type of instructions.
- In everyday situations I can understand simple messages written by friends or colleagues, for example "back at 4 o’clock”.