German Proficiency Levels A1 - C2 - Sprachenatelier (2024)

FAQs

What are the levels of German language A1 to C2? ›

There are six levels of language proficiency (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) according to the CEFR scale. They are grouped into three broader levels: A1-A2 (Basic User), B1-B2 (Independent User), and C1-C2 (Proficient User).

A1 German Level – Beginner Level

It is a fairly basic level of language. A1 German level is the first level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). At A1 German level, you can handle simple and routine tasks without any problems and deal with everyday situations.

Your mastery at the C2 level lets you produce and understand highly complex German. This is close to native-level German fluency. Even accents from different parts of the German-speaking world don't throw you off.

To reach the C2 level, you should have studied German for at least 750 hours, but it might take up to 3 years. Students in C2 can comprehend practically everything they read or hear effortlessly.

German has different levels from A1 to C2. Basic A1 to A2 – Attending an Intensive course takes A1 in around 60 hours and A2 in 120 hours. Intermediate B1 to B2 – German level B1 takes 200 hours and B2 takes approximately 300 hours to become fluent.

At Duolingo, we're developing our courses to get you to a level called B2, at which you can get a job in the language you're studying. Reaching that kind of proficiency requires dedication, varied practice opportunities, and a lot of time.

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).

Someone with a C2 level speaks the language on a near-native level. Even though the language is not their mother-tongue, they understand, speak and write it really well and have no trouble with the great majority of the slang and idioms.

What is C2 level equivalent to? ›

A C2 level of English is essentially a native level. It allows for reading and writing of any type on any subject, nuanced expression of emotions and opinions, and active participation in any academic or professional setting.

Can you become fluent in German on Duolingo? The short answer is not really. Even if you finish the entire German course on Duolingo, the highest level of fluency you'll likely achieve is A1 or A2. I find it very hard to believe you'll become fluent at a conversational level using Duolingo alone.

Use a structured textbook or online course: Start by using a reputable German language textbook or an online course specifically designed for self-study. These resources will provide you with a structured curriculum, grammar explanations, vocabulary lists, and exercises to practice and clear the German A1 exam.

The more proficient you are in the language, the more benefits you shall get. Although Germany asks for the proficiency of atleast B1 or B2, there are different perks to different levels of the language. Look at the following points.

The CEFR classifies language proficiency into three broad categories: A1/A2 ("Basic User"), B1/B2 ("Independent User"), and C1/C2 ("Proficient User"). Let's delve into the specifics of what you should be able to communicate at each level, from a complete beginner at A1 to fluency at C2.

Intermediate B1 to B2 – German level B1 takes 200 hours and B2 takes approximately 300 hours to become fluent. Advance C1 to C2 – C1 Level takes around 240 hours and C2 level takes around 240 hours to complete the whole course and become a pro at speaking German.

German is so particularly difficult that is has 2 sub levels per level but also has a full level called “preparation for B2”. This essentially means that even if you follow an intensive type of course, you will need no less than six months full time study to reach that “C2 German level”.