Spanish Language Proficiency Levels

Spanish is part of an Ibero-Roman language group of the Indo-European language family, which emerged following the break-up of the western Roman empire of the 5th century from numerous dialects of Latin Vulgar in Iberia. After Mandarin Chinese, it is the second most spoken mother tongue in the world, with English, Mandarin and Hindi being the fourth most talked language in the world. After English and Russian Spanish is the third language most frequently used on internet sites.

Spanish proficiency levels are calculated through the CEFR language levels. CEFR, also known as Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is a term, every language enthusiast should familiarize themselves. CEFR essentially measures an individual’s proficiency through a series of ‘levels’. Due to its popularity, it is also the easiest method of conveying your proficiency level to others. So, what are the different levels? 

• A1: 

A1 is considered to be a baby level. Someone who barely knows anything about the language. At this level, the individual likely has no real idea about the grammar or intense stuff but simply understands the most basic of the basic information possible. This level is equivalent to what a baby understands when they start imitating their parents. 

• A2: 

This level on the other hand is basically a newbie. At this level, you’ve grown from your former self that simply identified things through random gestures, to someone, who now has a basic handle over a good vocabulary. This means that though you haven’t reached a good level, you’re still growing. You can speak more than a baby can, but you still can’t speak enough to order yourself a drink. 

• B1:

In my personal opinion, this is the level, that an individual starts to finally transform into a Spanish speaker. You’ve come a long way from A1 at this point. You still can’t qualify as a Spanish speaker, nonetheless, you can definitely order yourself a meal and barely manage to hold a conversation with a native. 

• B2:

I call this level, the median. This is the level, where you’ve finally mastered enough Spanish to freely utilize it.  You can now read magazines, read an intense book, speak on the spot, converse much better and more importantly, this is when you finally begin writing. The one thing you’ve probably been avoiding is now waiting for you to address it. 

• C1:

This is a formal and advanced level. A level wherein you’re expected to address and logically treat intense topics like political or environmental issues. Remember that 1000 word essay on pollution, your Spanish teacher asked you for? Time to turn it in, like the boss you are.  At this level, you’ve exited your comfort zone and are now much more capable of easily approaching every single aspect of Spanish. 

• C2:

This is the native level.  At this level, you speak, read and write like a native. You have no problems with the Spanish language anymore. It’s like, this is a language you grew up speaking. Need to order a coffee, you got it. Need to buy a book, you got it. Need to talk to a lifeguard, you got it. Need to give a speech on pollution, you definitely got it. 

The language used by the Union of American States, the Union of the Southern American Nations, the Community of Latin American and the Caribbean States, the African Union and several other international organisations, is one of six of the UN’s official languages. Spanish is also a formal language for the European Union. Spanish is one of the most widely-taught foreign languages in the world, alongside English and French. After English and Russian Spanish is the third language most frequently used on internet sites.

Remember, you haven’t lived enough if you have no knowledge about another culture. And how best to broaden your horizons? Learn a new language. Speak in the new tongue. It’s very satisfying.  Click Here to know where you can get quality training within your budget!