What do we learn in each level of Spanish? 🇪🇸🌐📚
This is a very common question among our students, especially for those who are just starting at our school. In addition to this question, they are also often curious about how long it takes to complete the program of each level of Spanish.
In this Spanish blog post we are going to answer the question related to what is learnt in each level of Spanish so that our future students have a more concrete idea of what awaits them in our Spanish school. The first thing we need to know is the CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is a globally recognised standard that provides a clear framework for measuring achievement in foreign language learning.
Developed by the Council of Europe at the end of the 20th century, it establishes guidelines for basic, intermediate and advanced levels, creating a common basis for assessing language skills. It also provides a guide on what learners should be able to achieve in their learning process.
The CEFR defines global goals for each level without detailing specific content, allowing flexibility in the teaching of any language. In this way, each language authority decides what content should be taught in order to comply with the description indicated by the CEFR.
This framework establishes six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2; A1 being the basic level and C2 the mastery level in the use of a language. With this level division, the framework allows any student to continue learning regardless of the Spanish school or teachers they have had.
To help students know their level of Spanish, our school has designed a Spanish level test according to the six levels. With this Spanish test we make sure that the student will be studying in a group of his/her level.
Discover our Spanish level test and start your learning journey! 🚀📊
Once you take our level test, we will send you an email with the result and the necessary information to know your Spanish level and how to sign up for a Spanish course.
In order to know what you are going to learn in each level of Spanish according to the CEFR, we provide you with a small guide of what you will learn once you have finished each of our Spanish courses.
A1. Basic User
Has the ability to understand and use common everyday expressions and simple sentences formulated to address immediate needs. Can introduce him/herself and others, request and provide basic information about his/her address, belongings, hobbies, shopping or ask for basic information. Can interact in an elementary way, provided the interlocutor speaks slowly and clearly. In this level, you learn the basic grammar of sentence construction in Spanish, as well as the present indicative and reflexive tenses, gender and number, among other basic grammatical aspects.
A2. Basic User
At this level, the student can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance for him/her, such as basic information about him/herself, family, places or shopping. He/she can communicate in everyday activities involving direct and simple exchanges and describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background and environment as well as matters related to his/her immediate needs. As regards grammatical aspects, the student can begin to talk about his/her past and is able to tell experiences.
B1. Indipendent User
Can understand the main points of standard input, especially on familiar topics. Can deal effectively with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in places where the language is used. Can produce simple, coherent texts on familiar topics or topics of personal interest. Can narrate experiences effectively and argue opinions. In this level, the student discovers the subjunctive mood, together with an enrichment of vocabulary.
B2. Independent User
Can understand the main ideas of complex texts and has a good command of much of the Spanish grammar. Can interact with native speakers fluently, facilitating effortless communication. In addition, he/she is competent in writing clear texts on a variety of subjects, as well as in defending a point of view on general issues. The command of grammar at this level is high.
C1. Proficient User
Can understand a wide range of long texts and identify implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently, with no effort to find the right expression. Can use language effectively in social, academic and professional situations. Can produce well-structured, detailed, clear texts on complex subjects, showing precise use of articulation and cohesion.
C2. Proficient User
Can express ideas spontaneously, with considerable fluency and a degree of accuracy which enables him/her to distinguish subtle nuances of meaning, even in more complex situations. The student has the ability to reconstruct information and arguments from a variety of spoken and written sources, presenting them coherently and concisely. Can understand with ease everything he/she hears or reads.
