English levels and international language diplomas

If you enquire about the different levels of English, you will find a lot of different or even contradictory information online. We would therefore like to provide you with a helpful overview here and explain how and why an English language test can provide useful information. If you know your own language level, you can better assess yourself personally and decide on the right level for your English course based on this and can mention the corresponding level in job applications, which is helpful information for potential employers. The English level is also an important and often decisive factor when it comes to university places or internships abroad.

Description of the language levels and the corresponding language diplomas

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) was established on the basis of an analysis of progress and learning progress in a foreign language. In this way, different language certificates can be entered into a uniform cross-language grid and form a benchmark that serves as a guide when learning a foreign language. The levels of these languages are categorized as follows:

Englisch Niveau-Stufen

English level / language level A1

If your English skills are at level A1, you can form short sentences with a very limited vocabulary and communicate easily using facial expressions and gestures. Simple everyday situations such as ordering a drink in a restaurant, small talk about the weather or your origin, the time or a price can be dealt with at this level and with the use of hands and feet. As long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly, you will understand what they are saying.

Language diplomas at this level:

  • LCCI: EFB-Preliminary

English level / Language level A2 - English Elementary

At level A2, language skills are a little more in-depth. Even if you still make a few grammatical mistakes, you can cope well with everyday situations. At level A2 you can describe what you do at work or study, what you have done where and much more. Ordering in a restaurant is much easier now that you understand most of the menu. You can write a postcard or a simple letter in English.

Language diplomas at this level:

  • KET: Cambridge Key English Test
  • LCCI: EFB-Preliminary and EFB Level 1

English level / Language level B1 - English Intermediate

This level describes the entry to the advanced beginner level. Everyday conversations about hobbies, school, study and work can be held effortlessly. You can talk about your experiences and exchange opinions. You can express your personal opinion clearly and give reasons for it. You understand newspaper articles and radio programs.

Language diplomas at this level:

  • BEC Preliminary B1 - Certificate
  • PET: Cambridge Preliminary English Test
  • LCCI: EFB Level 1 and EFB Level 2

English level / Language level B2 - Upper Intermediate

Language level B2 forms the bridge between advanced beginners and experts. Those who have reached level B2 understand more complex texts and conversations and can keep up with specialist discussions in their own area of specialization. It is possible to communicate easily and fluently with native speakers. Communication is fluent and clearly understandable.

Language diplomas at this level:

  • First Certificate in English (FCE ESOL Cambridge)
  • BEC Vantage B2 - Cambridge Business English
  • ICFE B2: Cambridge International Certificate in Financial English
  • LCCI: EFB Level 2 and EFB Level 3

English level / language level C1 - English Advanced

Spontaneous questions and unexpected discussions on any topic will no longer take you by surprise once you have reached this level. You can communicate fluently and clearly at all times and are also able to understand demanding specialist texts and books. You now laugh along when English jokes are told and also understand colloquial words in English. You have no trouble reading and writing in English at work or at university.

Language diplomas at this level:

  • Advanced Certificate in English (CAE ESOL Cambridge)
  • BEC Higher: Cambridge Business English Certificate Higher
  • ICFE C1: Cambridge International Certificate in Financial English
  • LCCI: EFB Level 3 and EFB Level 4

English level / Language level C2 - English Proficient

We have now reached the level for professionals. This is the highest level that non-native speakers can reach. If you have reached level C2, you can communicate fluently in all subject areas and you can hold fast and intensive discussions, watch English movies and listen to fast-talking radio programs with ease. You have reached an extremely high level and studying in English-speaking countries is no longer a problem.

Language diplomas at this level:

  • Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE ESOL Cambridge)
  • LCCI: EFB Level 4

Other English language diplomas:

These standard tests are offered across all levels. The score achieved determines the language level of the graduate.

  • IELTS language testsare aimed at people who wish to complete a university degree or vocational training in an English-speaking country and therefore need to officially determine or prove their English language level. Anyone emigrating to Australia, for example, must enclose an IELTS certificate with their immigration application.
  • TELC diplomas (The European Language Certificate)is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and can be completed in several languages.
  • BULATS diploma series (Business Language Testing Service)are economically and business-oriented language diplomas which are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and can be taken in several languages.
  • TOEFL diplomas (Test of English as a Foreign Language)are language tests that must be passed before you can study at a university in an English-speaking country. The TOEFL test system is not based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Every year, around fifty million TOEFL tests are taken worldwide - which is why these diplomas enjoy great acceptance and importance.

Where can English language tests be taken?

The above-mentioned diploma series are, for example, very important for the success of an application for a dream job or as confirmation if you want to enrol at a university in an English-speaking country.

But even if you want to take an English course, it is very important to determine your personal English level. Otherwise you will choose a course with content that is too easy or too demanding and you will not make any progress. Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch would like to help you find the right English course for you. That's why Switzerland's largest education portal offers you the opportunity to take an English language test free of charge and without obligation. Once you know your language level, you will be able to choose a suitable English course that will neither bore nor overwhelm you and that will help you to improve your language skills.

Take the English language test now