Italian level / language levels and international language diplomas
If you want to take an Italian language test, you will find a lot of information about language levels and tests online. This makes it difficult to get an overview of the different language levels and the appropriate certificates. For example, if you want to study at an Italian-speaking university, you have to declare that you have reached level C1 in Italian.
Applicants who want to prove their Italian language skills for a job need a corresponding diploma that declares in black and white the level of their Italian language skills.
In most cases, preparation time in an appropriate Italian diploma course is required to take such a language exam. When choosing the right Italian course, it is also important that you know your approximate language level, otherwise you are guaranteed to book a course that is too difficult or not challenging enough, or you will be overwhelmed or bored.
The education portal Ausbildung-Weiterbildung.ch offers a free and non-binding way to reliably determine your Italian language level. Within a few minutes, you can take the placement test athttps://www.ausbildung-weiterbildung.ch/sprachtest-italienischtest your own language level. This result makes it easier to find the right Italian course.
What language levels and diplomas are there in Italian?
Thanks to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), there is a standardized grid for learning levels and progress in German, Italian, French, Spanish and English. This means that the various language diplomas can be entered in a standardized cross-language system and form a clear benchmark for the different language levels. Learners as well as educational institutions and employers thus find a helpful uniform orientation.
A graphic representation of the levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages CEFR:
The various Italian language tests
If you would like to take an Italian language test, there are various language diploma providers. Not all language diploma providers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Of course, it is advisable to have an Italian diploma that can be integrated into the CEFR, as this automatically makes it much more acceptable internationally.
Probably the best-known provider of language certificates in Italy is the AIL (Accademia Italiana di Lingua). It offers the following popular Italian language tests: DELI, DILI, DILC, DALI and DALC. Anyone who presents an Italian language test from the Accademia Italiana di Lingua is widely accepted practically everywhere. The tests correspond to the CEFR grid. Anyone wishing to take these diplomas can do so four times a year at any of this institution's examination centers worldwide. The examinations are always held at the same time and are standardized.
PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiane Dante Alighieri) is also a well-known provider of recognized Italian diplomas which can also be integrated into the CEFR European Framework of Reference. This examination provider works closely with the University of Rome.
CELI (Certificazione della Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana) and CIC (Certificazione dell' Italiano Commerziane) are carried out by the University for Foreigners in Perugia. The diplomas are also based on the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages CEFR". The CIC diplomas are aimed in particular at learners from the business world, as the focus is on business Italian.
The CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) diplomas offer examinations at all six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is run by the University of Siena. The minimum requirement for foreign language students to be admitted to an Italian university is the CILS B2 diploma. This diploma is therefore very popular at university level.
TELC (The European Language Certificates) is a provider of language certificates in all six languages of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The different levels and diplomas of the Italian language according to CEFR
| Level / Language level | Competencies | Italian diplomas |
| A1 | You understand expressions and words in everyday use. You can form simple, short sentences of basic use, introduce yourself, say where you come from, what you do for a living or which school you attend and list your hobbies. |
|
| A2 | You are able to hold simple everyday conversations and understand common words and sentences in the immediate context quite well. Even if you still make grammatical mistakes, you can now communicate better, order something in a restaurant or explain something to someone. |
|
| B1 | Practically without errors and effortlessly, you can convert and write simpler texts in everyday life. You understand written texts such as newspaper articles. As long as you speak clearly and without a strong dialect or accent, you can always follow what the other person is saying. |
|
| B2 | You have a very sound knowledge of Italian and your conversations are practically error-free and fluent. You can write everyday texts well. You can understand complex Italian texts. |
|
| C1 | Their knowledge of the Italian language is very mature and profound. They read Italian literature with ease, know idioms and phrases and laugh along with jokes. |
|
| C2 | Your Italian vocabulary and written and spoken communication skills are almost perfect. You can talk to native speakers about a wide range of topics, take part in fast-paced discussions and understand complex texts. |
|
Linda, deine Weiterbildungsfinderin
