This document helps the language learners to understand what they know and do not know. This also serves as a tool to assess one's self and then to set appropriate learning goals. Developed through a process of scientific research and wide consultation, the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR), sponsored by the European Council, provides a practical tool for setting clear standards to be attained at successive stages of learning and for evaluating outcomes in an internationally comparable manner.

1. ENGLISH – Common European Framework Page 1
Common European Framework
Developed through a process of scientific research and wide consultation, the
Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR), sponsored by the
European Council, provides a practical tool for setting clear standards to be
attained at successive stages of learning and for evaluating outcomes in an
internationally comparable manner. The Framework provides a basis for the
mutual recognition of language qualifications, thus facilitating educational and
occupational mobility. It is increasingly used in the reform of national curricula
and by international consortia for the comparison of language certificates.
The Framework is a document which describes in a comprehensive manner
 the competences necessary for communication
 the related knowledge and skills
 the situations and domains of communication
The Framework facilitates a clear definition of teaching and learning objectives
and methods. It provides the necessary tools for assessment of proficiency.
The scheme proposed in the "Common European Framework of Reference:
Learning, Teaching, Assessment" has an initial division into three broad levels:
 Basic User : A1 and A2
 Independent User : B1 and B2
 Proficient User : C1 and C2
The Self-Assessment Grids are a more user friendly approach showing major
categories of language use at each of the six levels. It is intended to help
learners to profile their main language skills, and decide at which level they
might look at a checklist of more detailed descriptors in order to self-assess their
level of proficiency. Combined with the pre-tests made available at this website,
they give the learner an accurate assessment of their current level.
Thus, the syllabus, the teaching material, the teaching methodology and the
evaluation of the language courses offered at Folkeuniversitetet has been
adapted to fit with the regulations set by the Common European Framework of
Reference.

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Level A1 of the European Common Framework
General description: On accomplishing this level you should be able to
understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases
aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Furthermore, introduce
yourself and others and ask and answer questions about personal details
such as where you live, people you know and things you have. You should
be able to interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and
clearly and is prepared to help.
1. Welcome
 I can say and understand basic
greetings and phrases.
 I can introduce myself and other
people
 I can use basic greeting and
courtesy phrases (e.g. thank you,
etc.)
 I can say the alphabet
 I can ask where people are from
 I can understand the names of
countries
 I can say where I live and where it
is in my country
2. Numbers
 I can say, understand and write
numbers up to a million
 I can buy food and drinks
 I can say, ask for and understand
prices
 I can ask for, understand and say
the time
 I can confirm what people say
 I can say how often I do things at
work
3. Action
 I can say that I like or don’t like
something
 I can ask and answer questions
about spare time
 I can say how often I do things at
work
4. Work
 I can say the names of places
where people work
 I can say the name of my job and
others’ jobs
 I can ask what jobs people do
 I can ask where people live and
work
 I can ask and talk about daily
routines
 I can understand instructions,
common commands and very short
phrases on common public notes.
5. Information
 I can ask someone to spell a word
 I can ask someone to repeat when I
don’t understand
6. Places
 I can say sizes and measurements
 I can ask for and understand
directions in a building
7. Meeting
 I can ask and write days and dates
8. Communication
 I can ask and talk about the
weather
 I can ask to speak to someone on
the phone
9. Sales
 I can ask and talk about orders and
prices
 I can talk about ways of paying

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Level A2 of the European Common Framework
General description: On this level you should be able to understand
sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most
immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information,
shopping, local geography, employment). You can communicate in simple
and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on
familiar and routine matters. Furthermore you can describe in simple terms
aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in areas
of immediate basic need.
1. Welcome
 I can say and understand basic
greetings and phrases.
 I can introduce myself and other
people
 I can use basic greeting and courtesy
phrases (p.e. thank you, etc.)
 I can say the alphabet
 I can ask where people are from
 I can understand the names of
countries
 I can say where I live and where it is
in my country
 I can ask for and offer hot and cold
drinks
2. Numbers
 I can say, understand and write
numbers up to a million
 I can buy food and drinks
 I can say, ask for and understand
prices
 I can ask for, understand and say the
time
 I can correct what people say
 I can confirm what people say
3. Work
 I can say the names of places where
people work
 I can say the name of my job and
others’ jobs
 I can ask what jobs people do
 I can ask where people live and work
 I can ask and talk about daily
routines
 I can understand instructions,
common commands and very short
phrases on common public notes.
4. Information
 I can ask about and explain what
things mean
 I can ask someone to spell a word
 I can ask someone to repeat when
I don’t understand
 I can talk about what you can do
on the internet
5. Places
 I can read and talk about business
equipment and facilities
 I can say what business facilities I
need
 I can say sizes and measurements
 I can ask for and understand
directions in a building
6. Action
 I can say how often I do things at
work
 I can ask others about their work
life and travel
 I can ask about and say what’s
happening at the moment
 I can ask and answer questions
about spare time
 I can say that I like or don’t like
something
7. Meeting
 I can say and write days and
dates
 I can arrange to meet someone
 I can identify the main topics and
grasp essential elements of a
conversation/meeting

4. ENGLISH – Common European Framework Page 4
8. Reporting
 I can ask and answer questions
about past events
 I can say when things happened in
the past
 I can talk about different types of
holiday
 I can ask and answer questions
about past holidays
9. Communication
 I can ask and talk about the
weather
 I can ask to speak to someone on
the phone
10. Progress
 I can describe two services and
compare them
 I can talk about the advantages and
disadvantages of a service
 I can give my opinion about the
best choice
 I can agree and disagree with
people’s opinions
11. Plans
 I can discuss priorities
 I can ask and talk about plans
 I can make suggestions, describe a
sequence of activities
 I can talk about my objectives
12. Sales
 I can ask and talk about orders and
prices
 I can talk about ways of paying

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Level B1 of the European Common Framework
General description: On this level you should be able to understand the main
points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work,
school, leisure, etc. You can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst
travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Furthermore you should be
able to produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of
personal interest. You can also describe experiences and events, dreams,
hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for
opinions and plans.
1. Introductions
 I can introduce myself and other
people
 I can talk about my job and
understand people talking about
their jobs
 I can say the names of places
where people work
 I can ask for, understand and say
email address
 I can understand the main points of
a conversation or short presentation
on matters regularly encountered at
work.
 I can order a meal in a restaurant
 Understand what is happening In a
phone call
2. Teamwork
 I can talk about and ask for
documents for a meeting
 Understand a short written progress
report on a project
 Understand when people agree or
disagree.
3. Choices
 I can give my opinion about the
best choice
 I can understand and make travel
recommendations
 I can discuss the equipment and
facilities needed in an office
4. Information
 I can talk about emails in my
working day
 I can talk about what I can do on
the internet
 I can skim short texts and find
relevant facts and information
 I can scan longer texts in order to
locate specific factual information.
 I can understand standard business
letters.
 I can work out the meaning of
unknown words from a familiar
context
 I can understand detailed
directions, instructions and
messages related to work matters.
5. Places
 I can read and talk about business
equipment and facilities
 I can say what business facilities i
need
 I can describe my office and office
building
 I can ask for and understand
directions in a building
 I can say sizes and measurements
 I can ask for and give detailed
practical instructions and directions.

6. ENGLISH – Common European Framework Page 6
6. Transport
 I can ask and describe weight and
dimensions
 I can describe the position of
something
 I can talk about safety regulations
 I can ask for and understand
information about accommodation
and facilities
 I can book a flight
7. Agendas
 I can read, understand and talk
about an agenda for a meeting
 I can take care of a visitor to my
company
 I can react politely as a visitor to
another company
8. Arrangements
 I can ask to speak to someone on
the phone
 I can understand and make
offers/suggestions
 I can arrange to meet someone
9. Objectives
 I can give my opinion in future
plans
10. Career
 I can read and understand a CV and
description of someone’s career
 I can talk about my own and other
people’s career history
 I can ask and answer questions
about things I’ve done in the past
11. Solutions
 I can ask and talk about plans
 I can talk about my objectives
 I can discuss priorities
 I can ask for and understand travel
information
 I can talk about travel problems and
possible solutions
12. Sales
 I can ask and talk about orders and
prices
 I can talk about ways of paying

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Level B2 of the European Common Framework
General description: At this level you should be able to understand the main
ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including
technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. You can interact with a
degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native
speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Furthermore you should
be able to produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and
explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and
disadvantages of various options.
1. Introductions
 I can introduce myself and other
people
 I can take and leave voicemail
messages
 I can follow lively conversations
with several fast speakers, although
I may have a problem joining in.
 I can participate fully in
conversations on general topics with
a degree of fluency and
naturalness, and appropriate use of
formal or informal language.
2. Teamwork/discussions
 I can talk about the schedule,
progress and budget of a current
project
 I can talk about the skills,
experience and characteristics
people need for a job
 I can understand and talk about
movement in financial performance
 I can talk about a country’s
economic situation in the past,
present and future.
 I can express my ideas and opinions
clearly and precisely.
 I can present and respond to
complex lines of reasoning
convincingly, providing relevant
explanations, arguments and
comments.
 I can explain a viewpoint on a work
proposal giving advantages and
disadvantages of various options.
3. Information
 I can write letters and e-mails
which are more or less formal,
according to how well I know the
person I am writing to.
 I can talk and ask about a
company’s products and services
 I can read correspondence relating
to my field of interest and readily
grasp the essential meaning.
 I can quickly look through a manual
and find and understand the
relevant explanations and help for a
specific problem.
 I can understand lengthy
instructions as long as I can reread
difficult sections.
 I can understand in detail texts
directly related to my work
interests.
4. Places
 I can ask for and give detailed
practical instructions and directions.
 I can write about my place of work,
different job roles of staff and the
functions of different departments
5. Arrangements
 I can talk about future
arrangements and confirm them in
writing
 I can understand and make
offers/suggestions

8. ENGLISH – Common European Framework Page 8
6. Equipment/technical
 I can describe in detail technical
equipment or work routines in my
place of work.
7. Experience
 I can understand and talk about
advantages and disadvantages of a
product/service
 I can ask questions and give
information about a past project
 I can talk about problems and
solutions on a past project
 I can ask and talk about what
happened on a business trip.
8. Objectives
 I can talk about what to do in future
problem situations
 I can understand and talk about the
degree of certainty in future
predictions
 I can discuss aims and objectives.
9. Solutions
 I can understand and make
suggestions
 I can discuss possibilities in
different situations
 I can discuss priorities
 I can cope linguistically with
potentially complex problems in
routine situations (e.g. Complaints
about goods and services).
10. Strategies
 I can understand and talk about
different types of advertising
 I can talk about a business concept
 I can discuss the setting up of a
company and its development
 I can develop a clear coherent
argument, linking ideas logically
and expanding and supporting my
points with appropriate examples.
 I can give a clear, systematically
developed presentation on a topic in
my area of work, highlighting
significant points and relevant
supporting detail.
11. Agendas
 I can keep a small talk conversation
going
 I can report what people said
 I can make promises about the
future
12. Sales
 I can talk about a company’s
performance
 I can talk about market forces
 I can ask and talk about orders and
prices
 I can talk about ways of paying

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Level C1 of the European Common Framework
General description: You should be able to understand a wide range of
demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. You can express
yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for
expressions. Furthermore you should be able to use language flexibly and
effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. You can produce
clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use
of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
1. Introductions
 I can introduce myself and other
people
 I can take and leave voicemail
messages
 I can talk about organisational
structure
 I can talk about jobs and duties
 I can talk and ask about a
company’s products and services
2. Teamwork/discussions
 I can talk about teamwork
 I can talk about motivation at work
 I can give instructions
 I can explain and describe
operations
 I can ask for clarification
 I can talk about a country’s
economic situation in the past,
present and future.
 I can understand and talk about
movement in financial performance
 I can give a clear, well-structured
presentation of a complex subject,
expanding and supporting points of
view at some length with subsidiary
points, reasons and relevant
examples.
3. Places
 I can give directions and talk about
location
4. Experience
 I can understand and talk about
advantages and disadvantages of a
product/service
 I can give information about a past
project
 I can talk about hypothetical
situations in the past
 I can talk about problems and
solutions on a past project
 I can talk about similarities and
differences of a product/service
5. Arrangements
 I can make and change
arrangements
 I can ask for information and make
suggestions
6. Objectives
 I can make predictions about the
future
 I can talk about changes in working
places
7. Career
 I can talk about recruitment
 I can talk about the skills,
experience and characteristics
people need for a job
 I can talk about my own and other
people’s career history
 I can ask and talk about the
progress of a current project

10. ENGLISH – Common European Framework Page 10
8. Information
 I can understand specialised articles
and longer technical instructions,
even when they are not related to
my field.
 I can talk about cultural differences
 I can talk about company culture
9. Strategy
 I can talk about trade fairs
 I can talk about doing business
abroad
 I can market a product, market
research, promote it and advertise
it
 I can talk about mergers and
acquisitions
10. Solutions
 I can talk about relocation
 I can understand and make
suggestions
 I can talk about appraisal systems
 I can talk about air travel
 I can talk about expenses claims
 I can talk about travel problems and
possible solutions
11. Agenda/Meetings
 I can read, understand and talk
about an agenda for a meeting
 I can react politely as a visitor to
another company
 I can keep a small talk conversation
going
 I can report what people said
 I can look after foreign visitors
12. Sales
 I can talk about ways of paying,
cash flow, invoicing and dealing
with non-payment problems
 I can talk about suppliers
 I can describe trends
 I can talk about global brands
 I can talk about orders and
supplying goods or services
 I can talk about company finances
 I can describe cause and effect
 I can make offers
 I can place and acknowledge orders
 I can talk about a company’s
performance
 I can answer and make enquiries

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C2 - Proficiency
To be proficient at a language, means to master it fluently and you should be
able to understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. That you can
summarise information from different spoken and written sources,
reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Furthermore
you should express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely,
differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
Listening
 I have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether
live or broadcast, even when delivered at fast native speed, provided I have
some time to get familiar with the accent.
 Understand all complex technical instructions regarding a product or
equipment.
 Follow specialised lectures and presentations employing a high degree of
colloquialism, regional usage or unfamiliar terminology.
Reading
 Understand and interpret critically virtually all forms of the written language
including abstract, structurally complex, or highly colloquial literary and non-
literary writings.
 Understand a wide range of long and complex texts, appreciating subtle
distinctions of style and implicit as well as explicit meaning.
 Understand complex factual documents such as technical manuals and legal
contracts.
Speaking
 Hold my own in formal discussions of complex issues, arguing articulately and
persuasively and without being at a disadvantage compared with native
speakers.
 Have a good command of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms with an
awareness of implied meaning and meaning by association.
 Express naturally and effortlessly; I need only to pause occasionally in order
to select precisely the right words.
 Present a complex topic confidently and articulately to an audience unfamiliar
with it, structuring and adapting the talk flexibly to meet the audience's
needs
 Substitute an equivalent term for a word I cannot recall without distracting
the listener.
Writing
 Write a well-structured review of a paper or a project giving reasons for my
opinion.
 Produce clear, smoothly-flowing, complex reports, articles or essays which
present a case or elaborate an argument.
 Write clear, well-structured complex letters in an appropriate style (e.g.
applications or requests, proposals to clients).