Guide · Language levels
CEFR levels at work: which level does your team need?
Interlexico editorial team · Updated on · 7 min read
In short
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) divides language skills into six levels: A1 and A2 (basic), B1 and B2 (independent), C1 and C2 (proficient). B1 is often enough for simple work communication; people who chair meetings, negotiate or present usually need B2 to C1. As a guideline, Cambridge English estimates around 200 guided learning hours per level.
The six CEFR levels at a glance
The CEFR was developed by the Council of Europe and is the European standard for describing language skills — for any language. Simplified, the levels mean at work:
- A1 — Beginner: introducing yourself, asking and answering simple questions.
- A2 — Elementary: routine tasks, short emails, simple conversations about familiar topics.
- B1 — Independent in everyday situations: joining conversations about work topics, describing processes, handling standard situations.
- B2 — Independent at work: following and contributing to meetings, handling calls and client conversations, writing clear texts.
- C1 — Proficient: presenting freely, negotiating, discussing complex specialist topics with nuance.
- C2 — Near-native: almost effortless in every situation, including fine shades of meaning.
Which level for which task?
The level employees need depends less on their position than on the specific language situations. These rules of thumb help with planning:
- Internal routine communication, simple emails, shift handovers: A2 to B1
- Client contact with standard requests, phone calls, team meetings: B1 to B2
- Project work in international teams, prepared presentations: B2
- Negotiations, free presentations, leading international teams: C1
- Legally or communicatively demanding tasks: C1 to C2
How long does it take to reach the next level?
Cambridge English gives a guideline of around 200 guided learning hours to move from one CEFR level to the next — cumulatively from scratch roughly 350–400 hours to B1, 500–600 hours to B2 and 700–800 hours to C1. For German, the language part of Germany's integration course usually comprises 600 teaching units with B1 as the target.
These are averages. Pace, prior knowledge, other languages, study time between sessions and practice at work make a big difference. Training based on situations from participants' own work speeds up transfer because what is learned is applied immediately.
German for international professionals: typical requirements
Some professions have fixed language requirements for recognition. In nursing, B2 is frequently required for professional recognition in Germany; doctors also need a specialist language exam at C1 level. The exact requirements are set by the competent authority — check them case by case.
Regardless of this: people who need to settle into a team quickly benefit from training that combines specialist language with real workplace situations.
Determining your team's level
Self-assessment gives a first orientation but does not replace a placement. For planning groups and budgets, a placement test before training starts is recommended, combined with a short conversation that also checks speaking and listening. Interlexico offers a free online placement test (orientation A1–C1); the precise placement takes place at the start of training.