German levels: the six CEFR levels from A1 to C2
Last checked: 25.10.2026
German levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which has six levels: A1 and A2 for basic users, B1 and B2 for independent users, C1 and C2 for proficient users. Each level describes what you can do when listening, reading, speaking and writing. A placement test shows which level you have.
You receive your result and certificate after purchase (from €14.99). Taking the test costs nothing.
Verification ID and QR code · Instantly as a PDF · No subscription
- 50 questions
- A1 to C2
- about 60 min
The six levels compared
| Level | You can | Typical use | Official exams (examples) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Beginner | You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very simple sentences. | First steps, joining a spouse | Goethe-Zertifikat A1: Start Deutsch 1, Fit in Deutsch 1, Start Deutsch 1 / telc Deutsch A1 |
| A2 Elementary | You can communicate in simple, routine tasks on familiar topics. | Everyday routine situations | Goethe-Zertifikat A2, Goethe-Zertifikat A2: Fit in Deutsch, Start Deutsch 2 / telc Deutsch A2 |
| B1 Intermediate | You can understand the main points of clear standard input and handle most everyday situations. | Everyday work, citizenship, many jobs | Goethe-Zertifikat B1, Zertifikat Deutsch / telc Deutsch B1, ÖSD Zertifikat B1 |
| B2 Upper intermediate | You can understand the main ideas of complex texts and interact fluently and spontaneously. | Work with technical conversations, training, nursing | Goethe-Zertifikat B2, telc Deutsch B2, ÖSD Zertifikat B2 |
| C1 Advanced | You can understand demanding, longer texts and express yourself flexibly and effectively. | University, demanding jobs | Goethe-Zertifikat C1, telc Deutsch C1, telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule |
| C2 Proficiency | You can understand virtually everything you read or hear and express fine shades of meaning. | Very demanding texts, teaching, translation | Goethe-Zertifikat C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom, telc Deutsch C2, ÖSD Zertifikat C2 |
Which use requires which level is set by the institution asking for proof, for example an embassy, an immigration office or a university. The level pages explain the details.
How the levels build on each other
The letters stand for three stages. At A you manage familiar, everyday situations with simple sentences. At B you get by on your own: you follow conversations at work, give your opinion and write coherent texts. At C you use German precisely and flexibly, also in your studies or a demanding job.
Each step builds on the previous one, and the steps become larger towards the top. From A1 to A2 it is mostly vocabulary and simple past forms; from B2 to C1 it is style, nuance and long, complex texts. That is why a course book called „B1“ does not automatically mean you have reached B1: what counts is what you can actually do.
How do you find out your level?
Self-assessment is a start, but most people over- or underestimate themselves. A placement test is more reliable. Ours has 50 questions on grammar, vocabulary, reading and listening from A1 to C2 and takes at most 60 minutes. Your level depends on the share of correct answers across the whole test: under 30 percent A1, from 30 percent A2, from 45 B1, from 60 B2, from 75 C1, from 90 C2. Details are on the placement test page. The certificate shows your level with a verification ID that employers and language schools can check online.
What level do native speakers have?
None, strictly speaking. The CEFR describes learners of a language and does not use the native speaker as its yardstick. Many educated native speakers would meet the C2 descriptions in their everyday areas, but C2 does not mean „like a native speaker“: it describes very precise, flexible use of the language, which an exam such as the Goethe-Zertifikat C2 also tests in writing. A native speaker without exam practice can fail parts of it.
All levels
Each level page shows concrete examples for the four skills, typical grammar, a short self-check and the official exams.
The detailed guide with a table and examples: The German levels A1 to C2 explained. The step most people ask about: B1 or B2?
Frequently asked questions about the levels
How many German levels are there?
Six: A1 and A2 (basic user), B1 and B2 (independent user), C1 and C2 (proficient user). They come from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) of the Council of Europe and are used for all European languages.
What is the highest German level?
C2. At this level you understand practically everything you read or hear and express yourself precisely, even on complex topics. C2 does not mean „like a native speaker“; it describes a very high level of language use.
Which level do I need for German citizenship?
In Germany usually B1, proven with an exam such as the Deutsch-Test für Zuwanderer (DTZ) or another certificate the authority accepts. Our placement test does not replace this exam; ask your naturalisation office which proof it accepts.
What does CEFR stand for?
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The Council of Europe published it in 2001. In German it is called GER (Gemeinsamer Europäischer Referenzrahmen).
How do I find out my German level?
With a placement test. Ours has 50 questions on grammar, vocabulary, reading and listening from A1 to C2 and takes at most 60 minutes. Your level is calculated from your overall score.
Sources
- Global scale: Common Reference Levels (Council of Europe)
- Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) (Council of Europe)
- Deutschprüfungen (German exams) (Goethe-Institut)
- telc German exams (telc gGmbH)
- Austrian German Language Diploma (ÖSD)
Last checked: 25.10.2026 · Written by the Deutschniveau editorial team · Editorial policy (German)