C1 – Effective Operational Proficiency (or advanced) Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
The “B” Levels: Independent User
B1 – Threshold (or intermediate): When a user reaches the B level of CEFR, he can: Identify the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly used in work, school, leisure, etc. Can handle travel situations in areas where the language is spoken.
On the CEFR, French C1 means you can understand longer and challenging texts, speak fluently without searching for words and expressions, and understand implicit meanings. The advanced C1 student is also able to use French for business and academic purposes.
A2 corresponds to an elementary user level (intermediate or usual level). This means that you have the following capabilities: Understand single phrases and frequently used expressions in relation to areas of the everyday environment (e.g. simple personal and family information, shopping, work)
The B2 is considered an upper-intermediate level, requiring a solid foundation in French grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills. The difficulty lies in the ability to comprehend and express oneself with fluency, accuracy, and a degree of spontaneity.
If B2 is what many consider “fluent,” then C1 is fluency with increased nuance and understanding. At C1, you can understand subtle jokes in the language, and express yourself with colorful native phrases. When you reach C1, you should have a working vocabulary of about 8000 words – almost double that of B2!
And knowing how much time you need to reach your goals can help you stay motivé. The Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) estimates it takes between 60 and 100 hours to reach A1 French and a further 100 hours to reach A2.
LSF offers 5 levels of French based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages): Level A1 Discover the language: 90 hours/6 weeks. Level A2 Coping with everyday situations: 135 hours/9 weeks. Level B1 Managing everyday situations: 135 hours/9 weeks.
According to the Alliance Française, it takes between 560 and 650 hours of lessons to reach a B2 level in French. However, this estimate doesn't take into account many of the possible variables. So in terms of months and years, this estimate could vary wildly depending on the intensity of study and other factors.
C1 level: 700 to 800 hours of learning. At this level, you might be able to communicate in most situations, being fluent in French. C2 level: 1000 to 1200 hours of learning. This level is focused on mastering the language, making you able to communicate in really specific situations and fields of study.
A well-educated native English speaker is technically at a C2 level. Relatively few English learners reach this level because their professional or academic goals do not require it.
The DALF C2, or Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française Niveau C2, is the highest achievable credential for French as a foreign language. C2 is the top level of language ability in the CEFR, or Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, after A1, A2, B1, B2, and C1.
Normally, 150 to 180 hours of study are required to achieve the B1 level in French. You might take around 6 and 9 months to achieve a B1 level if you engage in 10 hours each week for your French studies.
At Duolingo, we're developing our courses to get you to a level called B2, at which you can get a job in the language you're studying. Reaching that kind of proficiency requires dedication, varied practice opportunities, and a lot of time.
Level B2: Basic Fluency
Reaching B2 is generally considered by most people as having basic fluency. You'll have a working vocabulary of around 4000 words.
But research shows that learning a second language offers proven benefits for intelligence, memory, and concentration, plus lowered risks of dementia and Alzheimer's. So what if you are over 40 and want to learn a second language? The good news is, it can be done. I learned French in my 50s.
To move from level B1 to level C1, learners need to be able to understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They should also be able to express themselves fluently and spontaneously without having to search for words all the time.
A2 French Level – Intermediate Level
A2 French level refers to above beginner, intermediate level French knowledge. You can easily make simple sentences and simple daily conversations at A2 French level. A2 French level is the second level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Depending on your goals, native language, study method and time, and motivation, within 6 months to 3 years you should be able to speak French at a good level. It will take longer if you're following a secondary school curriculum or want to totally master French for a career in something like interpreting.
Most universities in France, specially the public ones, require the B2 (intermediate) certificate in the "Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française - DELF" or the TCF-DAP for international students.
Once you reach a B2 level, you CAN work in a French-speaking environment. Yes, yes, yes!
The C1 level is challenging and the DALF exam is a C1-C2 level exam. Start practicing months before- yes, that's right, months, not days. Tip#2 Manage your time and set aside regular study sessions.