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European Framework of References for the German language

>> Detail description of the TestDaF levels (TDN)

Our German courses correspond to the six levels A1 - C2 of the "Common European Framework of References". Each level contains the four criteria:

  • listening comprehension
  • reading comprehension
  • oral expression
  • written expression

Elementary level A1 - Breakthrough (without any prior knowledge in German language)
You can produce simple mainly isolated phrases about people and places. You can describe him/herself, what he/she does and where he/she lives. You can read a very short, rehearsed statement - e.g. to introduce a speaker, propose a toast. You can write simple phrases and sentences about themselves and imaginary people, where they live and what they do.

Elementary level A2 - Waystage
You can use simple descriptive language to make brief statements about something or people and compare objects and possessions. You can explain what you like or dislike, describe your family, living conditions, educational background, present or most recent job. You can give a short, rehearsed, basic presentation on a familiar subject. You can answer straight forward follow up questions if you can ask for repetition and if some help with the formulation of your reply is possible. You can write short, simple imaginary biographies and simple poems about people.

Advanced level B1 - Threshold
You can relate details of unpredictable occurrences, e.g. an accident, the plot of a book or an image. You can describe real or imagined events, your hopes and ambitions and your reactions on dreams. You can narrate a story, or describe something in a simple list of points. You can describe everyday aspects of your environment e.g. people, places, a job or study experience. You can give short, basic descriptions of events and activities and describe plans and arrangements, habits and routines, past activities and personal experiences.

Advanced level B2 - Vantage
You can give clear, detailed descriptions and presentations on a wide range of subjects related to your interest, expanding and supporting ideas with subsidiary points and relevant examples. You can give straightforward descriptions on a variety of familiar subjects within your field of interest. You can reasonably relate a straightforward narrative or description as a linear sequence of points. You can give detailed accounts of experiences, describing feelings and reactions, a clear, prepared presentation, giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view and giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. You can take a series of follow up questions with a degree of fluency and spontaneity which poses no strain for either you or the audience. You can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to your field of interest, synthesizing and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.

Mastery level C1 - Effective Operational Proficiency
You can give clear, detailed descriptions on complex subjects, integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with highlighting of significant points, relevant supporting detail and an appropriate conclusion. You 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. You can handle interjections well, responding spontaneously and almost effortlessly. You can depart spontaneously from a prepared text and follow up interesting points raised by members of the audience, often showing remarkable fluency and ease of expression. You can write clear, well-structured texts of complex subjects, underlining the relevant salient issues, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.

Mastery level C2 - Mastery
You can produce clear, smoothly flowing well-structured speech with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. You can give clear, smoothly flowing, elaborate and often memorable descriptions. You can 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. You can handle difficult and even hostile questioning. Can deliver announcements fluently, almost effortlessly, using stress and intonation to convey finer shades of meaning precisely. You can write clear, smoothly flowing, complex texts in an appropriate and effective style and a logical structure which helps the reader to find significant points. You can write clear, smoothly flowing, and fully engrossing stories and descriptions of experience in a style appropriate to the genre adopted.