CEFR

(Common European
Framework)
Presented by Petra and Szabi
 Introduction

PreA1 A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2
Pre-intermediate Upper
Foundation Elementary Intermediate Advanced Proficiency
intermediate
}

}
Basic user Independent user Proficient user
 What is the CEFR?
• The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
(CEFR) is an international standard for describing language
ability.
• It describes language ability on a six-point scale, from A1 for
beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language.
• This makes it easy for anyone involved in language teaching and
testing, such as teachers or learners, to see the level of different
qualifications.
• It also means that employers and educational institutions can
easily compare our qualifications to other exams in their country.
 1960s
The language projects set up since 1960 all
focused on language learning for
communication, promoting a learner
centred, actional and positive approach. The
purpose was to ensure that all citizens
would have the opportunity to learn other
languages (in addition to their first
language).
1970/80s
Among the most important projects,
‘Threshold Level’ specifications were
developed first for English soon followed by
French, and later for nearly 30 languages :
these language-specific documents specify
objectives for language learning with a view
to attaining independent communication in the
target language.
The Threshold Level’s definitional approach
reflects the view that linguistic performance
depends on more than linguistic knowledge.
1990s
Development and
History
By the 1990's it was time to develop a
comprehensive framework for language
learning, teaching and assessment in general.
The idea of developing a CEFR was launched
in 1991 during a major Council of Europe
symposium organised in Rüschlikon in co-
operation with Swiss authorities.
2020s
The Companion Volume completes and clarifies
the CEFR descriptive model by defining and
further expanding constructs; extends and
completes the CEFR set of descriptors; and
broadens the conceptualisation of language
2000s education.
The CEFR descriptors in the Companion
Even before its publication in 2001, the CEFR Volume replace those published in 2001, with
started to have a strong influence on curriculum updates to existing scales, especially for A1
design in member states. Translated into 40 and the C-levels, and new scales of descriptors
languages during the decade and adopted as a for mediating text, mediating concepts,
reference by almost all countries in Europe and mediating communication, online interaction,
many beyond, a survey of member states phonology and signing competences.
conducted in 2007 suggested that the CEFR had
already become possibly the most influential
publication in language educatio n, being used
worldwide to inform innovation in curriculum,
teaching, and assessment.
Facilitates Offers a concrete
foundation for supporting
communication and
innovative pedagogies in
mobility across language education
Europe

Benefits
Provides a common Provides a common
reference for language reference point and
learners, teachers and promotes effective
employers
of CEFR language education
practices

Enhances transparency Teachers and learners

and comparability of move toward specific
language qualifications levels and specific goals
of those levels
References
• Historical overview of the development of the CEFR:
https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-refere
nce-languages/history
• What are the benefits of using the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)? :
https://typeset.io/questions/what-are-the-benefits-of-using-the-co
mmon-european-framework-4g6ii7zhao
• 6 Advantages of using the CEFR:
https://www.tefl.com.mx/cefrin-the-classroom/
Thank you
very much!