Before getting back into French, the same question always comes up: what is my level? A French test gives a first answer. But you still need to know what levels A1 to C2 measure, and how to place yourself using concrete benchmarks.
Why take a French level test?
Knowing your starting level means choosing the right course, realistic goals and a suitable pace. In Belgium, the question often arises:
- for a Dutch-speaking pupil who studies French at school and wants to know where they stand;
- for a student going to study or do an internship in a French-speaking environment;
- for an adult whose job requires working in French, in Brussels or elsewhere;
- for an administrative procedure that requires a specific level.
The test is not there to judge you. It tells you where to start, and then helps you measure your progress.
The 6 CEFR levels, from A1 to C2
Almost all language tests are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), published by the Council of Europe. It describes what a person “can do” in the language, at six levels grouped into three stages.
Basic user: A1 and A2
- A1 (breakthrough): you understand and use very simple everyday expressions. You can introduce yourself and ask questions about where someone lives or the people they know, provided the other person speaks slowly.
- A2 (waystage): you understand frequently used sentences on familiar topics (family, shopping, work, local area). You exchange information on simple, routine tasks and describe your background or surroundings in simple terms.
Independent user: B1 and B2
- B1 (threshold): you understand the main points when the language is clear and standard, and you can manage most situations while travelling. You describe an event or an experience and briefly give your opinion.
- B2 (vantage): you understand the main ideas of a complex text, including a technical discussion in your field. You speak fluently enough to interact with a French speaker without strain on either side.
Proficient user: C1 and C2
- C1 (effective operational proficiency): you understand long, demanding texts, including implicit meaning. You express yourself spontaneously and use the language flexibly in social life, at work or in your studies.
- C2 (mastery): you understand with ease virtually everything you read or hear. You summarise arguments from different sources and convey fine shades of meaning, even on complex subjects.
Your level can differ from one skill to another: many Dutch speakers read French at B2 but speak it at B1. That is normal, and it is useful to know.
Assessing your French level yourself
Before any test, an honest self-assessment already gives you a good idea. The CEFR even offers a self-assessment grid for each skill. Here are concrete benchmarks to place yourself.
Reading
- You read a poster, a menu, a timetable: level A1 to A2.
- You follow a work email or a simple newspaper article: level B1.
- You read an opinion piece or a report without a dictionary: level B2.
- You read a novel or a specialised text and appreciate its style: level C1 and above.
Listening
- You understand someone speaking slowly about familiar topics: A2.
- You follow the TV news when the topic is familiar: B1 to B2.
- You follow a fast conversation between French speakers, idioms included: C1.
Speaking and writing
- You order, introduce yourself, ask for directions: A1 to A2.
- You talk about your weekend or explain a problem at work: B1.
- You defend a point of view in a meeting or in an argumentative text: B2.
- You adapt your register to the person you are talking to, without searching for words: C1.
A tip: rate yourself on each skill separately. The level that counts is often that of your weakest skill, because that is the one that holds you back in real situations.
Online test or official test: which one to choose?
A free online level test (multiple choice questions, short texts) is useful for a first estimate. It mainly measures grammar, vocabulary and reading. It is poor at assessing speaking, which matters a lot in everyday life.
For a first idea, take our free French A2 test (10 everyday questions, corrected straight away).
When you need to prove a level, you need a recognised test or diploma. A few examples:
- the DELF and DALF diplomas, awarded by the French Ministry of Education, covering levels A1 to C2;
- the language tests of Travaillerpour.be / WerkenVoor.be (formerly Selor) for the Belgian federal civil service;
- for Belgian nationality, knowledge of one of the three national languages at level A2 at least, proven by a diploma, a training course or a recognised language test.
The exact conditions vary by procedure: always check with the organisation concerned which document it accepts.
How to improve after the test?
Once you know your level, set a precise goal: moving from A2 to B1 to feel at ease at work, passing an exam at school, preparing a job interview in French. The time needed depends on your starting point, your pace and how much French you hear outside lessons.
A few habits help at every level:
- listening to a little French every day (radio, podcasts, series with French subtitles);
- reading texts suited to your level, then slightly above it;
- speaking, even with mistakes: it is the skill that improves fastest with practice;
- regularly reviewing the vocabulary you need for your goal.
A French course at your level
At My Sherpa, an educational advisor chooses the coach who suits you, based on your level and your goals. Private French lessons are given at home anywhere in Belgium, or online.
For adults and professionals, our French lessons start from your actual level and your real situations. For a pupil, the coach follows the school curriculum and prepares tests and exams. You will find answers to practical questions in our FAQ.
