At a beginner level, one can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. One can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. One is able to interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

At a false beginner level, one is able to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). One is able to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. One can describe in simple terms aspects his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

At a lower intermediate level, one can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. One is able to deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. One can also produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. One is able to describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

At a higher intermediate level, one is able to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. One is able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. One can also produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

At an advanced level, one can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. One is able to express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. One can also use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. One is able to produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

At a fluent level, one is able to understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. One is able to summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. One can also express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.