German Language Proficiency Test

• A1
  Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and straightforward phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. They can introduce themself and others and ask questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have, as well as respond to questions of this type. Can communicate if interlocutors speak slowly and clearly and are willing to help.
• A2
  Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance [e.g., personal and family information, shopping, work, local area]. Can communicate in simple, routine situations involving a simple, direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms own background and education, immediate environment, and things related to immediate needs.

• B1
  Understand the main points when clear standard language is used and when dealing with familiar matters from work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in the language area. Can deal with most situations encountered when traveling in the language area. They can express themself simply and coherently on familiar topics and personal areas of interest. Describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, and give brief reasons or explanations for plans and opinions.
• B2
  Can understand the main ideas of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Can communicate so spontaneously and fluently that a normal conversation with native speakers is possible without major effort on either side. They can express themself clearly and in detail on a wide range of subjects, explaining a point of view on a topical issue and giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options

• C1
  Understand various demanding, longer texts and grasp the implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without searching for clearly identifiable words. Can use language effectively and flexibly in social and professional life, training, and study. Can express themself clearly, in a structured and detailed way, on complex subjects, using various means of linking texts appropriately.
• C2
  They can understand with ease virtually everything they read or hear. Can summarize information from various written and spoken sources, giving reasons and explanations in a coherent presentation. They can express themselves spontaneously, fluently, and accurately, making clear finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Steps A1-C2 are based on the European Common Reference Standard (Gemeinsamer europaischer Referenzrahmen fur Sprachen).