When a scholarship or visa asks for “B2 English” or “B1 German”, it refers to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), launched by the Council of Europe in 2001 and now the common way to describe your level in any language.
Six levels in three groups
The Council of Europe describes each level with “can-do” statements written without reference to any one language — B2 in French means the same as B2 in German.
| Group | Level | What you can do (summary of the Council of Europe descriptors) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic user | A1 | Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases, introduce yourself, and interact simply if the other person speaks slowly and helps |
| A2 | Understand frequent sentences about immediate needs (family, shopping, work) and handle simple routine exchanges | |
| Independent user | B1 | Understand the main points of clear speech on familiar work or study topics, deal with most travel situations, and describe experiences and plans |
| B2 | Understand the main ideas of complex texts, including technical discussion in your field, talk with native speakers without strain, and write clear, detailed text | |
| Proficient user | C1 | Understand demanding, longer texts, express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much searching for words, and write well-structured text on complex subjects |
| C2 | Understand with ease virtually everything heard or read, summarise information from different sources, and express yourself precisely with fine shades of meaning |
Certificates that prove your level
German (Goethe-Institut): Goethe exams correspond to CEFR levels:
- A1: Start Deutsch 1 for adults (16+); Fit in Deutsch 1 for younger learners.
- A2: Goethe-Zertifikat A2.
- B1, B2, C1: Goethe-Zertifikat B1, B2 and C1.
- C2: Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom (18+).
- The Goethe page also lists TestDaF (B2–C1), a separate exam accepted by many German universities as proof of language.
English: ETS maps the new TOEFL iBT scores to the CEFR:
| New TOEFL score | CEFR level |
|---|---|
| 6 | C2 |
| 5 – 5.5 | C1 |
| 4 – 4.5 | B2 |
| 3 – 3.5 | B1 |
| 2 – 2.5 | A2 |
| 1 – 1.5 | A1 |
French: DELF certificates cover A1 to B2, and DALF covers C1 and C2. Check the details with the official exam centre in your country.
Which level do you need?
There is no single number: the university, scholarship or embassy decides. As a general guide to what is usually asked:
| Goal | Usually requested | Why |
|---|---|---|
| University study in the programme’s language | Often B2 or C1 | To follow lectures and academic texts and write papers |
| Vocational training or searching for a training place | Often B1 | Official example: Germany’s visa for searching for a training place requires B1 German, per Make it in Germany (January 2026) |
| A language year before studying | A1 or A2 may be enough to start | The scholarship itself teaches you the language, e.g. Korea’s GKS or the Heydar Aliyev grant |
How to check: open the programme’s Admission Requirements or Language Requirements page and look for the level (e.g. “C1”) or the certificate and score.
How to know your level now
- Read the descriptors above honestly: where are you in reading, listening, writing and speaking? Many people have different levels across skills.
- Take a practice test from the official provider of the certificate you plan to take.
- Measure the gap: if the programme asks for B2 and you are at B1, plan several months of study before the official exam.
Practical tips
- State your level on your CV in CEFR terms (e.g. “English – C1”), with certificate and score.
- Mind certificate dates: TOEFL and Duolingo scores are valid for two years; IELTS recommends two years.
- Don’t confuse level and certificate: a programme may ask for “B2” and accept several certificates that prove it.
FAQ
Is B2 English the same as B2 German? Yes in meaning — the descriptors are language-independent — but each language has its own certificates.
Can I state my level without a certificate? On a CV you can self-assess, but scholarships and universities usually require an official certificate.