The A Levels: Beginners A1

At this level you will be able to use everyday expressions and form simple sentences that are related to concrete needs or routine situations encountered in everyday life (like asking for water). You will also be able to introduce yourself with very simple sentences, state where you come from and ask other people for similar information. You can comprehend what other people are saying at this level as long as they speak slowly and use simple words.

A2

At the A2 level you begin understanding frequently used expressions that are related to a wider variety of topics as long as they are of immediate importance (like work, the environment around you and shopping). Communicating in routine everyday situations and exchanging familiar information will also be easier at this level. A2 German speakers can describe their origin, education and other common attributes about their person or their past.

These first two German language levels are very elementary, and they’re the bare minimum needed for communication. So, having covered the A levels means you have some basic knowledge and are capable of having a simple and direct exchange on topics of personal interest when the other speaker speaks slowly and clearly. Reaching the A1 level (from a point of no previous knowledge of a particular language) has been estimated to take between 60 – 80 hours of instruction by both Deutsche Welle and Alliance Française. Smarter German offers exactly that with theA1 Beginner’s German andA2 Elementary German Courses.

The B Levels: Independent Language Use – B1

B1 German speakers have no problem understanding the main points of a conversation when clear standard German is used, especially on familiar topics like school or work. If you reach this level, you can rest assured that you can handle most of the travel situations and standard language you will face if you go to a German-speaking country. At B1, you will be able to have a normal conversation and talk about your interests and areas of expertise. B1 speakers can talk about the past, describe their day and their dreams, make plans and explain familiar topics.

B2

At this upper-intermediate level, you will have a very good command of German grammar and will start understanding the main ideas in complex texts involving both concrete and abstract topics. Beyond reading comprehension, at B2 you will have the ability to easily discuss topics, give a coherent presentation and summarize information. B2 speakers can carry fluent conversations with native speakers with neither side having to speak slowly or use simple words. If you reach B2, you will be able to express yourself in detail, describe dreams and plans, give your opinions on complex situations, and discuss the fine nuances of different options. B2 Upper-Intermediate German

The B levels in the German language are when you really start to use the language independently. The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) suggests that you need about 750 hours to get to the B2 level. Don’t let that number scare you, because Smarter German has made reaching these levels easier than ever with two powerful courses: The first one is designed to get you there as fast as possible by focusing on the B1 exam (B1 Exam Preparation) The second one will help you elevate your German speaking abilities to the next level with maximum effectiveness (B2 Upper-Intermediate German).

The C Levels: Fluency – C1

At this point, you will be able to understand a wide range of complex texts with demanding concepts and implicit meanings. C1 speakers almost never need to search for a simple word to express their ideas when they speak German. At C1, you will be able to use the language effectively in your social, academic, and professional life. You will also be able to express your thoughts eloquently and use different ways to link ideas together appropriately. C1 Advanced German

C2

The last of the German language levels means that you can understand basically anything you read or hear. You will have the ability to summarize long texts and condense complex ideas in order to explain them to other people. C2 speakers express their thoughts in a very precise and detailed manner with finer nuances, use idiomatic expressions, and discuss complex topics with the language a native German speaker would use.

The C levels are as competent as you can get in German. How long you’re gonna need to get there depends on how often you use the language. The Goethe Institut says you need to have studied German for at least 750 hours to get to this point. But realistically, it might take you up to 3 years to reach the C2 level. Even native Germans struggle with reaching this level but with enough practice, you will definitely arrive at your German-speaking goals. Smarter German offers you theC1 Advanced German Course that will make reaching the C1 level infinitely easier.