What Is CEFR A2?
A2 (Elementary) is the second level of the CEFR scale. At this stage, learners move beyond isolated phrases and can communicate in simple, routine situations on familiar topics. A2 speakers can handle basic social interactions, describe their background, and carry out simple everyday transactions — shopping, asking for directions, making appointments.
The Council of Europe estimates approximately 180–200 total guided learning hours to reach A2 from zero. For learners coming from A1, it takes a further 100–150 hours.
A2 Vocabulary: Key Numbers
| Measure | A2 figure |
|---|---|
| Receptive vocabulary | ~1,000–2,000 word families |
| Productive vocabulary | ~500–1,000 word families |
| Guided learning hours (from zero) | ~180–200 hours |
| Text coverage | ~75–80% of everyday spoken English |
| Equivalent exam | Cambridge A2 Key (KET); IELTS ~3.0–3.5 |
What Can You Do at A2?
- Understand sentences and frequently used expressions in familiar areas
- Communicate in simple, routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information
- Describe in simple terms your background, immediate environment, and needs
- Handle basic transactions: shopping, ordering food, buying tickets
- Read simple informational texts, short messages, and signs
- Follow simple directions and instructions
A2 Vocabulary by Topic
Feelings and Emotions
Places in Town
Everyday Actions (Verbs)
Time and Schedules
Key Functional Language
Key A2 Word Families by Topic Area
| Topic area | Example A2 words |
|---|---|
| Travel & transport | airport, bus, coach, delay, departure, destination, platform, return, single, ticket, timetable |
| Shopping | bill, cash, change, cheap, cost, credit card, discount, expensive, price, receipt, sale |
| Health | appointment, dentist, doctor, exercise, headache, hospital, ill, medicine, pharmacy, sick |
| Food & eating out | dessert, dish, order, portion, recipe, reservation, restaurant, starter, tip, vegetarian |
| Work & study | boss, colleague, course, exam, lesson, meeting, office, qualification, salary, subject |
| Home & family | bedroom, carpet, ceiling, furniture, kitchen, landlord, neighbour, rent, sitting room, tenant |
How to Progress from A2 to B1
1. Expand with topic-specific vocabulary
At A2 you have core everyday vocabulary. The jump to B1 requires adding semi-specialized words in areas like environment, technology, media, and social issues. Aim to add 500–1,000 new word families through topic-based reading.
2. Read A2/B1 graded readers
Graded readers are books simplified to use vocabulary at your target level. Oxford Bookworms Stage 1–2 and Cambridge English Readers Elementary–Lower-Intermediate are excellent for A2 learners moving toward B1.
3. Learn to express opinions
B1 requires producing connected text and expressing opinions. Practice phrases like "I think…", "In my opinion…", "I agree because…" and "On the other hand…". These discourse markers are typically not needed at A2 but are essential at B1.
4. Start watching authentic English with subtitles
Move from learning videos designed for beginners to simplified authentic content: slow-paced documentaries, sitcoms with English subtitles, or YouTube channels aimed at general audiences with clear speech.
Test Your A2 English Level — Free
Our adaptive CEFR test places you accurately on the A1–C2 scale in 8 minutes. Confirm your A2 level or discover you're already at B1.
Take the free vocabulary test →Frequently Asked Questions
How many words do I need for A2 English?
A2 requires approximately 1,000–2,000 word families. You move beyond basic survival phrases into everyday conversational vocabulary covering shopping, travel, work routines, and familiar topics.
What IELTS band is A2?
A2 roughly corresponds to IELTS band 3.0–3.5. This is below the minimum required by most universities (band 5.5+). Cambridge offers the A2 Key (KET) exam as the appropriate certification for this level.
What is the difference between A1 and A2?
At A1 you can only handle the most basic interactions using memorised phrases. At A2 you can handle routine tasks: shopping, giving simple directions, describing your daily routine, and talking about familiar topics. Vocabulary roughly doubles from 500–1,000 to 1,000–2,000 word families.
How long does it take to go from A1 to A2?
The Council of Europe estimates approximately 100–150 guided learning hours to move from A1 to A2. With daily study of 1 hour, this takes about 3–5 months.
Is A2 English enough for everyday conversation?
A2 is sufficient for simple exchanges on familiar topics, but not comfortable everyday conversation. For that, you need B1 (can handle most travel situations and everyday topics) or B2 (the recognized fluency threshold). A2 speakers often struggle with natural speech pace and unfamiliar vocabulary.