English Vocabulary & CEFR Levels

A1 - Beginner (500-700 words)

At this level, you can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.

A2 - Elementary (1,000-1,500 words)

Can 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).

B1 - Intermediate (2,000-3,000 words)

The threshold level. You can handle most situations likely to arise while travelling. B1 is often the requirement for mid-level jobs. IELTS goal: 4.5-5.0.

B2 - Upper Intermediate (4,000-6,000 words)

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. IELTS goal: 5.5-6.5.

C1 - Advanced (8,000-10,000 words)

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. IELTS goal: 7.0-8.0.

C2 - Mastery (15,000+ words)

Native-level proficiency. Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.