What is CEFR A1 Level? Complete Beginner's Guide
CEFR A1 is the first level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It represents basic English proficiency for complete beginners who can understand and use everyday expressions and basic phrases.
CEFR A1 Level Definition
According to the Common European Framework of Reference, A1 level learners can:
Understanding
- Understand familiar everyday expressions
- Comprehend basic phrases for immediate needs
- Follow simple instructions and directions
- Understand basic personal information
Speaking
- Introduce yourself and others
- Ask and answer basic personal questions
- Interact in simple conversations
- Use basic courtesy expressions
A1 Vocabulary Requirements
A1 level learners typically know 500-1,000 common English words including:
Basic Survival Words
- Numbers (1-100)
- Days of the week
- Months
- Colors
- Family members
Daily Life Vocabulary
- Food and drinks
- Clothing
- Body parts
- House/apartment
- Transportation
Function Words
- Personal pronouns
- Basic prepositions
- Common verbs
- Question words
- Conjunctions
A1 Grammar Skills
At A1 level, learners master these essential grammar points:
| Grammar Point | Examples | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Present Simple | I work, She lives, They study | Daily routines and facts |
| Present Continuous | I am working, She is eating | Actions happening now |
| Basic Questions | What's your name? Where are you from? | Getting information |
| Articles | a book, an apple, the house | Definite and indefinite articles |
| Plural Forms | book → books, child → children | Regular and irregular plurals |
How to Reach A1 Level
Most beginners can reach A1 level in 60-100 study hours with these strategies:
- Learn 10-15 new words daily
- Use flashcards for high-frequency words
- Practice words in context, not isolation
- Focus on cognates (words similar to your native language)
- Use our CEFR lookup tool to verify word difficulty
- Start with present simple tense
- Practice forming questions and negatives
- Learn basic sentence patterns
- Use grammar in speaking practice
- Don't worry about complex rules yet
- Practice self-introduction daily
- Role-play common situations
- Use simple phrases and expressions
- Don't worry about perfect pronunciation
- Focus on communication over accuracy
A1 Level Assessment
You can assess A1 level through:
Official Tests
- Cambridge A1 Movers
- Trinity GESE Grade 2
- IELTS 3.0-3.5
- TOEFL 32-34
Self-Assessment
- Can you introduce yourself?
- Do you understand basic questions?
- Can you ask for help?
- Do you know 500+ common words?
Check Your Vocabulary Level
Use our CEFR Word Level Lookup tool to check if vocabulary is appropriate for A1 learners and build your word knowledge systematically.
Check Word LevelsNext Steps After A1
Once you've mastered A1 level, you're ready to progress to A2 Elementary level. This involves expanding your vocabulary to 1,500+ words and learning more complex grammar structures.
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Tools & Resources:
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Check A1 Words
Test if words are appropriate for A1 learners:
A1 Quick Facts
- Study Time: 60-100 hours
- Vocabulary: 500-1,000 words
- Grammar: Present tenses, basic questions
- Speaking: Simple conversations
- Next Level: A2 Elementary
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