Basic User – A1
Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases to satisfy a concrete type’s needs. Can introduce him/herself and others and ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows, and things he/she has. Can interact simply provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Basic User – A2
Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance (e.g., basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe aspects of his/her background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need.
Self Assessment
UNDERSTANDING
Listening
A1
When people speak slowly and clearly, I recognize familiar words and basic phrases concerning myself, my family, and immediate concrete surroundings.
A2
I can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of immediate personal relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.
Reading
A1
I can understand familiar names, words, and very simple sentences, for example, on notices, posters, or catalogs.
A2
I can read very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus, and timetables, and I can understand short, simple personal letters.
SPEAKING
Spoken Interaction
A1
I can interact simply if the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I’m trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.
A2
I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle terse social exchanges, even though I can’t usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself.
Spoken Production
A1
I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and the people I know.
A2
I can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, my educational background, and my present or most recent job.
Writing
A1
I can write a short, simple postcard, for example, sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example, entering my name, nationality, and address on a hotel registration form.
A2
I can write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate need. I can write a simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something.