The Common European Framework of Reference

At Direct Dutch, we use the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference ( CEFR) to denote the levels of our courses. This framework is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries. It was put together by the Council of Europe as the main part of the project “Language Learning for European Citizenship” between 1989 and 1996. Its main aim is to provide a method of learning, teaching and assessing which applies to all languages in Europe.

The CEFR describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing at each level. Click here for a short description of the different levels. Over the past years, those six reference levels have are become widely accepted as the European standard for grading an individual’s language proficiency.

More information

Click here to read more about the Common Euopean Frame of Reference in an official article from the European Council.