What is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the international standard for describing language ability. It divides proficiency into six levels across three bands: Basic (A1–A2), Independent (B1–B2), and Proficient (C1–C2). Every language course, textbook, and exam in Europe references these levels — and they're increasingly used worldwide.
The Six Levels Explained
A1 — Breakthrough. You can understand and use everyday expressions: greetings, basic questions about personal details, simple requests. Reading at A1 means following short, familiar texts — signs, menus, simple forms. Vocabulary is around 500–800 words.
A2 — Waystage. You handle routine tasks and describe your immediate environment. A2 readers can follow short narratives, understand simple emails, and read adapted news. Vocabulary reaches 1,000–1,500 words.
B1 — Threshold. The turning point. You can deal with most situations while travelling, describe experiences, and give reasons for opinions. B1 readers handle authentic texts with some support — newspaper articles, short stories, blog posts. This is the level most integration courses target.
B2 — Vantage. You interact fluently with native speakers without strain. B2 readers follow complex arguments in articles, understand contemporary literary prose, and read specialized texts in their field. Many university programs require B2.
C1 — Effective Operational Proficiency. You express yourself fluently and spontaneously. C1 readers handle demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning. Academic reading and professional documents are accessible.
C2 — Mastery. Near-native comprehension. You can read virtually everything — literature, technical papers, colloquial writing — understanding nuance, irony, and cultural references.
How ReadFIT Maps Content to Levels
Every story on ReadFIT has a CEFR level. ReadFIT has stories from A1 to C1. Most stories, and the new ones, are at A1 to B2. Many stories are written at several levels, so you can read the same story at A2 and then at B1. For example, "Why is it so quiet on Sunday?" is written at A1, A2 and B1. Tap any word to see its English meaning.
ReadFIT also has short news stories, written at several levels. New stories are added regularly. Paths put stories about one person or theme together, at several levels: the Bach path, for example, has stories from A1 to B1.
Finding Your Level
If you're unsure where you stand, start with A2 stories. If they feel too easy — you understand 90% or more without tapping words — move up to B1. If you're tapping every other word, step back a level. The sweet spot is understanding about 70–80% of the text, with the rest being productive challenge.