French levels, A1 to C2
The CEFR scale describes what you can actually do in French. Find your level, see the exam scores it maps to, and what it takes to reach the next one.
A1 is the true starting line. You can introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions about familiar things, and handle very basic everyday exchanges when the other person speaks slowly.
DELF A1 · TEF 0–180 · TCF 100–199
At A2 you cope with routine situations like shopping, directions, your job and background, using simple connected sentences and the passé composé.
DELF A2 · TEF 181–270 · TCF 200–299 · NCLC 3–4
B1 is the independence threshold: you manage most travel situations, express opinions, and narrate experiences. It's the floor for many work and study contexts.
DELF B1 · TEF 271–360 · TCF 300–399 · NCLC 5–6
B2 means fluent, spontaneous interaction and the ability to argue a viewpoint in detail. It's the band most Canadian PR candidates target (NCLC 7–8) for maximum Express Entry points.
DELF B2 · TEF 361–450 · TCF 400–499 · NCLC 7–8
C1 is flexible, effective French for social, academic, and professional life. You express ideas fluently without obvious searching and use the language precisely.
DALF C1 · TEF 451–540 · TCF 500–599 · NCLC 9–10
C2 is near-native command. You understand virtually everything, summarise from different sources coherently, and express yourself with nuance and precise register.
DALF C2 · TEF 541–699 · TCF 600–699 · NCLC 11–12