CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
In recent years the CEFR has established itself as an important framework for modern language education within Europe. In the Netherlands, the framework has served, amongst other things, as the basis for a number of innovative developments such as the European Language Portfolio for primary, secondary, vocational and adult education. In the Netherlands the CEFR has been used to help set the core objectives for foreign language education in basic secondary education as well as in the development of the foreign language examination programmes for general secondary education. Also, the framework has been used to formulate foreign language requirements for portfolios in vocational education .
What is the CEFR?
The CEFR is a reference framework that describes various proficiency levels in foreign language learning. The CEFR was developed by the European Council in order to promote communication between the citizens of EU member states. Although the CEFR is not a product of the EU, it is used in numerous EU activities.
The CEFR distinguishes three levels of foreign language proficiency, in each of which a lower and higher degree of proficiency has been defined. Thus, in practice, the CEFR divides language skills into six different levels.
- A1 & A2 (basic language user)
- B1 & B2 (independent language user)
- C1 & C2 (proficient language user).
Level C2 designates an extremely high level of language command that can only be achieved after a number of years living and working in a country in which the foreign language is used as the first language or after extensive academic training in the foreign language.
The proficiency levels are decribed in terms of scales — some of these scales are global and others are more specific and illustrative. The scales are formulated in terms of what are called can-do-statements. For example:
- can understand and use familiar everyday expressions (A1)
- can understand the main ideas of a complex text (B2)
- can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects (C1)
Cito and the CEFR
Cito is closely involved in the development and implementation of the CEFR. Cito played an important role in the development of procedures which language institutes and examination boards can use to establish and demonstrate links with CEFR. Cito has carried out extensive research into the linking to the CEFR of exams in modern foreign languages and in Dutch as a second language. Cito has developed CEFR tests for foreign languages and is actively engaged in the dissemination and promotion of CEFR standards via a number of course offerings for language teachers.
Research and Reports
You can download the following research reports on the CEFR: