Language levels explained: CEFR A1–C2 and HSK

CEFR divides language ability into six levels: A1 and A2 (basic user), B1 and B2 (independent user), and C1 and C2 (proficient user). Chinese is usually measured with HSK, which maps onto CEFR only approximately.

The six CEFR levels

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or CEFR, is the standard scale for English, German, Spanish and French. Exams such as IELTS, Goethe, DELE and DELF are all reported on it.

• A1 — beginner: you can use very basic phrases about yourself and familiar things.
• A2 — elementary: you can handle simple, routine exchanges and talk about your background and immediate needs.
• B1 — intermediate: you can deal with most situations while travelling and describe experiences, plans and opinions.
• B2 — upper-intermediate: you can interact fluently with native speakers and follow complex text on concrete and abstract topics.
• C1 — advanced: you can express yourself fluently and precisely, and understand demanding, longer texts.
• C2 — proficient: you can understand virtually everything and express fine shades of meaning.

How HSK compares

HSK is the standard test of Chinese proficiency. KaigoAI shows Chinese levels on the HSK scale and maps them roughly to CEFR: A1 as HSK 1–2, A2 as HSK 3, B1 as HSK 4, B2 as HSK 5, C1 as HSK 6 and C2 as HSK 7–9. No official one-to-one table exists, so treat the mapping as a guide, not a certificate.

How to choose your level for vocabulary practice

Pick the level where most new words feel challenging but not impossible. If you are unsure, choose one level lower: easy wins build the habit, and you can change your level at any time.

Your level shapes everything generated for you — suggested words, dictation paragraphs and the AI conversation partner — so a level that is too high makes practice frustrating and one that is too low makes it dull.

Last updated 2026-10-20.