Spanish Language Level System | Spanish Level Description

At Habla Ya Spanish Schools we have six (6) different Spanish levels, from absolute beginner to complete fluency (just as a native). Each level is defined by the degree of proficiency in specific communicative skills: oral expression, listening comprehension, reading and writing skills.

60 hours of lessons are equivalent to 3 weeks in our Group 4 Course or simply 60 hours of Private Lessons. In other words, each of our first three Spanish levels (A1, A2, B1) can be completed in an average of 3 weeks each. Our fourth and fifth levels (B2, C1) take an average of 5 weeks each, and our last level (C2) varies from student to student but the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF) indicates that in average it takes 400 hours of Spanish language study.

Key:

• Habla Ya: Levels at Habla Ya Spanish Schools
• ACTFL: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
• ALTE: Association of Language Testers in Europe
• CEF: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• DELE: Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (the exams organised by the Instituto Cervantes)

When you finish this level you'll be able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. You'll have the tools to introduce yourself and others and to ask and answer questions about personal details such as where do you live, people you know and things you do. You'll be able to interact in a simple way when the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Students that finish this level can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). They can also communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. They will be able to describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

When you get to finish this level you can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. As well you can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Furthermore, you can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. And finally, you can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

To be considered at this level you have to be able to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialization. At this level you can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. With security you can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Students who finish this level can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. In addition they can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. They can also produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

If you have the same abilities of a native speaker, this means that you can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. You are also able to summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. You also have to be able to express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.