Levels
Learning Levels of Nordic Languages
The language levels we teach at Institut Nòrdic correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a system that allows you to determine your competencies in any European language.
The levels are divided into three groups, from A to C, and each group is further divided into two. Thus, A1 would be the most basic level, to approach the language, and with C2 you would already have almost total mastery of it. If you have no prior knowledge of the language, you must start with A1, where you will learn the basics and acquire the necessary knowledge to access the next level.
At Institut Nòrdic we want our students to progress effectively in their studies, without leaving anything behind. Our goal is for you to be able to communicate independently in the language you are studying.
LEVEL A - BASIC USER
A1 – BREAKTHROUGH
At this level, the foundations of the language are built and progress is made in the ability to communicate in a Nordic society. You will be able to start participating in social networks, search for basic information on the Internet, or, for example, move around the country. You will understand the essentials of the Nordic lifestyle and learn to interact in that context. You will express yourself in the present tense and have notions of the past and future. Additionally, you will pronounce more comfortably the hundreds of new words you will have already learned.
By the end, you’ll have a solid foundation on which to continue learning and become a more independent communicator.
A2 – WAYSTAGE
This is the last of the basic levels: once you complete it, you’ll have learned about the country of interest and its society. You’ll now know how to use apps and websites to meet people and look for work, you’ll be able to express opinions and start small talk. It will also be easier for you to communicate in your workplace and you’ll be able to send emails or make calls to make appointments. Your use of verbs and vocabulary will have increased considerably. You’ll also increasingly understand the content of the news and social media.
With A2, you will have the skills you need for your daily life; now you will have to expand your knowledge to be able to function comfortably in more contexts and be even more independent.
LEVEL B - INDEPENDENT USER
B1 – THRESHOLD
At this level, you’ll begin to gain independence in your use of the language. You’ll be able to write clear and simple texts on topics related to work, studies, or leisure. You’ll deepen your knowledge of society, history, and geography and understand texts in these areas. If you travel, you’ll be able to handle most situations you encounter, as well as describe experiences and events, talk about your desires and aspirations, justify your opinions, and explain your plans. With the verb tenses you’ve mastered, you’ll be able to explain almost any action in the past, present, and future, as well as in the active and passive tenses. You’ll have already acquired all the most essential grammar skills.
Your ability to resolve situations on your own will increase. You’ll also notice that your ability to communicate fluently has improved considerably.
B2 – VANTAGE
The texts you understand and write will now be more complex, and you will be able to deal with more abstract topics, even of a technical nature if they are within your field of specialization. You will have the ability to communicate with native speakers more fluently and naturally and defend your point of view on general issues, explaining the pros and cons. You will be able to understand series and movies in the language you are studying through subtitles; in fact, by this point, you will already know almost all of its grammar.
Generally, with a B2 level, you’ll be able to navigate the workplace or discuss complex topics without any problems, and you’ll know how to adapt your language to each social situation.
LEVEL C - PROFICIENT USER
C1 – EFFECTIVE OPERATIONAL PROFICIENCY
You will already be able to communicate spontaneously and fluently, without struggling to find the right expression. You will use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. You will be able to read and understand many long and demanding texts and, in addition, recognize implicit meanings. The texts you write will be well-structured and detailed and can address topics of a certain complexity, correctly using the mechanisms of organization, articulation, and cohesion of texts.
C2 – MASTERY
Congratulations! This is the highest level you can certify in a language, so if you reach this point, you’ll easily understand almost everything you hear and read. You’ll be able to gather information and arguments from various sources and present them coherently and concisely, as well as express yourself spontaneously with great fluency and distinguish subtle nuances of meaning even in complex situations.