LANGUAGE LEVELS – WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

If you do not speak Polish at all or know only a few words, you are probably at level A1. To be able to study at a Polish university, you need the B1 certificate, and if you want to understand what the football fans are singing about during the Cracovia-Wisła game, you need at least the C2.
What exactly are these letter-number symbols all about? Simply put – these are the levels of the foreign language proficiency. They describe the extent to which you have mastered your knowledge of the foreign language; what you should be able to do at any particular level in terms of grammar, writing, reading, vocabulary, and listening comprehension.
At Varia, we offer courses at all levels. Based on a written test and/or an interview, we precisely assign students to their groups. If you want to check what language level you are at, we encourage you to take our online placement test.

A1 LEVEL Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce himself/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is willing to help. To reach this level you need to complete 80-120 lesson units.

A2 LEVEL Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to the areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in the areas of immediate need. To reach this level you need to complete 180-200 lesson units.

B1 LEVEL Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered at work, school or during his/her free time, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple coherent texts on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events as well as dreams, hopes and ambitions. Can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. To reach this level you need to complete 350-400 lesson units. 

B2 LEVEL Can understand the main ideas of a complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions related to his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects and explain his/her viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. To reach this level you need to complete 500-600 lesson units.

C1 LEVEL Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express himself/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed texts on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. To reach this level you need to complete 700-800 lesson units.

C2 LEVEL Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express himself/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. To reach this level you need to complete 1000-1200 lesson units.