Knowledge levels Italian language
Language in Italy follows the level assessment scheme of the European Language Portfolio (QCER). The six levels of competence (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) are used as parameters to provide language teachers with a reference model for the preparation of teaching materials and for the assessment of linguistic knowledge.
Beginner Level
The student can recognize familiar words and very basic statements concerning him/herself, the family and immediate concrete surroundings. He /she can use single phrases and sentences in areas of immediate need, can write a short postcard, fill in a form with personal details, can ask and answer simple questions.
A1 Level - ELEMENTAR
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/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 prepared to help.
A2 Level - INTERMEDI
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/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 prepared to help.
B1 Level - INTERMEDI
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2 Level - ADVANCED
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in 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 text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1 Level - ADVANCED
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/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 text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2 Level - MASTERY
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 him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
As a seasoned language enthusiast and expert, I have delved deeply into the intricacies of the Italian language and its assessment standards. My knowledge extends to the European Language Portfolio's (QCER) six levels of competence—A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. I possess a comprehensive understanding of how these levels serve as fundamental parameters for language teachers, guiding the creation of teaching materials and facilitating the assessment of linguistic proficiency.
Let's begin with the foundational level, A1. At this stage, a learner can recognize familiar words and basic statements related to themselves, family, and immediate surroundings. They can communicate using single phrases and sentences in areas of immediate need, write short postcards, fill in personal details on forms, and respond to simple questions.
Moving on to A2, the intermediate level, individuals can understand and use everyday expressions for concrete needs. They can introduce themselves and others, ask and answer questions about personal details, and engage in simple interactions as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
Progressing to the B1 level, learners can comprehend the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters encountered in daily life. They can handle most situations while traveling in a region where the language is spoken, produce simple connected text on familiar topics, and describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, ambitions, and provide reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Stepping up to the B2 level, individuals achieve an advanced proficiency. They can understand complex text on concrete and abstract topics, interact fluently with native speakers, and produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects. Their abilities include explaining viewpoints on topical issues, considering the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
At the C1 level, learners attain an advanced mastery. They can understand demanding, longer texts, recognize implicit meanings, express themselves fluently and spontaneously, and use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. They can produce well-structured, detailed texts on complex subjects, showcasing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.
Finally, reaching the pinnacle at the C2 level, individuals achieve language mastery. They can understand virtually everything heard or read, summarize information from different sources, and express themselves spontaneously and precisely, even in complex situations. Their language skills encompass differentiating finer shades of meaning.
In conclusion, this overview of Italian language proficiency levels provides a comprehensive understanding of the skills and competencies expected at each stage of the language learning journey. Whether you are a beginner or aiming for mastery, the European Language Portfolio's assessment scheme serves as a valuable guide to gauge and enhance your Italian language skills. Test your Italian proficiency now to see where you stand on this linguistic spectrum!
