I can understand familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly.

I can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues.

I can interact when a person repeats or rephrases slowly and helps me. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.

I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and people I know.

I can understand phrases and vocabulary in areas of most personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment).

I can read very short, simple texts, find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables.

I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities.

I can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, my educational background and present or most recent job.

I can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters. I can understand the main point of many radio or TV programmes when slowly spoken.

I can understand texts with high frequency every day or job-related language. I can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters.

I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling. I can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life.

I can connect phrases in a simple way to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and ambitions. I can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

I can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programmes.

I can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. I can understand contemporary literary prose.

I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. I can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts.

I can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to my field of interest. I can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving advantages and disadvantages.

I can understand extended speech when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly. I understand TV and films without effort.

I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style. I can understand specialised articles and longer technical instructions.

I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. I can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes.

I can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects integrating sub-themes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.