If you’re learning a language in Europe, you may be aiming to get a certificate showing the level of competency that you have reached. there is a standard framework used in Europe, called the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment, abbreviated as CEFR or CEF, which defines 6 levels. These apply independently of the language you are studying, and of the European country you are studying in. It is also recognised in several non-European countries, such as Colombia and the Philippines.
| Level group | Level group name | Level | Level name |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Basic user | A1 | Breakthrough or beginner |
| A2 | Way stage or elementary | ||
| B | Independent user | B1 | Threshold or intermediate |
| B2 | Vantage or upper intermediate | ||
| C | Proficient user | C1 | Effective operational proficiency or advanced |
| C2 | Mastery or proficiency |
The levels are described in detail on the website linked to above the table.
The EOI (Escuela Oficial de Idiomas) in Spain uses a slightly different way of referring to the levels, for example, they refer to the B1 level as “Intermediate”, but the B2 as “Advanced”. You can see a description of their levels here. This difference is because the levels are regulated by the “Ley Orgánica de Educación (Real Decreto 1629/2006)”.
You can reckon that for English, German or Spanish you’ll need about 75 hours to reach A1 level, 180–200 hours to reach A2, 350-400 hours to reach B1, 500-600 to reach B2, 700-800 to reach C1, and 1000 – 1200 hours to reach C2 level.