Czech language proficiency levels

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Czech language proficiency levels are described according to the international system CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This system covers six levels from A1 to C2, which cover all aspects of language learning: speech and text comprehension, speaking and writing. Each level is designed to describe what a learner should be able to do at different stages of language learning and is used to standardize language school instruction and language proficiency exams.

How do I assess my Czech language proficiency?

Exams and tests that measure skills in the following areas are often used to determine Czech language proficiency:
  • Listening (Poslech): Understanding oral speech in various situations (listening to dialogs, monologues, news stories, etc.).
  • Reading (Čtení): The ability to understand written text (articles, announcements, letters, instructions).
  • Speaking (Mluvení): Ability to conduct dialog and monologue, discuss various topics and express their thoughts.
  • Writing (Psaní): The ability to write coherent texts on given topics.

A1 Level Description

Level A1 is the initial stage of learning Czech. At this level, students learn basic grammar and vocabulary that enable them to perform simple communicative tasks. They learn to introduce themselves, talk about themselves and their family, ask and answer simple questions related to everyday life, such as where they live, study, work, shopping and hobbies.

Vocabulary: 800-1000 words.
Time to master: 80-100 academic hours (60-80 hours - lessons with a teacher and 20 hours - independent work).

A2 Level Description

Level A2 is suitable for those who have already mastered the basics of Czech. At this stage, students begin to better understand and use phrases that are often encountered in everyday life - when shopping, at work, traveling or communicating with friends. They can write simple texts such as notes or short letters, as well as understand basic information in advertisements and posters.

Vocabulary: 1000-1500 words.
Time to master: 100-120 academic hours (60-80 hours - lessons with a teacher and 40 hours - independent work).

Description of Level B1

At this level, students will begin to understand the main ideas of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics. They will be able to communicate quite freely without strain for both parties, and will learn to write texts on a wide range of topics, to explain their point of view on a topical issue, giving arguments for and against various options.

Vocabulary: 2000-2500 words.
Time to master: 240-280 academic hours (140-160 hours - classes with a teacher and 100-120 hours - independent work).

Description of level B2

At this level, students will be able to understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including specialized discussions in their professional field. They will be able to communicate with native speakers on a variety of topics without difficulty and be able to express themselves clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics. Students will be able to write clear, detailed texts on complex topics, argue their point of view, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different options.

Vocabulary: 3000-3500 words.
Time to master: 240-280 academic hours (140-160 hours - classes with a teacher and 100-120 hours - independent work).

Why are there recurring themes at different levels?

Repetition of topics at different levels (A1, A2, B1 and B2) is a natural part of the learning process of any language. This happens for several reasons:

1. Gradual deepening of knowledge

Each level of Czech language learning covers the same topics, but with a different degree of difficulty. For example, the topic "family" can be studied at level A1, where the pupil simply learns to name family members. However, at A2 level, this topic is expanded: the student learns to describe relatives in more detail, using adjectives and more complex grammatical constructions. At B1 level, the student can discuss topics related to family traditions and have more complex conversations about relationships. At B2 level, in-depth conversations about the socio-economic status of families.

2. Consolidation of basic concepts

Basic topics such as "shopping", "food", "health", "traveling" are important for everyday communication. At the beginning levels (A1 and A2) they are learned at a survival level: the student learns the minimum set of words and expressions necessary to perform simple tasks such as grocery shopping or ordering in a restaurant.

At B1 and B2 levels, these same topics are deepened, allowing the student to freely discuss more complex aspects of these topics, such as:
  • "Food": discussing different national cuisines, culinary traditions, diets and nutrition in general.
  • "Health": discussing medical problems, consulting a doctor, describing symptoms of illness, and discussing health and lifestyle.

3. Transition from the concrete to the abstract

At beginner levels (A1 and A2), topics are dealt with in concrete situations and with simple, concrete expressions, for example in everyday contexts such as talking about family or shopping. At B1 and B2 levels, topics can become more abstract and complex. For example:
  • "Work": at A1 level - a simple description of the profession ("Jsem učitel" - "I am a teacher"), and at B2 level - a discussion of professional experience, career development, working conditions and problems at the workplace.
  • "Travel": at A2 level, a story about a place where the student has been, and at B2 level, a discussion of the country's culture, tourism infrastructure and the impact of tourism on the economy.

Thus, repeating topics at different levels helps students not only to reinforce basic knowledge, but also to develop more complex lexical and grammatical skills. It is a strategic approach that helps students not just memorize material, but also apply it in practice in different, more complex contexts.

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