A1 vs A2 vs B1 – Which Level Should I Join in January?

Thinking of starting a German course this January, but not sure which level is right for you? You’re not alone. Many learners wonder whether to enrol in A1, A2, or B1 classes – especially at the beginning of a new term. In this post, we’ll clarify the difference between these German levels, A1, A2, and B1, according to the CEFR framework and help you decide which class to join. We’ll break down what skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) you have at each level, and include a handy quiz-style checklist so you can self-assess your German level. By the end, you’ll know whether a beginner German class or a more advanced course is the best fit for you this January.

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What do A1, A2, B1 mean? These codes come from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – an international standard for describing language ability. In simple terms, A1 and A2 are basic levels for beginners, while B1 is the first intermediate level. As you progress from A1 up to B1, you move from using simple everyday phrases to handling most daily situations independently in German. In a nutshell:

• A1 (Beginner): You can introduce yourself and use very basic phrases.

• A2 (Elementary): You can handle simple everyday situations in German (e.g., shopping, asking for directions).

• B1 (Intermediate): You can manage day-to-day life and have basic conversations in German mostly on your own.

Now, let’s look more closely at each level and its skill profile.

A1 – Beginner German Level

A1 is the most basic level of German proficiency. This is where you start if you’re an absolute beginner. At A1, you’re building foundational skills – learning how to greet people, introduce yourself, and understand a few simple words. Here are the core abilities of an A1 learner in each skill area:

• Speaking: Can use basic greetings and introduce themselves (name, age, where they’re from) and ask/answer very simple personal questions. For example: “Wie heißt du?” – “Ich heiße Maria.”

• Listening: Can understand familiar words and very basic phrases when spoken slowly and clearly (e.g. numbers, times, common greetings like “Guten Tag”).

• Reading: Can recognise a few familiar words or short phrases in written texts – like signs, menus or labels (for instance, knowing that Ausgang means “exit”).

• Writing: Can write simple isolated phrases or sentences. Might be able to fill out basic forms with personal details (name, address) or write a short postcard or message (often with the help of a dictionary).

Who is A1 for? This level is ideal if you have little to no prior knowledge of German. In an A1 beginner German class, you’ll start from scratch – perfect for those who need to learn the basics of pronunciation, simple greetings, and survival phrases.

A2 – Elementary German Level

A2 is the next step up from A1. At the A2 level, you are still considered a basic user of German, but you can do a lot more than just introduce yourself. You can handle routine tasks and have short interactions in everyday contexts. An A2 learner’s skills include:

• Speaking: Can handle simple, routine tasks involving direct exchange of information on familiar topics. For example, you can order food and drinks in German, ask for directions, or talk about your family and daily routine using basic sentences.

• Listening: Can understand frequently used expressions and straightforward sentences on everyday matters (e.g. basic personal information, shopping, local geography). You can catch the main point in short, clear announcements or instructions (like hearing train times or weather updates).

• Reading: Can read short, simple texts and get the general idea. For instance, you might understand a simple email from a friend, a few sentences of a story written in basic German, or a short advertisement – though you may still need to look up some words.

• Writing: Can write brief notes and messages in German. For example, you could draft a short email to schedule a meeting or describe your day in very simple terms. There will likely be spelling or grammar mistakes, but you can usually get your message across clearly.

Who is A2 for? Choose an A2 class if you already have the A1 basics down. If you can introduce yourself, exchange pleasantries, and handle very short conversations in German, A2 will build on that. In an A2 course, you expand your vocabulary (e.g. topics like shopping, travel, family) and start learning past and future tenses for broader communication.

B1 – Intermediate German Level

Reaching B1 means you’re becoming an independent user of German. This is the threshold where you can start managing many everyday situations in German without needing translation. At B1, you can survive comfortably in a German-speaking environment, even though you’re not fully fluent. Key B1 skills include:

• Speaking: Can express yourself on familiar topics (such as family, work, school, hobbies) and talk about past experiences or future plans. You’re able to handle most situations that might occur while travelling in German-speaking areas – for example, asking for help, buying tickets, or having basic social conversations. You can even enter unprepared into conversations on topics you know well (though complex discussions are still hard).

• Listening: Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters. If someone speaks at normal speed about everyday topics, you can usually follow the gist (you might need them to repeat details occasionally). For instance, you could get the general idea of a radio news bulletin or a simple presentation in German.

• Reading: Can read straightforward texts on subjects of personal interest or everyday life and grasp the main point. By B1, you could read news articles, blog posts, or short stories in German and understand the general content, especially if you use a dictionary for harder words.

• Writing: Can write simple connected text on familiar topics or personal interests. For example, you might write an email or short essay describing your experiences, a recent trip, or your opinion on something basic. You are able to string sentences together into a longer paragraph and provide simple reasons to support an opinion. (There will still be mistakes in more complex grammar, but overall, your writing is understandable to Germans.)

Who is B1 for? If you find that you can hold basic conversations in German and navigate daily life (with some mistakes, but without feeling completely lost), then you’re ready for B1. This level is often the minimum target for those who want to live or work in a German-speaking country for a while – you won’t be perfect, but you’ll be able to get by independently. B1 is a great goal because it’s a point where learners often feel a boost in confidence: you can actually use your German in real scenarios, from chatting with locals to handling unexpected situations, and “survive” using the language on your own.

Self-Assessment Quiz – Are You A1, A2, or B1?

Not sure which level sounds like you? Use this quick checklist to self-assess your German level. Read the statements under each level and see which set of descriptions you identify with the most:

• A1 (Beginner) – You should join an A1 class if you:

  • Have never studied German before (or only know a few isolated words/phrases).

  • Cannot yet form sentences in German beyond simple greetings or saying your name.

  • Need people to speak very slowly and use gestures or English for you to catch their meaning in German.

  • Are not familiar with German grammar rules (aside from maybe a few words or memorised phrases).

• A2 (Elementary) – An A2 class is right for you if you:

  • Understand and can use basic German in everyday situations. For example, you can introduce yourself, order a meal, or ask for directions in German, albeit with simple vocabulary.

  • Can follow and participate in a simple conversation on a familiar topic (like talking about your family or job), as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly.

  • Can read or listen to very short German texts and dialogues on routine matters and get the main idea – for instance, you get the gist of a simple email or a common phrase you hear in announcements.

  • Have learned basic grammar (present tense, common verbs, simple sentence structure) and can write short messages or fill forms in German. You still struggle with more complex sentences, but you have mastered the A1 basics and are building on them.

• B1 (Intermediate) – Join a B1 class if you:

  • Feel comfortable having basic conversations in German about your life, work, or interests. You can share experiences or describe events in German (even if you make some mistakes or pause to find words).

  • Can handle daily life in a German-speaking environment using German. For example, you’re able to arrange travel, shop and order services, or deal with routine work/study situations in German without panic.

  • Understand the general idea when listening to German spoken at normal speed on familiar topics. You might not catch every word, but if someone is discussing the weather, news, or an everyday story, you know what they’re talking about. Similarly, you can watch a simple German TV show or YouTube video and get the main points.

  • Can read and write in German on familiar subjects. You might write a paragraph or two (an email, a journal entry, a social media post) in German to describe an experience or give an opinion. It won’t be perfect, but overall communication is successful, and you can make yourself understood in writing.

Compare the above profiles: if you found that the A1 descriptions match you best, start with A1. If A1 sounds too easy but B1 sounds too hard, then A2 is likely your level. And if the B1 list feels like “that’s me!”, you’re ready for a B1 intermediate course. When in doubt, it’s generally better to err on the side of joining the slightly easier class – you can always move up quickly if it’s too easy, but you don’t want to be lost in a class that’s too advanced.

Next Steps: Join the Right German Course in January

Once you’ve identified your level, it’s time to get learning! For whichever level you are, Olesen Tuition has a class for you this January. We offer small-group German classes and intensive German courses (only 4–8 students per class), both in-person in London and online via Zoom. Our weekly German courses cover all levels from A1 to B1 (and beyond), so you’ll be placed with learners at the same stage – whether you’re an absolute beginner or already intermediate. All classes are taught by experienced native German tutors, ensuring you get expert guidance and an authentic language experience. It’s no wonder that Olesen Tuition is London’s highest-rated German language school, with the most five-star reviews on Google, ProvenExpert, and Trustpilot – our students consistently report a high satisfaction rate with our teaching.

Prefer to learn fast? If you’re eager to make rapid progress, consider our German intensive courses in London this January. These are 10-day intensive classes of focused, immersive learning that can quickly boost your level – in fact, completing an intensive course can propel you about half a CEFR level upward (for example, from A1.2 to A2) in just two weeks. Like our weekly classes, the intensive courses are kept small and led by highly experienced native instructors, and you have the option to attend in Hampstead (London) or join online from anywhere.

Ready to start? Don’t wait – January courses fill up quickly. Check out our weekly German classes (A1–C1) or the upcoming January intensive German courses to secure your spot. With Olesen Tuition’s supportive small groups and expert tutors, you’ll be speaking German confidently in no time – no matter which level you begin with. Viel Erfolg beim Lernen! (Good luck with your learning!)