What Is The Difference Between IRL and CEFR Language Levels?
- Jens Olesen
- Oct 30, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: May 2
When enrolling in a language course or taking a proficiency exam, learners are often classified using different levels: from A1 to C2, or in some cases, 1, 3+, or 5. These numbers come from two key systems: the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), widely used across Europe and beyond, and the Interagency Language Roundtable scale (ILR) developed in the United States.
In this article, we’ll explore what these frameworks mean, how they compare, and how learners, especially those studying German, can use them to guide their learning more effectively. Whether you're working toward professional goals or learning for personal enrichment, understanding how these levels work can help you stay on track.
📘 What Is the CEFR Scale?
The CEFR divides language proficiency into six language levels:
A1 – Beginner
A2 – Elementary
B1 – Intermediate
B2 – Upper Intermediate
C1 – Advanced
C2 – Proficient or Near-native
Each level outlines what learners should be able to do in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. For example:
A1 learners can introduce themselves and understand very basic instructions.
B1 learners can handle daily communication in work, school, and travel situations.
C2 learners can understand virtually everything they read or hear, with a high degree of fluency and accuracy.
The CEFR is used across schools, universities, visa processes, and major language exams
such as Goethe, TELC, and TestDaF.
📗 What Is the ILR Scale?
The ILR scale, developed by the U.S. Foreign Service Institute, ranks proficiency from 0 to 5:
0 – No practical proficiency
1 – Elementary
2 – Limited working proficiency
3 – Professional working proficiency
4 – Full professional proficiency
5 – Functionally native proficiency
It also includes “+” indicators (e.g. 2+, 3+) for learners who exceed a level without fully reaching the next. The ILR system is widely used in government, the military, and diplomatic service, but increasingly informs corporate training and university placement in the U.S. and abroad.
🔍 Comparing the CEFR and ILR Scales
1. Starting Point
The ILR begins at level 0 (no practical ability).
The CEFR begins at A1, assuming a learner can handle a few simple expressions.
2. How the Levels Compare
While the two scales serve similar purposes, they do so in different ways. Here’s how they approximately align:
ILR Level | CEFR Equivalent | Description |
0 | Below A1 | No usable language knowledge |
1 | A1–A2 | Can understand and use basic phrases |
2 | A2–B1 | Can communicate in everyday settings and work contexts |
3 | B2 | Handles work and social interactions with ease |
4 | C1 | Functions professionally and fluently in complex discussions |
5 | C2 | Native-like command of the language in all contexts |
3. Where They’re Used
The CEFR is standard in Europe and widely recognised worldwide.
The ILR is primarily used in North America, especially by U.S. institutions.
🎯 Why This Matters for Learners
Understanding your level helps you:
Choose the right German course or exam
Track your fluency development
Match your skills to educational or career goals
Find materials appropriate for your level
At Olesen Tuition, we specialise in helping students navigate the CEFR framework while also guiding U.S.-based learners familiar with ILR levels. Our students range from complete beginners to near-native speakers — and we tailor our courses accordingly.
📚 German Courses at Every Level – From A1 to C2 (or ILR 1 to 5)
We offer two main learning paths:
Perfect for steady, structured progress with ongoing tutor support.
Ideal for rapid improvement, exam preparation, or relocation readiness.
Every course follows a clearly structured, CEFR-based curriculum. We also help learners translate their achievements into ILR equivalents for academic or professional use.
🧭 Not Sure Where You Stand?
Try our free, in-depth German Placement Test. With 100 questions from A1 to C2, it’s a great way to estimate your level — and choose the right course.
✍️ About the Author
This guide was written by Jens Olesen, a native German tutor with over 25 years’ experience and an Oxford education. Jens leads Olesen Tuition, London’s top-rated German language school, offering expert instruction to learners worldwide. His blog, Auf Deutsch, bitte!, contains over 500 posts demystifying German grammar — where he explains the cases in German, German word order rules, prepositions in German, and German pronouns.
🚀 Ready to Learn German with Confidence?
Whether you identify with the CEFR or ILR scale, our courses help you move from basics to fluency with structure, clarity, and expert support.
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