All our Norwegian courses are aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR).
The CEFR is a guideline consisting of “CAN DO” statements which describe what learners should be able to do at each level in:
• Reading Norwegian
• Listening to Norwegian
• Speaking in Norwegian
• Writing in Norwegian
The CEFR divides learners in to three main groups:
A: Basic User
A1: Beginner
A2: Elementary
B: Independent User
B1: Intermediate
B2: Upper Intermediate
C: Proficient User
C1: Advanced
C2: Proficiency
CEFR Level A1
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Approx. guided learning hours: 90 – 100
CEFR Level A2
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Approx. guided learning hours: 180 – 200
CEFR Level B1
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Approx. guided learning hours: 350 – 400
CEFR Level B2
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Approx. guided learning hours: 500 – 600
CEFR Level C1
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Approx. guided learning hours: 700 – 800
CEFR Level C2
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.
Approx. guided learning hours: 1,000 – 1,200