Job adverts, study-abroad programmes and language courses often ask for "B1" or "B2 level". But what is the difference between these two levels, and how can you estimate your own? In this article we compare B1 and B2 in plain language, based on the official descriptors of the Council of Europe's CEFR.
What is the CEFR and where do the B levels sit?
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is a framework developed by the Council of Europe that organises language proficiency into six levels, from A1 to C2. These levels are grouped into three broad levels (Council of Europe, CEFR level descriptions):
| Group | Levels |
|---|---|
| Basic user | A1, A2 |
| Independent user | B1, B2 |
| Proficient user | C1, C2 |
So both B1 and B2 belong to the "independent user" group. The framework is used for English as well as for other languages.
What does B1 level mean?
According to the CEFR global scale, at B1 a learner can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters such as work, school and leisure (Council of Europe, CEFR global scale, Table 1).
Put simply, at B1:
- you grasp the main meaning of clear speech on everyday and familiar topics;
- you feel more comfortable when the conversation is about an area you know.
What does B2 level mean?
At B2 a learner can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation (Council of Europe, CEFR global scale, Table 1).
In other words, at B2 the language is no longer limited to familiar, everyday topics: abstract ideas and more complex texts in your professional field also become understandable.
The main difference between B1 and B2
When the official descriptors are placed side by side, the difference is clear:
| Criterion | B1 | B2 |
|---|---|---|
| Topics | familiar matters (work, school, leisure) | concrete and abstract topics |
| Type of text | clear standard input | complex text |
| Professional field | — | technical discussions in their field |
Neighbouring levels: A2 and C1
For comparison, let's look at the neighbouring levels too (Council of Europe, CEFR global scale, Table 1):
- A2 — can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment).
- C1 — can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning.
These two descriptors show that B1 is the transition from A2 to understanding standard speech on broader familiar topics, while B2 is a step towards C1's "demanding, longer texts".
Summary
- The CEFR organises language proficiency into six levels from A1 to C2; B1 and B2 form the "independent user" group.
- B1: understanding the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters.
- B2: understanding the main ideas of complex text on concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in one's field.
- The best way to find out your exact level is to take a placement test.
If you want to find out your English level and choose a suitable online course, write to Estavor Akademiya: +994 77 754 10 12.
📚 Sources
🌐 The original article is in Azerbaijani; the official sources are available in Azerbaijani.
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