CEFR level A1 · Basic user
A1 English Level (CEFR): Meaning, Grammar and Examples
A1 is the first level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Here's what you can do in English at A1, the grammar and vocabulary usually covered, examples of how it sounds and how to move up to A2.
An A1 English level means you can understand and use very common everyday expressions and simple phrases for immediate needs: introducing yourself, giving personal details and asking basic questions, as long as the other person speaks slowly and helps you. It's the first CEFR level, in the basic user group.
Independent guide, not affiliated with ETS, IELTS or Cambridge. By Vahid Alaghehband · Updated September 29, 2026.
What does A1 level English mean?
In practice, an A1 learner manages very predictable situations: greeting people, saying where they're from, asking for something in a shop or reading a sign. They still rely on the other person repeating or rephrasing. "A0" or Pre-A1 isn't an official CEFR level, but it's used for complete beginners; Cambridge covers it with the Pre A1 Starters exam for children.
What you can do at A1, skill by skill
These are the official descriptors from the Europass CEFR self-assessment grid (European Union) for A1. They're written in the first person, as statements you can check against yourself.
| Skill | Official descriptor (Europass) |
|---|---|
| Listening | "I can recognise familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly." |
| Reading | "I can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues." |
| Spoken interaction | "I can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I'm trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics." |
| Spoken production | "I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and people I know." |
| Writing | "I can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form." |
Source: Europass CEFR self-assessment grid. Europass
Typical A1 grammar and vocabulary
According to the British Council and EAQUALS Core Inventory for General English, these are some of the structures covered at A1. The examples are ours.
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| To be, with questions and negatives | Are you a student? I'm not from Lima. |
| Present simple | I live in Guayaquil. She works in a bank. |
| Present continuous | I'm reading a book right now. |
| There is / there are | There is a pharmacy near my house. |
| Can / can't for ability | I can swim, but I can't drive. |
| Possessive adjectives and possessive 's | My sister's name is Lucía. |
| Prepositions of place and time (in, on, at) | The class is on Monday at 8 o'clock. |
| Past simple of to be | I was at home yesterday. |
| How much / how many | How much is this T-shirt? |
| I'd like for requests | I'd like a coffee, please. |
A1 vocabulary areas: personal information, food and drink, countries and nationalities, places in town, shops and shopping, basic verbs.
Source: British Council and EAQUALS, Core Inventory for General English (A1–C1 posters, 2018). Selection and examples by HelloVozi.
A1 English examples
Sentences and a short conversation written by HelloVozi to show what A1 sounds like. They aren't official examples.
Example sentences
- Hi, I'm Ana. I'm 24 and I'm from Ecuador.
- I have two brothers and a dog.
- I get up at six and I have breakfast at home.
- Excuse me, where is the bus station?
Short conversation
A: Hi! What's your name?
B: My name is Carlos.
A: Where are you from, Carlos?
B: I'm from Cuenca.
A: What do you do?
B: I'm a student. I study English on Saturdays.
A: Nice to meet you!
B: Nice to meet you, too.
Exams that certify A1
Each organization aligns its own test with the CEFR. There's no official table converting one exam into another; this is what each one publishes.
| Exam or scale | Result | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge English Scale | 100–119 | A1 result on A1 Movers (young learners) and on A2 Key |
| Pre A1 Starters (Cambridge) | 80–99 | Below A1, for children |
| TOEFL iBT | 1–1.5 | 1–6 scale since Jan 21, 2026 |
| IELTS | Not reported | IELTS doesn't publish bands for A1 |
Sources: Cambridge English, ETS (TOEFL iBT and TOEFL ITP) and IELTS. See every equivalence in our CEFR levels table.
How many hours does A1 take? We couldn't find a verifiable official source for hours per level (Cambridge's page wasn't accessible), so we don't give a number. It depends on your starting point, how often you practice and how.
How to move from A1 to A2
HelloVozi's suggestions for reaching the next level:
- Move from single phrases to short sequences: your routine, your family, what you did yesterday.
- Add the past simple of the most common verbs (went, had, saw, bought).
- Listen to slow audio and repeat it out loud; 5 minutes is enough at first.
- Practice shopping, transport and directions, the core of A2.
To see what the next level involves, read the A2 level guide.
Level test
Are you A1? Check with Vozi Exam
The Vozi Exam placement test assesses speaking, listening, reading and writing, plus Use of English, and gives you a CEFR-aligned level reference with next steps for practice.
FAQ
A1 level: common questions
What does A1 level English mean?
You can use everyday expressions and simple phrases for immediate needs: introducing yourself, giving personal details and asking basic questions, if the other person speaks slowly and helps. It's the first CEFR level.
What's the difference between A1 and A2?
At A1 you depend on people speaking slowly and helping you. At A2 you handle simple everyday tasks, such as shopping or asking for information, and describe your family, studies or job in simple terms.
Can an A1 learner hold a conversation?
Only a very simple one: greetings, introductions and basic personal questions. According to Europass, at A1 you can interact if the other person repeats, rephrases and helps you say what you mean.
Which exam certifies A1?
At Cambridge, A2 Movers (for children), and on the A2 Key scale a result of 100–119 is reported as A1. On the TOEFL iBT, A1 is 1–1.5. IELTS doesn't report A1.
How long does it take to go from A1 to A2?
It depends on how much and how you practice. We couldn't verify an official figure for hours per level, so we don't give one. What helps is practicing almost every day, even in short sessions.
Sources (accessed September 29, 2026)
- Europass (European Union). CEFR self-assessment grid.
- British Council and EAQUALS. Core Inventory for General English, A1–C1 posters (PDF).
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment. About the CEFR (Cambridge English Scale).
- ETS. TOEFL Score Scale Update.
- ETS. Mapping the TOEFL ITP Tests onto the CEFR (PDF).
- IELTS. IELTS and the CEFR.
Cambridge English, TOEFL® and IELTS are trademarks of their respective owners. This guide is independent and not affiliated with ETS, IELTS or Cambridge.
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