CEFR level A2 · Basic user
A2 English Level (CEFR): Meaning, Grammar and Examples
A2 is the second CEFR level and completes the basic user stage. Here's what you can do at A2, the grammar and vocabulary usually covered, examples and how to make the jump to B1.
An A2 English level means you understand frequently used phrases about familiar topics (family, shopping, work, your town) and can communicate in simple, routine tasks that need a direct exchange of information. You can describe your background and surroundings in simple terms. It's the second 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 A2 level English mean?
An A2 learner handles everyday tasks: shopping, ordering in a restaurant, asking about times or telling someone what they did at the weekend. Keeping a conversation going alone is still hard: Europass describes A2 speakers as able to handle very short social exchanges, even though they usually can't understand enough to keep the conversation going themselves.
What you can do at A2, skill by skill
These are the official descriptors from the Europass CEFR self-assessment grid (European Union) for A2. They're written in the first person, as statements you can check against yourself.
| Skill | Official descriptor (Europass) |
|---|---|
| Listening | "I can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements." |
| Reading | "I can read very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables and I can understand short simple personal letters." |
| Spoken interaction | "I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I can't usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself." |
| Spoken production | "I can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, my educational background and my present or most recent job." |
| Writing | "I can write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate needs. I can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something." |
Source: Europass CEFR self-assessment grid. Europass
Typical A2 grammar and vocabulary
According to the British Council and EAQUALS Core Inventory for General English, these are some of the structures covered at A2. The examples are ours.
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Comparatives and superlatives | The bus is cheaper than the taxi. It's the best café in town. |
| Past simple and past questions | Where did you go last weekend? I went to the beach. |
| Past continuous | I was cooking when you called. |
| Present perfect (introduction) | I have never been to Quito. |
| Future with will and going to | I'm going to visit my aunt. I think it will rain. |
| Present continuous for future | I'm meeting Sara on Friday. |
| Have to and should | You have to wear a uniform. You should rest. |
| Countable and uncountable: much / many | How many people? Not much time. |
| Zero and first conditional | If it rains, we'll stay home. |
| Common phrasal verbs | I get up at seven and turn off the TV at ten. |
A2 vocabulary areas: adjectives for personality and description, feelings, food and drink, town, shops and shopping, travel and services.
Source: British Council and EAQUALS, Core Inventory for General English (A1–C1 posters, 2018). Selection and examples by HelloVozi.
A2 English examples
Sentences and a short conversation written by HelloVozi to show what A2 sounds like. They aren't official examples.
Example sentences
- Last weekend I went to the beach with my family.
- My brother is taller than me, but I'm older.
- I'd like to book a table for two, please.
- I'm going to study English every morning next month.
Short conversation
A: Hi! Can I help you?
B: Yes, I'm looking for a jacket.
A: What size are you?
B: Medium, I think. Do you have it in black?
A: Yes, here you are. The fitting room is over there.
B: Thanks. How much is it?
A: It's forty dollars.
B: OK, I'll take it.
Exams that certify A2
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 |
|---|---|---|
| A2 Key (Cambridge) | 120–139 | Cambridge English Scale for A2; also A2 Flyers (young learners) |
| TOEFL iBT | 2–2.5 | 1–6 scale since Jan 21, 2026 |
| TOEFL ITP | 343+ | Minimum total score for A2 (Level 1 and 2) |
| IELTS | Not reported | IELTS doesn't publish bands for A2 |
Sources: Cambridge English, ETS (TOEFL iBT and TOEFL ITP) and IELTS. See every equivalence in our CEFR levels table.
How many hours does A2 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 A2 to B1
HelloVozi's suggestions for reaching the next level:
- Start linking ideas with connectors (because, so, but, when) instead of single sentences.
- Tell stories and share plans: B1 asks you to narrate and give short opinions.
- Listen to real conversations at normal speed with a transcript.
- Practice 5-minute conversations on familiar topics without a script.
To see what the next level involves, read the B1 level guide.
Level test
Are you A2? 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
A2 level: common questions
What does A2 level English mean?
You can communicate in simple, routine tasks about familiar topics such as shopping, family, work or your town, and describe your background and surroundings in simple terms. It's the second CEFR level.
What's the difference between A2 and B1?
At A2 you handle predictable tasks with simple sentences. At B1 you deal with most situations while travelling, join conversations on familiar topics without preparing and briefly explain your opinions.
Which exam certifies A2?
Cambridge A2 Key (Cambridge English Scale 120–139). On the TOEFL iBT, A2 is 2–2.5, and on the TOEFL ITP the A2 minimum is 343. IELTS doesn't report A2.
Can I work in English with an A2 level?
For very specific, predictable tasks, yes; for meetings, calls or complex emails, usually not. Many jobs that require English aim for B1 or B2, but each employer sets its own requirement.
How do I know if I'm A2?
If you can shop, ask for information, talk about your weekend and describe your family in simple sentences, but get lost when people speak fast, you're probably A2. A test covering all four skills will confirm it.
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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