If you are just starting to learn English, you have probably seen the term "A1" on language courses and certificates. Here is everything you need to know about what A1 actually means and what it looks like in practice.

What is the CEFR?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. It divides language proficiency into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 — from absolute beginner to fully proficient.

What Can You Do at A1?

At A1 level, you can understand and use basic everyday expressions and very simple sentences. You can introduce yourself and others, ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know, and things you have. You can interact in a simple way when the other person speaks slowly and clearly.

Typical A1 Grammar Topics

At A1, you learn the foundations of English grammar including the verb "to be," present simple tense, basic question forms, personal pronouns, simple articles (a, an, the), numbers, days of the week, colours, and basic prepositions of place (in, on, at).

How Long Does A1 Take?

Most learners need around 60 to 80 hours of study to reach a solid A1 level from zero. This could be 3 months of daily 30-minute sessions, or 6 weeks of more intensive study. Progress varies depending on how similar your native language is to English.

How to Know if You Are A1

You are probably at A1 if you can say your name, age, nationality, and profession in English, count to 100, name common objects around your home, and understand very slow and simple spoken English.

What Comes After A1?

The next step is A2 (Elementary). At A2 you can communicate in simple and routine tasks, describe your background and immediate environment, and handle simple social exchanges. The jump from A1 to A2 typically takes another 60 to 80 hours of study.

Start Your A1 Journey

TalkScene offers a complete AI-powered A1 course with 24 structured units, interactive lessons, homework, and tests — designed to take you from zero to A1 in a clear, measurable way.