Language skill levels A1–C2
European Framework (CEFR) and levels of proficiency
In Finland, the proficiency levels of language courses are classified in the same way as in other EU countries. Before applying for a language course, check which level is the right one for you.
The levels of language courses are usually categorised with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). In this system, the lowest level is the baseline A1.1 and the highest level is C2.2.
The starting level of a course is the level from which the course begins, and the target level of the course is the level that the course aims for.
Sometimes course levels are described in other ways. If the starting level of a course is 0, the course is intended for people who do not speak Finnish at all.
Information about levels
Starting level 0
- No knowledge of Finnish
Basic level (A1.1–A2.2)
- A1.1 the basic level starts
Basics of language proficiency - A1.2 basic level
Basics of language proficiency - A1.3 basic level
You can manage simple situations not related to work. You write a little. - A2.1 basic level
You can manage ordinary service situations. - A2.2 basic level
You understand familiar topics fairly well. You write simple language.
Intermediate level (B1.1–B2.2)
- B1.1 intermediate level starts
Moderate language proficiency in normal situations at work and out of work. - B1.2 intermediate level
Natural communication in normal situations at work and out of work. - B1.2 intermediate level
Basic level of independent language proficiency. - B2.2 intermediate level
Functional independent language proficiency.
Highest level (C1.1-C2.2)
- C1-C2 highest level
Skilled or native-level language proficiency.
C level courses also have a more detailed level classification of C1.1, C1.2, C2.1 or C2.2.
The descriptive text of the levels is from the InfoFinland website.
You can read the descriptions of language proficiency levels in English on Council of Europe's website.
The assessment of language proficiency uses the level classification of the National Certificate of Language Proficiency. The InfoFinland page has information on how to compare course levels with the language certificate levels.
Kehittyvän kielitaidon asteikko on Opetushallituksen tuottama. Sen pohjana on käytetty sekä Eurooppalaista viitekehystä että sen suomalaisia ja muissa maissa tehtyjä sovelluksia.
Asteikossa korostuu kielitietoisuus, ja se ottaa huomioon toisen kielen oppimisen tarpeet ja kontekstin. Se on tarkoitettu tukimateriaaliksi oppijan kielitaidon kartoittamiseen sekä opetuksen järjestämiseen ja suunnitteluun.
Lisäksi asteikon kuvausten avulla on mahdollista saada tietoa oppijan kielitaidon vahvuuksista ja kehittämiskohteista. Asteikko kuvaa kielitaidon kehittymisen tasolta toiselle.
kehittyvan-kielitaidon-asteikko_suomi-ja-ruotsi-toisena-kielena-ja-kirjallisuus.pdf (oph.fi)
Check also these
Language tests: YKI and VKT
National Certificates of Language Proficiency (YKI) and the Civil Service Language Proficiency Certificates (VKT)
Language requirements for different professions
Regulated professions and language requirements
Find online learning materials
Explore self study websites and apps for independent study of Finnish.
