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Language Levels and Placement Tests

Language courses at the EUI adhere to the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For each course the CEFR language level is given in the title and/or in the course description.

To register for a course you need to know your level in the respective language. As the procedures for placement tests and course registration may differ from language to language you should check the information given under Placement Tests.

Language Levels

LL1

Placement Tests

 

Placement4

 

 

 

Language Levels

The EUI language courses are based on the proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference. The CEFR organises language proficiency in six levels, A1 to C2, which can be regrouped into three broad levels: Basic User (A1-A2), Independent User (B1-B2) and Proficient User (C1-C2).

 LL4

Common European Framework of Reference

The CEFR is, as the title suggests, a framework of reference for languages.It was developed to objectively standardize language qualifications gained in different learning contexts.

It helps the learner to understand what knowledge and skills s/he should develop at each level and to measure her/his progress at each stage of learning.

The CEFR provides 'a transparent, coherent and comprehensive basis for the elaboration of language syllabuses and curriculum guidelines, the design of teaching and learning materials, and the assessment of foreign language proficiency. It is used in Europe but also in other continents.' (COE website)

The internationally recognized certificates for European languages are based on the proficiency levels of the CEFR.

 

Self Assessment Grids

The CEFR offers self assessment grids for learners. However these self assessment grids do not replace the Language Centre's placement test.

You can gain an indication of language ability in any European language at the Council of Europe's CEFR Levels webpage. Here you can check the self assessment grids for the languages on permanent offer at the EUI.

English (pdf)

Espagnol (pdf)

Français (pdf)

Deutsch (pdf)

Italiano (pdf)

 

 

English for Academic Purposes

During the interviews for places at the EUI all candidates to the HEC, Law, and SPS Departments must sit an oral and written language test. Candidates to the Economics Department sit a language test at the beginning of their second year. For further information, see link:

https://www.eui.eu/ServicesAndAdmin/AcademicService/DoctoralProgramme/InterviewsAndLanguageTests#LanguageTests

Anyone else wishing to follow an academic writing course must take a placement test before being admitted to a course. Please contact the Language Centre Assistant.

  

Italian

Absolute beginners:

  • 1st year researchers are assigned to A1-beginner courses
  • Everyone else is kindly asked to fill in the pre-enrollment form

 

Learners with previous knowledge

If you are not a beginner and have not participated in an EUI course before, you must sit a placement test. Please contact the Italian Unit.

 

Continuing Learners

Learners who already participated in a course do not need to take a placement test. They can continue with the course indicated by the teacher.

 

 

French, German and Spanish

Absolute beginners

Absolute beginners for French, German and Spanish do not need to sit a placement test. They can register directly for the respective A1 course. Please note that the courses for absolute beginners start in October.

 

Learners with previous knowledge

If you are not a beginner and have not participated in an EUI course before, you must sit a placement test. Please contact: French, German, Spanish

 

Continuing Learners

Learners who already participated in a course do not need to take a placement test. They can continue with the course indicated by the teacher.

 

 

 

Page last updated on 21 August 2019