Understanding the A1 Level - CEFR Guidelines

Lesson: Understanding the A1 Level - CEFR Guidelines

Objective

To provide students with a clear understanding of what the A1 Level (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages - CEFR) entails, so they know what skills they’ll develop and what they’ll be able to achieve by the end of the course.

Introduction: What is A1?

  • CEFR Framework: The CEFR is an internationally recognized system that defines language proficiency levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).
    • A1 is the foundation level, focusing on basic communication for everyday scenarios.
  • What A1 Means for You:
    • You’ll learn to understand and use simple phrases.
    • You’ll be able to introduce yourself and talk about basic topics like your family, routine, and hobbies.
    • You’ll develop confidence in real-life situations like shopping or ordering food.

Key Skills at A1 Level

1. Listening

  • What You’ll Achieve:
    • Understand slow, clear speech about familiar topics.
    • Recognize basic phrases and words in contexts like greetings, directions, or shopping.
  • Example:
    • Listening to: “Wo ist der Bahnhof?” (Where is the train station?)
    • Understanding it means someone is asking for directions.

2. Speaking

  • What You’ll Achieve:
    • Use simple sentences to introduce yourself and others.
    • Ask and answer basic questions about personal details (e.g., name, age, where you live).
    • Participate in short, structured conversations.
  • Example Topics:
    • Saying: “Ich heiße Rahul. Ich komme aus Indien. Ich bin 25 Jahre alt.” (My name is Rahul. I’m from India. I’m 25 years old.)

3. Reading

  • What You’ll Achieve:
    • Read and understand short, simple texts like advertisements, menus, or signs.
    • Recognize familiar names, words, and phrases in everyday materials.
  • Example:
    • Understanding: “Eingang” (Entrance), “Kasse” (Checkout), or “Öffnungszeiten” (Opening hours).

4. Writing

  • What You’ll Achieve:
    • Write basic sentences about yourself or familiar topics.
    • Fill out forms with personal information (e.g., name, address, nationality).
  • Example Task:
    • Writing: “Ich heiße Ananya. Ich wohne in Mumbai. Ich lerne Deutsch.” (My name is Ananya. I live in Mumbai. I am learning German.)

Practical Application of A1

A1 Themes According to CEFR Guidelines

Here is a comprehensive list of A1-level themes that align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). These themes cover essential topics for beginners, focusing on practical communication and everyday scenarios.

1. Personal Information

  • Introducing yourself and others:
    • Name, age, nationality, occupation, and place of residence.
  • Asking and answering questions about personal details:
    • “Wie heißt du?” (What’s your name?)
    • “Woher kommst du?” (Where are you from?)

2. Family and Relationships

  • Talking about family members:
    • “Ich habe einen Bruder und eine Schwester.” (I have a brother and a sister.)
  • Describing relationships:
    • “Das ist meine Mutter.” (This is my mother.)
  • Basic family-related vocabulary.

3. Daily Routine and Activities

  • Describing your daily schedule:
    • “Ich stehe um 7 Uhr auf. Dann frühstücke ich.” (I get up at 7. Then I have breakfast.)
  • Talking about work, study, and free-time activities.

4. Hobbies and Interests

  • Expressing likes and dislikes:
    • “Ich spiele gern Fußball.” (I like to play football.)
    • “Ich lese nicht gern.” (I don’t like to read.)
  • Talking about leisure activities:
    • Sports, music, travel, movies, etc.

5. Shopping

  • Buying groceries and clothes:
    • “Wie viel kostet das?” (How much does that cost?)
    • “Ich hätte gerne ein Kilo Äpfel.” (I’d like a kilo of apples.)
  • Vocabulary for food, clothing, and everyday items.

6. Food and Drink

  • Ordering at a café or restaurant:
    • “Ich hätte gerne eine Pizza und ein Wasser.” (I’d like a pizza and a water.)
  • Talking about meals and preferences:
    • “Ich mag Schokolade.” (I like chocolate.)
  • Common phrases for dining out.

7. Weather and Seasons

  • Describing the weather:
    • “Heute ist es sonnig.” (Today it’s sunny.)
  • Talking about seasons and activities:
    • “Im Winter fahre ich Ski.” (In winter, I ski.)

8. Directions and Navigation

  • Asking for and giving directions:
    • “Wo ist der Bahnhof?” (Where is the train station?)
    • “Gehen Sie geradeaus.” (Go straight ahead.)
  • Vocabulary for places in a town:
    • Bank, pharmacy, supermarket, park, etc.

9. Travel and Transportation

  • Talking about travel plans:
    • “Ich fahre nach Berlin.” (I’m going to Berlin.)
  • Using public transport:
    • “Ich möchte eine Fahrkarte nach Hamburg.” (I’d like a ticket to Hamburg.)
  • Understanding basic transport vocabulary.

10. Health and Appointments

  • Visiting a doctor:
    • “Ich habe Kopfschmerzen.” (I have a headache.)
  • Describing symptoms and understanding basic advice.
  • Making simple appointments:
    • “Ich brauche einen Termin.” (I need an appointment.)

11. Housing and Accommodation

  • Talking about your home:
    • “Ich wohne in einer Wohnung.” (I live in an apartment.)
  • Basic furniture and room vocabulary.
  • Asking about accommodation:
    • “Gibt es ein freies Zimmer?” (Is there a free room?)

12. Time and Dates

  • Telling the time:
    • “Es ist 10 Uhr.” (It’s 10 o’clock.)
  • Talking about days of the week and months.
  • Planning events:
    • “Wann treffen wir uns?” (When are we meeting?)

13. Social Etiquette and Politeness

  • Basic polite phrases:
    • “Entschuldigung” (Excuse me), “Bitte” (Please), “Danke” (Thank you).
  • Making small talk:
    • “Wie geht’s?” (How are you?)
  • Responding to compliments or invitations.

14. Jobs and Work

  • Talking about professions:
    • “Ich bin Ingenieur.” (I am an engineer.)
  • Asking about jobs:
    • “Was machst du beruflich?” (What do you do for work?)
  • Basic workplace vocabulary.

15. Making Plans

  • Suggesting and agreeing on activities:
    • “Wollen wir ins Kino gehen?” (Shall we go to the cinema?)
  • Talking about future plans:
    • “Am Samstag besuche ich meine Freunde.” (On Saturday, I’ll visit my friends.)

16. Holidays and Celebrations

  • Talking about festivals and special days:
    • “Weihnachten ist im Dezember.” (Christmas is in December.)
  • Basic vocabulary for gifts, parties, and traditions.

17. Basic Problem Solving

  • Asking for help:
    • “Können Sie mir helfen?” (Can you help me?)
  • Handling simple issues:
    • “Ich habe mein Handy verloren.” (I lost my phone.)
  • Apologizing and clarifying:
    • “Entschuldigung, ich verstehe nicht.” (Sorry, I don’t understand.)

18. Numbers and Counting

  • Using numbers in everyday contexts:
    • Prices, phone numbers, dates, and counting objects.

How This Course Aligns with A1 Goals

  1. Structured Lessons:
    Each lesson is aligned with A1 guidelines, ensuring you cover all the key topics like introductions, family, hobbies, shopping, and daily routines.
  2. Real-Life Conversations:
    Practice dialogues for practical scenarios to prepare you for everyday interactions.
  3. Speaking Focus:
    Daily speaking tasks are designed to build confidence and fluency, one step at a time.
  4. Video Submission:
    The final 2-minute video reflects your progress and demonstrates your ability to meet A1-level speaking standards.

Complete and Continue