Proficiency vs Fluency

Proficiency – has to do with mastering a language. That is, understanding the grammar, sentence structures and logic of such language.

Fluency – happens when you speak a language comfortably. Usually, speakers can form sentences and make themselves understood by others without using grammar correctly.

When you learn a language, the ideal is to achieve both, proficiency, and fluency, as you progress. Luminoso Language Services can help you meet your language learning goals. Click here to get more information.

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR),
Issues guidelines used to describe the language qualifications of learners of foreign languages spoken in Europe and other countries around the world. They will help you get an idea of what your language proficiency level is. Click here to find out.

Language proficiency levels according to CEFR

Basic user
A1 – You can understand and use everyday expressions, as well as simple phrases designed to satisfy immediate needs.

You can introduce yourself and others, ask for and give basic personal information about your home address, your belongings, and the people you know. You can relate in an elementary way if the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to cooperate.

A2 – You are able to understand frequently used phrases and expressions related to areas of expertise that are especially relevant to them (basic information about them and their family, shopping, places of interest, occupations, etc.).

You know how to communicate when carrying out simple and everyday tasks that do not require more than simple and direct exchanges of information.

You know how to describe in simple terms aspects of your past and your environment, as well as issues related to your immediate needs.

Independent user
B1 – You are able to understand the main points of clear texts and in standard language if they deal with issues that are familiar to you, whether in work, study or leisure situations.

You know how to handle most of the situations that may arise during a trip through areas where the language is used.

You are able to produce simple and coherent texts on topics that are familiar to you or in which you have a personal interest.

You can describe experiences, events, wishes and aspirations, as well as briefly justify your opinions or explain your plans.

B2 – You are able to understand the main ideas of complex texts dealing with both concrete and abstract subjects, even if they are of a technical nature, as long as they are within your field of specialization.

You can interact with native speakers with a sufficient degree of fluency and naturalness, so that communication is carried out without effort on the part of the interlocutors.

You can produce clear and detailed texts on various topics, as well as defend a point of view on general topics, indicating the pros and cons of the different options.

Competent user

C1 – You can understand a wide variety of demanding and long texts, as well as recognize implicit meanings.
You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without obvious signs of effort to find the right expression.

You can make a flexible and effective use of language for social, academic and professional purposes.

You can produce clear, well-structured, and detailed texts on topics of a certain complexity, showing a correct use of the mechanisms of organization, articulation, and cohesion of the text.

C2 – You can easily understand almost everything you hear or read.

You can reconstruct information and arguments from various sources, whether in spoken or written language, and present them in a coherent and summarized manner.

You can express yourself spontaneously, with great fluency and with a degree of precision that allows you to differentiate small nuances of meaning even in more complex situations.