TL;DR: Often described as pre-intermediate or elementary, A2 English is the second level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It means an individual can understand frequently used expressions, describe basic information about themselves and communicate in familiar everyday situations. At this stage, the learner will be able to manage simple conversations about travel, work, shopping, and more.
At this level, however, the learner may struggle to follow longer conversations. They will also find unfamiliar topics challenging.
What does A2 English level mean?
A2 is a basic-user level in the CEFR, an international framework that describes language ability across six stages (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2). The A2 English level follows the A1 beginner level and precedes the B1 intermediate level.
At A2, learners have advanced beyond memorising individual words and phrases in English. These learners can combine familiar vocabulary and engage in simple conversations. They can also understand straightforward messages and exchange information about routine matters. However, their conversational level is limited to familiar subjects and situations.
According to the Council of Europe’s CEFR global scale, A2 is a level at which learners can understand common expressions regarding shopping, personal information, local geography, and employment. They can also describe aspects of their background and immediate environment using simple language.
What can you do at A2 English level?
An A2 learner can handle many predictable situations without needing every sentence translated. At this level, their communication ability is still developing, and conversations may require patience, clarification, and repetition.
| Skill | What an A2 learner can do |
| Speaking |
Answer simple questions, introduce themselves and describe routines |
| Listening |
Understand clear, straightforward speech about familiar subjects |
| Reading |
Understand short messages, notices, menus, and simple texts |
| Writing |
Write short notes, messages, and basic descriptions |
In everyday situations, an A2 learner might be able to complete the following:
- Ask about food prices in a restaurant and place an order
- Describe their neighbourhood and explain where they live
- Talk about daily activities, hobbies, and family members
- Understand simple instructions and ask for directions
- Discuss past events using basic language
- Make a straightforward appointment and arrange a meeting
A2 learners often find conversations about unfamiliar issues more difficult. They may also find complex workplace issues a bit too challenging to follow. While they may recognise a few words or phrases, they will struggle to follow the full discussion or express a detailed response. Learners can benefit from language-learning apps like Memrise, which introduce complex topics in manageable chunks and let them revisit discussions over time through spaced repetition.
What grammar and vocabulary do A2 learners know?
A2 English builds on the basic structures introduced at A1. At this level, learners expand their vocabulary and develop more control over common grammatical patterns. Typical grammar at A2 includes:
- Present simple and present continuous
- Past simple for completed events
- Future forms such as going to and will
- Comparatives and uncountable nouns
- Articles and common prepositions
- Modal verbs such as can, could, must, and should
- Basic question forms and negative sentences
The A2 level vocabulary generally focuses on familiar areas of everyday life, including family, food, travel, work, shopping, and daily routines. For instance, a learner can say, “Yesterday, I visited my friend and we watched a movie.” This simple sentence uses everyday vocabulary and the past simple tense to describe a completed activity.
What is the difference between A1, A2, and B1 English?
The main difference between A1, A2, and B1 English is how much information learners can understand and communicate. A1 focuses on basic expressions and personal details, while A2 develops everyday communication. B1, on the other hand, introduces more sustained conversations and connected descriptions.
| CEFR Level | Description | Typical ability |
| A1 |
Beginner |
Answer basic personal questions and introduce yourself |
|
A2 |
Elementary/Pre-intermediate |
Manage simple exchanges about familiar topics |
|
B1 |
Intermediate |
Discuss familiar subjects, describe experiences and explain opinions |
Here is how a learner might describe a holiday at each of the above levels:
- A1: “I went to Spain. It was nice.”
- A2: “I went to Spain last summer with my family. We visited the beach and ate at different restaurants.”
- B1: “I went to Spain last summer with my family. We spent most of our time exploring the coast because we enjoy outdoor activities. I would like to visit again to experience the cuisine at various restaurants.”
These examples illustrate how learners gradually develop longer sentences, connect ideas and explain their experiences.
Frequently asked questions
How can you improve your English from A2 to B1?
Moving from A2 to B1 involves developing the ability to communicate beyond short, predictable exchanges. Start by expanding your vocabulary and improving your listening comprehension. Practise expressing ideas in connected sentences to improve your English. Graded readers, short podcasts, and practice with the present perfect and past continuous will help you handle the longer, less predictable conversations expected at B1.
How can you check whether you are at A2 English level?
A placement test provides an initial indication of your CEFR level. The British Council provides level-based materials and an online level test, while Cambridge English offers information about its A2 Key qualification. The Cambridge A2 Key exam assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking. A qualification provides formal evidence of ability, while a placement test is useful for identifying suitable learning materials.
