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Self-assessment

What course is right for me?

DUO courses are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe. For this reason, we indicate any previous knowledge and course levels based on CEFR levels.

Here, you will find a checklist of the abilities expected at each level to be successful in the next course.

A1.1

  • hear and understand simple names, words and sentences.
  • ask and answer simple questions about me and my family, for example how many siblings I have and their names.
  • write simple, short sentences or messages in an e-mail or blog entry.
  • spell my name on demand.
  • understand and complete simple forms.

A1.2

  • ask for information if I did not understand something.
  • place an order in a café.
  • understand and write short messages, e.g. in a forum, about topics such as sports, leisure time or weather.
  • understand simple commands, tips and comments, for example if someone asks me to speak louder.
  • congratulate people on various occasions, such as birthdays.

A2.1

  • understand short texts about topics I am familiar with.
  • carry on simple everyday conversations.
  • reserve a hotel room via e-mail.
  • describe my likes and dislikes.
  • understand simple everyday conversations spoken slowly and clearly.

A2.2

  • talk about professions.
  • ask for and understand directions.
  • find basic information in everyday texts or newspaper articles.
  • describe and compare goods when shopping online.
  • write short blog entries on people or my experiences.

B1.1

  • understand the important aspects of non-fictional texts on familiar topics.
  • express feelings and opinions and respond to the feelings and opinions of others.
  • write personal letters and simple stories.
  • understand the important aspects of clearly enunciated standard language, e.g. on television.
  • summarise the plot of a movie in simple, coherent sentences.

B1.2

  • understand a simple newspaper article.
  • understand uncomplicated presentations on a familiar topic.
  • discuss a problem and make suggestions.
  • hold a presentation on a topic I am familiar with.
  • write standard letters, e.g. an application.

B2

  • understand longer speech, the news and other TV reports in standard language.          
  • understand longer texts as long as they aren't on a specific topic I am unfamiliar with.
  • express myself spontaneously and fluently and form an opinion, even if I sometimes have to search for words.
  • discuss many topics precisely, explain advantages and disadvantages and answer related questions.  
  • write detailed and clear texts on various topics, providing arguments for and against specific aspects. 

Source: Learning objectives of DUO courses, Council of Europe (2001): Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): learning, teaching, assessment. Berlin: Langenscheidt

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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions related to DUO language courses in our FAQ.


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