Foreign Language 1

A1 to C2 (CEFR)

The participants:
• (A1 – Beginner) Can understand and use familiar, everyday expressions and very simple sentences aimed at satisfying concrete needs.
• (A1 – Beginner) Can introduce themselves and others and ask other people questions about themselves - e.g. where they live, whom they know or what things they own - and can answer questions of this kind.
• (A1 – Beginner) Can communicate in a simple way, provided the conversation partners speak slowly and clearly and are willing to help.
• (A2 – Basic knowledge) Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of the most immediate relevance (e.g. personal and family information, shopping, work, the immediate surroundings).
• (A2 – Basic knowledge) Can communicate in simple, routine situations involving a straightforward and direct exchange of information about familiar and everyday matters.
• (A2 – Basic knowledge) Can describe, using simple terms, their own background and education, the immediate surroundings and matters related to immediate needs.
• (B1 – Advanced language use) Can understand the main points when clear standard language is used and when familiar matters from work, school, leisure, etc. are involved.
• (B1 – Advanced language use) Can deal with most situations encountered while traveling in an area where the language is spoken, and can express themselves simply and coherently about familiar topics and areas of personal interest
• (B1 – Advanced language use) Can report on experiences and events, describe dreams, hopes and goals, and give brief reasons or explanations for plans and opinions
• (B2 – Independent language use) Can understand the main content of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics; also understands specialist discussions in their own field of expertise. Can communicate spontaneously and fluently enough that a normal conversation with native speakers is quite possible without major effort on either side. Can express themselves clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics, explain a viewpoint on a current issue and give the advantages and disadvantages of various options
• (C1 – Proficient language use) Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and also grasp implicit meanings.
• (C1 – Proficient language use) Can express themselves spontaneously and fluently without having to search noticeably for words too often, and can use the language effectively and flexibly in social and professional life or in education and study.
• (C1 – Proficient language use) Can express themselves clearly, in a well-structured and detailed manner on complex subjects, using various means of textual cohesion appropriately.
• (C2 – Near-native proficiency) Can understand with ease virtually everything they read or hear
• (C2 – Near-native proficiency) Can summarize information from various written and spoken sources, reproducing reasons and explanations in a coherent presentation.
• (C2 – Near-native proficiency) Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, and convey finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Beginner modules:
- Chinese, German, Spanish at level A1/A2 with target A2: no prior knowledge permitted

Advanced beginner modules:
- German at level A2/B1 with target B1.1: solid prior knowledge at A1 level

Advanced modules:
- Business German, Business French, Business Italian, Business Spanish at level B1/B2 with target B2.1: solid prior knowledge at level A2
- Business English for academic and professional purposes at level B2+/C1 with target C1: prior knowledge at level B2 or an English bridging workshop / English preparatory course
- Business English for academic and professional purposes at level C1/C2 with target C2.1: solid prior knowledge at level B2.2

A1 – Beginner
Understand and use familiar, everyday expressions and very simple sentences aimed at satisfying concrete needs. Introduce oneself and others and ask other people questions about themselves - e.g. where they live, whom they know or what things they own - and answer questions of this kind. Communicate in a simple way, provided the conversation partners speak slowly and clearly and are willing to help.

A2 – Basic knowledge
Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of the most immediate relevance (e.g. personal and family information, shopping, work, the immediate surroundings). Communicate in simple, routine situations involving a straightforward and direct exchange of information about familiar and everyday matters. Describe, using simple terms, one's own background and education, the immediate surroundings and matters related to immediate needs.

B1 – Advanced language use
Use clear standard language in academic and business contexts, communicate about familiar matters from work, school, leisure, etc., and apply relevant conversational skills. Express oneself simply and coherently about familiar topics and areas of personal interest. Report on experiences and events, describe dreams, hopes and goals, and give brief reasons or explanations for plans and opinions.

B2 – Independent language use
Express oneself on the main content of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics in academic and business contexts; take part in specialist discussions in one's own field of expertise. Communicate spontaneously and fluently enough that a normal conversation with native speakers is quite possible without major effort on either side. Express oneself clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics, explain a viewpoint on a current issue and give the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

C1 – Proficient language use
Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and also grasp implicit meanings. Use the language effectively and flexibly in academic and business contexts and express oneself spontaneously and fluently without having to search noticeably for words too often. Express oneself clearly, in a well-structured and detailed manner on complex subjects, using various means of textual cohesion appropriately.

C2 – Near-native proficiency
Communicate effortlessly in all language situations. Summarize information from various written and spoken sources, reproducing reasons and explanations in a coherent presentation. Express oneself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, and convey finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Course materials – as agreed; authentic materials, e.g., from English-language magazines (including academic journals), newspapers, and online media

Portfolio assessment

Foreign language

6

Blended learning

1