First Foreign Language I

A1 to C2 (CEFR)

The participants:
• (A1 – Beginner) Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very simple sentences aimed at meeting 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 respond to 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 immediate relevance (e.g. personal and family information, shopping, work, the immediate surroundings).
• (A2 – Basic knowledge) Can communicate in simple, routine situations that involve a simple and direct exchange of information about familiar and everyday matters.
• (A2 – Basic knowledge) Can describe, in simple terms, their own background and education, their 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 the subject matter involves familiar things from work, school, leisure, etc.
• (B1 – Advanced language use) Can handle most situations encountered when traveling in the language area and can express themselves simply and coherently on 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 understand specialist discussions in their own field of specialization. Can communicate so spontaneously and fluently that a normal conversation with native speakers is readily 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 skills) Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and also grasp implicit meanings.
• (C1 – Proficient language skills) Can express themselves spontaneously and fluently without frequently and obviously having to search for words, and can use the language effectively and flexibly in social and professional life or in education and studies.
• (C1 – Proficient language skills) Can express themselves clearly, in a structured way and in detail on complex matters, using various means of text linkage appropriately.
• (C2 – Near-native proficiency) Can understand virtually everything they read or hear with ease
• (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 matters.

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

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

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

A1 – Beginner
Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very simple sentences aimed at meeting concrete needs. Introduce yourself and others and ask other people questions about themselves – e.g. where they live, whom they know or what things they own – and respond to 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 immediate relevance (e.g. personal and family information, shopping, work, the immediate surroundings). Communicate in simple, routine situations that involve a simple and direct exchange of information about familiar and everyday matters. Describe, in simple terms, your own background and education, your 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 yourself simply and coherently on 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 yourself on the main content of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics in academic and business contexts, and take part in specialist discussions in your own field of specialization. Communicate so spontaneously and fluently that a normal conversation with native speakers is readily possible without major effort on either side. Express yourself 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 skills
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 yourself spontaneously and fluently without frequently and obviously having to search for words. Express yourself clearly, in a structured way and in detail on complex matters, using various means of text linkage appropriately.

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

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