How Long Does an English Course Take and Which One Is Best For Me?

Placement Test, Levels and Progression

The first step to your English course with Sprachcaffe is a simple placement test. This online test, accessible through your Sprachcaffe Customer Login, is designed to gauge your current language abilities before you begin your course. It's a stress-free process with no preparation needed, acting as a tool to pinpoint your language levels. This ensures you're matched with the perfect course that suits your skills.

Find out your English level now and choose the ideal English course for your goals with our free online English test.

The test helps us craft a learning path uniquely suited to your goals. Whether you're a beginner or advanced learner, we recognize where you are in your language journey and align our teaching strategies to meet your needs. The intensity of your course and the learning groups you engage with are all designed around your specific strengths and areas for growth, following the trusted standards of the European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Free online English test

Choosing the Right Course Length

Selecting the appropriate course duration is crucial. The length of your English course directly impacts your learning outcome. For beginners, a longer course might be necessary to fully grasp the basics. Intermediate learners may prefer a medium-length course to advance comfortably. Advanced students might opt for shorter, intensive sessions to polish their skills. Always consider your language objectives and learning pace to decide. The right balance ensures thorough understanding and enjoyment in your language journey!

Recommended Course Duration

The Council of Europe has established a level scale to assess language proficiency in an objective and common manner for all European countries. For each level you can choose to prepare and study at the English language school of Sprachcaffe.

Current Level	A0	A1	A2	B1	B2	C1	C2
Optimise conversational ability: Ideal if you would like to learn to speak clearly and answer simple questions in an accurate way	4	2	-	-	-	-	-
Enhance fundamental knowledge: The skills to better understand context and form accurate statements	6	4	2	-	-	-	-
Make progress: You will learn to present and differentiate specific vocabulary, to work with native speakers and understand newspaper articles	12	6	4	2-	-	-
Develop fluency: You start to be able to lead complicated negotiations and you build your linguistic competences in reporting and making presentations	24	12	6	4	2	-	-
Reach mastery: This course makes you even more self-confident. You will be able to follow every conversation and write reports effortlessly	48	24	12	6	4	2	-
Achieve perfection: You refine your style, learn to debate effectively and to negotiate, and bring your thoughts directly to the point	∞	48	24	12	6	4	2

Notice: beginner level is indicated here as A0.

Language Levels Explained

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

The stages of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages gives students a clear path for their language learning journey. Below, we outline each level's milestones to navigate through your English course effectively.

A1: Beginner At the A1 stage, you're at the start of your English course journey. You'll learn basic phrases and expressions, making simple interactions possible and setting the foundation for an effective English course.

A2: Elementary Progressing to A2 in your English course, you start to understand sentences and frequent expressions. This level focuses on information related to everyday tasks and builds your confidence in routine communication.

B1: Intermediate Reaching B1, you can deal with most travel situations in English-speaking regions. Your study now includes producing connected texts on familiar topics, ensuring you get more out of your educational and social experiences.

B2: Upper Intermediate Achieving B2, you can engage in complex conversation and understand technical discussions. This stage marks a significant step in your learning, preparing you for advanced English interactions in various situations.

C1: Advanced At C1, your proficiency allows for fluent and spontaneous conversation. Here, the focus of your effective English course shifts to nuanced language, including the use of organizational patterns, cohesive devices, and specific vocabulary.

C2: Mastery Reaching C2 signifies full proficiency in English, almost at par with a native speaker. Your English course at this level revolves around refining expression and cultural subtleties, enabling sophisticated communication in any setting.

For a more detailed description of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), visit Council of Europe Language Policy Portal.