What is A1 English?
A1 is the beginner CEFR English level. An A1 learner can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases, introduce themselves and others, and ask and answer simple questions about personal details — as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
What you can do at A1
- ✓Introduce yourself and say where you are from
- ✓Ask and answer simple personal questions (name, age, job)
- ✓Understand and use everyday greetings and polite phrases
- ✓Handle numbers, prices, dates and times
- ✓Fill in simple forms with personal details
Skills at A1
Listening
Understand slow, clear speech about familiar topics like family, shopping and where you live.
Speaking
Use simple phrases to describe yourself and interact in a basic way when the other person helps.
Reading
Understand very short, simple texts, signs, and single sentences.
Writing
Write short, simple phrases and fill in personal details on a form.
Grammar & vocabulary at A1
Key grammar
- The verb to be (am/is/are)
- Subject pronouns and possessives
- Articles a/an/the
- Present simple (basic)
- Simple questions and short answers
- Common prepositions of place and time
Vocabulary
Around 500 high-frequency words: greetings, family, jobs, numbers, days, food, and everyday objects.
Are you at A1? Quick self-check
If you can confidently do most of these, you are likely around A1.
- □I can introduce myself and give basic personal information
- □I can order food or drink in a simple way
- □I can understand slow, clear questions and respond
- □I can count, tell the time and handle prices
How to move from A1 to A2
The fastest way to progress is regular speaking practice with a teacher who corrects you and a clear plan for the grammar and vocabulary of the next level. At A2 (Elementary), you'll be able to handle routine situations and talk about everyday life.