🎓 Language levels explained
The CEFR scale (A1–C2) is how the world measures language skill. Here is what each level really feels like – and how Salanguit tests it.
Find out where you are
A free adaptive test: quick (20 questions) or full (48 questions, with listening).
Join free & take the testBeginner
You can handle the very basics: greetings, numbers, simple needs.
You can…
- Introduce yourself and say where you live
- Order a coffee and ask what something costs
- Understand very short, slow sentences about everyday things
- Read simple signs like "Öppet" / "Bukás"
🎯 How to improve: Learn the first ~500 words, numbers, days, family and food. Do one lesson a day and say the words out loud.
On Salanguit: 733 Swedish and 584 Tagalog words, phrases and idioms at this level. Browse Swedish · Browse Tagalog
Elementary
You can talk about routines, the past and simple plans.
You can…
- Talk about your day, family, work and hobbies in simple sentences
- Shop, travel and ask for directions
- Describe things that happened yesterday
- Understand short messages and simple emails
🎯 How to improve: Learn past and future tenses, common verbs and connecting words (och, men, för att). Start mixing in phrases and short stories.
On Salanguit: 713 Swedish and 293 Tagalog words, phrases and idioms at this level. Browse Swedish · Browse Tagalog
Intermediate
You can cope with most everyday situations and explain your opinion.
You can…
- Handle most situations when travelling or at work
- Tell a story and describe plans, hopes and reasons
- Follow the main points of clear everyday conversation
- Write simple connected texts on familiar topics
🎯 How to improve: Work on idioms, longer sentences and listening to real speech. Use the AI tutor to practise conversations.
On Salanguit: 982 Swedish and 166 Tagalog words, phrases and idioms at this level. Browse Swedish · Browse Tagalog
Upper-intermediate
You can talk fluently with native speakers and argue a point.
You can…
- Interact fluently and spontaneously with native speakers
- Understand the main ideas of complex texts, news and films
- Explain a viewpoint and weigh pros and cons
- Write clear, detailed texts
🎯 How to improve: Polish grammar details, learn idioms and nuance, read articles and listen to podcasts.
On Salanguit: 1422 Swedish and 92 Tagalog words, phrases and idioms at this level. Browse Swedish · Browse Tagalog
Advanced
You use the language flexibly for work, study and social life.
You can…
- Express yourself fluently without searching for words
- Understand long, demanding texts and implied meaning
- Use the language flexibly for social, academic and professional purposes
- Produce well-structured, detailed texts
🎯 How to improve: Focus on style, rare words, humour and regional variation. Read novels and long articles.
On Salanguit: 9 Swedish and 10 Tagalog words, phrases and idioms at this level. Browse Swedish · Browse Tagalog
Mastery
You understand virtually everything and express fine shades of meaning.
You can…
- Understand virtually everything heard or read with ease
- Summarise information from different sources coherently
- Express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely
- Differentiate fine shades of meaning, even in complex situations
🎯 How to improve: Keep your edge: read widely, write regularly, and help others learn.
How the Salanguit level test works
- It adapts. You start in the middle. Right answers lead to harder questions, wrong ones to easier questions.
- It measures four skills: 📚 vocabulary, 🧩 grammar & usage, 💬 phrases & idioms and 🎧 listening (full test).
- It estimates your ability from every answer, not just your score, so lucky guesses on very hard questions count for little.
- You get a plan: your level, what you can do at it, your strongest and weakest skill and what to study next.
Frequently asked questions
What does CEFR mean?
CEFR is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It describes language ability on six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery), and is used by schools, universities and employers across Europe.
How long does it take to reach each level?
Guided learning hours are a rough guide: about 90–100 hours for A1, 180–200 for A2, 350–400 for B1, 500–600 for B2, 700–800 for C1 and 1,000+ for C2. Short daily practice adds up fast.
How accurate is the Salanguit level test?
The test adapts to your answers and estimates your ability from vocabulary, grammar, phrases and listening questions. The full 48-question test is much more reliable than the quick one, but it is a placement guide, not an official certificate.
Which level do I need for Swedish courses like SFI?
SFI (Swedish for immigrants) roughly runs from A1 to B1/B2 over its study paths, and many jobs in Sweden expect B1–B2. Check with your school or employer for exact requirements.