Best Language Courses by (CEFR) Level

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You already know which language you want to learn and which CEFR proficiency level you’re aiming for? But which language program actually provides that? Unfortunately, many language-learning providers hide information on the levels offered for each language all too well. We went on a quest to find the answer.

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Below you’ll find an overview showing which language program allows you to reach which CEFR proficiency level – and not just for English or Spanish!

At a Glance: The Proficiency Levels of the Most Popular Language Courses

Some language programs have fully developed all of their courses to cover the same range of CEFR levels – but for others, there can be big differences in the levels you can reach, depending on the language. Below, you’ll see twelve of the best and most recognized language courses along with the 15 most frequently studied languages in Germany.

English, Spanish, and French are universally included and often go up to higher proficiency levels. But for “rarer” languages, the content can be more limited. The approaches used by these language courses also vary: from traditional book-based systems like ASSiMiL to more traditional e-learning with Busuu or Babbel, and even more creative methods such as Rosetta Stone or Yabla. There’s something for everyone. Below, you’ll find more specific details on each provider.

Important! Some language programs require existing knowledge. Use the table above to see which language program might meet your requirements, then check further down to confirm whether your starting level is also supported. If you’d like to test your current proficiency, we’ve got all the info you need.

Mosalingua, cabuu & Co.: What About Everyone Else?

For alternative learning methods and vocabulary trainers, specific proficiency levels aren’t always clearly defined (or even definable). More open-ended language programs often allow you to adapt them for your own level. That’s especially true for three fantastic providers whose approach is all about giving you a powerful learning system.

• cabuu: By importing your own vocabulary or choosing from ready-made lists, you could theoretically use cabuu to accompany your entire learning journey – whether that’s A1, B2, or even up to C1.

• Mosalingua: At heart, it’s a vocabulary trainer that you can adjust to essentially any level. Thanks to its extensive add-ons, business modules in some languages, and the integration of an AI-based chat, Mosalingua can accompany you comfortably into advanced territory (C1).

• Birlingo: This Birkenbihl-inspired approach currently offers content up to about B2 in its available languages. However, you don’t have to tackle it all in linear order; you can study each topic at either A1, A2, or B1 – or handle them in succession.

In general, the more open a learning system, the more adaptable it is to your own level. These three providers let you tailor the courses and content to a large extent.

AI-Based Language Tutors: Aimigo, Univerbal, and Langotalk

AI-based language tutors are a relatively new phenomenon in the world of language learning, offering a fresh approach with an impressive range of features. Some providers have been gradually integrating AI into their teaching methods, but these solutions are truly different. They combine the roles of teacher and conversation partner, letting you practice dialogues on any topic so you’re prepared for a wide variety of real-life scenarios.

Aimigo is Gymglish’s new AI-based conversation course, fusing a creative storyline with a clever artificial intelligence. Ideally, you should already have some knowledge – at least a good A1 level. Aimigo automatically adjusts to your initial level during the first few days of use. From there, you can push it up to a near-infinite skill range, certainly as high as C2.

Langotalk is currently our top pick among AI-based tutors, thanks to a broad selection of new features. Beginners can jump in at A0 or A1, and the approach can take you up to roughly C1, especially if you delve into day-to-day expressions and specialized topics.

Univerbal is best suited to learners who already possess a decent foundation. The program includes a short placement test at the start, but the required skill level can be a bit demanding. While you could theoretically start as a complete beginner, we recommend at least an A2 level to benefit fully from the exercises. You can aim up to at least C1 or beyond.

YourTeacherAI didn’t score quite as well in our recent evaluation. While the AI tutor does what it’s designed to do, we found the lack of special features and certain questionable elements somewhat disappointing. That said, if your only goal is to have basic conversations, it may still be worth a look. YourTeacherAI emphasizes that no content instruction is given – you should be at least A1, preferably A2 or higher. From there, the program can support you through advanced levels.

The Langenscheidt Language Coach currently supports only German and English. It clearly states that you should have prior knowledge to benefit effectively. The lowest entry point is A1, leading up to roughly B1. Overall, it serves more as a supplement to refine grammar, not a complete solution on its own.

In general: While certain providers claim they’re usable with zero prior knowledge, that can often be frustrating rather than productive. The heart of these AI conversation courses is precisely what their name suggests – conversation. And to have a conversation, you need some vocabulary and basic grammar. That said, AI tutors usually have a lot to offer at higher levels, especially for advanced or specialized vocabulary.

For more information and additional AI-based solutions, see our article on the best AI conversation courses!

Language Course Providers and the Achievable Proficiency in Detail

You might notice references to a “0” proficiency level. We’ve extended the CEFR scale here, since some language programs let you start at zero prior knowledge, which we label as “0.” Others require some basic familiarity, so their scale starts at A1 or A2.

ASSiMiL – An Overview of Each Proficiency Level

ASSiMiL is a book-based language course that also includes audio materials – and not just any course: after our extensive look at their “La Méthode” series, we can highly recommend it for those who prefer an offline approach. With a broad range of languages and high-level outcomes, these courses are definitely worth your attention.

Because it’s primarily in book form, there’s sadly no free trial. On the other hand, you can purchase a book for as little as about €22 and get going right away.

For some languages, you’ll find matching CDs that expand the learning experience, which we absolutely recommend (see our ASSiMiL evaluation for more details). For certain courses, they even offer advanced levels up to C2, which equates to native-level proficiency. What more could you ask for?

The Proficiency Level for Babbel’s Language Courses

Babbel is known for a more classic approach but also features multiple newer elements. The main course includes structured exercises, flashcards, and grammar explanations, plus optional extras like online classes through Babbel Live, the Toucan browser add-on, and AI-powered features – basically a “blended learning” approach that merges self-study and real instruction.

Each course can vary greatly in how advanced it goes. Unfortunately, for some languages like Polish, we haven’t seen any expansions for years – too bad. Pricing starts around €6.99 monthly, depending on how long you subscribe, and you can take the first lesson free in every language.

Currently, there’s also a lifetime offer to unlock all languages (currently 14, including German) for a one-time payment. The price tends to hover between €239 and €299. If you plan on studying multiple languages, it’s a real deal!

An Overview of Busuu’s Proficiency Levels

Like Babbel, Busuu’s approach is fairly conventional but stands out due to its unique community element. Here, you’ll find standard exercises and explanations, but you can also connect with other learners and native speakers, exchanging feedback and helping each other. This is a rare but fantastic feature that sets Busuu apart.

All Busuu’s languages typically reach at least a B2 level, with a few exceptions: English and Spanish are more advanced, while Korean (their newest addition) is still at about A2. They do consistently add fresh material over time!

Busuu can be used for free to some extent, though they also have two subscription tiers offering bonus features and recognized language certificates.

Duolingo: The Proficiency Level of Their Language Courses

Duolingo is arguably one of the most famous options out there, thanks to its colorful visuals and cute mascot. It uses theme-based vocabulary lessons but has only minimal grammar explanations, leaning on intuitive learning through context instead.

The base version is free, though you’ll see quite a bit of advertising. If you’d prefer an ad-free setup and extra benefits like a personalized error quiz, you can subscribe from as low as roughly €2 a month (in the Family Plan).

Duolingo’s main advantage is its strong gamification elements, which motivate you to keep learning daily, as well as a social tool to compare progress with friends. However, from German as a base language, only four languages are offered. Plus, we found the lesson content questionable in our more recent evaluation, so we tend to recommend alternatives like Mondly or Babbel at the moment.

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An Overview of Gymglish’s Proficiency Level

Gymglish pursues a mostly standard approach but with a unique twist: a highly sophisticated algorithm that personalizes each day’s lesson based on your errors. No competitor on the market offers such an individualized system. However, for two of the courses, you should have a bit of a foundation – ideally a healthy A1 or so. For English, French, and Spanish, though, you can jump in from zero prior knowledge.

If you’re unsure of your exact level, don’t worry — Gymglish analyzes it for you during the first few days and then customizes subsequent lessons accordingly.

Few platforms can match Gymglish’s high quality, but that does come at a price: subscription plans range from €19 to €29 a month. Fortunately, there’s an excellent free trial with no automatic subscription at the end. Definitely worth trying!

Jicki – The Proficiency Level of Audio Courses

Jicki is an audio-based course, more of a supplement or complementary approach for passive learning. You can start with no prior knowledge, thanks to what they call “Sprachduschen” (language showers), letting you immerse yourself in a language passively – whether you’re cooking, driving, or winding down for the night. Below is an overview of the levels Jicki can lead you to:

Courses are read by native speakers for an authentic experience. Overall, Jicki is perfect as an additional resource for your everyday routine or for combining with a more structured course.

Two lessons per language are free, then subscription plans start around €5.95 a month.

Overview LingQ: The Level You Can Achieve

LingQ isn’t a conventional program; it’s a self-learning platform where you create your own flashcards from a massive pool of authentic texts and audio/video content. It also includes community features, monthly learning challenges, and optional tutoring with private teachers. Note that some prior knowledge is recommended for a smoother start.

Apart from the course content, you can also import your own materials, letting you go far beyond the built-in scope. So, these stated proficiency ranges are a guideline.

LingQ can be used free with limited features, though it’s smarter to subscribe from €7.99 per month if you plan on sticking with it. This also means there’s a risk-free way to try it out. Great!

So Far Can You Learn with Mondly

Mondly is, in our view, one of the best language courses currently on the market. Its intuitive approach delivers results without tedious memorizing or repetitive drilling. Beginners can pick it up without trouble, and every language covers at least up to B1, typically even more.

And the cost is very appealing: around €100 for a lifetime subscription to all 41 Mondly languages – which is nearly unbeatable. The price can vary slightly, but anything up to €130 is a solid deal. Just click the button below to see the current rates.

There’s also a free trial option plus various subscription plans – all very fair. Definitely worth giving it a shot!

The Polyglot Academy’s Courses and Their Proficiency Level

The Polyglot Academy refers to their offers as a “self-learning system.” Still, a fairly high proficiency level is entirely achievable. It’s best used as a supplemental course, providing strong vocabulary decks and loads of advice on how to learn effectively.

All self-study systems cost a one-time fee of €139, and if you buy more than one language, subsequent courses are half price – that’s pretty fair!

Their vocabulary sets rely on the Anki system, making it super easy to add your own words and phrases, for instance specialized work-related terms.

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Rosetta Stone – Languages and Levels

Rosetta Stone provides a comprehensive learning suite: intuitive, context-driven lessons, mini-stories in the target language, and if desired virtual classroom lessons. Basically, they cover every angle. Below is a quick look at the levels you can reach:

You can start with zero knowledge and typically get to about B1 in every offered language. Some might go beyond, but generally the standard set is consistent across the board.

Pricing for the course alone (no live tutoring) starts around €11.99 a month, with tutoring from €19.99 upwards. There’s also a free trial and a lifetime option – awesome!

Sprachenlernen24 – An Overview of Proficiency Levels

Sprachenlernen24 offers a huge variety of languages, many of which stretch to a very high skill level. For quite a few, the developer claims you can reach C2 (native-level proficiency). That’s the highest CEFR tier possible.

All 118 languages go at least to A2, with one-time payments starting at €49.99 for beginner content. Advanced courses (up to C2 for most languages) cost around €97 once, covering all preceding levels too — so you don’t pay twice.

In addition, they offer free travel vocabulary on their website, a free trial period, and a 31-day money-back guarantee. Keep an eye out for special deals and bundle discounts!

The Yabla Course Levels at a Glance

Yabla is a video-based language course best suited for learners with at least some existing knowledge. The big advantage here: authentic videos spanning various dialects and cultural content. Whether you want to explore Spanish songs from Ecuador or watch a French documentary from Belgium, Yabla’s got you covered. A convenient filter system helps you find the videos that match your skill level. Take a look at how far you can go with Yabla:

Prices start around €11.95 a month, depending on your subscription. Thanks to the high-quality video content, it’s worth the investment.

Yabla offers a fair deal: a 15-day trial plus a two-week money-back guarantee. Excellent!

Conclusion: The Proficiency Levels of the Best Providers at a Glance

Different courses provide different CEFR levels, and within a single platform, the level may vary widely from one language to another. Popular languages like English, Spanish, French, or Italian are often developed to more advanced stages, while less in-demand languages might only have lower-level content.

Still, the range of offerings grows all the time, from offline courses to digital platforms, from a purely classical approach to more creative daily learning. We hope this overview helps you pick the perfect language adventure. Feel free to share your feedback in the comments! We love hearing from you.