Sincerely learning a language is not just learning how to say a few phrases here and there. Whether you want to go for a conversation course, an interpreters' course or just learn it for a hobby, you should ideally do a little bit of research on your own. Research is always rewarding; you learn as you read, enquire and seek answers and help from experiences of others.
Language is fluid, flexible and ever-changing, which is why there is not just one book which one must learn from. On the same note, learning from only one book is never going to be enough for your growth. Sure, you might be able to "clear the test/exam", but will it be worth it if you cannot communicate with the other person or are not able to place an order?
So to answer the question - it's complicated.
Before we delve into the grammar topics which are mentioned in the self-learning books, let us first understand what the CEFR expects from the learners of each level. Those levels are grouped as A, B and C where each group has two levels - A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.
Basic user A1 | Breakthrough or beginner
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things they have.
Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
A2 | Waystage or elementary
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
Can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Independent user B1 | Threshold or intermediate
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2 | Vantage or upper intermediate
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization.
Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Proficient user C1 | Effective operational proficiency or advanced
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and recognize implicit meaning.
Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2 | Mastery or proficiency
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules and regulations of what should be taught in those levels, but there is a baseline of what is expected of you when you finish those levels.
Following images show you the baseline requirement for the CEFR A1, A2 and B1:
Please click on the images to enlarge.
You will notice overlaps between A2 and B1 level however, the depth of those topics cannot be understood from a simple infographic. While we do learn Prepositions in A1, A2 and B1, it starts with learning case sensitive prepositions in A1 and by B1 you are learning prepositions of time, location and reasoning!
A language is always forgiving, and when you learn/study a language to teach it, you are allowed to make mistakes. Please choose your tutor/trainer/teacher wisely. When it comes to a language, even the natives make mistakes here and there. You can always correct yourself and it is not a big deal!
If you don't understand any topic, ask your tutor/trainer/teacher till you understand it fully, seek answers on a forum, learning is a never-ending process!
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