Pimsleur and the Common European Framework

Some people do not understand what is "The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages", abbreviated as CEFR, to have a general idea it is a form of measurement of abilities in a foreign language, it has 6 (six) levels that go from the begginer to a proficient user. One of the main courses in the market of languages is Pimsleur, it claims that after its courses you can reach a certain level of proficiency, in this post we are going to check if it helps you in CEFR.

Let´s see if Pimsleur level 01 reaches at least A1 in CEFR:

A1

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

    Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases (after lesson 15)

Can introduce him/herself (lessons 01)

Can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives,
                                                                                         people he/she knows,
                                                                                          things he/she has.

Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. (from lesson 10 up)


Let´s see if it reaches A2 as well:

A2

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 his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance:
very basic personal and family information 
shopping (Lessons 04, 05, 06)
local geography (lessons 03, 04)
employment X

Can communicate in simple and routine tasks on familiar and routine matters.

Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background



As you can see, Pimsleur can for sure take you to A2 level even in the first level of it, as you know there are some diferences between Speaking a little, Fluency and Proficiency, all about this you can be found here.

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