Gaelchultúr's Irish-language courses are structured according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the internationally recognised system used for measuring language proficiency.

Whether you're learning Irish, French, Spanish, German or another language, the CEFR provides a common framework that helps you identify both your current level and the next stage of your learning journey. The framework encompasses all levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (highly proficient).

What is the CEFR?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) was developed by the Council of Europe and officially launched in 2001 after years of collaboration between language experts, educators and researchers from across Europe.

Its purpose was to create a shared system for properly describing language proficiency. Before the CEFR, a term (such as "beginner", "intermediate" or "advanced") could mean different things depending on the school, teacher or country.The CEFR introduced a common standard that could be applied to any language.

Today, it is used by language schools, universities, examination bodies and businesses throughout Europe and beyond. It allows learners to demonstrate their ability in a language using internationally recognised levels.

The CEFR divides language learners into six levels:

CEFR Level	Description
A1	Beginner
A2	Elementary
B1	Intermediate
B2	Upper Intermediate
C1	Advanced
C2	Proficiency

These levels are grouped into three broader categories:

Basic User (A1–A2)

Learners at these levels can communicate in simple everyday situations and understand familiar words and expressions.

Independent User (B1–B2)

Learners can communicate with greater confidence, participate in conversations and deal with a wide range of real-life situations independently.

Proficient User (C1–C2)

Learners can use the language fluently and effectively in professional, academic and social settings.

How Gaelchultúr Uses the CEFR

At Gaelchultúr, all of our courses are aligned with the CEFR. This provides learners with a clear and internationally recognised pathway, from complete beginner level through to advanced proficiency.

Our course structure mirrors the six CEFR levels:

Gaelchultúr Course	CEFR Level
Beginners 1	A1
Beginners 2	A2
Intermediate 1	B1
Intermediate 2	B2
Advanced 1	C1
Advanced 2	C2

The CEFR and International Irish-Language Qualifications

Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) is the first internationally recognised system of Irish-language proficiency examinations for adult learners. Administered by Maynooth University, TEG qualifications are broadly aligned with the CEFR across reading, writing, listening and speaking.

For learners who wish to prepare for a TEG examination, Gaelchultúr offers dedicated TEG Preparatory Courses at a range of levels, helping participants develop the skills and confidence required to succeed in the exams.

Why Do CEFR Levels Matter?

The CEFR isn't just used by language schools and examination bodies. Increasingly, employers are using CEFR levels to define the language skills required for certain roles.

As Ireland continues to implement the Official Languages Act, Irish-language skills are becoming increasingly valuable in the workplace, particularly within the public sector. Candidates are often required to demonstrate a certain level of Irish according to the Europass self-assessment framework.

This means that CEFR levels are more than just a way of measuring progress – they provide an internationally recognised benchmark that can help learners demonstrate their language ability to employers and educational institutions.

Whether your goal is to use more Irish at work, gain a recognised qualification through TEG, or simply improve your confidence in the language, Gaelchultúr's CEFR-aligned courses provide a clear pathway from A1 through to C2.

Not sure which level is right for you?

Many learners find it difficult to judge their own language ability, particularly if they studied Irish at school and particularly if they haven’t studied or used Irish since school.

To help learners identify the most suitable starting point, Gaelchultúr offers a free online Irish-language assessment. On completing the assessment, a CEFR level will be recommended to you to help you choose the course that best matches your current ability.

Whether you are taking your first steps in Irish or returning to the language after many years, the CEFR provides a clear roadmap for progression. By following this internationally recognised framework, Gaelchultúr's courses allow learners to build their confidence and language skills step by step, from A1 right through to C2.

Ready to find your level?

Take our free online Irish-language assessment today and discover which Gaelchultúr course is right for you.