Legislation – Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025

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SCHEDULE 1TYPES OF WELSH LANGUAGE USER AND COMMON REFERENCE LEVELS

(Introduced by section 5)

The Table reproduces (in relation to the Welsh language) the summary of the common reference levels contained in Appendix 1 to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment – Companion Volume (2020), which updates the 2001 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages developed by the Council of Europe (and referred to in European Council Resolution 14757/01 on the promotion of linguistic diversity and language learning in the framework of the implementation of the objectives of the European Year of Languages 2001).

TABLE 1

Types of Welsh language user	Common reference levels	General characteristics
Proficient Welsh language user	C2	Can understand virtually all types of text. Can summarise information from different oral 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 more complex situations.
Proficient Welsh language user	C1	Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express themselves 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 organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Independent Welsh language user	B2	Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with users of the target language quite possible without strain on 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.
Independent Welsh language user	B1	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 whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which 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.
Basic Welsh language user	A2	Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (for example, 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.
Basic Welsh language user	A1	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 someone lives, 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.