You can get a useful sense of your Arabic level in about ten minutes by reading the "can do" statements below and ticking the ones that are honestly true for you. Do it twice: once for speaking and listening, and once for reading and writing. For many heritage learners, those two results will be very different, and that is normal.
This is an informal guide, loosely modelled on the familiar A1 to C1 scale used for many languages. It is not an official test or certificate. Its purpose is to help you choose the right starting point, so you do not waste months on material that is too easy or give up on material that is far too hard.
How to use this self-assessment
- Be honest, not modest or hopeful. Tick a statement only if you could do it today, without preparation.
- Score skills separately. Your level for listening might be B2 while your writing is A1.
- Your level is the highest band where you tick most statements. One or two ticks in a higher band shows you are moving towards it.
- Think about which Arabic. Speaking statements can apply to your dialect. Reading and writing statements refer to Modern Standard Arabic. Our article on MSA versus dialect explains the difference.
The self-check table
| Level | Speaking and listening: I can... | Reading and writing: I can... |
|---|---|---|
| Starter (below A1) | Recognise a few greetings and family words; understand very little of a conversation | Recognise some letters but not read words; write my name only with help |
| Beginner (A1) | Greet people, introduce myself, say where I live; understand slow, simple questions about me | Read all letters and short vowelled words slowly; copy words correctly; write short phrases |
| Elementary (A2) | Handle simple everyday exchanges: shopping, directions, family; follow slow conversations on familiar topics | Read short simple texts such as notes or menus; write a short message about my day |
| Intermediate (B1) | Talk about my experiences, plans and opinions; follow most of a family conversation; get the gist of a TV programme | Read texts without vowel marks on familiar topics; write a connected paragraph with some errors |
| Upper intermediate (B2) | Discuss a wide range of topics with fluency; follow films and news with little difficulty | Read articles and short stories with occasional dictionary use; write clear, organised texts |
| Advanced (C1) | Express myself precisely, including abstract topics; understand fast speech and different dialects | Read complex texts, including literature; write accurately in formal registers |
Detailed statements to check
Beginner (A1)
- I can say hello, thank you and goodbye, and introduce myself and my family.
- I can count to twenty and say simple times and days.
- I can read every letter of the alphabet in its different positions, even if slowly.
- I can read short words with vowel marks, such as kitāb (book) and bayt (house).
Elementary (A2)
- I can order food, ask for directions and talk about my routine.
- I understand the main point of short, clear messages and announcements.
- I can read a short vowelled story aloud without stopping on every word.
- I can write a few sentences about my family, school or work.
Intermediate (B1)
- I can tell a story about something that happened to me, using past and present tenses.
- I can keep up with relatives talking among themselves, even if I miss details.
- I can read an unvowelled paragraph on a familiar topic and understand most of it.
- I can write an email or short essay giving my opinion with reasons.
Upper intermediate (B2)
- I can argue a point and respond to others' views in a discussion.
- I can follow the news and most TV series without subtitles.
- I can read newspaper articles and understand the writer's point of view.
- I can write a structured piece of several paragraphs with mostly accurate grammar.
Advanced (C1)
- I can speak spontaneously and precisely on complex or abstract topics.
- I understand speakers of several dialects and fast, informal speech.
- I can read literature and longer opinion pieces with little difficulty.
- I can write formal Arabic, adjusting my style to the reader.
The heritage learner pattern
If you grew up hearing Arabic at home, you may have ticked B1 or B2 statements for listening, A2 or B1 for speaking, and only A1 for reading and writing. This "uneven profile" is a very common pattern among heritage learners in the UK, Europe and the US.
It matters because general beginner courses often do not fit. You do not need to learn how to say "my name is" again, but you may need to go back to letter shapes and vowel marks. The most efficient plan usually works on reading and writing at your real level while using your stronger spoken Arabic to build vocabulary. Our guide for heritage learners explores this in more depth.
What to do next at each level
| Your level | Focus next |
|---|---|
| Starter or A1 | Master the alphabet and vowel marks, then short daily reading. Learn core phrases for greetings and daily life. |
| A2 | Build vocabulary around everyday themes, read short texts regularly, and start writing short paragraphs. |
| B1 | Move to unvowelled reading, practise longer conversations, and work on grammar accuracy in writing. |
| B2 | Read authentic articles and fiction, watch unscripted content, and write longer structured texts. |
| C1 | Refine style and register, read literature, and practise formal speaking and writing on complex topics. |
If you are wondering how long each stage takes, our article on how long it takes to learn Arabic gives realistic ranges.
Adult learners starting from A1 or A2 often benefit from a structured course. Our Arabic for non-native speakers programme is designed for that stage.
When this isn't the right route
A self-assessment has limits. It may not be enough if:
- You are preparing for GCSE or A Level Arabic, where you need to know how you perform on the actual exam tasks, not just general "can do" statements.
- You tend to under- or overestimate yourself. Many heritage learners underrate their listening and overrate their reading.
- You need a level for a formal purpose, such as a job or university application. In that case, look for a recognised test.
In those cases a short assessment with a teacher, where you read, speak and write, gives a clearer picture.
Common questions
Is this the same as an official CEFR level?
No. It is loosely based on the same kind of scale, but it is an informal guide to help you choose materials and lessons, not a certified result.
Why is my reading so much lower than my speaking?
Usually because you learned Arabic by listening at home but had little structured reading practice. It is the typical heritage profile, and reading can often catch up with focused work.
Should I count dialect when I assess my speaking?
Yes. Being able to speak with your family in dialect is real ability. Just note that reading and writing are assessed in standard Arabic.
How often should I reassess?
Every three to six months is enough to see real movement without obsessing over labels.
One step this week
Complete the self-check table twice, once for speaking and listening and once for reading and writing, and write your two levels down. Then choose one "next focus" action from the table and do it for ten minutes a day.
If you would like a teacher to confirm your level, message us on WhatsApp to book an assessment lesson. Tell us your two self-assessed levels and what you want Arabic for, and we will suggest where to start.
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