Level A1 is the very first threshold on the international CEFR scale, marking the point reached by anyone starting to learn English from scratch. At this level, you are no longer "a complete beginner"; you can communicate in simple everyday situations. Let's explore what exactly falls under English A1, how much time it takes to achieve, and what to do next.
What Does A1 Level Mean?
First, let's talk about the scale to provide some context. CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) is a Europe-wide system for assessing language proficiency that informs textbooks and international examinations. There are six levels: A1 and A2 indicate basic proficiency, B1 and B2 indicate independent use, and C1 and C2 indicate full proficiency, nearly approaching that of a native speaker. A1 is the first of these levels, making it convenient to know your level from the start for choosing textbooks and for resumes.
A1 in English is referred to as "beginner" — it covers basic survival skills: you can introduce yourself, talk about yourself using simple phrases, ask for and state prices, order food, ask for directions, and understand slow, clearly articulated speech on familiar topics. This level is characterized by short sentences and predictable situations — it's not fluent communication, but actual interaction. Many who start learning English from scratch begin with A1, and for many, it marks their first significant achievement.
A1 Vocabulary and Grammar
In terms of vocabulary, A1 English encompasses around five hundred to seven hundred basic everyday words and several key grammatical topics: the verb to be (am, is, are), the present simple tense, articles (a, an, the), personal pronouns, and simple word order. All of this can be conveniently grouped into thematic sets and immediately placed in context, as outlined in the guide on words and grammar. Try the A1 level card:
At the start, a few "survival" phrases that work from day one are extremely helpful. Greetings and polite phrases include: “Hello,” “Good morning,” “Thank you,” “Please,” “Sorry.” Talking about yourself: “My name is …,” “I'm from …,” “I live in ….” And a couple of must-know phrases for any situation: “Excuse me,” “How much is it?,” “I don't understand.” These two or three dozen words and phrases already provide confidence in a store, cafe, or when traveling — and grammar will build around them.
The grammatical essentials for A1 are short and manageable:
- verb to be: “I am,” “She is,” “They are”;
- present simple Present Simple: “I work,” “He works” — don’t forget the -s in the third person singular;
- articles a / an / the and plural formation with -s (book → books);
- questions with what, where, who, how and the verb can for ability: “Can you help me?.”
A practical tip: at A1, don’t fixate on grammar at the expense of speaking — the level relies on ready-made phrases rather than rules. If after a month you confidently say “My name is…” and “I don't understand,” but still confuse the -s in “he works,” that’s a normal A1 result and not a gap. The rules will be refined at the next level A2. And to be honest: A1 is not usually validated by a formal exam for adults — the nearest certification is at the next level, Cambridge A2 Key (KET).
How Long Does It Take to Learn A1 and What Comes Next?
If you dedicate fifteen minutes a day to study, it typically takes about two to three months to reach A1 — one of the fastest results along the learning journey since the foundation is built quickly. A detailed breakdown across all levels is provided in the guide on how long it takes to learn English.
Once you reach A1, it makes sense to move on to the next level — level A2, where everyday topics become broader and the past tense is introduced. The transition is easier than starting from scratch: pronunciation is already familiar, the study habit is formed, and you just need to expand your vocabulary and grammar on the established foundation. Following this same logic, it's convenient to learn English for adults from scratch level by level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words do you need for English A1?
Approximately five hundred to seven hundred basic words are sufficient for simple everyday situations and short phrases about yourself.
Is there an exam for A1 level?
There is usually no separate exam for A1: international tests like Cambridge and IELTS start at higher levels. A1 is a personal starting point, not a certification level.
What can a person do at A1 English?
Introduce themselves, talk about themselves using simple phrases, ask for and state prices, order food, ask for directions, and understand slow, clear speech on familiar topics.
How long does it take to learn English up to A1?
With fifteen minutes a day of study, it generally takes about two to three months. This is one of the quickest results in the entire learning process.
Is A1 enough to communicate in English?
For basic situations — yes, but for more complete communication, you need at least A2–B1. A1 is the starting threshold for learning English from scratch.
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