The learning levels of
Dante in Linea and the CEFR

Level Insight

Discover what you will learn in each of our 5 levels and how to get a certificate of accreditation with Dante In Linea

At Dante in Linea, our Italian courses are designed for real-world communication and follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Our teaching method combines over 20 years of experience, professional certifications, and continuous updates to ensure a modern and effective learning experience for non-native speakers of all backgrounds.

Our program is structured into six proficiency levels, each focusing on linguistic, sociolinguistic, and pragmatic skills. Within each level, students are placed into two sublevels that match their knowledge, skills, and learning goals. Every class develops your ability to listen, read, speak, write, interact, and mediate in Italian.

We believe in gradual immersion: as you progress, English is used less and Italian becomes the main language of instruction, helping you gain confidence and fluency naturally.

A1 – Beginner (Absolute beginner to basic communication)

A1.1 – Absolute Beginner

• Listening: Recognize basic words and simple phrases about yourself, family, and surroundings when spoken slowly.
• Reading: Understand familiar names, words, and simple sentences (posters, signs, catalogues).
• Speaking: Ask and answer simple questions on familiar topics. Requires support to express ideas clearly.
• Writing: Use simple phrases to describe yourself, where you live, and people you know.

A1.2 – Beginner Progression

• Listening: Follow simple dialogues about daily life.
• Reading: Understand short texts like menus, forms, or notices.
• Speaking: Conduct short conversations about everyday situations; describe routines and preferences. Can do a 5-minute oral presentation.
• Writing: Fill forms and write short texts (100–150 words) on studied topics.

A2 – Elementary (Familiar contexts & past tense)

A2.1 – Elementary Start

• Listening: Understand basic phrases about personal info, shopping, local geography.
• Reading: Read simple texts and personal letters; find key information.
• Speaking: Handle short social exchanges and routine tasks.
• Writing: Write simple connected sentences using basic connectors like and, but, because.

A2.2 – Elementary Progression

• Listening: Understand simple interviews, phone conversations, and songs.
• Reading: Read short literary and journalistic texts; follow instructions.
• Speaking: Ask for and give information, advice, and express past/future plans. 10-minute presentations possible.
• Writing: Write short emails, letters, and descriptive texts.

B1 – Intermediate (Independent communication)

B1.1 – Intermediate Start

• Listening: Understand main points in familiar topics in slow speech, radio, or TV.
• Reading: Read everyday texts, letters, and descriptions of events or feelings.
• Speaking: Handle most travel and familiar situations; narrate experiences; give reasons for opinions.
• Writing: Write straightforward, connected texts on familiar topics.

B1.2 – Intermediate Progression

• Listening: Understand complaints, agreements, and clear monologues.
• Reading: Read articles, blogs, and literary texts; understand social issues.
• Speaking: Describe images, give advice, express disappointment, and narrate stories.
• Writing: Compose short persuasive texts and fictional stories.

B2 – Upper Intermediate (Fluent in familiar and some unfamiliar contexts)

B2.1 – Upper Intermediate Start

• Listening: Understand extended speech, TV news, interviews, and lectures.
• Reading: Understand surveys, statistics, short literary or factual texts.
• Speaking: Participate in discussions, role-plays, and interviews; describe experiences.
• Writing: Write letters, reports, emails, and messages; show awareness of style.

B2.2 – Upper Intermediate Progression

• Listening: Follow conversations, lectures, news, and talk shows.
• Reading: Read articles on contemporary issues; start critical analysis.
• Speaking: Express and justify opinions, give advice, deliver short presentations.
• Writing: Compile forms, write detailed instructions, descriptive or expository texts (≈300 words).

C1 – Advanced

Currently unavailable. Contact us if interested!

Listening & Reading: Understand complex, nuanced texts, movies, TV programs, and specialized articles.
Speaking: Express fluently and spontaneously in social/professional contexts; present detailed arguments and analyses.
Writing: Write structured, detailed essays, reports, or literary criticism (up to 2,500 words).