Small Group Instruction Schedules

What do the Berlitz Language Skill Levels mean?

• Absolute Beginner

  I am an ABSOLUTE BEGINNER. I have no functional ability in the language at all.

• Superficial Knowledge

  I have a very SUPERFICIAL KNOWLEDGE of the language and can handle a few simple greeting, but I am limited to very concrete concepts. I can understand a few words but cannot really converse at all.

• Function Adequately

  I can FUNCTION ADEQUATELY in most survival situations: ask directions, order a meal, say a few polite phrases, etc… I can understand fairly well if the pace is slow, however, I cannot follow conversations at the normal speed. I feel very insecure when I try to express myself.

• Fairly Good Command

  I have a FAIRLY GOOD COMMAND of the language on general topics, but I still tend to translate mentally. I can understand much better than I can speak. I can usually find the words to express myself, but my speech is halting. I don’t really feel at ease in the language yet.

• Speak with Proficiency

  I have a large vocabulary and SPEAK WITH PROFICIENCY. I can understand most of what I read with no difficulty and can converse with ease on most general subjects. However, I do have trouble expressing myself on technical subjects, and my command of expressions and idioms is weak. I still don’t think in the language.