The Catalan A1 Level (Certificat de nivell inicial), Explained
Updated 30 June 2026 · 6 min read
A1 is the first level of the Common European Framework (CEFR). At Catalan A1 you can understand and use familiar everyday expressions, introduce yourself, and ask and answer simple questions about personal details, as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly. It’s the foundation every higher level builds on.
What “A1” actually means
The CEFR defines six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). A1 is the entry point: you handle concrete, predictable situations (greetings, personal information, simple needs) with simple phrases. It is deliberately limited in scope, which is exactly why it’s achievable for a motivated beginner in a few months.
What you can do at Catalan A1
By the end of A1 you should be able to: introduce yourself and others; give basic personal details (where you live, people you know, things you have); understand slow, clear speech on familiar topics; read short, simple texts and signs; and write short, simple notes. Speaking is interactive but simple: short exchanges, with the listener’s help.
How beginner Catalan is assessed
Most beginner assessments mirror the four skills (reading, listening, writing and speaking) plus a grammar/vocabulary component. Official Catalan certificates are issued by bodies such as the Generalitat de Catalunya and recognised institutions; the exact format, available levels and fees change over time, so always confirm current details with the official body for your situation. A good course prepares you for the skills, which transfer to any specific exam.
How to prepare efficiently
Practise all four skills, not just reading. Do timed practice so the format doesn’t surprise you, and get exposure to native audio so listening isn’t the weak link. Verbadium’s course is built around the A1 skill set and includes a full timed mock exam plus auto-marked exercises so you know where you stand. Verbadium’s Catalan A1 course takes you from zero to the official beginner level with native-speaker audio, full IPA, 108 auto-marked exercises and a timed mock exam: one-time €25, lifetime access. Unit 1 is a free preview.
Frequently asked questions
Is Catalan A1 difficult?
A1 is the easiest CEFR level by design: it covers familiar, everyday language in simple phrases. The main effort is building pronunciation and a core of high-frequency vocabulary and present-tense grammar.
How long to reach Catalan A1?
Around 150–200 hours of study for most learners (a few months of short daily sessions). Romance-language speakers often get there faster.
What can I do after A1?
A1 is the foundation for A2 and beyond. After A1 you expand tenses, vocabulary and the ability to handle less predictable situations. Solidify A1 first: gaps there make every later level harder.
Where do I get an official Catalan certificate?
Official certificates are issued by bodies such as the Generalitat de Catalunya and recognised examination centres. Check the official body for current levels, dates and requirements, as these change. A skills-based course prepares you regardless of the specific exam.
Start learning Catalan
Verbadium’s Catalan A1 course takes you from zero to the official beginner level: native-speaker audio, full IPA, 108 auto-marked exercises and a timed mock exam. One-time €25, lifetime access.