A1, A2, B1 or B2? How to find your level in Norwegian
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) describes language ability in levels from A1 to C2. Norwegian courses and the Norskprøven test use the same scale. Here's what A1 to B2 look like when you're reading.
A1 — Beginner
You recognise everyday words and short sentences in the present tense: Jeg heter Amir. Jeg jobber i et bakeri. A1 stories are short, concrete and repeat key words. A1 stories
A2 — Elementary
You can follow simple stories in the past tense about familiar situations — shopping, work, the doctor — with some fordi and når clauses and more dialogue. A2 stories
B1 — Intermediate
You can read longer texts about everyday life, feelings and opinions, and guess many new words from context. Common idioms start to appear. B1 is a common goal for work and further study in Norway. B1 stories
B2 — Upper intermediate
You can follow nuanced stories about abstract topics, notice when characters change register, and read with relatively little help. B2 stories
A quick self-test
Open a free story at the level you think fits and read the first paragraph without help. If you understand the gist and most sentences, it's your level. If it's effortless, go up. If you're lost after two lines, go down. Within each level, easy, medium and hard stories let you fine-tune.