French level test

How the French test works

You’ll read and answer exclusively in French. The questions are grouped in threes: first, finding the meaning of a word in a sentence; next, filling in a blank in a sentence; and finally, answering a question about a short text. Each question gives you four options, with only one correct answer.

Each group of three questions determines the difficulty of the next set. You’ll move up if you answer well, drop down if you struggle, or stay at the same level. Because it adapts to your performance, two people rarely get the same test. It takes between 12 and 21 questions to pinpoint your level. If you’re caught between two levels, you’ll receive the lower one.

What it checks in French

The easiest questions feature short texts about daily life and check basic French grammar: choosing between ton or ta, finding the correct form of a common verb, or picking the right subject pronoun. Around the A2 and B1 levels, you’ll need to know how to use depuis, the pronoun en, the relative pronoun dont, and the subjunctive after bien que. The reading texts will include notices, short articles, and opinion pieces.

At the higher levels, the test introduces lequel and its variations, connectors like néanmoins and d’autant plus que, set phrases found in written French, and advanced essay vocabulary. The test focuses entirely on reading, vocabulary, and grammar in context. It does not tell you how well you speak, listen, or write.

What the six levels mean

A1 · Beginners

You can understand familiar names, common words, and very simple sentences, such as signs, notes, or short messages.

A2 · Pre-intermediate

You can read short, simple texts and find the information you need in everyday materials like ads, menus, timetables, and short personal letters.

B1 · Intermediate

You can understand texts written in everyday language about familiar subjects, as well as descriptions of events, feelings, and wishes in personal letters and simple stories.

B2 · Upper-intermediate

You can read articles and reports on current issues where the writer takes a clear position, and you can read contemporary fiction.

C1 · Advanced

You can understand long, complex factual and literary texts and notice differences in style, even outside your own field.

C2 · Proficiency

You can read practically anything with ease, including abstract and demanding texts like specialized articles and complex literary works.

What to read at your level

Once you know your level, you can start reading material that matches it. Lingard’s French library offers short dialogues and light articles for A2 learners, while B1 readers can enjoy retellings like Le Petit Prince and a weekly news digest. Unabridged classics open up at B2, such as Maupassant’s Boule de suif. For a gentle first step, try Poe’s Le Chat noir, which is only about 2,400 words long. Tap any word to see its meaning, listen to the audio as you read, and save the words you want to remember.

Learn French by reading

Questions about the test

Is the test free?

Yes. You don’t need an account or an email address, and you’ll see your level as soon as you finish the last question.

How long does it take?

The test consists of 12 to 21 questions and has no time limit. It usually takes about 12 minutes to complete.

Is the result an official certificate?

No. It provides an estimate of your reading level on the CEFR scale based on vocabulary, grammar in context, and reading comprehension. It doesn’t test speaking, listening, or writing, and it does not replace a formal language exam.

Can I take it again?

Yes, as often as you like. The questions are pulled from a larger pool, so your next attempt will not be a repeat of the first.