Mikhail Poda

Hebrew Proficiency Levels

Language proficiency is generally measured Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) system. Here are the main levels:

1. Beginner Levels

🔹 Absolute Beginner (A0)

• A0 is not officially part of the CEFR.
• It is often used to describe absolute beginners, people with no prior knowledge of a language.

🔹 Beginner (A1)

• Knows basic words and phrases (e.g. greetings, introductions).
• Can understand simple sentences when spoken slowly.
• Can read and write in Hebrew alphabet.

🔹 Elementary (A2)

• Forms simple sentences and asks basic questions.
• Understands short, clear speech on familiar topics.
• Reads and understands simple texts with common vocabulary.

2. Intermediate Levels

🔹 Lower Intermediate (B1)

• Can hold a basic conversation on everyday topics.
• Understands main ideas in simple texts and short conversations.
• Uses past, present, and future tense with some mistakes.

🔹 Upper Intermediate (B2)

• Speaks with more confidence and variety of vocabulary.
• Understands more complex conversations and written texts.
• Can express opinions and discuss personal experiences.

3. Advanced Levels

🔹 Advanced (C1)

• Speaks fluently with good grammar and pronunciation.
• Understands news, books, and complex discussions.
• Can express thoughts clearly and debate on various topics.

🔹 Proficient / Near-Native (C2)

• Uses language naturally in professional and academic settings.
• Understands slang, idioms, and cultural nuances.
• Can read and write complex texts, like legal documents or literature.

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Comparison of Ulpan Levels & CEFR

The Hebrew Ulpan levels (Aleph, Bet, Gimel, Dalet, Hey, Vav) don’t perfectly match the CEFR (A1–C2) system, but they roughly correspond as follows:

CEFR Level	Ulpan Level	New Vocab.	Total Vocab.	Features
A0 (Absolute Beginner)	Pre-Aleph	50	50	no verbs
A1 (Beginner)	Aleph	400	400	only paal present
A2 (Elementary)	Aleph+ / Bet 1	800	1,200	past tense
B1 (Lower Intermediate)	Bet 2 / Gimel 1	1,200	2,400	future tense
B2 (Upper Intermediate)	Gimel 2 / Dalet	1,600	4,000	passive verbs
C1 (Advanced)	Hey	2,000	6,000	professional terminology
C2 (Proficient/Near-Native)	Vav	3,000+	9,000	literary language

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Estimated Vocabulary Distribution for Hebrew Learners

The proportion of vocabulary by part of speech varies by language level and usage, and in Hebrew, a general breakdown looks like this:

Part of Speech	Beginner (A0–A2)	Intermediate (B1–B2)	Advanced (C1–C2)
Nouns	~50%	~45%	~40%
Verbs	~20%	~25%	~30%
Adjectives	~10%	~12%	~15%
Adverbs	~5%	~8%	~10%
Other (prepositions, conjunctions, pronouns, etc.)	~15%	~10%	~5%

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My own Hebrew vocabulary with Proficiency Levels A0-B2 can be found here.