Find your language level

Learn a language from scratch or brush up rusty skills

To help you decide which language level is right for you, the levels for our weekly classes and language weekends are described below.

Online weekly classes

Our online weekly language classes combine pre-recorded lectures with live online meetings where practice, discussion, group work, and questions and answers take place over an 11-week term. The first meeting will introduce the online platform (Microsoft Teams), followed by ten classes of language learning.

Online weekly classes will be offered in the following languages in 2023-24:

The levels descriptions are outlined below. If you need advice in relation to levels, please contact the Weekly Classes team via email at weeklyclasses@conted.ox.ac.uk or telephone: +44 (0)1865 280900.

Beginners – Part 1

An introduction to the basic principles of the language. The course provides a solid foundation of grammar structures and vocabulary through the study of simplified texts. For complete beginners.

Beginners – Part 2

A continuation course providing progression from our 'Beginners - Part 1' course in the language. For extending the learning of grammar structures and vocabulary through which learners will be able to read and translate simplified texts and explore the culture. New students who have studied the language formally for one term are very welcome to join.

Lower Intermediate – Part 1

A course for consolidating knowledge of the grammar, syntactic structures and vocabulary through the study of original texts. It aims to develop students' understanding of the ideas and themes expressed in the texts.

Lower Intermediate – Part 2

A continuation course providing progression for students who completed our Lower Intermediate - Part 1 in the language. It offers an opportunity to read some great texts, extend grammar and syntactic knowledge, and gain an insight into the culture. 

In-person weekly classes in Oxford

In-person weekly languages classes take place at Ewert House for two hours each week over a 10-week term. Weekly classes in Oxford are offered in the following languages in 2023-24:

Course levels are listed below. Please note that not all languages are offered at all levels.

If you need advice in relation to levels, please contact the Weekly Classes team via email at weeklyclasses@conted.ox.ac.uk or telephone: +44 (0)1865 280900.

Beginners – Part 1

An interactive course offering an introduction to the language and culture. It is for complete beginners as well as those who have learnt some expressions and phrases through travel or socialising.

Beginners – Part 2

A continuation course providing progression for students who completed our Beginners - Part 1 course in the language and new students who have studied the language formally for one term. It aims at developing basic language skills and exploring the culture. New students are advised to read the relevant course description to ascertain the suitability of the course level and content.

Lower Intermediate – Part 1

An interactive course for developing the language skills in a range of simple everyday situations and further exploring the culture and society in the countries where the language is spoken. To benefit from the course, students will have done one of the following: completed Beginners - Part 2 or equivalent, gained a GCSE (Grade B, 6 or below) in the language, or achieved level A1+ of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages in the language.

Lower Intermediate – Part 2

A continuation course providing progression for students who completed our Lower Intermediate - Part 1 in the language and new students whose proficiency in the language is appropriate for the course level. It focuses on practising the language skills in simple and routine everyday situations requiring straightforward descriptions and direct exchange of information on family and other people, living conditions, educational experiences and work. New students are advised to read the relevant course description to ascertain the suitability of the level and content.

Intermediate – Part 1

An intermediate level course for developing language proficiency to deal with familiar matters and some situations likely to arise while travelling in a country where the language is spoken. To benefit from the course, students will have done one of the following: completed our Lower Intermediate - Part 2 course or equivalent; gained a GCSE (Grade A/A* or 7-9) in the language; achieved level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages in the language.

Intermediate – Part 2

A continuation course offering progression for students who completed our Intermediate - Part 1 course and new students whose proficiency in the language is appropriate for the course level. It aims at enabling learners to express themselves in situations regularly encountered at work, educational settings, leisure centres and while travelling in a country where the language is spoken. New students are advised to read the relevant course description to ascertain the suitability of the level and content.

Upper Intermediate – Part 1

For learners who wish to become fluent in the language, participate in discussions and debates, and use complex structures. To benefit from the course, students will have done one of the following: completed our Intermediate - Part 2 course or equivalent; gained an AS in the language; achieved level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in the language.

Upper Intermediate – Part 2

A continuation course offering progression for students who completed our Upper Intermediate - Part 2 course. It aims at developing the language required to interact effectively and explain viewpoints with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with speakers of the language without strain for either party.

Language weekends in Oxford

Learn a language or practise and consolidate your skills over nine hours of fun and interactive teaching in classes at Ewert House. Language weekends will be offered in the following languages in 2023-24:​

The levels available are listed below. Please contact the Day and Weekend Events team if you are unsure which level is best for you. Email: ppdayweek@conted.ox.ac.uk

Beginners   

No previous knowledge required.

An interactive course offering participants with no previous knowledge of the language an introduction to basic high frequency expressions, structures and stock patterns. The topics may include the sounds and letters of the language, simple greetings and social pleasantries, days of the week, basic directions, introducing oneself and others, and answering basic questions.

Intermediate              

Aimed at students who have studied the language for two years or are at approximately Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The course materials and class activities relate to everyday and familiar matters regularly encountered at work, leisure or public places and situations that are likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. The grammar structures and lexical repertoire will improve your confidence in providing descriptions, discussing plans, and giving reasons. You can expect to consolidate verb forms and use a range of functional everyday language.

Advanced  

Participants will be fairly fluent and able to follow extended speech, live or broadcast, even when meaning is implied and not explicitly stated. A range of sophisticated grammar structures and lexical repertoire is required. At this level, the class activities are based on topics relating to the cultural, political, and social practices in contemporary societies where the language is spoken. We will practise some complex grammar structures, idiomatic expressions, and a wide range of lexical repertoire.