Chinese language level

Language levels and HSK levels are both systems that measure an individual's language proficiency, but they are used for different languages and contexts. The HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) is specific to Chinese, while European language levels such as A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 are generally used for foreign languages, including Dutch, English, and other European languages. The following is an explanation of HSK levels and their comparison with general language levels.

HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) Levels

The HSK system consists of 6 levels, which measure the proficiency of a speaker of Mandarin Chinese. Each level is characterised by a number of words to be learned and the complexity of the text a learner should be able to understand and produce.

1. HSK 1 - Beginner (A1)
   • Words: 150 basic words
   • Skills: Be able to hold basic conversations, understand and use simple sentences.
2. HSK 2 - Beginner to Pre-Intermediate (A2)
   • Words: 300 words
   • Skills: Can have short conversations on everyday topics, can read and understand simple sentences.
3. HSK 3 - Intermediate (B1)
   • Words: 600 words
   • Skills: Can communicate in typical situations of everyday life, can read and understand simple texts.
4. HSK 4 - Upper Intermediate (B2)
   • Words: 1200 words
   • Skills: Can communicate fluently on most topics, can read and understand more advanced texts.
5. HSK 5 - Advanced (C1)
   • Words: 2,500 words
   • Skills: Can communicate effortlessly in complex situations and hold in-depth conversations on a variety of topics.
6. HSK 6 - Proficient (C2)
   • Words: 5000+ words
   • Skills: Can read and understand almost anything, is able to communicate completely fluently and accurately in both formal and informal situations.

Comparison with Common Language Levels (CEFR)

The European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), developed by the Council of Europe, measures language proficiency in a range of six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. These levels are commonly used for European and global languages.

HSK level CEFR level Description

HSK 1 A1 Basics of the language, can use simple sentences.

HSK 2 A2 Can manage in familiar situations, can hold simple conversations.

HSK 3 B1 Can communicate simply in everyday situations.

HSK 4 B2 Can carry on complex conversations and understand most texts.

HSK 5 C1 Can have advanced conversations and understand difficult texts.

HSK 6 C2 Masters the language at a native speaker level.

Summary

• HSK levels focus specifically on Chinese language proficiency and measure knowledge of words and phrases.
• CEFR levels are a commonly used classification for many European languages, measuring a person's overall language proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Both systems provide useful frameworks for assessing a person's language proficiency, but HSK focuses specifically on Mandarin Chinese and is often used by people learning Chinese as a second language.