Levels A0 to B2

Stichos writes at five levels, from A0 (Early Beginner) to B2 (Upper Intermediate). The level decides how long the sentences are, which words appear, and which grammar the story uses.

What the levels are based on

The levels are modeled on the CEFR (the Common European Framework of Reference). It ranks ability by what you can do with a language, not by how long you’ve studied. Stichos’s levels are a guide, not an official CEFR rating. A0 is Stichos’s own level, below the framework’s first level.

What each level looks like

Each sample below is a real line from a Stichos story in Croatian, with its English translation. All five come from stories on the same topic, ordering a drink at a small cafe, so you can see the level change.

A0 · Early Beginner

Your first words, in very short sentences repeated often. A0 uses the same everyday words as A1, in the shortest sentences.

• Grammar: present tense only, in short single-clause sentences with no joining words. Commands and polite phrases appear only as set phrases, like “please” and “here you are”.
• Sample: “Silvija sjeda za stol.” (Silvija sits down at the table.)

A1 · Beginner

Simple sentences about everyday needs and routines.

• Grammar: the present, plus a first past or future form in most languages (a few stay in the present). Short sentences can be joined with “and”, but there are no subordinate clauses and only a handful of simple commands.
• Sample: “Kafić je tih i miran.” (The cafe is quiet and peaceful.)

A2 · Elementary

Short, familiar exchanges: introductions, shopping, directions.

• Grammar: everyday past and future, and the first simple clauses with words like “because” and “when”. The conditional, the subjunctive, and the passive are mostly held back.
• Sample: “Sunčani dan je i vani puše hladan vjetar.” (It is a sunny day and a cold wind is blowing outside.)

B1 · Intermediate

The main points of clear text on familiar subjects and experiences.

• Grammar: adds the conditional and relative clauses, and in many languages the passive or a first use of the subjunctive. Reported speech and the full subjunctive usually wait for B2.
• Sample: “Vrijeme je bilo hladno, pa je željela popiti nešto toplo.” (The weather was cold, so she wanted to drink something warm.)

B2 · Upper Intermediate

Detailed text on a wide range of subjects, including some abstract ideas.

• Grammar: the full everyday range, including the past perfect, unreal conditionals, the passive, reported speech, and the subjunctive where the language has one. Only archaic or very literary forms are left out.
• Sample: “Ksaver je šetao starom gradskom jezgrom tražeći ugodno mjesto.” (Ksaver was walking through the old town center looking for a cozy place.)

The exact grammar forms depend on the language.

Choose your level

1. In the Story Studio, find Level on the form.
2. Choose a level from A0 to B2.
3. To read what each level means, choose the small i button next to Level. It opens the Level guide.

You set a first level when you sign up. You can change it any time in the Story Studio, for each story you make.

The i button next to Level opens a guide to every level.

I chose “Not sure” when I signed up. What level am I?

“Not sure, start easy” sets your level to A0. Change it in the Story Studio whenever you’re ready.

Why is there no C1 or C2?

Stichos offers levels A0 to B2.

Related: What Stichos is · Every option on the form · Make a story · Getting started as a learner