ESL Vocabulary by CEFR Level (A1–C2)

Carefully selected English vocabulary words tagged by CEFR level — from absolute beginner (A1) to near-native mastery (C2). Every word includes IPA pronunciation, a plain-English definition, and a real example sentence. Free to print, no login required.

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What is CEFR?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the international standard for describing language proficiency. It has six levels: A1 (absolute beginner) → A2 (elementary) → B1 (intermediate) → B2 (upper-intermediate) → C1 (advanced) → C2 (mastery). Most ESL learners targeting everyday conversation aim for B2. Academic and professional contexts typically require C1.

How to use this list

Select your CEFR level with the buttons above, then click Print / PDF for a clean printable word list. The 2-column print layout fits neatly on A4 or US letter paper. For self-study, work through one level at a time — 20–30 new words per day with focused review of definitions and example sentences.

Frequently asked questions

Which CEFR level should I study?
Study one level above where you feel comfortable. If you already know most B1 words when reading, focus on B2. Learning slightly above your level builds comprehension faster than reviewing what you already know.
What CEFR level is needed for IELTS or TOEFL?
IELTS Band 6–7 corresponds to B2–C1. IELTS Band 8+ is C1–C2. For TOEFL, a score of 90+ out of 120 typically corresponds to B2–C1. Both exams heavily test B2 and C1 vocabulary — filter to those levels for targeted preparation.
Are these words from the official Oxford or Cambridge word lists?
This list is based on the widely used Oxford 3000/5000 and Cambridge vocabulary lists. The CEFR framework itself does not specify one official word list — it is a proficiency framework. Different publishers produce CEFR-tagged word lists; this one follows the most commonly referenced vocabulary resources.
Can I print this for my class?
Yes — completely free for classroom use. Filter to a CEFR level, click Print / PDF, and choose "Save as PDF" or print directly. The layout is designed for clean classroom handouts. Licensed CC BY 4.0.