A1 English Level: Complete Beginner's Guide (2026)
Complete guide to A1 English level. Learn what you can do at A1, what grammar and vocabulary you need, and the best courses for beginners.
A1 English Level: Complete Beginner's Guide
Everything you need to know about A1 English: what you can do, what to study, which courses to use, and how to reach the next level.
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What is A1 English?
A1 is the first level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It is called the "beginner" or "breakthrough" level.
At A1, you can understand and use simple everyday expressions. You can introduce yourself, ask basic questions, and interact in a simple way when the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
Think of A1 as the foundation. You learn the most common words, basic grammar structures, and simple phrases that help you in everyday situations.
For a full overview of all six CEFR levels, see our complete CEFR levels guide.
What You Can Do at A1 English
According to the CEFR guidelines, at A1 you can:
- ✓ Introduce yourself and others using basic greetings
- ✓ Ask and answer simple questions about personal details (name, age, where you live)
- ✓ Understand slow, clearly spoken speech with long pauses
- ✓ Read short, simple texts like signs, menus, and forms
- ✓ Write a short postcard or fill in a registration form with personal details
- ✓ Order food and drinks, ask for prices, and give basic directions
- ✓ Use numbers for dates, times, and prices
If you are not sure about your current level, take our free English level test to find out.
A1 English Grammar Checklist
These are the grammar topics you need to master at A1 level:
| Grammar Topic | Examples |
|---|---|
| Present simple (to be) | I am a student. She is from Brazil. They are happy. |
| Present simple (other verbs) | I live in Tokyo. He works in a hospital. We speak English. |
| Basic prepositions | in, on, at, to, from, with, for |
| Articles (a/an/the) | a book, an apple, the door |
| Possessives | my, your, his, her, its, our, their / John's book |
| Demonstratives | this, that, these, those |
| Question words | what, where, when, who, why, how, how much, how many |
| Plural nouns | book > books, city > cities, child > children |
| Basic adverbs of frequency | always, usually, sometimes, never |
| Can/can't (ability) | I can swim. She can't drive. |
| Imperatives | Open the door. Don't run. Sit down, please. |
| There is/There are | There is a cafe. There are three chairs. |
A1 English Vocabulary Topics
At A1, you should know approximately 500-700 words across these topics:
Numbers and Counting
1-100, ordinal numbers (first, second), prices, phone numbers
Colors
red, blue, green, black, white, yellow, brown, grey
Family and People
mother, father, brother, sister, friend, child, baby
Food and Drink
water, bread, milk, rice, fruit, meat, coffee, tea
Time and Dates
days, months, seasons, o'clock, morning, afternoon, today, tomorrow
Weather
sun, rain, cold, hot, windy, cloudy, snow
Clothes
shirt, shoes, hat, coat, dress, trousers, socks
House and Furniture
door, window, table, chair, bed, kitchen, bathroom
Places and Directions
school, shop, hospital, park, left, right, straight, near
Jobs and Work
teacher, doctor, student, office, company, work, study
Transport
car, bus, train, taxi, bicycle, airport, station, ticket
Daily Activities
eat, drink, sleep, walk, read, write, watch, listen, buy
For a complete list with examples, see our A1 vocabulary guide with 300+ essential words.
How Many Hours to Reach A1 English?
According to Cambridge English and the CEFR framework, reaching A1 proficiency requires approximately 100 to 200 hours of guided study.
This depends on several factors:
- Your native language (languages related to English are faster)
- Previous exposure to English (movies, songs, travel)
- Study consistency (daily practice beats weekly marathons)
- Learning method (1-on-1 tutoring is faster than apps alone)
With 30 minutes of daily practice, most learners reach A1 within 4 to 6 months. With 1 hour daily including a tutor, you can do it in 8 to 12 weeks.
Best Courses and Apps for A1 English
These are the best tools for A1 learners, based on price, structure, and beginner-friendliness:
| Platform | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondly | Gamified daily lessons, great for absolute beginners | From $9.99/month | 8/10 |
| iTalki | 1-on-1 tutoring with native speakers | From $5/lesson | 9.2/10 |
| Preply | Personalised tutor matching with structured courses | From $8/lesson | 8.7/10 |
| Duolingo | Free gamified vocabulary builder (no affiliate) | Free (or $6.99 Super) | 7.5/10 |
Our recommendation for A1 learners
Use Mondly for daily vocabulary practice (15 minutes a day) combined with 1-2 sessions per week on iTalki with a tutor who specialises in beginners. This combination gives you structured lessons plus real speaking practice.
A1 English Study Plan (4 Weeks)
Follow this weekly plan to cover the basics of A1 English. Each week requires about 5-7 hours of study.
Week 1: Introductions and Basic Verbs
- ✓ Learn the verb "to be" (I am, you are, he/she is)
- ✓ Greetings: hello, goodbye, how are you, I am fine
- ✓ Numbers 1-100 and basic colours
- ✓ Questions: what, where, who
- ✓ Practice: self-introduction (name, country, job)
Week 2: Daily Life Vocabulary
- ✓ Present simple for daily routines (I wake up, I eat breakfast)
- ✓ Family members and describing people
- ✓ Food and drink vocabulary
- ✓ Prepositions: in, on, at, to, from
- ✓ Practice: describe your family and your daily routine
Week 3: Places, Time and Shopping
- ✓ There is/There are + places in a city
- ✓ Telling time: o'clock, half past, quarter to
- ✓ Days of the week, months, seasons
- ✓ Shopping: prices, how much, sizes, basic requests
- ✓ Practice: role-play shopping and asking for directions
Week 4: Ability, Review and Speaking
- ✓ Can/Can't for ability (I can speak, I can't swim)
- ✓ Adverbs of frequency: always, sometimes, never
- ✓ Weather vocabulary and describing the current weather
- ✓ Full self-introduction practice (2-3 minute speech)
- ✓ Review all grammar and vocabulary from weeks 1-3
Free Practice Resources for A1 English
Use these free resources to supplement your study:
YouTube Channels
- English with Lucy (beginner playlists)
- BBC Learning English (6 Minute English)
- Easy English (conversation practice)
Free Apps
- Duolingo (daily vocabulary practice)
- Anki (spaced repetition flashcards)
- British Council (free A1 exercises)
Worksheets and Reading
- ESL-lab.com (A1 listening exercises)
- EnglishClub.com (A1 grammar quizzes)
- Our common collocations guide
What Next After A1?
Once you have built your A1 foundation, you are ready for A2 (elementary) level. At A2, you will learn to talk about the past, express opinions, and handle everyday situations more confidently.
Moving from A1 to A2 takes approximately 100 to 200 additional hours of study. You will need about 500-800 more words and new grammar topics like the past simple tense, present continuous, and comparatives.
Continue to A2 Elementary GuideFrequently Asked Questions About A1 English
Is A1 English enough to travel?
A1 is enough for basic survival phrases: greetings, ordering food, asking for the bill, and simple directions. For real conversations or handling unexpected situations, A2 or B1 is recommended.
How long does it take to reach A1 from zero?
Most learners need 100-200 hours of study. With 30 minutes daily, you can reach A1 in 4-6 months. With 1 hour daily including a tutor, you can do it in 8-12 weeks.
What is the difference between A0 and A1?
A0 means no prior knowledge of English (absolute beginner). A1 means you can use basic greetings, introduce yourself, understand slow speech, and handle simple everyday situations. A0 is not an official CEFR level, but a term for true beginners with zero English.
What is the best app for A1 English?
Mondly is our top pick for absolute beginners because it starts from zero and uses a gamified approach. iTalki is best for speaking practice with a tutor who can adapt to your level.
Can I skip A1 and start at A2?
If you already know basic greetings, the verb "to be," numbers 1-100, and simple present tense, you might be ready for A2. Take our free level test to check.
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