Methodology and levels of Spanish lessons

Our students often say that we Spaniards speak very fast. They also tell us that they have difficulty differentiating between ser and estar, between por and para, between the indicative and the subjunctive, between le and se or between the past perfect and the imperfect.

It is true that for people who speak Latin languages, Spanish is easier to learn. But the truth is that we know many students from all backgrounds who have reached very high levels of Spanish: Chinese, Arabs, Russians, Japanese, among others…

At Paraninfo Academy we want to help you gradually immerse yourself in the Spanish language. Without forgetting three very important things:

  • The first: your interest and curiosity are the best resource you have to learn Spanish.
  • The second: nothing is learned without perseverance.
  • And the third: learning a language is much more than sitting in front of a book and doing exercises.

Languages are learned by reading, telling stories, listening, talking, asking, doing interesting things, walking in company, eating in groups … Only those who have something to say can learn to express themselves and we will create the opportunities for you to express yourself in Spanish and learn more every day.

It does not matter if you are already able to read a newspaper article or if you can only say “hello”. Whatever your level might be, we will receive it with all the respect and attention it deserves.

Our most valuable working material is your desire to learn!

Spanish Levels

At Paraninfo School Spanish classes, we follor the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) which is oriented to learning through action and active communication. The global scale presented by the CEFR for languages ​​is: learning, teaching and assessment.

Our Spanish courses are structured and referenced to the 6 levels of knowledge of Spanish, established by the CEFR for languages ​​and by the Instituto Cervantes Curricular Plan.

In our school you will always find classes of your level, whether you are an absolute beginner or an advanced level. At the end of their course, all Paraninfo students receive a level certificate according to the course and the number of lessons taken.

Here are the reference levels:

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Do you want to know what your Spanish level is?

En Paraninfo puedes realizar tu test de nivel de español online. También puedes hacerlo por Skype o bien te llamamos, de esta manera podemos asesorarte mejor sobre qué curso escoger.

How much time is needed to move from one level to another?

This is a difficult question to answer. Of course, there are a number of lesson hours indicated for guidance purposes (120 hours for lower language levels, such as A1 or A2, and around 200 hours for B1 and B2).