Full operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

Fully operational command with occasional inaccuracies. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

Operational command of the language. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

Effective command despite inaccuracies. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

Partial command. Copes with overall meaning in most situations, though likely to make many mistakes.

Basic competence limited to familiar situations. Frequent problems in understanding and expression.

Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication.

No real communication possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae.

Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.