About Cefra
What is Cefra?
Cefra is a free, cross-platform vocabulary learning app built around the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It helps learners at every stage — from complete beginners at A1 to advanced speakers approaching C2 — build the vocabulary they actually need for real proficiency and exam success.
The core problem Cefra solves: most vocabulary apps teach words at random. Cefra teaches the words that matter for each CEFR level, sourced directly from the official examination word lists published by the Goethe-Institut and Cambridge Assessment English. Every word in the catalogue has a documented source, a CEFR level tag, and a topic grouping — so learners always know why they are studying a word, not just what it means.
How We Curate Word Lists
Curation starts with the primary authoritative sources:
- **German (A1–B2)**: The [Goethe-Institut Wortlisten](https://www.goethe.de) for Start Deutsch 1 (A1), Start Deutsch 2 (A2), and the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 examinations, cross-referenced with the Hueber Lernwortschatz vocabulary reference series. A1 coverage currently stands at 98.7% of the official Goethe word list.
- **English (A1–A2)**: The [Cambridge Assessment English](https://www.cambridgeenglish.org) core vocabulary framework for A2 Key, with topic-based sets covering the vocabulary domains tested in Cambridge English Qualifications.
After sourcing, each word goes through an editorial review that checks frequency rank within the level, contextual example quality, translation accuracy across all five supported reference languages (German, English, French, Polish, Russian), and audio clarity. Words that fail any check are held until a corrected version can be produced.
Our Methodology
Cefra uses a lightweight spaced-repetition scheduler to plan reviews at the interval where forgetting is most likely to begin. Unlike fixed-interval flashcard systems, the scheduler adapts to each word individually: a word you recall quickly gets a longer next interval; one you hesitate on comes back sooner.
Each card presents three retrieval modes in rotation:
1. **Recognition** — see the target-language word, choose the translation.
2. **Production** — see the translation, type or select the target-language word.
3. **Audio recall** — hear the native-speaker pronunciation, identify the word.
Combining three retrieval paths for every word builds a more durable memory trace than single-mode repetition. Research in cognitive psychology consistently shows that varied retrieval practice outperforms passive re-reading and single-format drilling on delayed retention tests.
Content Quality and Audio
Every word in the Cefra catalogue includes a native-speaker audio recording and an IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription. Audio is recorded at a natural speaking pace — not artificially slow — because learners need to recognise words as they are actually spoken in conversation and in exam listening sections.
The current catalogue contains over 900 words with audio across 50+ topic sets, spanning A1 and A2 CEFR levels for both German and English. B1 and B2 content is in active development. Translations are provided in all five supported languages for every word, including alternative translations and at least one contextual example sentence.
Supported Languages
Cefra currently supports vocabulary learning for:
- **German** — word sets covering A1–B2, aligned with Goethe-Institut examination scopes.
- **English** — word sets covering A1–A2, aligned with Cambridge Assessment English frameworks.
The user interface and all translations are available in German, English, French, Polish, and Russian. Expansion to additional target languages and higher CEFR levels is ongoing.
Privacy and Access
All vocabulary content is free to browse without registration. A Cefra account enables personal dictionary management, spaced-repetition progress tracking, and cross-device sync. Cefra does not display advertising and does not sell user data. The full privacy policy is available at [cefra.app/en/privacy](https://cefra.app/en/privacy).
Contact
Questions about the content, methodology, or a word you think is missing? Reach the team at [support@cefra.app](mailto:support@cefra.app).