English A1 is the true-beginner level of the **CEFR** scale (the Common European Framework of Reference). This page collects free, CEFR-aligned English A1 vocabulary word lists. Every set comes with native-speaker audio, IPA transcription, and translations in five languages.
What A1 English vocabulary covers
At A1 you learn to introduce yourself, handle everyday needs, and build simple present-tense sentences. The vocabulary is concrete and high-frequency: greetings and politeness, numbers, family, food and drink, days and time, colours, clothing, the body, and the most common everyday verbs and adjectives.
What the A1 word lists are based on
The English sets align with the Cambridge Assessment English core vocabulary framework for A2 Key and the A1 vocabulary that precedes it. Cambridge does not publish a fixed word count — what matters is mastering the most frequent everyday words in context. Cefra groups them into small themed sets.
Study order
1. **Greetings and politeness** — the first words you say.
2. **Numbers, days, and time** — for prices, appointments, and dates.
3. **Family and people** — describe those around you.
4. **Food, drink, and everyday verbs** — daily situations.
5. **Adjectives and places** — describe things and find your way.
How to use these sets
Open a set, listen to the native audio, and check the IPA. Then let spaced repetition schedule your reviews — a few minutes every day is enough.
Start with these sets
These are real, published English A1 sets. Pick a theme and begin.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CEFR A1 level in English?
- CEFR A1 is the true-beginner stage. You can introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions about personal details, and handle basic everyday needs using short sentences and familiar, high-frequency words.
- How many English words do I need at A1?
- There is no official fixed number. Cambridge and other frameworks emphasise the most frequent everyday words. More important than a number is using them in real sentences.
- Is A1 English enough to have a conversation?
- A1 is enough for short, predictable exchanges — greetings, ordering food, simple questions. A free-flowing conversation needs A2 and B1 vocabulary and grammar.
- How long does it take to reach A1 in English?
- Most learners reach A1 in roughly two to three months. Around 15 to 30 minutes daily with spaced repetition is faster than occasional long sessions.