Learn English A1 from zero
You don't need to know a single word. From the alphabet and greetings to introducing yourself, shopping, and asking for directions — explained in a language you actually understand.
Try the first unit freeHow long does this level take? 6-8 weeks
What does A1 mean in English?
A1 is the first of the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR): A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2. It is the start of the “basic user” range. In English, an A1 speaker understands and uses familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases, can introduce themselves and others, and can ask and answer simple questions about where they live, the people they know and the things they have, as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
In practice, A1 is the level of the airport, the shop, the pharmacy and asking for directions: you can follow simple instructions, fill in a form with your name and address, order food and say what you need. You do not need to know any English to start at A1.
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A1 vs A2: what actually changes
| Skill | A1 | A2 |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking | Short, memorised phrases about yourself and simple questions, said slowly. | Short, simple conversations about daily life, such as shopping, travel and your job. |
| Listening | Slow, clear speech and simple instructions. | The main point of short, clear messages and announcements. |
| Reading | Names, signs, menus and very short, simple sentences. | Short, simple texts such as messages, notices and timetables. |
| Writing | A form and a few simple sentences about yourself. | Short, simple notes and messages, linking sentences with “and”, “but” and “because”. |
| Grammar | “To be”, “to have”, the simple present, articles, plurals and question words. | The past simple, comparatives, “going to” and “will”, and modal verbs such as “must” and “should”. |
Who needs English A1?
Almost every English journey starts here. A1 is enough for a first trip or a form, but not much more.
Complete beginners
If you know no English, A1 is where you start: the alphabet, greetings, numbers and the first useful phrases.
Travellers
At A1 you can manage the airport, a hotel, a taxi and a restaurant with simple phrases.
Learners who want a solid base
A1 gives you the foundation for A2, B1 and later the level your study or work goal asks for.
People who need a certificate
Few universities or employers ask for an A1 exam. Some immigration routes name a specific test at A1 to B1 level, so check with the authority.
Exams around A1
There is rarely a required exam at A1. Cambridge’s first main exam is at A2, and tests such as IELTS and TOEFL start at higher levels. Some immigration routes name specific tests, so always check the official requirement.
Cambridge A2 Key
The first main Cambridge exam, at A2 level, and a natural next goal after A1.
IELTS and TOEFL iBT
Designed for higher levels, roughly B1 and above, so they are not usually taken at A1.
Lerniyo’s A1 mock exam
At the end of the level, a mock exam in the style of IELTS and Cambridge covers listening, reading, writing and speaking. It prepares you, but it is not an official certificate.
Lerniyo's exam is built in the style of internationally recognized exams (IELTS, Cambridge) — it is not an official registration with any of those institutes. The Lerniyo certificate is a completion certificate for our own curriculum.
What you study in English A1: grammar
A1 grammar gives you the few patterns you need to say simple things correctly.
- The verb “to be”
- “I am a student.” “She is from Morocco.” “They are at home.”
- The simple present
- “I work in a shop.” “He lives in Casablanca.” Remember the -s with he, she and it.
- Articles: a, an, the
- “a book”, “an apple”, “the airport”.
- Plurals and adjectives
- “two bags”, “a big house”. In English the adjective comes before the noun.
- Question words
- “What is your name?” “Where do you live?” “How much is it?”
- Can
- “I can swim.” “Can you help me?”
- There is and there are
- “There is a pharmacy near here.” “There are two bags.”
- Prepositions of place and time
- “in the bag”, “on the table”, “at the airport”, “at 8 o’clock”.
Mistakes to avoid at A1
- Leaving out “to be”: “She tall”. Arabic and Darija do not use it in the present, but English always does: “She is tall”.
- Putting the adjective after the noun, as in French or Arabic: “a house big”. In English it is “a big house”.
- Translating “je suis d’accord” as “I am agree”. In English it is “I agree”.
- Forgetting the -s with he, she and it in the present: “He work”. It is “He works”.
- Trusting the spelling to give the pronunciation. English spelling and sound often do not match, so learn the sound with the word.
- Skipping the article: “I have car”. Say “I have a car”.
A realistic study plan for A1
Lerniyo’s A1 track is planned as about 6 to 8 weeks at 15 to 20 minutes a day. That is only an estimate. A simple weekly rhythm:
- 1
Learn the alphabet and the sounds
Start with the alphabet, the numbers and the sounds that do not exist in Arabic or French, and say each word aloud.
- 2
Learn words in situations
Learn the words for the airport, the shop, the pharmacy and the family, each with a short example sentence.
- 3
Practise one grammar point at a time
One pattern a week, such as “to be” and then the simple present, with short exercises.
- 4
Listen and repeat
Short, slow dialogues and the audio from your lessons. Repeat aloud after the speaker.
- 5
Speak with Nour
Practise introducing yourself and ordering out loud from the first week. Mistakes are part of learning.
What you'll be able to do after A1
- Introduce yourself: your name, where you're from, your age
- Handle the airport and passport control in English
- Shop and order food without trouble
- Ask for directions and understand the answer
- Fill in a basic form: name, address, phone number
- Understand simple signs, menus, and announcements
What you'll do every day
Vocabulary
Everyday-situation words: the airport, the shop, the family, numbers
Grammar
The verb 'to be', simple present, and basic word order
Listening
Short dialogues at a beginner-friendly pace
Speaking
Record your voice from lesson one and get instant feedback
Sample sentences you'll learn in A1
My name is Amina and I come from Morocco.
How you introduce yourself: name + country.
Where is the pharmacy, please?
'Where' asks for a place.
I would like a coffee, please.
'Would like' is a polite way to order or ask for something.
The train leaves at nine o'clock.
Telling time with 'at' + the hour.
A first introduction
Hello! What's your name?
Hi! What's your name?
My name is Youssef. And you?
My name is Youssef. And you?
My name is Fatima. Where are you from?
My name is Fatima. Where are you from?
I'm from Casablanca.
I'm from Casablanca.
What will you learn in English A1?
- Greetings and introductions
- Introducing yourself: name, country, age
- Numbers, time, and dates
- Family
- Food and shopping
- The airport and getting around
- The doctor and the pharmacy
- The verb 'to be' and simple present
- Articles: a, an, the
- Basic word order
- Plurals and simple adjectives
- Everyday questions: what, where, how much, why
Learn English A1 with Lerniyo
Most apps explain grammar using confusing jargon or a third language, adding difficulty on top of difficulty. Lerniyo explains everything in a language you actually understand, so you focus on English, not on decoding the explanation.
English A1: frequently asked questions
What does A1 mean in English?
A1 is the first CEFR level. You understand and use very basic everyday phrases, introduce yourself and ask and answer simple questions when the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
How long does it take to reach A1?
About 6 to 8 weeks at 15 to 20 minutes a day, according to Lerniyo’s estimate. It varies with how consistent you are.
Can I learn English from zero?
Yes. A1 assumes you know no English: you start with the alphabet, greetings and numbers, and build from there.
What is the difference between A1 and A2?
At A1 you manage introductions and very simple questions. At A2 you talk about the past and the future, handle short daily conversations and write short messages.
Is A1 enough to travel?
For simple trips, yes: airports, hotels, restaurants and directions with simple phrases. For more independence, A2 helps a lot.
Is there an official A1 exam?
An A1 exam is rarely required. Cambridge’s first main exam is A2 Key, and some immigration routes name specific tests, so check the official requirement.
Can I learn English A1 in Arabic or Darija?
Lerniyo explains grammar and vocabulary in your own language, which makes A1 much easier to follow, and Nour gives you speaking practice with feedback.
Does Lerniyo replace the official exam?
No. Lerniyo prepares you with A1-style lessons and mock exams, but it is not an exam center. To get a certificate you must register for an official exam such as Cambridge, IELTS or TOEFL.
Keep going
After A1 comes A2
See A2