5

Complete understanding of even the most complex language. Comprehension practically equal to that of an educated, native speaker or comparable.

4 ½

Almost complete understanding even of complex speech. Only a very obscure idiom or very unclear pronunciation will cause hesitation.

4

Understands any conversation within his range  of experience. Occasionally baffled by  unfamiliar dialect or low frequency idioms and complex structures.

3 ½

Understands all ordinary conversation within his range of experience. Low frequency idioms and colloquialisms are not all understood. Understands all clear telephone speech, but occasionally needs repetition.

3

Understands most of what is said to him. Can follow formal and informal conversation between native speakers when spoken at normal speed.  Understands common idioms. Understands most simple telephone conversation, but frequently requires repetition.

2 1/2

Understands most of what is said to him, with few misinterpretations. With concentration can follow the general trend of clearly spoken conversation between native speakers. Has considerable difficulty on the telephone and asks for repetition and further explanation.

2

Understands most simple social conversation spoken to him directly; i.e. simple questions about himself, family and job, with few misinterpretations. Although he gets the gist of most conversations he cannot follow ordinary conversation between native speakers in any detail.

1 ½

Understands most simple questions and statements directed at him and spoken slowly. Must listen with concentration. Often misunderstands content and requires repetition and further explanation.

1

Understands some ordinary, simple greetings and courtesy expressions. Understands some simple questions and statements if spoken very slowly and clearly. Must listen with great concentration . Often misunderstands content and frequently requires repetition and paraphrase.

1/2

Understands some simple ordinary words like "book" and "door". Usually misunderstands even simple courtesy expressions and greetings, questions and statements.

0

No understanding of even the most simple words or phrases.