How to get from B2 to C1 level?

If you have achieved the level in your foreign language where you are comfortable using it, communicating with people, listening and reading without any greater problems, the best thing is about to start! 😉 Now you can actually start using the language to learn new stuff and new information using the language as a tool. This is one of the reasons why I love learning languages.

So if you want to further improve your language skills, and maybe also get to a C1 level, I suggest that you start using the language to learn new stuff with online courses. For example, Udemy has a lot of them for free on every topic possible. And many universities also create open courses for the public. In this way, you can use the language to get new information about something that interests you, and also to learn the language itself – if you start working with the language with a specific topic, you'll learn new vocabulary connected to that particular topic. Don't forget to process and learn those new phrases with a vocabulary-learning method (e.g. Goldlist or Anki) so you get them into your active vocabulary.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 When are you on the B2 level?
00:19 What next?
00:31 Why do I love learning languages?
00:44 What to do if you want to get from B2 to C1 level?
00:59 Where to find great, free online courses?
01:20 Get new information and learn the language itself at the same time
01:26 Learn new vocabulary about a specific topic that interests you
01:51 Get the new phrases into your active vocabulary
02:01 My favorite vocabulary-learning method – the Goldlist method
02:17 Learn systematically, save time, and have fun!

I'm a TED speaker, a polyglot, a conference interpreter, and a language mentor who has lots of tips on language learning. Subscribe to the Language Mentoring channel to never miss another video. 😉

Learn how to learn languages the way polyglots do! 💪

[marioalll]

In my experience to go from B2 to C1 was hard, I mean, It took me a lot of effort. There is a point in which the only way to get to C1 is to enjoy practicing this language. So, I needed to be inmerse, reading, listening and writing in english. I should say that my path started when I needed to prepare for an international english exam (IELTS academic/TOEFL). Others may find other motivations, but it's undeniable that all will turn easier if you enjoy studying and discovering new words, phrases, etc.

[mcmerry]

Going from B2 to C2 might take some years. Best advice, read and write advance stuff.

[TheAnarchist]

I came across this video about a year ago because I had reached plateau at B2 level and couldn't break through it for a long time and in a nutshell all I did was what you described in the video, nothing more nothing less. Reading books in English, listening to tv series, Podcasts and YouTube videos as much as possible and an unwavering patience and only then you'll break through the intermediate plateau and in my opinion, past C1 level is all about enjoying the language and mantaining patience for a very long time. Great video.

[petearan]

I saw that woman in a Tedtalks conference and I really enjoyed what she said!

[leandrobalan]

Hello Lydia. My name is Leandro. I am 55 years old. I have been interested in foreign languages since 1981. Despite this I only speak six languages. I have a degree in translation from French and English into Spanish. It is amazing for me to see how times go by. From 1996 to 2000 I was a penpal of a Czech girl. She sent to me some music from the Czech republic and Slovakia.I used to listen 1984 song Stuzkova by slovak band Elan.I also had some booklets from your your university: Comenius University. My best wishes for you.

[Tehui]

I'm currently in between a B2 and C1 level. All I'm doing is smashing content focusing on listening and reading, and talking whenever I get the chance. I will commit to undertaking 2 hours a day of immersion, and by the end of the year I hope to reach a C1 level. If I don't reach it by then, I won't beat myself up about it.

[mariaeduardadias]

thank you so much for the video Lydia! it was the first video of your channel that I watched and I absolutely loved it! To be honest, I am stuck in the B2 level. I need to do a proficiency test this weekend and my goal is to achieve the C1 level, so I am trying immerse myself in the language as much I can. I learned english by my own when I was fifteen, consequently the parts that I believe that I am better is in the listening and reading parts (the passive one's), in the other hand, my speaking and writing is not that good because I never had someone to practice with me. In the past months I started to have calls in english with a friend and it is helping me a lot! Nowadays, I feel that I am more confidence with my speaking and writing skills. Every day I have the goal to write and speak (with myself) at least one hour, which is helping me also. To conclude, what I mean is that you absolutely right! The best way to reach the C1 level is including the language in your daily life and turn it as a routine.

[tarah]

I got so much positive energy from you.Thank you.

[ruiajsu]

it would be awesome if you can make more videos giving us advice about how to improve our language from B2 to C1 and getting deeper about that. I really love your videos! thanks! Hoping your response :)

[mohammadhakeemzainalabidin]

This is a great advice! I will do so when I reach a good level of the language I'm learning in the future. Thanks Lydia :)
I plan to enroll in IT related courses

[maryflores]

Thank you for the information! I want to do the C2 Proficiency Test, but I'm still stuck on B2. I will use your tips to be better!

[Languagementoring]

Have you taken any online course to improve your language skills? Which one? Let's inspire each other in the comments😉

[МонстеризМикроволновки]

The best way to find new words is watching travel-vloggers because, firstly, the travel-vlogger and the person he is speaking to use the vocab that is used on the regular basis. There are lots of such words as parole, for instance, that are used daily. I think it's better to memorize those words then try to explain them. At B2 people, certainly, can explain them, however, I expressed my opinion. Secondly, as Metatron's Academy said: it is hard to understand natives, but the even harder task is understanding conversations between natives. Watching Peter Santenello (I take English into account, you can pick any vlogger in any language) will not only improve your vocab and knowing idioms and stuff, but also will it put you in a sort of simulation of the real life because of noises on the background.

[fseenamber]

Do make a detailed video on this subject please?

[Moroccan_Pushup_Junkie]

bro im fond of.. hold on i like this teacher she rocks! i love well im happy just finished 1h test that said i am at B2 level cuz i scored 76 out of 100 I've been 100% honest with myself and i didnt cheat its weird that when ur in the class u tend to have a little desire to cheat during exams but when ur by yourself no one's watching you but ur nerdy ass u tend to hold yourself accountable i like it this way

[andymounthood]

One of my goals for French is to take MOOC's in it. There are a lot of them offered every year. Université Laval in Canada has a few that look interesting that they repeat every year, such as << Développement durable: enjeux et trajectoires >> and << Le Québec nordique: enjeux, espaces et cultures >>. EdX has a course by Amnesty International called << Droits humains: Les droits des réfugiés >> which is offered year-round. There are a lot of MOOCs in French (but many teach computer programming). I think, though, that I might use these courses to maintain my C1 rather than attain it. But there's a lot of other non-fiction I can read and listen to which will help me reach C1.

[EverydayPortuguese]

Wow! It's exactly I've been doing! Thank you for the tips!

[rakelin]

Hi Lydia thanks for your advice, since that I know you I feel inspired and I'm happy because I'm level C1 but I think only in my listening skill, I don't feel the same with my speaking skill because I don't have someone to speak with, so, do you have any advice to can practice and improve my speaking English skill? Thank you

[Anonymous-vdyd]

i already figured that out by myself, im learning everyting from english now i cant explain stuff in my mother tongue czech

[Spanish]

I would like to thank you for your lively lessons. Please do a video about Slovak vs American accent.