Greek Language Lessons as a second/foreign language
The educational program aims at adult foreigners residing legally in Greece, who wish to learn the Greek language and culture, as well as to certify their knowledge of Greek, in order to work in the country or study at a Greek University.
Courses are offered in small groups which are arranged by the language learning goal, the level of pre-existing knowledge of Greek and individual interests.
Find your main goal for learning the Greek language and schedule an appointment with the program’s instructor. Together we can determine your language proficiency level and discuss the lesson planning.
According to the Center for the Greek Language (CGL), the only official certification body for modern Greek learning, and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the language proficiency levels are 6 (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2), which for adults are unofficially categorized in A, B, and C. Depending on the level, the required skills to be achieved are 4 or 5 (comprehension and production of oral and written speech and language usage).
The duration of courses required to complete each level is 8 months (from September to April) with 2 weekly classes of 2 hours. However, the duration is determined by the dedication, formality, and the level of existing Greek language proficiency of each student.
What are the levels of Greek language proficiency for every certification offered?
- A1 for children aged 8-12: First contact with the oral and written Greek language.
- A1 for teenagers and adults aged 13+: First contact with the oral and written Greek language.
- A2: Basic knowledge of Greek language.
- A2 for professional purposes: Basic knowledge of Greek, specialized in basic professional needs. Production of written speech is not examined here.
- B1: Moderate knowledge of Greek language.
- B2: Good knowledge of the Greek language. From this level onwards, the use of the language, both grammar and vocabulary, is examined.
- C1 & C2: Very Good and Excellent knowledge of Greek language. These levels are examined together by the CGL.
Why do I need to certify my Greek language knowledge?
- Objective and specialized evaluation of knowledge of Greek as second/foreign language.
- A2, basic knowledge, is important for a long-term residence permit.
- A2 for professional purposes is necessary for obtaining certain professional licenses. Moreover, it is required by businesses and companies operating in Greece.
- B2 and above, depending on the institution, gives you the right to enrol in a Greek University.
- C1 & C2, is required in the Greek public sector (mainly for the Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection – “ASEP”) for European citizens and foreigners, who are selected in special circumstances. Certification of C level is also necessary to apply for Greek citizenship.
When are the exams conducted?
Examinations are conducted once a year for all levels (usually in May). An exception is the exams for A2 certification for professional purposes, which is conducted three times a year (October, January and May).
What is the cost of the exam from KEG (May 2023)?
For levels A and B1, the cost is 90€, while for all other levels, it is 100€.