HSK and the CEFR: what level is my HSK?
Two tables are in circulation and they differ by about two levels. Here are both, with their sources.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
| HSK (2.0) | Words (2010) | CTI 2010 notice | FaDaF view (via SC-TOP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 150 | A1 | below A1 |
| 2 | 300 | A2 | below A1 |
| 3 | 600 | B1 | A1 |
| 4 | 1,200 | B2 | A2 |
| 5 | 2,500 | C1 | B1 |
| 6 | 5,000+ | C2 | B2 |
Left: CTI's notice on the new HSK, which gives the “direct comparison” with the CEF. Right: the table published by Taiwan's SC-TOP, which states it is based on the German-speaking Chinese teachers' association (Fachverband Chinesisch, FaDaF).
Why they disagree
- Vocabulary: for European languages, A1 is usually put at about 500 words; HSK 1 asked for 150.
- Hours: CTI's own level pages describe HSK 4 learners as having studied 2–4 class hours a week for two academic years; FaDaF estimated 1,200–1,600 hours for B2 in Chinese.
- Characters: reading and writing Chinese characters adds load that a word count does not show.
And HSK 3.0?
As of 2026-11-13 we found no official CEFR level for any HSK 3.0 level: neither the 2025 syllabus nor the chinesetest.cn pages mention the CEFR. What changed is size: HSK 3.0 Level 4 expects 2,000 words (cumulative) against 1,200 for old HSK 4, and Level 6 expects 5,400. Any “HSK 3.0 = CEFR” table you see is someone's estimate. HSK 3.0 word counts →
Compared with TOCFL
Taiwan's TOCFL was built against the CEFR from the start: Level 1 = A1 (500 words) up to Level 6 = C2 (8,000+). HSK vs TOCFL →
What to write on a CV
Write the HSK level and year (for example “HSK 5 (2.0), 2026, 230/300”). If a form insists on a CEFR level, give the conservative estimate and say which table you used. Employers in Europe often know the FaDaF view.
Frequently asked
Is HSK 4 equal to CEFR B2?
CTI's 2010 notice said B2; the German-speaking Chinese teachers' association put it at about A2. There is no single agreed conversion.
Is HSK 6 C2?
The 2010 official notice said C2; FaDaF's estimate is about B2.
Does HSK 3.0 have an official CEFR level?
As of 2026-11-13 we have not found one.
Our HSK 4 papers are original and follow the HSK 3.0 Level 4 written structure (70 items). Instant mock score, section drills, a mistake bank and an 8-item daily set. Not past papers, never recalled papers.
Keep reading
Official sources
- CTI (2009/2010 notice): the new HSK, with its stated CEF correspondence
- SC-TOP (TOCFL): test levels and CEFR alignment, with the FaDaF view of HSK
- CTI: HSK Level 4 (2.0) description, intended learners
- Official new HSK syllabus (CLEC, published 2025-11, in force 2026-07), PDF
Checked 2026-11-13. HSK Sprint is an independent study service, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC / 语合中心), Chinese Testing International or the official HSK. All papers and audio are original. Always confirm details with chinesetest.cn and your test centre.