How Many Words Do You Need to Know to Be Fluent in English?

The number of words per language constantly grows because new terms and meanings are attributed to old lexis. On average, English gains 3-5 thousand new words per year due to combining them and borrowing from other languages.

As a result, neither native nor non-native speakers can learn all the existing words in English. Not even language experts know them all. So, it's essential to understand that fluency does not necessarily mean knowing every word on the planet!

To define language fluency – the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) consists of 6 levels: A1 and A2 (for beginners), B1 and B2 (intermediate), and C1 and C2 (advanced). Every level is related to different ability levels and corresponds to the number of words you know in a language. Below, we'll provide estimates of word count following the CEFR scale:

A1 level (elementary). It is the first level of language mastery. At this stage, learners understand simple phrases and use them in everyday situations with basic vocabulary knowledge (about 500 words). The terms cover topics such as family, job, school, and educational background. Also, beginners can recognize and use simple inflections of verbs and nouns.

A2 level (pre-intermediate). At this stage, the learner has a basic understanding of the language. They can form simple sentences and understand texts with straightforward structures and topics on familiar subjects. Here, vocabulary knowledge increases to 1000-1500 words with the correct verb tenses. The subjects are centered mainly around everyday situations, such as activities, hobbies, and interests.

B1 level (intermediate). Here, learners can understand the main points of complex conversations on familiar topics in spoken language or written form. They can use 1500-2500 words related to social relations and general spheres. Besides, they can construct complete sentences with mostly accurate grammar structures and ask questions in the language. 

B2 level (upper-intermediate). At this stage, you can use the language for daily activities, such as studying or working with various specific topical areas. Learners understand most major grammatical structures and apply 2500-3700 words in everyday situations. They understand straightforward texts on abstract topics, read for information gathering with ease, and write reports about them. 

C1 level (advanced). At this point, you can understand many nuances of the language. You have a well-developed command of it and know 3700-4700 words, effectively describing topics related to most aspects of life. This ability level involves understanding abstract texts, giving speeches on specific topics quickly, and writing reports or articles fluently while consistently expressing your opinion. The issues cover various areas such as politics, economics, etc.

C2 level (proficiency). At the highest level of language proficiency, you can understand and produce virtually any kind of discourse without difficulty, in either spoken or written form. You can communicate spontaneously in a more stylized way, using 5000+ words related to different topics.

Generally speaking, knowing an average of 2000-3000 words should be enough for everyday conversations and basic understanding (A2-B1 level). To become proficient in English, you need a vocabulary of about 5000+ words.

The most interesting thing is that even native speakers don't use many words to communicate. According to estimates, they only use around 1000-3000 words in everyday speech, which is just a tiny fraction of the number they know. It is because we only need a limited number of words to communicate our thoughts and ideas in most situations.

Now that you are aware of how many words in the English language the average person knows and uses, you can better understand your goals. Practice makes perfect, so the more you use and read English, the better your vocabulary will become.

Language learning is a continuous process. Most importantly, don't focus only on the number of words you have to know. Try to enjoy the process and pay attention to all language skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Let me know if I can help you!