Tour Guide Language Levels: What You Need to Know

As a tour guide, being able to communicate effectively is one of your most essential skills. To deliver a great tour, a good rule of thumb is to speak at least at a B2 level in your target audience's language. Of course, the answer is more nuanced—it also depends on your audience and the type of guide you are. In this article, we’ll explore which level suits which situation, share practical tips, and "translate" the CEFR (A1–C2) for tour guides.

WHAT LANGUAGE LEVEL DO YOU NEED TO WORK AS A TOUR GUIDE?

A B2 level is needed for the additional languages if you want to guide in that language for Maresia. We believe that you need this level for any type of guiding that requires you to speak for extended periods. As a tour guide who can communicate at a B2 level, it means that:

You can easily speak about topics like history, culture, and nature. But it lacks some nuance.
You can talk for several hours on a B2 level.
You can simplify complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.
Most questions you will be able to answer well.

If we focus on the positives only, a B2 level provides you with the essential aspects of storytelling. When combined with the right attitude and other relevant skills, a B2 level should make it possible to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests.

TEST IF YOUR B2 LEVEL IS SUITABLE FOR GUIDING

To test if your B2 language is also suitable for guiding you can take the following steps.

Set up your practice environment: To help you focus during the test.
Don't prepare: So you can accurately test your current level.
Include relevant topics: To make it relatable for tour guides.
Evaluate your own performance: By comparing it to the checklist.
Decide if you are at a B2 level: Specifically for tour guides.

SET UP YOUR PRACTICE ENVIRONMENT

Find a quiet, distraction-free space for your test.
Tip: Use a recording device to review your performance later. It might feel confronting, but you want to know if you’ve got what it takes, right?
Set a timer for 10 minutes.

DON'T PREPARE TO MUCH

Don’t prepare in advance. Why? You want to see if you can improvise in the target language.

INCLUDE RELEVANT TOPICS

History: Talk about local historical moments, important historical locations, when the city was founded, or the most famous historical person. Even if you live in a small village, try to find something related to the past.
Nature: Describe the local environment—parks, rivers, forests, or other surroundings. Mention what animals, big and small, can be found nearby. Make it fascinating for your imaginary audience.
Culture: Highlight unique traditions, festivals, local foods, art forms, or quirky habits. Keep it fun and lighthearted.
Practical Information: Provide useful tips, such as where the bus stop is, where to find the best coffee, and of course, where the toilets are.

EVALUATE YOUR OWN PERFORMANCE

Listen to your recording and pay attention to:

Keep the Flow: Were you able to avoid pauses longer than a few seconds?
Difficult Parts: For areas where you didn’t know the right words, were you still able to express yourself by describing it instead?
Clarity: Were your explanations clear, understandable, and mostly error-free?

DECIDE

This test helps estimate if you are at a B2 level. Make sure you also check the rest of the article to see if you might be on a higher or lower level

WHY IS C1 ENGLISH AN ESSENTIAL LANGUAGE LEVEL FOR A TOUR GUIDE?

English at a C1 level is essential for tour guides, as it helps you communicate clearly, adapt to different situations, and provide guests with a great experience. At Maresia, English is our main language, so being confident in it makes it easier to connect with both guests and colleagues

THE ADVANTAGE OF C1 ENGLISH SKILLS AS A TOUR GUIDE

Flexibility, you are able to adjust your wording, phrasing, and communication style to suit both native speakers and those with basic skills.
Communicate fluently and confidently in all situations.
Understand and adapt to different accents, nuances, and synonyms, making conversations more enjoyable.
Handle unexpected questions and provide detailed, thoughtful answers.

C1 English isn’t just about being fluent—it’s about having the ability to adapt to everyone, add depth to storytelling, and elevate your tours. These are essential skills for delivering memorable experiences and standing out as a guide.

ARE BASIC LANGUAGE SKILLS LIKE A1, AND A2 USEFUL AS A TOUR GUIDE?

Absolutely! While basic language skills might not be enough for detailed explanations or leading long tours, they can still be incredibly helpful before, during, and after the tour!

BEFORE THE TOUR

For anyone who has lived abroad, it’s always a pleasant surprise to be greeted in your native language—especially when you weren’t expecting it. This simple gesture creates a natural feeling of recognition and connection, and it’s a good feeling to give your guest.

As a tour guide, this means starting off on the right foot! Your guests are more likely to like you and may become curious about how you learned their language. This opens the door to a short but meaningful personal conversation. In other words a great start of your tour!

Key Takeaways

Greet your guests in their native language to create an instant connection.
Make your guests feel recognized and valued from the start.
Spark curiosity and build rapport by sharing a bit about your language-learning journey.

DURING THE TOUR

While conducting an entire tour at an A1 or A2 language level might not be possible, you can still add value for your guests:

Translate specific terms, such as the names of flowers, animals, or a local dish. This is often challenging for people whose second or third language is English. For example, ( it might come as a surprise ) many people don't know how to translate these well-known flowers: Dandelion, Mayflower, Daisy, and Poppy. With a little additional preparation, you can make sure that your guests will understand what flowers you are talking about.
For words that don’t have a direct translation, you might be able to mention a word that conveys a similar feeling.
You can point out a few similarities between the languages. Highlighting shared words, can create a fun and memorable moment.

AFTER THE TOUR

Your language skills can leave a lasting impression even after the tour ends. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Say Thank You: A simple “thank you” or “hope you enjoyed the tour” in your guests’. It’s a small effort that goes a long way.

Share Recommendations: If guests ask for places to eat or visit, giving suggestions in their language—even a few words—makes it feel more personal. "That bakery is the best in town!"

Keep the Connection: Some guests enjoy a quick chat after the tour. Make them feel seen by doing this in their native language.