alapfokú

Alapfokú is a Hungarian adjective meaning "at the basic level" or "beginner." It is used to label the lowest degree or level in a common three-tier hierarchy of levels, often described as alapfokú, középfokú, and felsőfokú, across education, training, and assessment. The term is formed from alap (base, fundamental) and fokú (degree).

In educational contexts, alapfokú describes the initial or foundational stage. The phrase alapfokú oktatás refers to basic education, typically covering the early years of schooling, while alapfokú képzés denotes introductory or foundational training. It also appears in terms such as alapfokú tanfolyam or alapfokú vizsga to indicate entry-level courses or examinations.

In language testing and proficiency measures, alapfokú typically maps to beginner levels, commonly aligned with the CEFR A1–A2 range; középfokú to B1–B2, and felsőfokú to C1–C2. However, exact level mapping can vary by institution or exam framework, so the term serves as a general indicator rather than a universal standard.

Beyond formal education and language testing, alapfokú can describe any foundational or introductory stage within a course or program. As such, it remains a frequent term in official policy, school documents, and common usage when distinguishing basic from more advanced levels.