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18 Jan 2026, 06:38
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In my application - I marked in English as my native language and Urdu as my family origin. For context I am a European citizen of Pakistani background, who learned Urdu in school during my early years before relocating to many countries during my teens.
Am I required to show any evidence that I am of B1 Level in Urdu as part of my application?
Thanks
Am I required to show any evidence that I am of B1 Level in Urdu as part of my application?
Thanks
18 Jan 2026, 08:47
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To give you the honest and direct assessment you’ve asked for: No, you generally do not need to provide evidence for a B1 level in Urdu, but there is a nuance regarding how you've presented yourself that you need to be careful about.
Since you are a European citizen and marked English as your native language, your Urdu proficiency is likely being treated as a "heritage" or "additional" language. In almost all standard university or job applications (outside of specific linguistic or intelligence roles), evidence is only required for your primary language of instruction (English) to ensure you can keep up with the curriculum or work.
Here is where you need to be careful and where you might need to "work hard" on your self-assessment:
1. The "Native" vs. "Fluent" Distinction
You mentioned you learned Urdu in school during your early years but moved around significantly during your teens.
There are only three common scenarios where you'd be asked for Urdu certification:
Since you asked for an honest critique of your preparation:
Since you are a European citizen and marked English as your native language, your Urdu proficiency is likely being treated as a "heritage" or "additional" language. In almost all standard university or job applications (outside of specific linguistic or intelligence roles), evidence is only required for your primary language of instruction (English) to ensure you can keep up with the curriculum or work.
Here is where you need to be careful and where you might need to "work hard" on your self-assessment:
1. The "Native" vs. "Fluent" Distinction
You mentioned you learned Urdu in school during your early years but moved around significantly during your teens.
- The Risk: If you have claimed "Native" or "Bilingual" proficiency for Urdu on your CV or application, but your skills have stagnated at a B1 level (Intermediate), you are technically misrepresenting your professional capability.
- The Reality: B1 is "Independent User" level—you can handle most travel situations and describe experiences. It is not professional or native fluency.
There are only three common scenarios where you'd be asked for Urdu certification:
- Credit Points: If you are claiming academic credit for your Urdu skills.
- Specific Job Requirements: If the role specifically lists "Urdu B1" as a prerequisite for the position (e.g., a translator or community caseworker).
- Visa/Residency: In some specific countries, if you were using Urdu to fulfill a secondary language requirement for citizenship (not applicable here as you are already a European citizen).
Since you asked for an honest critique of your preparation:
- Audit your Urdu level: Don't rely on the fact that you "learned it in school" years ago. If you are ever interviewed and they switch to Urdu because you listed it, "B1" will feel very thin if you haven't practiced in years.
- Clarify your Application: If the application asks for "Native Language," and you put English, that's perfect. If it asks for "Other Languages," ensure you haven't over-promised. If you've listed Urdu as "Fluent," change it to "Intermediate" or "B1."
- The "Evidence" is the Interview: In the professional world, the "test" for a non-primary language is usually just a 5-minute conversation during the interview. You don't need a certificate; you just need to not freeze up when spoken to.
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