This paper examines the possibility of establishing a threshold level for the projected European units/credits system for modern languages in adult education. By threshold level is understood "a basic level of foreign language proficiency the level below which no further levels could be usefully distinguished." It is concluded that the height of the threshold level cannot be determined on the basis of minimum language needs, because there is no such thing as a more or less definable minimum. The criterion ultimately chosen was that of estimated average study time. The threshold level defined is, in fact, the general proficiency level which the average European adult learner is expected to be able to reach in a year's time, given the availability of adequate language learning facilities. The criterion for the content of this level was based on the estimated usefulness for the majority of adult language learners in the majority of everyday situations. A more appropriate name for the level thus described (rather than threshold level) might be "first general proficiency level." (Author)