The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) exams are official French language proficiency diplomas awarded by the French Ministry of Education. They assess the 4 key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, across different levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Are you someone who has been studying French language for a couple years now but aren’t sure which DELF exam you should be taking – B1 or B2? Well, this article is designed to be your comprehensive and supportive guide, helping you navigate the distinctions between the DELF B1 and B2 levels. Let’s dive in!
Overview of DELF B1 and B2 Levels
The DELF B1 and B2 exams represent significant milestones in French language proficiency, aligning with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
CEFR Level Classification
The CEFR is an international standard that describes language ability on a six-point scale:
- A1 (Beginner)
- A2 (Elementary)
- B1 (Intermediate)
- B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- C1 (Advanced)
- C2 (Proficiency) DELF B1 and B2 fall under the “Independent User” category.
DELF B1
At this level, you are an independent user of French. This means that you can deal with most familiar situations likely to arise while traveling in a French-speaking area. You can produce simple connected texts on topics that are familiar or of personal interest and describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions.
DELF B2
The B2 signifies a higher degree of independence. You can understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialization. At this level, you can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers seem quite natural.
Language Skills Expected
| Skill | DELF B1 | DELF B2 |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Students understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar subjectsFor example: everyday conversations, news, radio broadcasts | Students comprehend extended speech and lectures, even when the line of argument is complex, provided the topic is reasonably familiar. They also understand most TV news, current affairs programs, and films. |
| Reading | Students understand texts consisting mainly of high-frequency everyday or job-related language. They can grasp descriptions of events, feelings, and wishes in personal letters. | Students are able to read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems. They understand contemporary literary prose. |
| Writing | They are able to write simple connected texts on familiar topics or of personal interest.For example: letters, essays, forum responses.Students can also express opinions and refer to past experiences. | Students can write clear, detailed essays or letters on a wide range of subjects, develop structured arguments and supporting views with examples.For example: persuasive essays |
| Speaking | Students are able to handle everyday situations, describe experiences, and give simple opinions in a guided conversation, role-play, or monologue. | Students can present and defend a viewpoint clearly and fluently, engage in spontaneous dialogue on abstract subjects, and express hypotheses. |
Key Differences Between DELF B1 and B2
Difficulty Level
The step-up from DELF B1 to B2 represents a significant increase in complexity and requires a much higher degree of independent language use.
While the DELF B1 assesses your ability to handle familiar situations and express yourself simply, the DELF B2 requires you to operate with greater autonomy and sophistication.
At the B1 level, you can rely on familiar structures and vocabulary, since there’s a greater tolerance for minor errors as long as communication is effective. The topics for DELF B1 are generally predictable.
However, the B2 pushes you to understand and express nuanced complex ideas, engage with abstract concepts, and handle unexpected situations with ease. You are expected to be able to maintain conversations with native speakers without significant effort as well as express your opinions and arguments clearly and persuasively.
Grammar and Vocabulary
The evolution of grammar and vocabulary from B1 to B2 is marked by a demand for greater precision and idiomatic understanding!
At DELF B1, your grammar generally focuses on mastering common tenses, basic sentence structures, and frequently used prepositions and conjunctions. Vocabulary revolves around everyday topics, personal experiences, and functional language for travel or simple everyday use.
For DELF B2, you will need to demonstrate a solid grasp of complex tenses like the plus-que-parfait, conditional perfect, and the subjunctive.
Mastering complex nuances of direct and indirect speech, as well as advanced conjunctions is crucial for constructing sophisticated arguments and detailed descriptions.
Your vocabulary will be required to encompass more abstract concepts, academic and professional terminology, and a richer repertoire of synonyms and antonyms.
Lastly, a good understanding and appropriate use of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms become increasingly important for sounding more natural and fluent, at this level.
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Difference in Skills
Listening
- B1: You might hear a short radio announcement about an event and answer multiple-choice questions on practical details related to it like time, location.
- B2: Here, you would listen to a university lecture or a formal debate on a societal issue, needing to grasp abstract concepts, identify speakers’ opinions, and follow complex arguments.
Reading
- B1: You could read a classified ad to find specific information or a personal email to understand the main purpose.
- B2: Expect an editorial from a newspaper discussing a current socio-political problem, where you must analyze the author’s viewpoint, supporting arguments, and infer its meanings.
Writing
- B1: You might write a formal letter to apologize for an absence or an informal email to a friend describing your weekend.
- B2: Here, you might be required to write an argumentative essay, where you must present a clear stance on a given issue, support it with logical arguments, and refute counter-arguments, or even a formal letter of complaint detailing a complex problem and proposing solutions.
Speaking
- B1: You’ll engage in a guided conversation about your daily routine or role-play a simple transaction in a shop.
- B2: You’ll be given a document outlining a problem, like environmental policy, and asked to present your reasoned opinion, then engage in a spontaneous debate with the examiner, defending your viewpoint and responding to theirs.
Who Should Take DELF B1 or B2?
Choosing between the DELF B1 and B2 majorly depend on your personal goals and French language proficiency. Let’s help you navigate the suitable exam for you:
DELF B1 exam is suitable for French language learners aiming for basic independence.
For example: if you want to confidently travel in French-speaking countries, handle everyday conversations, or simply enjoy French culture on a more interactive level.
It’s also advisable to opt for the DELF B1 if you are someone who is learning French as a hobby or for a general understanding of the language, without specific academic or professional requirements.
Whereas, the DELF B2 exam is the target for students seeking higher education in France since most French universities and higher education institutions require a B2 level for admission to programs taught in French.
If you’re someone aiming for advanced fluency and cultural immersion, DELF B2 is your go-to!
Still confused which one to choose? Worry not! Hundreds of French learners like you trust La Forêt French Class to aid with this choice.
Understanding the DELF Point System and Passing Criteria
The DELF exams, both B1 and B2 levels, are scored uniformly and similarly across all 4 skills. Each of these 4 sections is weighted equally, contributing 25 points towards a total possible score of 100 points.
To successfully pass either the DELF B1 or B2 exam, candidates must have:
- A minimum total score of 50 out of 100 points across all four sections.
- A minimum score of 5 out of 25 points in each individual section.This means that even if you score very highly in three sections, a score below 5 in just one skill can be catastrophic, resulting in a failure for the entire exam. This criteria ensures a balanced proficiency across all aspects of language use!By designating 25 points to each section, the DELF exam ensures that all candidates demonstrate a well-rounded ability rather than excelling in just one or two areas. This balanced scoring system reflects the real-world need to be competent in all areas of French language use, whether for academic, professional, or personal integration purposes. Therefore, preparing yourself comprehensively for all sections is vital!Recommended Resources for DELF B1 and B2 PreparationTo maximise your chances of success in the DELF B1 and B2 exams, a combination of official materials and supplementary resources is recommended!
Official DELF Sample Papers
- Websites like France Éducation International (the official body for DELF/DALF) provide sample papers for all levels. They provide the exact format and type of questions to expect for each section.
“ABC DELF” Series (CLE International)
- These books offer comprehensive exercises for all 4 skills, grammar refreshers, vocabulary lists, and often include audio CDs for listening practice.
“Réussir le DELF” / “DELF 100% Réussite” (Didier)
- This series is particularly good for in-depth preparation, inclusive of structured lessons, practice exercises, and mock exams.
- You must also immerse yourself in French audio with the help of resources like:
Podcasts
- “News in Slow French” (for B1 and B2, offering news at a slower pace), “RFI Savoirs” (for authentic news and cultural content at various levels) are great to prepare yourself for the listening comprehension part.
- Podcast-style French listening exercises help you catch accents, rhythm, and meaning naturally, making real conversations easier to understand.
French Radio/TV
- You can also listen to French radio stations (like France Inter) and watch French news or TV shows to get accustomed to natural French speech patterns and accents.For those seeking a more structured and personalized approach to their DELF preparation, exploring the comprehensive French learning paths offered by La Forêt French Class alongside their informative blogs can provide invaluable support and guidance.
