DELF B1 & B2: Exam Format and How to Prepare
The DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française) is an official, lifelong French diploma. B1 marks independent everyday use of French, and B2 shows you can handle complex texts and argue a point of view — the level many learners and universities look for.
The four sections
Both DELF B1 and B2 assess the same four skills, each marked out of 25 (100 total):
| Skill | What it tests |
|---|---|
| Listening (Compréhension de l'oral) | Understanding recordings on everyday and general topics |
| Reading (Compréhension des écrits) | Understanding texts, articles and documents |
| Writing (Production écrite) | B1: a personal/opinion text · B2: an argued, structured essay |
| Speaking (Production orale) | Interview, short talk and (B2) defending a viewpoint |
Pass mark
To pass, you need at least 50 out of 100 overall, with a minimum of 5 out of 25 in each skill. So you can't completely neglect one skill — a zero in speaking can sink an otherwise strong result.
B1 vs B2 — the real difference
B1 is about coping confidently with everyday situations. B2 raises the bar: you must understand more abstract material and produce clear, well-organised arguments with connectors and nuance. Most of the jump is in writing structure and speaking fluency.
How to prepare
- Read and listen to authentic French daily, even for 10–15 minutes.
- For writing, learn a repeatable structure (intro → arguments with examples → conclusion) and a bank of connectors.
- For speaking, record yourself on common topics and focus on fluency over perfection.
- Do timed practice in the exact DELF format so the exam holds no surprises.
FrenchForIndia's course takes you A1 → B2 with lessons in English, Hindi and Punjabi, plus DELF/TEF/TCF-style simulations for all four skills.
Confirm the current official format and marking at DELF — France Éducation international. Exam details can change.