French · Exam preparation
A delf b1 preparation course for the first genuinely independent level
B1 is where French becomes usable rather than survivable. The exam asks you to hold an opinion, tell a story and structure a written text without preparation.
- France Éducation international
- CEFR B1
Who this is for
Is this the right course for you?
Learners with a solid A2 who need a permanent B1 diploma for study, work or residency, and candidates building towards B2.
What you cover
Inside the DELF B1 course
- The four sections and the 5-out-of-25 minimum in each
- Expressing and defending an opinion, in speech and writing
- Subjunctive in its common uses, and the connectors B1 expects
- Written production to the B1 task types and marking grid
- The oral, including the monologue and the interactive exercise
- Two full timed mock papers with written feedback
DELF B1 is the level at which French becomes independent: you can hold a conversation you did not plan, and write a structured text about something you were not expecting to be asked about.
The interactive oral
The exam includes an exercise where you negotiate or resolve something with the examiner. It rewards candidates who can respond to an unexpected turn and penalises those who have memorised a monologue. We rehearse it as a conversation, not a recital.
Where the marks go
Production, spoken and written, in almost every case. Comprehension sections are usually the easier half for English speakers by this point.
DELF B1 questions, answered properly
What is the difference between DELF B1 and TCF B1?
DELF is a lifelong diploma taken at a fixed level, pass or fail. TCF is a test that returns a band across levels and expires. If you need proof of French for a permanent purpose — study, professional recognition, personal record — take DELF. If you need a score for an immigration or admission procedure with a deadline, TCF or TEF is usually the right choice.
Is DELF B1 enough for French citizenship?
French naturalisation currently requires B1 in French, and DELF B1 is one of the accepted proofs, though the required level has been subject to change and other certificates are also accepted. Verify the current requirement with the prefecture or on the official service public site before booking, since language requirements have been tightened before.
How long from A2 to DELF B1?
Six to nine months at two lessons a week with consistent homework is typical. The step is larger than A1 to A2 because B1 expects unprepared production rather than recognition of familiar phrases. Candidates who read and listen to French between lessons close the gap noticeably faster.
Related courses
Other French courses
DELF A2
Learners with roughly a year of French who want a permanent certificate, and school or university students whose programme requires a documented level.
DELF B2
Applicants to French universities, professionals who need documented B2, and candidates who hold B1 and need the certificate that actually opens doors.
DALF C1
Applicants to competitive French programmes, professionals in senior or regulated roles, and candidates who hold B2 and need the next permanent diploma.
TEF Canada
Express Entry and Quebec immigration candidates, and anyone who needs a French band score for a Canadian application with a deadline.
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