DELF B2 courses for French citizenship

Bonjour!

Are you wondering, “What level of French do I need to get French citizenship?” or “How hard is the B2 test for French citizenship?”
Many learners ask these questions when starting their language journey.
If you aim to achieve the B2 level in French to obtain French nationality, we offer personalized and dedicated B2 courses designed to support you every step of the way.

What level of French is required to live in France?

Whether you are applying for a long-stay visa or pursuing citizenship, a good command of French is essential. French immigration law has become stricter regarding language requirements for foreigners. This includes mandatory French tests for certain residence permits and a higher language proficiency requirement for French citizenship.

The new law now requires applicants to demonstrate at least a B1 level (previously A2) in French to obtain a 10-year residence permit.
From the 1st of January 2026, a B2 level will be mandatory for French citizenship.

French Language Requirements Under Immigration Law:

Multi-year residence permit (Carte de séjour pluriannuelle): Applicants must have at least an A2 level in French (basic user).
10-year resident card (Carte de résident 10 ans): The required level is B1, which corresponds to an intermediate level.
French citizenship: Applicants must demonstrate a B2 level, which is an upper-intermediate level of proficiency.

You can find the official language requirements for residence permits and citizenship on the French government website here:

What Is the B2 Test for French Citizenship?

The B2 test refers to demonstrating proficiency at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is now a key language requirement for obtaining French citizenship. This level signifies an upper-intermediate ability in French, going well beyond basic communication.

In practical terms, the B2 level means you can:

Understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions related to your field of expertise.
Communicate fluently and spontaneously with native speakers without much strain for either party.
Produce clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects and explain viewpoints on topical issues, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Use a broad range of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures, including tenses like the subjunctive, conditional, and distinctions between passé composé and imparfait.

What are my testing options for French citizenship?

To apply for French citizenship, you can choose from three officially recognized language tests: DELF B2, TCF IRN, and TEF IRN.

DELF B2:
This is a diploma with lifetime validity, making it a one-time investment. It’s a pass/fail exam that specifically tests your level at B2, covering all four core language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Most of our students choose the DELF, which can be taken at Alliance Française in Annecy. The current cost of the DELF B2 exam is €150.
TCF IRN and TEF IRN:
These are proficiency tests designed specifically for citizenship applications. They’re valid for 2 years and assess all four language skills. Unlike the DELF, they evaluate your level across a range (from A1 to C2) and assign your level based on your performance.

What are the French Language Skills Required for French Citizenship?

To obtain French citizenship, applicants must demonstrate solid language skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Many learners wonder, "Is DELF B2 difficult?" The answer is: it can be, especially without proper preparation, as it tests not only your fluency but also your ability to express complex ideas with accuracy.

Here’s what the required skills include:

Listening comprehension:
Understand complex interviews, presentations, and conversations on a wide range of topics. For example, follow a news report or a professional meeting.
Reading comprehension:
Understand detailed and complex texts such as official letters, articles, or reports.
Written expression:
Write clear and detailed texts, such as formal letters or argumentative essays. You can structure your arguments and use appropriate vocabulary.
Oral expression:
Speak fluently and spontaneously in conversations about social or professional topics. Speaking topics may include debates on current events, discussions about education, work, or cultural differences. For instance, you might participate in a debate or give a presentation on a familiar subject.
Grammar and vocabulary:
Correctly use advanced tenses and moods like the subjunctive, conditional, and the distinction between passé composé and imparfait. Use connectors and idiomatic expressions naturally.

What are the Differences Between B1 and B2?

If you already have a B1 level, you will notice that B2 requires a significant leap in complexity and precision:

Moving from everyday communication (B1) to more complex argumentation and nuanced expression (B2).
Greater mastery of formal language and professional contexts.

Why the B2 Test Is Essential for French Citizenship

With the recent changes in French immigration law, achieving the B2 level of French is becoming increasingly important for those seeking long-term residence or French citizenship. Here’s why the DELF B2 is crucial and why thorough preparation matters:

New Legal Requirements:
As of January 2026, French law requires applicants for citizenship to demonstrate at least a B2 level in French. This is a step up from the previous B1 requirement and reflects the government’s goal to ensure stronger language skills for better integration.
Higher Language Proficiency Needed:
The B2 level confirms you can:
- Understand and engage in complex conversations.
- Express opinions clearly and argue your point of view.
- Write detailed, structured texts on a variety of topics.
- Navigate formal and informal settings with confidence.
The DELF B2 Is the Official Test:
The DELF B2 diploma is widely recognized by French authorities as proof of your language proficiency for citizenship and residence permits.
Increased Difficulty Compared to B1:
Moving from B1 to B2 involves mastering:
- Advanced grammar (subjunctive, conditional, complex tenses).
- Broader and more precise vocabulary.
- More sophisticated listening and reading comprehension.
Importance of Early and Focused Preparation:
- The B2 level requires consistent practice and deep understanding — last-minute preparation rarely suffices.
- Specialized tutoring can help you target exam-specific skills, reduce stress, and boost confidence.
- Preparing early gives you a better chance of success and a smoother naturalization process.

Taking the B2 Test for French citizenship is not just about passing an exam— it’s about equipping yourself with the language skills necessary to fully participate in French society and meet the official requirements for citizenship. With expert guidance and a tailored study plan, you can approach this challenge with confidence.

Prepare for the B2 test for French citizenship with our French tutor

At French via Skype, our French tutor is a native French with international experience with more than 20 years' teaching French in Europe and has had the opportunity to accompany many students across the world in order to best support them in their learning of French.‍

Certified in FLE (French as a Foreign Language), our French tutor has great expertise in the different levels of French required for the different DELF and DALF exams (for adults and children) and will be able to guide you throughout your learning of the language in order to that your level meets the specific expectations of the DELF and DALF exams, knowing exactly what difficulties candidates may have when preparing for exams of this type.

B2 courses with French via Skype, how does it work?

At French via Skype, we helps you prepare to reach the French B2 level, guaranteeing you 100% success.

Our DELF courses are delivered online Zoom or Teams or on the platform of your choice covering all aspects of the French language in order to best support you in your objectives.

Our DELF B1 and B2 tuition is personalized, tailored to your specific needs and pace allowing you to achieve your goals more effectively than in a group or classroom setting.

We will design a personalized study plan for you, based on your specific needs and your language level.
We offer an effective preparation with tailored learning materials (full range of B2 grammar ressources and assessments).
Our French lessons target key skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—while honing essential grammar for the B2, including tenses like futur simple, futur proche, the conditional, subjunctive, passé composé vs imparfait, and logical connectors, all aligned with exam requirements.
For homework, we will assign you work to practice grammar if necessary, develop your vocabulary and prepare written and oral comprehension, written and oral production tasks. The homework will then be prepared and reviewed.
We offer you great planning flexibility. Our DELF French tutor is available all year, during the holidays and after work hours.

At French via Skype, we are happy to support B2 students to guarantee their success at the exam.

Some testimonials from students who have prepared for the DELF B2 with us are below.

“ Our 14-year-old son, Calder, had good French language ability, but didn’t know where to find support or how to prepare for the DELF B2. He was lost. Only seven weeks before the exam, we contacted Laure for help. She quickly conducted an analysis and delivered an honest assessment of his strengths and weaknesses. She believed, if he really applied himself, he would “most-likely” pass the exam. Therefore, she developed a specific and targeted plan to get him to pass. And over the seven weeks he worked hard on both his online tutoring with Laure and the offline lessons she prepared for him. The plan worked! He passed the B2. He absolutely would not have passed without her. That is not hyperbole. Calder would be the first to tell you that. Laure is a very talented and experienced professional; it shows in her work and abilities. We are ever grateful – and lucky - that we found her. We could not recommend her more. “

Blake Johnson for Calder

(DELF B2) Portland - Oregon, 2025

" I was looking for last-minute help to score a B2 on the DELF French exam for University. I had only about a month or two before my exam and Laure was able to help me attain the B2 score. Her teaching skills were fantastic and I really noticed great improvement after every session. If you are interested in learning French, especially for any French exams, Laure is the professor for you. She not only helped me pass my exam but also helped me improve my French proficiency. I was looking to just pass the DELF exam but Laure made sure I received a good score. I scored an 81/100 and a perfect score in French which wouldn’t have been possible without her tutoring. Overall, Laure is a great teacher and I couldn't have received my B2 score without her. "

Chloé Gratson

Sophomore - McGill University - Montreal, 2024

“ Achieving a pass grade on the DELF B2 examination was a prerequisite for my doctoral program. Having spent half a decade studying French in a North American high school, I was confident that self-study would suffice. However, the reality was more challenging than anticipated, and I found myself floundering on my first attempt with a disappointing score in the 40s. That's when I enlisted the help of Laure. With her in-depth expertise and professional demeanor, she swiftly discerned my weak points and devised an astute, targeted plan to help me overcome them. Her assignments were also well curated to improve my skills and rigorous enough to have me studying 7 hours a week to keep up. Although I hesitated initially at the cost, her lessons showed me that it was well worth it. In just eleven sessions, Laure remarkably helped me boost my score by approximately 30 points, culminating in a pass mark of 71.5 at my second attempt. My primary obstacle was my speaking ability, a skill I hadn't had the chance to hone in years. I also struggled with key grammatical structures vital for the exam. Laure didn't merely teach me how to succeed in the DELF exam, but she also substantially elevated my overall French language proficiency. Should I dare to take on the DELF C1 exam, I would unquestionably reach out to Laure without a second thought. For anyone endeavoring to excel in a French language examination or aspiring to enhance their French speaking abilities, Laure can definitely help."

Yuri Han, PhD student

(DELF B2) Seoul, South Korea, 2022/2023

" Laure has been an absolutely incredible teacher, and I’ve passed my B2 with 92%! That is a fantastic improvement on my mark in the B1, done prior to our lessons. I get a huge amount of practice in all areas in the lesson, and we did plenty of mock exams of all types. After the session I promptly receive a list of vocab I couldn’t remember or didn’t know, words I mispronounced and really good homework focused on issues that came up in the lesson or things I have asked to work on. I’m continuing with lessons even after the exam, which really speaks volumes about how much I enjoy them, and I’m so delighted to now be able to tackle novels I previously had to give up on. I’ve really seen a huge improvement in my French, and crucially also in my confidence with the language. With plenty of encouragement and a huge amount of skill, Laure has helped me exceed my expectations! "

Katherine Rybacki, Researcher

(DELF B2) Geneva, Switzerland, 2021/2022

" I have had lessons with Laure for a year. One year ago I was at A1/A2 level, despite lessons and an A at GCSE level. My initial aim was to obtain the B2 DELF in order to work with French speakers, here in Switzerland. From the start Laure was able to recognise the errors I commonly made and would write these down so that I could learn them, she would then test me in the following lesson. She positively encouraged me to speak, write, read and listen throughout this time. Laure would check my written work in between lessons and was always happy to help. She even bought the B2 DELF practice exam book that i was using, so that she could help me. have been to University and had Post graduate teaching in medical studies. I can truly say that Laure is one of the kindest, most dedicated, thoughtful, professional and effective teachers that i know. She is methodical and offers structure to her lessons. She possesses the characteristics and qualities of a great teacher. I do not use this term lightly, I have had several other teachers but she stands out from the crowd. I worked hard and passed the B2 in November 2017, thanks to Laure. Since then Laure has continued to help me to gain confidence in my profession. She has shown herself to be adept at learning medical terminology as well as using different teaching styles to help me. Thank you Laure, you have helped me so much to realise my dreams. Last year, I was successful in a interview in French. In 2018 I start work in a 100% french environment. I believe that Laure can help anyone to learn French to a high level and boost your confidence at the same time. If you are motivated, she will help you. If you are discouraged she will help you find your courage. "

Dr Steve P

(DELF B2) Lausanne, Switzerland, 2016/2017

At French via Skype, we specialize in preparation for the level B2, you can certify your French language level well-equipped and with complete confidence.

We understand the challenges faced by learners studying French for immigration, professional, or academic reasons—whether for school, work, or citizenship—where meeting language requirements is essential for integration. Our approach is designed to help you achieve these goals effectively and confidently.

We offer personalized online DELF courses tailored to your needs and schedule, helping you perform your best and feel fully prepared throughout the exam.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us If you want to discuss your requirements with us, we will then be pleased to come up with a teaching plan for you.

À bientôt !