Bonjour!
The DELF B2 exam tests your ability to communicate fluently, argue convincingly, and handle complex grammar. One area that sets strong candidates apart is the subjunctive. Mastering it is essential—this is why DELF B2 & the Subjunctive go hand in hand for exam success.
Using the subjunctive correctly shows examiners that you can express opinions, doubts, wishes, and evaluations, moving beyond basic statements of fact.
Why the Subjunctive Matters at DELF B2
At B2, the exam evaluates your ability to:
- Argue a point of view
- Justify decisions or opinions
- React to complex ideas
The subjunctive is used exactly in these contexts.
In writing tasks, you might need it to:
- Present an argument
- Write a formal complaint or suggestion
- Give recommendations or express concerns
In speaking tasks, it helps you:
- Defend your opinions
- Express doubt, surprise, or dissatisfaction
- Make your speech sound natural and idiomatic
Correct use of the subjunctive shows strong B2-level mastery and enhances your performance in DELF B2 & the Subjunctive skills, demonstrating fluency and precision.
Understanding the Subjunctive
The subjunctive expresses doubt, necessity, emotion, desire, or uncertainty. Unlike the indicative, which states facts, the subjunctive reflects subjective situations. At B2, examiners expect candidates to use it correctly, especially after certain phrases:
- Il faut que… (It is necessary that…)
- Je souhaite que… (I wish that…)
- Bien que… (Although…)
- Pour que… (So that…)
- Avant que… (Before…)
Examples:
- Il faut que tu fasses tes devoirs avant demain.
- Bien que je sois fatigué, je vais continuer à étudier.
Mastering these structures is key for DELF B2 & the Subjunctive.
How to Use the Subjunctive to Impress Examiners
You don’t need to use the subjunctive in every sentence. What matters is relevant, accurate use of key triggers.
DELF B2 Examiners look for the Subjunctive in action: idiomatic French that shows your ability to argue and reason.
Most Useful Structures for B2 Candidates
- Necessity or Obligation
- Il faut que…
- Il est essentiel que…
- Il est nécessaire que…
- Doubt or Uncertainty
- Je doute que…
- Je ne suis pas sûr que…
- Emotion
- Je suis content que…
- Je regrette que…
- Je suis surpris que…
- Judgment or Opinion
- Il est important que…
- Il est dommage que…
- Il est possible que…
These structures help you use the Subjunctive effectively in both writing and speaking tasks.
Ready-to-Use Examples
- Il est essentiel que les autorités prennent des mesures pour protéger l’environnement.
- Je doute que cette solution soit efficace à long terme.
- Je suis surpris que tant de gens ignorent encore ce problème.
- Il faut que les citoyens participent davantage aux initiatives locales.
Using them naturally (not excessively!) demonstrates strong command of DELF B2 requirements and the subjunctive.
Writing and Speaking Strategies
Writing: Identify trigger phrases, apply the subjunctive correctly, and vary sentences to show flexibility.
Speaking: Use set phrases naturally, integrate the subjunctive in arguments, and practice realistic scenarios. Both tasks are opportunities to showcase the Subjunctive.
Common Mistakes
- Using the indicative instead of the subjunctive after a trigger
- Forgetting irregular forms: être → soit, avoir → ait, aller → aille, faire → fasse
- Overcomplicating sentences with multiple tenses
Training for the Subjunctive Before Your Exam
- Practice mini-sentences: Il faut que… / Je doute que… / Il est possible que…
- Read authentic French: Newspapers, blogs, and essays show natural use of the subjunctive
- Use it in writing: Include the subjunctive 3–5 times in essays or letters
- Practice speaking aloud: Memorize a few expressions to insert smoothly
Following these exercises will strengthen your command of DELF B2 & the Subjunctive, turning it from a challenge into a tool.
Final Thoughts: The Subjunctive Is Not Your Enemy
Many learners fear the subjunctive, but at the B2 level, it becomes a powerful tool. You don’t need to memorize every irregular form; what matters is using enough subjunctive to show examiners that you can express complex, abstract ideas.
If there’s one rule to remember:
The subjunctive helps you sound like someone who thinks, argues, reacts, and evaluates—not just someone who reports facts.
With regular practice and awareness, the subjunctive can become your secret weapon for acing DELF B2 & the Subjunctive.
Now that you understand how mastering the subjunctive can elevate your DELF B2 performance, the next step is personalized guidance—prepare for the DELF B2 exam with the expertise and support of our DELF tutor.
Master the DELF B2 Exam With an Expert Tutor
At French via Skype, your DELF tutor is a native French speaker with over 20 years of international teaching experience across Europe and worldwide. Certified in FLE (French as a Foreign Language), your tutor has guided learners of all ages through every DELF and DALF level, fully understanding the challenges candidates face and the specific expectations of each exam.
Specializing in DELF preparation, your tutor knows exactly what examiners look for—structure, clarity, argumentation, pronunciation, and the ability to express nuanced ideas confidently.
Your DELF tutor is:
- A native French speaker
- A certified FLE instructor
- Highly experienced in DELF and DALF preparation
- Familiar with official scoring criteria and examiner expectations
- Skilled in helping learners build strong introductions, arguments, and conclusions
- Attentive to pronunciation, rhythm, pacing, and natural expression
- Patient, supportive, and committed to helping each student progress step by step
This combination of expertise, exam knowledge, and personalized guidance ensures learners feel supported, reassured, and confident throughout their DELF B2 preparation.
How DELF B2 Courses Work at French via Skype
Our private DELF B2 courses are delivered online via Zoom, Teams, or your preferred platform. Lessons are fully personalized and cover all aspects of the French language, tailored to your goals:
- Accessible from A2/B1 levels: We can help you reach B2 if you’re still building foundational skills.
- Personalized pace: Lessons are adapted to your learning speed for faster and more targeted progress.
- Structured study plan: We create a plan based on your level and goals.
- Comprehensive materials: Grammar, vocabulary, exercises, and assessments tailored to DELF B2.
- All language skills covered: Listening, reading, writing, and speaking, with attention to key grammar points such as connectors and the subjunctive.
- Homework: Reinforces grammar, vocabulary, and all DELF B2 tasks. Assignments are corrected and reviewed.
- Flexible scheduling: Lessons are available year-round, including evenings and holidays.
- Exam-focused support: Every student receives guidance aimed at achieving exam success.
DELF B2 Success Stories
Yuri Han, PhD student (DELF B2) — Seoul, South Korea
“ 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."
Katherine Rybacki, Researcher (DELF B2) — Geneva, Switzerland
" 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! "
Chloé Gratson, Sophomore (DELF B2) — McGill University, Montreal
" 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. "
Achieve Success in the DELF B2 Exam
With expert guidance and consistent practice, you can develop the skills to succeed in all parts of the DELF B2 exam. You will learn to:
- Express nuanced and well-supported opinions
- Structure ideas clearly and logically
- Speak and write with fluency, accuracy, and confidence
- Justify viewpoints with relevant examples
- Avoid common mistakes that weaken performance
- Demonstrate genuine B2-level competence
At French via Skype, we provide the methodology, structure, and personalized support to help you progress steadily and approach the exam with confidence.
We specialize in DELF B2 exam preparation, helping learners certify their French level fully equipped for success.
If you would like to discuss your goals, we will be happy to create a personalised learning plan tailored to your needs.
Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or to sign up for lessons.
À bientôt !
