What are the differences between DELF B1 and B2 ?

You need to take the DELF exam for personal or professional reasons to officially demonstrate your French skills, but you’re not sure which level to choose. Many learners wonder about the differences between DELF B1 and B2, and it’s completely normal to feel unsure at this stage.

If you’re uncertain which DELF level is right for you, don’t worry.

At French via Skype, our experienced DELF tutor will assess your current level of French and help you clearly identify the level you need to reach. Understanding the differences between DELF B1 and B2 is essential in order to set realistic goals and prepare effectively.

We offer expert-led online DELF French courses specifically designed to prepare students for the DELF B1 and DELF B2 exams.
Whether your objective is professional advancement, personal development, or immigration, our structured approach and proven teaching methods have helped students achieve a 100% success rate.

We also have a strong understanding of the challenges linked to immigration language requirements, especially in light of recent changes to French naturalisation laws, which now often require a higher level of proficiency such as B2.
That’s why we support you throughout the entire preparation process — not only by improving your French, but by helping you master the exam format and build confidence.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between DELF B1 and B2, so you can clearly understand what each exam involves and decide which level best matches your needs and objectives.

What are the Differences Between DELF B1 and B2 in CEFR Levels?

Both DELF B1 and B2 are part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

• DELF B1 corresponds to an intermediate level
• DELF B2 corresponds to an upper-intermediate level

At B1, you can communicate in familiar situations and handle everyday interactions.
At B2, you are expected to communicate with ease, argue your point of view, and interact effectively in more complex or professional contexts.

Understanding these core differences between DELF B1 and B2 is essential before choosing which exam to take.

What are the Differences Between DELF B1 and B2 in Listening Comprehension?

One of the key differences between DELF B1 and B2 lies in listening comprehension.

DELF B1 – Listening

• Shorter audio documents
• Clear speech, often on familiar topics
• Limited use of idiomatic language
• You are tested on general understanding and specific information

DELF B2 – Listening

• Longer and more complex audio documents
• Faster speech, natural rhythm, and varied accents
• Abstract topics, opinions, and arguments
• You must understand implied meaning and speaker intention

At B2 level, you are expected to follow real-life conversations, interviews, or debates with minimal difficulty.

What are the Differences Between DELF B1 and B2 in Reading Comprehension?

The differences between DELF B1 and B2 are also very clear in reading tasks.

DELF B1 – Reading

• Short articles, emails, or notices
• Topics related to daily life, work, or leisure
• Straightforward vocabulary and structure

DELF B2 – Reading

• Longer texts such as opinion articles or reports
• More abstract ideas and complex arguments
• Richer vocabulary and varied sentence structures

At B2, you must be able to analyse a text, understand nuance, and identify the author’s point of view.

What are the Differences Between DELF B1 and B2 in Writing Skills?

Writing is another area where the differences between DELF B1 and B2 become very apparent.

DELF B1 – Writing

• Writing emails, letters, or short texts
• Describing experiences and giving simple opinions
• Basic structure and limited argumentation

DELF B2 – Writing

• Writing structured, well-argued texts
• Defending an opinion with examples
• Using connectors, complex grammar, and varied vocabulary

At B2 level, clarity, coherence, and precision are essential, and candidates are expected to write structured texts such as an argumentative essay, using appropriate language for academic or professional settings.

What are the Differences Between DELF B1 and B2 in Speaking and Oral Interaction?

For many candidates, the oral exam highlights the strongest differences between DELF B1 and B2.

• Describing personal experiences
• Expression of a point of view
• Limited spontaneity

At DELF B1 level, candidates are expected to communicate about familiar topics, describe personal experiences, and demonstrate an expression of a point of view in a simple and structured way.

DELF B2 – Speaking

• Developing and defending an argument
• Reacting to abstract topics
• Speaking fluently and confidently with few hesitations

At DELF B2 level, candidates must handle a wider range of DELF B2 speaking topics, express and defend their opinions clearly, and interact fluently while responding appropriately to more complex and abstract questions.

What are the Differences Between DELF B1 and B2 for Immigration and Citizenship?

Understanding the differences between DELF B1 and B2 is crucial if your goal is citizenship, residency, or professional integration in French-speaking countries.

1. Traditional Requirements (B1 Level)

Countries like France, Canada (Quebec), and Switzerland have traditionally required a B1 level (or equivalent) for:

• Naturalisation (citizenship applications)
• Certain long-term residency permits

At B1, candidates can communicate in everyday situations and handle basic administrative or professional tasks.

2. New Requirements for French Citizenship (B2 Level)

⚠️ Important legal update:

• Law n° 2024‑42, passed on 26 January 2024 — "Contrôler l’immigration tout en améliorant l’intégration" — introduces major changes.
• Effective 1 January 2026, anyone applying for French nationality (through naturalisation, marriage, or reintegration) must:
  • Prove a B2 level in French, both oral and written
  • Pass a test covering civic, cultural, and historical knowledge of France‍

This is a significant increase from the previous B1 requirement, making DELF B2 the new standard for many legal residency and citizenship pathways.

Our experienced DELF tutor can guide you through these updated requirements and ensure your preparation meets the new legal standard.

3. Why DELF B2 Is Valuable Beyond Citizenship

DELF B2 is not only important for legal purposes; it is also valuable for:

• Professional roles, internships, or employment in French-speaking environments
• Any situation requiring autonomous communication in French

Holding a DELF B2 certificate shows you can function fully in French — with clients, colleagues, or students — and supports long-term integration, work, and residency.

Our courses are designed to help learners achieve B2 proficiency efficiently, ensuring you are ready for citizenship, residency, professional opportunities, or academic goals.

Choosing Between DELF B1 and B2: Which Exam Should You Take?

To choose the right exam, ask yourself:

• Do I need French mainly for daily life or for professional/academic purposes?
• Do I need to express opinions and argue confidently?
• Is B2 required for my immigration or naturalisation process?

If you are unsure, a level assessment with our experienced DELF tutor is the best way to determine whether B1 or B2 is the right exam for you.
We can also create a customised study plan to target exactly the skills you need.

Prepare for the DELF B1 and B2 exams 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.

DELF B1 and B2 courses with French via Skype, how does it work?

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 DELF B1 and B2 grammar ressources and assessments).
• Our French lessons target key skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—while honing essential grammar for the DELF B1 and 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 DELF B1 and B2 students to guarantee their success at the exam.

Below are some testimonials from students who prepared for DELF B1 and B2 exams with us.

“ 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

" Laure is an Exceptional French Teacher
‍I had the absolute pleasure of working with Laure to prepare for the DELF B1 exam, and I can confidently say that she played a key role in my success. From the very first lesson, Laure demonstrated not only a deep understanding of the French language but also a remarkable talent for teaching it in a way that was clear, engaging, and perfectly tailored to my level and learning style.
What sets Laure apart from other teachers is her ability to make each session both productive and enjoyable. She has a calm, encouraging approach that immediately put me at ease, even when tackling tricky grammar points or practicing oral expression—my biggest challenge. Her lessons were always well-structured, combining conversation practice, listening exercises, vocabulary building, and mock exam questions that mirrored the real test format.
Laure was also incredibly attentive to my progress. She gave thoughtful, constructive feedback and offered practical tips for improving not just my language skills but also my confidence. Thanks to her guidance, I felt fully prepared going into the exam and achieved a score I’m really proud of!
If you're looking for a skilled, supportive, and genuinely inspiring French teacher, I can’t recommend Laure highly enough. She’s an outstanding instructor who truly cares about her students’ success."

Karen Karbo

(DELF B1) author, France - 2024/2025

" 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

(DELF B2) McGill University - Montreal, 2024

“ I undertook 11 months of lessons to prepare the DELF B1 with Laure and was amazed by how much my French improved over this time. I had not studied French since high school, and prior to these lessons, could not have imagined being able to hold a conversation in French. Laure’s interactive and engaging lessons quickly became a highlight of my week. Laure emphasises practicing speaking the language - all our lessons were conducted completely in French and even during casual conversation, she encouraged discussion of sociopolitical issues. She has a lot of experience in preparing students for the DELF exams and her expertise in this area shone through during lessons as she guided us through the syllabus in a relatively short period of time. I highly recommend Laure for anyone considering learning French - she’s an extremely effective teacher and she gave me the confidence to continue developing my skills in the language.”

Dr Dana Lee

(DELF B1) - Melbourne, Australia 2022/2023

"Having studied French for several years in high school, I took up re-learning the language and preparing for the DELF after my undergraduate medical studies to maintain my connection and interest with the French culture. Laure was fantastic as a teacher and mentor during this experience, and was a highly supportive, encouraging and engaging teacher. Her lessons were structured around the exam topics in such a way that I could not have felt better prepared going in. On a personal note, her flexibility to reorganise certain lessons around my work schedule, as well as her weekly homework tasks to keep our knowledge and learning to the highest standards were highlights of working and learning with her, making for a very enjoyable and smooth studying experience alongside working full-time. I was able to pass my DELF B1 exam despite being out of touch with the language for over 7 years prior to Laure’s lesson- a true testament to her ability as a teacher, and would have no doubt recommending her to future students as one of the best options to prepare for your DELF exam, irrespective of your level!”

Dr Abhi Shekhsrinivas

(DELF B1) Melbourne, Australia 2022/2023

“ 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

" I started learning French through group classes when I first moved to Geneva, but as I started to advance, I wanted to focus more intensely with grammar, writing and conversational skills. Laure immediately understood what I needed to work on as I explained that I would like to take the DELF exams and that French is critical for my career in the UN. She prepared me very well with the exam's reading and writing exercises, and fortunately, I was able to pass my DELF B1 exam. As I continue to work with her, I appreciate that she is a patient, very structured, and motivating teacher -- I would recommend Laure to anyone who wants to improve on French! "

Tomoka Nakamura

(DELF B1) UN staff, Geneva - Switzerland 2018/2019/2020

" 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 - 2017/2018

Final Thoughts on the Differences Between DELF B1 and B2

The differences between DELF B1 and B2 are not just about grammar or vocabulary — they reflect a shift from basic independence to confident, autonomous communication.

Choosing the right level will save you time, reduce stress, and significantly increase your chances of success. With the right preparation and guidance from our experienced DELF tutor, both exams are absolutely achievable.

If you are preparing for DELF B1 or B2 and would like personalised support, expert guidance, and structured exam preparation — including guidance for French citizenship requirements as of 2026 — our courses can make all the difference.

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 !