Bonjour!
Whether you're preparing for the DELF A2, B1, or B2 exam, one skill can instantly boost your fluency and exam score: using French connectors effectively.
Also known as connecteurs logiques, French connectors are essential grammar tools that help structure your thoughts, organize arguments, and communicate clearly. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most important French connectors by DELF level and explain how they can make a big difference in your written and spoken French.
What Are French Connectors?
French connectors are words or phrases that link ideas logically—just like "because," "however," or "therefore" in English. They're especially useful in essays, presentations, and conversations where clear communication is essential.
In the DELF exam, the use of French connectors is part of the assessment criteria, especially in:
- Production Écrite (written expression)
- Production Orale (spoken expression)
Now, let’s break down which French connectors are expected at each DELF level.
DELF A2: Basic French Connectors for Everyday Communication
At DELF A2, the focus is on simple communication. Candidates should be able to link short phrases and express basic thoughts clearly.
Common French connectors at A2:
- et (and)
- aussi (also)
- mais (but)
- parce que / car (because)
- d’abord, ensuite, puis, enfin (first, next, then, finally)
- par exemple (for example)
Tip:
Practice using these basic French connectors when describing daily routines, giving short opinions, or telling a story in order.
DELF B1: Expanding Your Use of French Connectors
At the B1 level, candidates should demonstrate the ability to link ideas more clearly and present opinions using structured arguments.
Useful French connectors for B1:
- cependant, toutefois (however)
- donc, alors (so, therefore)
- grâce à, à cause de (thanks to, because of)
- de plus, en effet (moreover, indeed)
- même si, bien que (even if, although)
- si, à condition que (if, on the condition that)
Tip:
Use a mix of French connectors to explain your ideas more thoroughly, justify your opinions, and present arguments logically in both writing and speaking.
DELF B2: Advanced French Connectors for Structured Arguments
The DELF B2 exam requires a more sophisticated command of French. At this level, candidates must argue logically, speak fluently, and structure their responses clearly.
Advanced French connectors for B2:
- d’une part... d’autre part (on one hand... on the other hand)
- néanmoins, en revanche, or (nevertheless, on the other hand, yet)
- afin que, pour que (so that – followed by subjunctive)
- en résumé, bref, en conclusion (in summary, in short, to conclude)
- notamment, comme le montre (notably, as shown)
Why French Connectors Matter in the DELF Exam
Using the right French connectors not only improves your fluency—it also directly impacts your DELF score. Examiners look for:
- Logical structure
- Coherence and cohesion
- Ability to present and support ideas
Whether you're writing a personal letter at A2, an opinion essay at B1, or a formal argument at B2, French connectorsare the bridge between good ideas and excellent expression.
Here is a list of French connectors:
The French connectors are divided into several categories, here is a list of useful for your DELF exam.
Tips for using French connectors properly during your DELF exam
To use French linking words properly, here are some tips to avoid making mistakes.
- Use only the ones you know, there is no need to know them all by heart, a few by category will be enough to vary your vocabulary.
- Watch out for the subjunctive! Not all linking words use the subjunctive after « que ».
Examples:
- Le soleil brille alors qu’il fait froid. → indicative
- Elle nous aide afin que nous puissions réussir à nos examens. → subjunctive
Write a list of words to use as you speak, here are some examples of French connectors by categories:
- To commence: “D’abord, je pense que…”, “En plus, cela voudrait dire que…”
- To introduce disagreement: “Moi, par contre, je ne partage pas du tout cet avis.”, “Au contraire, je crois que…”
- To express agreement: “En effet, je suis d’avis que…”
- To express opposition: “Malgré ces avantages, des risques sont à observés.”
- To express cause: “Grâce à ce projet, on pourrait…”, “À cause de ce changement, il serait nécessaire de…”
- To conclude: “En conclusion, je pense que…”, “Pour finir, je ne suis vraiment pas d’accord avec le document, et je pense qu’au contraire…”, “Finalement, je trouve cette idée très interessante…”
Mastering French connectors is one of the smartest ways to boost your performance in the DELF exam. They're simple, powerful tools that transform basic French into fluent, connected communication.
Ready to take your French to the next level? Explore targeted exercises, flashcards, and practice prompts that focus specifically on French connectors by level. Your success in the DELF starts with how you link your ideas—one connector at a time.
Practice French connectors with our French tutor
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You don't know which DELF level to choose?
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Please don’t hesitate to contact us at French via Skype 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 !
