Bonjour!
Do you want to reach level B2 in French but you don't know what skills are required?
In this article, we explain what French B2 is, and what skills are needed both orally and in writing.
What is level B2 in French?
Level B2 corresponds to the 4th level of the CEFR – the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
It is a standardized system used to assess and describe language proficiency in various languages, including French.
The CEFR is divided into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2, with A1 being the lowest and C2 the highest.
Level B2 is that of an independent user. This is therefore a very good level!
A B2 level French student is able to understand press articles on current issues and can communicate spontaneously with a native French speaker.
To find out if you have a B2 level in French, you can take different tests and exams.
The best known is the DELF B2, which is an official exam recognized throughout the world and which allows you, for example, to enroll in a French university without taking a language test.
You can also take the TCF, the French Knowledge Test, to check your level of French.
Comprehension and expression at French B2 level
B2 level students have very good comprehension and production skills, both orally and in writing.
Mastery of a foreign language is measured through 4 skills: oral comprehension, written comprehension, oral expression and written expression.
- To master listening comprehension at level B2, students must be able to understand the main ideas of complex audio materials on concrete and abstract topics, and can follow extended speech and complex arguments, provided the subject matter is reasonably familiar and that the speech is clearly structured.
- Regarding written comprehension, a B2 level students must be able to quickly identify important information in a long and complex text. In other words, even if they do not understand everything in detail, learners can grasp all the relevant arguments in the text.
- For oral expression, it is about expressing oneself in a clear and argued manner on many different subjects. For example, you must be able to give your opinion on a current topic or present the advantages and disadvantages of various topics
- In written expression, a B2 students can produce clear and detailed texts in order, for example, to defend their point of view on many subjects relating to their interests or social issues.
French B2 level vocabulary
French B2 students have a wide range of vocabulary, and are able to:
- Use an extensive vocabulary to talk about common topics and more complex subjects such as society, culture, politics, etc...
- Use specialized vocabulary in your field of study or work, although some gaps may remain in very technical areas.
- Understand and use common idiomatic expressions and turns of phrase.
- Adapt your language according to the context, using both formal and informal language depending on the situation.
- Choose words accurately to express complex and abstract ideas.
- Use logical connectors and linking words effectively to structure speech coherently.
French B2 Grammar and pronunciation
The French B2 attests to a good mastery of grammar and pronunciation.
To be able to reach level B2 in French, you must have solid knowledge of grammar.
In theory, at this level you should know how to use the main grammatical tools, such as prepositions for example.
You must also be able to use complex constructions such as the concession. However, mistakes which generally do not interfere with communication are allowed.
Concerning pronunciation, students with level B2 must:
- Have clear and intelligible pronunciation, even if some minor errors may remain.
- Use appropriate emphasis and intonation to express meaning and emotions. An ability to use intonation in interrogative, declarative, and exclamatory sentences.
- Be able to distinguish and correctly reproduce specific French sounds, including nasal vowels and consonants.
- Use the natural rhythm of French and the connection between words for increased fluidity in speech.
In summary, note that you can very well have a B2 in oral comprehension but a B1 level in written expression. Assessing French language skills is not an exact science, and everyone has weaknesses and strengths!
French B2 courses with French via Skype, how does it work?
At French via Skype, our highly experimented French tutor helps you prepare to reach the French B2 level, guaranteeing you 100% success at the DELF B2 exam.
Our private B2 courses are delivered online via Skype, 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 French 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 areas such as listening, reading, writing and speaking and meticulously work on each B2 grammar point such as French connectors or the subjunctive to ensure that each area meets the requirements required for the French B2 exams.
- 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 DELF B2 exam.
Some testimonials from students who have prepared for the DELF B2 exam with us are below.
“ 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
” Laure is an excellent teacher not only because she knows very well the material, but also because she is extremely well organised. During the lessons, Laure gives you the confidence to talk, and she also spots the parts that need more attention. In this way, she provides students with enough material to practice and improve. Due to my working schedule, I decided to take online lessons. I was very hesitant at the beginning, but my experience with Laure has been excellent! I have never taken any additional lessons, and I only watch tv in French from time to time. With Laure, I passed the DELF B2. “
Diana Pacheco, Researcher
(DELF B2) Fribourg -Switzerland 2018/2019/2020/2021
At French via Skype, we specialize in preparation for the DELF B2 exam, you can certify your French language level well-equipped and with complete confidence.
If you would like to discuss your needs with us, we will be pleased to develop a teaching plan for you.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you would like to sign up for lessons.
À bientôt !
