What is DELF B1 equivalent to ?

Do you want to take the DELF B1 and wonder what it is equivalent to?
In this article, we explain what DELF B1 represents and what are the prerequisites for this level language.

What is DELF B1?

The DELF B1 (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française, or Diploma in French Language Studies) is an internationally recognized French proficiency exam.
It is generally considered to be equivalent to an intermediate level of French proficiency. In the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which provides a standardized framework for assessing language proficiency, the DELF B1 corresponds approximately to level B1. This means that individuals who have successfully passed the DELF B1 exam are considered to have an intermediate level of proficiency in French.

What is DELF B1 equivalent to in terms of diploma ?

In terms of diplomas or educational qualifications, achieving a DELF B1 level of proficiency in French is comparable to completing a certain level of language education. However, it's important to note that the DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) is not equivalent to an academic diploma awarded by an educational institution. Instead, it's a certification of French language proficiency recognized internationally.

To provide some context, here's how achieving DELF B1 might compare to educational qualifications:

• High School Level: Achieving DELF B1 proficiency could be likened to completing French language education at a high school level, where you've developed a foundation of language skills that allow you to communicate effectively in everyday situations and understand basic written and spoken French.
• Language Certifications: DELF B1 is roughly equivalent to level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is a widely recognized standard for assessing language proficiency. Other language certifications at the B1 level, such as the Cambridge English Preliminary (PET) or the Goethe-Zertifikat B1 for German, could be considered comparable in terms of language proficiency.
• Language Courses: Achieving DELF B1 proficiency indicates successful completion of intermediate-level French language courses or self-study equivalent to this level. It demonstrates that you have attained a solid foundation in French grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills.
• Career and Academic Opportunities: While DELF B1 itself is not an academic diploma, it can open doors to various academic and career opportunities where proficiency in French is required or beneficial. For example, some universities or employers may recognize DELF B1 as evidence of language proficiency for admission or employment purposes.

Overall, while DELF B1 is not equivalent to a specific academic diploma, it represents a significant milestone in language learning and can be a valuable asset in various personal, academic, and professional contexts.

What is DELF B1 equivalent to in every day life ?

In everyday life, achieving a DELF B1 level of proficiency in French signifies that you have acquired skills necessary for basic communication in French-speaking environments. Here's how it might translate into practical situations:

• Travel: You can navigate your way through French-speaking countries with relative ease, handling tasks such as asking for directions, ordering food in restaurants, and interacting with locals for basic needs.
• Social Interactions: You can engage in simple conversations with native French speakers on familiar topics such as hobbies, family, work, and daily activities. While your vocabulary might be somewhat limited, you can still express your thoughts and opinions effectively.
• Work: Depending on the job requirements, a DELF B1 level might be sufficient for certain entry-level positions that involve basic communication in French. However, for more specialized or professional roles, higher levels of proficiency may be necessary.
• Education: You can understand the main points of straightforward texts on familiar topics and participate in discussions and presentations in French on subjects of personal interest or relevance.
• Integration: Achieving DELF B1 can significantly contribute to your integration into French-speaking communities by allowing you to participate in social events, understand local customs, and interact with neighbors, colleagues, and service providers.

Overall, achieving DELF B1 indicates a practical level of French proficiency that enables you to function reasonably well in everyday situations where French is spoken.

What are the prerequisites for language level DELF B1 ?

Achieving language proficiency at level DELF B1 typically requires a certain level of language skills and knowledge. Here are the general prerequisites for reaching level B1 proficiency in a language:

• Vocabulary: You should have a vocabulary range that allows you to express yourself on a variety of everyday topics, such as personal experiences, daily routines, hobbies, work, and social interactions. This vocabulary range should include both common words and phrases relevant to daily life.
• Grammar: You should have a solid understanding of basic grammar structures and be able to use them accurately in both spoken and written communication. This includes knowledge of verb conjugations, tenses (past, present, future), pronouns, articles, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and sentence structures.
• Listening Comprehension: You should be able to understand the main ideas and specific details in spoken language, such as conversations, interviews, radio broadcasts, and simple presentations, provided the speech is clear and delivered at a moderate pace.
• Reading Comprehension: You should be able to understand the main ideas and key details in written texts, such as newspaper articles, advertisements, emails, short stories, and simple instructions. You should also be able to infer meaning from context when encountering unfamiliar vocabulary.
• Speaking Skills: You should be able to participate in conversations on familiar topics, express your opinions, thoughts, and feelings, and provide relevant information in a coherent manner. You should also be able to ask and answer questions, initiate and maintain interactions, and handle common social situations.
• Writing Skills: You should be able to write clear and coherent texts on familiar topics, such as personal experiences, descriptions, narrations, opinions, and explanations. Your writing should demonstrate control of basic grammar and vocabulary, as well as the ability to organize ideas logically and effectively.

You are learning French and want to take the DELF B1 exam?
At French via Skype, our highly experimented DELF French tutor helps you prepare for the DELF B1 exam, guaranteeing you 100% success!

DELF B1 courses with our DELF tutor

At French via Skype, our French tutor is a native French with international experience with more than 15 years’ teaching French in Europe and has had the opportunity to accompany many students (adult and children) 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 and will be able to guide you throughout your learning of the language so that your level meets the specific expectations of the DELF B1 exam knowing exactly what the difficulties may be for candidates preparing for exams of this type.

What our DELF B1 courses cover

The DELF B1 is an upper intermediate level.
To achieve it, French via Skype offers personalized courses which focus on the four aspects of the language : listening, oral expression, written production, and written comprehension.

At the end of the online DELF B1 preparation course, you will be able to :

• Understand current discussions and public announcements.
• Read and understand simple texts, such as press articles, announcements, personal correspondence, and grasp the main information.
• Express yourself clearly and coherently on familiar topics, such as describing experiences, expressing opinions, and participating in everyday conversations.
• Write simple, coherent texts, such as personal letters, emails, messages, and produce written summaries on common topics.
• Actively participate in group discussions, answer questions, ask for clarification, and interact appropriately in varied social situations.
• Master the specific aspects of the DELF B1 French grammar and vocabulary necessary.

In summary, at level DELF B1, you are a candidate already more comfortable with the language than at level DELF A2.
Your level is described as “independent”. You know how to cope in everyday situations and you also know how to give your opinion, understand a discussion or interact with others.

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

French via Skype offers you a full range of individual online DELF courses, materials and assessments to help you better understand the French language and pass the DELF B1 exam.

Our online DELF B1 courses are accessible to people who already have an A2 level. If you do not have an A2 level, we can help you reach the minimum level required to start preparing for the exam.

Our online DELF B1 courses are delivered 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 DELF 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 ressources and assessments).
• Our French lessons target key areas such as listening, reading, writing and speaking and meticulously work on each grammar point such as French connectors or the subjunctive to ensure that each area meets the requirements required for the DELF B1 exams.
• For homework, we will assign you work to practice grammar, develop your vocabulary and prepare written and oral comprehension, written and oral production tasks. The homework will then be prepared and reviewed by your DELF French tutor.
• We offer you great planning flexibility. Our French tutor is available all year, during the holidays and after work hours.

Our online DELF B1 courses are ideal for practicing the standard exam tests and receiving personalized feedback in order to pass the exam successfully!

At French via Skype, we are happy to support French students taking the DELF B1 exam to guarantee their success.

Some testimonials from students who have prepared the DELF B1 exam with us are below.

“ 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

” As a native English speaker who has lived in Geneva for several years, I have had quite a few not-so-successful attempts at improving my French. That all changed after I started my lessons with Laure! Very quickly Laure identified the “gaps” in my French and we began work on them. Laure is very dedicated to the lesson planning and sends feedback soon after each lesson with vocabulary and grammar points to work on and to keep momentum. Her help in preparing me to pass the B1 exam was invaluable. More than anything, I have more confidence to interact in French, which has been fantastic to my work and everyday life. I would highly recommend Laure – if you want to learn or improve your French, she is the best teacher you will find! Thank-you Laure! “

Eleanor Curtis, Head of Finance

(DELF B1) Geneva

" I’m studying with Laure for about one year now and I’m very satisfied with her very targeted and well-organised French lessons. If you like to invest your limited time well and aiming for a fast improvement of your French level Laure is the right teacher for you. The lessons are intense and you better be well prepared and do your homework as Laure is a very strict teacher ;). First I found it very challenging to work so hard on my pronunciation but I realized quickly that this is key to a higher level of French. Also I was very happy about the amount of time one talks in her lessons as I know from my own German teaching experience that this is crucial for an improvement of the communications skills. Together with Laure I prepared for the DELF B1 and thanks to her I passed it with incredible 91%. I could highly recommend her as French teacher. “

Erika Mantrino, German teacher

(DELF B1) Lausanne

“Laure was a great support during my preparation for DELF B1, thanks to her courses, I was able to pass with flying colors with a score of 92%!
We worked on each part of the exam, and she made me review all the vocabulary for each of the themes and she was able to make me assimilate the required grammar in a methodical way, this helped me a lot because I had quite a bit of gaps in my writing.
Not only was I able to pass my DELF exam but I also gained confidence with my speaking which helped a great deal in my day to day life. I highly recommend Laure's classes to anyone who wants to take the DELF! Thank you Laure!

Suzanna Langle, Researcher

(DELF B1) Brussels

‍At French via Skype, we specialize in preparing for the DELF B1 exam, you can certify your French language level with all the required French knowledge 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.

If you are interested in our online DELF B1 preparation courses, do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you would like to sign up for lessons.

À bientôt !

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