DELF B1: Complete preparation guide
The DELF B1 is the CEFR threshold intermediate level: it proves independence in French for most everyday situations. The exam lasts 1h 45min, minimum 50/100. It is required for French citizenship, long-stay residence permits and many exchange programmes. You need 350-490 cumulative study hours.
Total duration
1h 45min
4 papers
Pass mark
50/100
minimum 5/25 per paper
Hours from A2
200-300h
additional study
Pass rate
~75 %
with preparation
Official DELF B1 structure
Compréhension de l'oral
25 min
Compréhension des écrits
35 min
Production écrite
45 min
Production orale
15 min
What you need to do at B1
Listening comprehension
I understand the main points of radio and TV programmes on current topics.
Strategy: Listen to France Inter and take notes in French — do not translate.
Reading comprehension
I read texts about facts and opinions and identify the author's intention.
Strategy: Distinguish facts (on dit que) from opinions (à mon avis).
Written production
I write structured texts on familiar topics expressing my opinion.
Strategy: Structure: introduction, 2 arguments, conclusion. Use varied connectors.
Oral production
I can cope with most situations in a French-speaking country.
Strategy: Practise 20 current affairs topics: ecology, technology, health, travel, work.
Recommended study plan
Month 1
Intermediate grammar
- Subjonctif présent
- Relative pronouns (qui, que, dont)
- Reported speech
Month 2
Argumentation
- Cause and consequence connectors
- Expressing agreement and disagreement
- Write 4 opinion texts
Month 3
Authentic comprehension
- Inner French podcasts
- 1 Le Monde article per week
- B1 thematic vocabulary
Month 4
Mock exams and speaking
- 4 timed mock exams
- Recorded and corrected monologues
- Full dress rehearsal under exam conditions
Key grammar for B1
Subjonctif présent
« Il faut que tu viennes demain. »
Used after expressions of obligation, desire, doubt and emotion.
Plus-que-parfait
« Quand je suis arrivé, il était déjà parti. »
An action that happened before another past action.
Relative pronouns
« La ville dont je parle est Lyon. »
qui (subject), que (direct object), dont (of which), où (place/time).
Reported speech
« Il a dit qu'il viendrait. »
Pay attention to the sequence of tenses.
Essential vocabulary topics
Environment
Technology
Society
Opinions and debate
Common mistakes by English speakers
Mistake
Giving opinions without supporting them
Correct
Always use "Je pense que X parce que Y". Without justification you lose up to 4 marks.
Mistake
Reading the speaking prompt too quickly
Correct
Use all 10 prep minutes: outline + 3 ideas + concrete examples.
Mistake
Repeating the same structures
Correct
Vary: "selon moi", "je trouve que", "à mon avis", "il me semble que".
Cultural and strategic tips
- French citizenship requires B1 oral and written: the DELF B1 is the officially accepted proof.
- French debate culture prizes structure highly: thesis, antithesis, synthesis.
- Demonstrations are part of French political culture and frequently appear in exam texts.
DELF B1 price by country
Spain
70-280 €
Mexico
1.500-4.500 MXN
Argentina
25.000-110.000 ARS
Colombia
280.000-750.000 COP
Peru
450-1.000 PEN
Approximate prices based on Alliance Française and France Éducation International. May vary between centres.
Comparison with other levels
DELF B1 preparation guides
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Students who passed the DELF B1
Aprobé el B1 con 82/100 después de 4 meses. La guía me ordenó el estudio y el simulador me acostumbró al ritmo real del examen.
María José T. · PE
El vocabulario B1 y las frases argumentativas me salvaron la producción escrita. 19/25 en esa sección, mi mejor nota.
Tomás B. · ES
Who is the DELF B1 for?
Learners with 2-3 years of French or who have completed level A2
Frequently asked questions about the DELF B1
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