DELF B1: what the exam is like and how to pass it
By Thierry Gustin
Published
Updated
4 min read
Contents
- What level does the DELF B1 require?
- What does the DELF B1 exam look like?
- How to prepare for the listening and reading papers
- How to write the DELF B1 text
- How to prepare for the speaking paper
- How long does it take to prepare for the DELF B1?
- How much does the DELF B1 cost?
- Frequently asked questions about the DELF B1
The DELF B1 is the first "independent user" level of the Common European Framework: it shows that you no longer rely on phrases learnt by heart and that you can tell a story, explain and give your opinion in French. It is the level required by many scholarships, mobility programmes and recruitment processes.
What level does the DELF B1 require?
With a B1 you can:
- Understand the main points of conversations and texts on familiar topics (work, studies, leisure, simple current affairs).
- Cope in most situations while travelling or staying in a French-speaking country.
- Describe experiences, talk about plans and briefly explain your opinions.
- Write a simple, coherent text on a topic you know.
The big difference from A2 is opinion: at B1, describing is no longer enough; you have to justify what you think.
What does the DELF B1 exam look like?
| Paper | Format | Length | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 3 exercises: listen to documents and answer | 25 min | 25 |
| Reading | 2 exercises: read documents and answer | 45 min | 25 |
| Writing | 1 text of at least 160 words | 45 min | 25 |
| Speaking | Guided interview, expressing a point of view and interaction exercise | 15 min (+ 10 min preparation) | 25 |
Source: the official DELF B1 description by France Éducation international. To pass you need 50 points out of 100 and at least 5 out of 25 in each paper.
How to prepare for the listening and reading papers
At B1 the documents are longer than at A2 and deal with everyday life and simple current affairs: announcements, interviews, messages, short articles.
- Always read the questions first, before listening to or reading the document.
- Do not get stuck on one word: look for the general idea and work out the rest from the context.
- Pay attention to negations and nuances (ne… plus, seulement, pas encore): they are the most common traps in the questions.
How to write the DELF B1 text
The writing paper asks for a text of at least 160 words, usually an article, a forum post or a letter in which you describe an experience and give your opinion. The examiners check that you answer the question, that the text is well organised and that your vocabulary and grammar are appropriate.
A simple, effective structure:
- Greeting or title, depending on the type of text.
- Introduction: the context in one or two sentences.
- Body: your experience or your arguments, with examples.
- Personal opinion, clearly stated (à mon avis, selon moi, je trouve que…).
- Ending suited to the format.
Use simple but varied linking words (d'abord, ensuite, par contre, donc, enfin) and check your past tenses: the contrast between passé composé and imparfait is one of the points most assessed at B1.
How to prepare for the speaking paper
The speaking paper lasts about 15 minutes and has three parts:
- Guided interview: you talk about yourself, your studies, your job or your hobbies. Prepare it well: this is the moment to build confidence.
- Expressing a point of view: based on a short document, you introduce the topic and give your opinion with arguments.
- Interaction exercise: an everyday situation in which you talk with the examiner (for example, solving a problem or reaching an agreement).
You only have 10 minutes of preparation, which is mainly for the second part. Note down three ideas and one example for each: that is enough to speak in an organised way.
How long does it take to prepare for the DELF B1?
As a benchmark, the Alliance Française de Leeds estimates that it takes between 360 and 400 hours of learning in total to reach B1 from scratch. If you already have a solid A2, allow two or three months of specific preparation at a pace of two lessons a week. If you are working to a deadline, my DELF and DALF preparation lessons begin with a mock exam to find out exactly how many points you are missing.
How much does the DELF B1 cost?
It depends on the centre. In Madrid, for instance, the DELF B1 fee at the Institut français de Madrid is €160 in 2026. There are several sessions a year; check the dates and the registration deadline with your centre.
Frequently asked questions about the DELF B1
How many words is the DELF B1 writing task?
At least 160 words. The best approach is to write 160 to 200 well-organised words.
Can I sit the DELF B1 without having the A2?
Yes. Each level is a separate diploma and there are no prerequisites for registering.
What is the difference between B1 and B2?
At B1 you describe and give your opinion in simple terms; at B2 you argue, qualify your ideas and defend one position against another. I explain this in the DELF B2 guide.
What is the hardest paper in the DELF B1?
For many learners it is listening, because spoken French drops sounds. The solution is to listen to real French every day while you prepare.
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