DELF B2: exam format, scoring and how to prepare
By Thierry Gustin
Published
Updated
5 min read
Contents
- What level does the DELF B2 require?
- What does the DELF B2 exam look like?
- How do you pass the DELF B2?
- How to prepare for the listening paper
- How to prepare for the reading paper
- How to write the argumentative text
- How to prepare for the speaking paper
- How long does it take to prepare for the DELF B2?
- Typical mistakes English speakers make at B2
- How much does the DELF B2 cost and when is it held?
- Frequently asked questions about the DELF B2
The DELF B2 is the most requested French diploma: many French universities and a great many recruitment processes ask for it, and it proves that you can handle French with ease. Its difficulty does not lie in vocabulary but in one specific skill: arguing a case, in writing and out loud.
What level does the DELF B2 require?
According to the official description by France Éducation international, B2 certifies that you can, among other things:
- Defend your opinion with arguments and examples.
- Develop a point of view and discuss advantages and disadvantages.
- Express cause and consequence and persuade someone.
- Rephrase an idea, explain what is implied and understand the gist of a news document.
- Correct yourself when you make a mistake.
In practice, B2 is the level at which you no longer just "say things": you organise them, qualify them and defend them.
What does the DELF B2 exam look like?
The exam has three group papers, taken in the same room as other candidates, and one individual paper in front of two examiners.
| Paper | Format | Length | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 2 exercises: listen to documents and answer | 30 min | 25 |
| Reading | 2 exercises: read documents and answer | 1 h | 25 |
| Writing | 1 text of at least 250 words | 1 h | 25 |
| Speaking | Monologue and interaction exercise | 20 min (+ 30 min preparation) | 25 |
The three group papers last 2 hours 30 minutes in total. The speaking paper usually takes place on the same day or in the following days, depending on the centre.
How do you pass the DELF B2?
To obtain the diploma you need 50 points out of 100 and a minimum of 5 out of 25 in each paper. A single paper below 5 is eliminatory, even if your total is above 50. So it is not enough to shine in one skill: you need to secure all four.
How to prepare for the listening paper
The documents are authentic recordings: radio programmes, interviews, reports. You hear each document once or twice, depending on the exercise, and answer multiple-choice or short-answer questions.
- Read the questions before listening: they tell you what information to look for.
- Note down key words, not whole sentences: there is no time.
- Train with real French radio: France Inter, France Culture or RFI. Ten minutes a day for two months will change your ear.
How to prepare for the reading paper
The texts are fairly long press articles, often argumentative. The difficulty lies in understanding the author's position and the nuances, not every word.
- Read the title, the standfirst and the first lines of each paragraph first to grasp the structure.
- Underline the linking words (cependant, en revanche, ainsi): they mark the author's reasoning.
- If a question asks you to justify your answer with the text, copy the exact sentence: a paraphrase with mistakes can cost you the point.
How to write the argumentative text
The writing paper asks for a text of at least 250 words in which you defend a position: a formal letter, an article or a contribution to a forum, depending on the topic. The examiners assess how well you follow the instructions, the coherence of your argument and the accuracy of your language.
A structure that works:
- Introduction: present the topic and state your position.
- First argument with a concrete example.
- Second argument with another example.
- Nuance or counter-argument: show that you see the complexity of the issue.
- Conclusion: sum up your position and open up a wider perspective.
Linking words are the backbone of the text: you will find a complete list in my article on French linking words. And respect the format: if you are asked for a letter, you need opening and closing formulas.
How to prepare for the speaking paper
You have 30 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes in front of the examiners. The paper has two parts: a monologue in which you present and defend a point of view based on a short document, and an interaction exercise in which you talk with the examiner and have to argue to convince them.
- Prepare an outline, not a script: if you read, you lose fluency and points.
- Announce your plan at the start: "Dans un premier temps…, ensuite…, enfin…".
- Ask for clarification if you do not understand a question: it is part of real communication.
- Do not be afraid if the examiner disagrees: it is a technique to see how you defend your position.
How long does it take to prepare for the DELF B2?
If you already have a solid B1, allow two to four months of preparation with two lessons a week and daily personal work. As a benchmark, the Alliance Française de Leeds estimates that it takes between 560 and 650 hours of learning in total to reach B2 from scratch. I explain this in detail in the article how long it takes to learn French.
Typical mistakes English speakers make at B2
- Getting the subjunctive wrong in both directions: forgetting it after il faut que or bien que, and forcing it where French uses the indicative (je pense que c'est…, not que ce soit). I explain this in the French subjunctive.
- Copying English structures: ça dépend de (it depends on), not ça dépend sur; assister à une réunion (to attend a meeting), with the preposition à.
- False friends, which change the meaning of a sentence: actuellement means "currently", not "actually". You will find a list in French-English false friends.
- Forgetting the register: in a formal letter, no tu and no colloquial expressions.
How much does the DELF B2 cost and when is it held?
Fees depend on the centre. In Madrid, for instance, the DELF B2 fee at the Institut français de Madrid is €188 in 2026. In Spain there are four sessions a year for adults, although each centre decides which ones it runs. Registration closes several weeks before the exam.
Frequently asked questions about the DELF B2
How many words should the DELF B2 essay be?
At least 250 words. Writing much more earns no extra points and increases the risk of mistakes: aim for 250 to 300 well-constructed words.
Can you use a dictionary in the DELF B2?
No. No dictionary or document is allowed in any of the papers.
What is the pass mark for the DELF B2?
50 points out of 100, with a minimum of 5 out of 25 in each of the four papers.
Does the DELF B2 expire?
No. The DELF is a diploma valid for life.
Is the DELF B2 hard to pass?
It is demanding, but very achievable if you have the level and know the format. What makes most candidates fail is not a lack of level, but not having trained with the real timing of each paper.
If you would like to prepare with a tailored plan, timed mock exams and detailed corrections, have a look at my DELF and DALF preparation lessons.
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