The DELF B1 is about one thing: communicating clearly and confidently in real-life French. You don’t need perfect grammar. You need to understand, respond, and express your ideas with ease.
This practical study plan shows you exactly how to prepare without wasting time. You’ll focus on the skills the exam actually tests, practise with purpose, and build the confidence you need to pass B1.
What is the DELF B1 exam?
The DELF B1 (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is an official French language qualification that proves you can use French independently in everyday situations.
It corresponds to B1 level on the CEFR, meaning you can understand the main points of familiar topics and express opinions. It handles most situations while travelling or living in a French-speaking environment.
Importance of preparation for success
Success in the DELF B1 doesn’t come from knowing more French. It comes from using what you already know effectively. The exam tests clear communication under time pressure, not advanced vocabulary or perfect French grammar.
You stop guessing and start responding strategically. This reduces stress, improves time management, and helps you avoid common pitfalls. Especially in the speaking and writing tasks.
The DELF B1 Exam Format
The DELF B1 exam format is a major advantage.
When you know exactly how each section works, you can practise with intention, manage your time effectively, and avoid losing easy marks.
The exam is designed to test practical, real-world French across four core skills.
The exam components: listening, reading, writing, and speaking
The DELF B1 exam is divided into four equally important parts:
Listening (Compréhension de l’oral)
You listen to short recordings such as conversations, announcements, or interviews. These are played twice. The goal is to identify main ideas, opinions, and key details rather than understand every word.
Reading (Compréhension des écrits)
This section includes texts like articles, emails, adverts, or notices. You’re tested on your ability to understand general meaning, extract information, and recognise viewpoints.
Writing (Production écrite)
You produce a structured text of around 160–180 words. Tasks often involve expressing an opinion, narrating an experience, or making an argument in a clear, organised way.
Speaking (Production orale)
The oral exam is a face-to-face interview. It includes a guided conversation, a short prepared monologue based on a document, and a discussion where you explain and defend your ideas.
Scoring criteria and what examiners look for
Each skill is marked out of 25 points, for a total of 100 points. To pass, you need:
- 50/100 overall
- At least 5/25 in each section
Examiners focus on:
- Clarity of communication: can your message be understood?
- Task completion: did you answer what was asked?
- Coherence and structure: are your ideas logically organised?
- Range and accuracy: appropriate vocabulary and grammar for B1 level
Duration and structure of each section
The written sections are usually taken together, while the speaking exam may be on the same day or a different date. Time management is crucial so practising under exam conditions is key to performing well on the day.
- Listening: ~25 minutes
- Reading: ~35 minutes
- Writing: ~45 minutes
- Speaking: 10–15 minutes (plus preparation time)
Setting Clear Goals for DELF B1
Preparing for the DELF B1 is far more effective when your study has a clear direction.
Goals give your revision purpose, help you stay motivated, and ensure your effort matches the level the exam actually requires.
Instead of studying “more French”, you focus on passing B1 successfully.
Importance of defining personal objectives
Everyone’s reason for taking the DELF B1 is different: work, studies, visas, or personal achievement. Defining your objective helps you decide how intensively to study and which skills need the most attention.
Clear objectives also prevent over-preparing in the wrong areas. For example, spending hours on advanced grammar won’t help if your weakest area is listening or speaking.
How to assess your current level of French
Before building a study plan, you need an honest picture of where you are now. The easiest way is to:
- Try a full B1-style practice test under timed conditions
- Review past writing or speaking samples for recurring mistakes
- Check whether you can explain opinions, narrate experiences, and follow everyday spoken French
Creating SMART goals for your study plan
SMART goals turn vague intentions into concrete action:
- Specific: “Improve B1 listening comprehension for conversations and interviews”
- Measurable: “Score at least 15/25 in listening practice tests”
- Achievable: Based on your timeframe and availability
- Relevant: Directly linked to DELF B1 tasks and criteria
- Time-bound: “Within 8 weeks before the exam”
Weekly Schedule
A clear weekly schedule keeps your DELF B1 preparation balanced and realistic. Instead of cramming or over-focusing on one skill, this structure ensures steady progress across listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
| Day | Focus Area | What to Study & Practise | Time |
| Monday | Listening | B1-style audio exercises, note main ideas, practise answering exam-style questions | 45–60 min |
| Tuesday | Reading | Articles, emails, or adverts; practise skimming, scanning, and comprehension questions | 45–60 min |
| Wednesday | Writing | One B1 writing task (opinion or narrative), focus on structure and connectors | 60 min |
| Thursday | Speaking | Opinion practice, short monologues, or mock oral questions (record yourself if needed) | 45–60 min |
| Friday | Grammar & Vocab | Core B1 grammar, useful connectors, topic-based vocabulary | 30–45 min |
| Saturday | Exam Practice | Timed practice for one exam section or a mini mock test | 60–90 min |
| Sunday | Review & Light Exposure | Review mistakes, revise vocabulary, light French (podcast, video, reading for pleasure) | 30–45 min |
Creating a Study Schedule
A strong DELF B1 study schedule is realistic, balanced, and sustainable. The goal isn’t to study as much as possible, but to study consistently and with purpose
A clear timetable helps you avoid last-minute cramming and ensures steady progress across all exam skills.
Tips for developing a realistic and effective study timetable
A good study timetable should support your progress, not overwhelm you. The most effective plans are built around consistency, clarity, and your real-life constraints.
- Base your timetable on the time you actually have, not what you wish you had
- Study little and often rather than relying on long, irregular sessions
- Assign specific tasks to each session instead of vague goals
- Keep sessions focused (30–60 minutes works best for most learners)
- Schedule study at the same times each week to build a habit
- Leave buffer time for missed sessions or unexpected interruptions
- Review and adjust your timetable weekly based on what’s working
Balancing study time across all four components
The DELF B1 exam gives equal weight to listening, reading, writing, and speaking, so your schedule should reflect that. It’s tempting to focus on comfortable skills and avoid weaker ones, but imbalance is a common reason candidates fall short.
Aim to practise each skill at least once per week. If one area is significantly weaker, increase its frequency slightly. Balanced exposure builds overall confidence and prevents surprise weaknesses on exam day.
Incorporating breaks and review sessions
Breaks are part of effective studying, not a reward for finishing. Short pauses help concentration and reduce mental fatigue, especially during listening and writing practice.
Equally important is review time. Set aside regular sessions to analyse mistakes, rewrite corrected work, and recycle vocabulary. This is where real improvement happens.
Resources for DELF B1 Preparation
Using the right resources can dramatically improve the quality of your DELF B1 preparation.
Instead of jumping between random materials, focus on tools that reflect the exam format, reinforce core skills, and expose you to real French as it’s actually used.
Recommended textbooks and online courses
Choosing the right textbooks and courses gives structure to your DELF B1 preparation and helps you focus on what the exam actually tests. The best resources combine clear explanations, exam-style tasks, and opportunities for guided practice.
- DELF B1 preparation books with full mock exams and model answers
- Textbooks that explain marking criteria and common examiner expectations
- Grammar and writing-focused books designed specifically for B1 level
- Online courses that follow the DELF exam format step by step
Useful apps and websites for practice
Apps and websites are ideal for reinforcing skills between study sessions and maintaining daily exposure to French.
Used consistently, they support listening, vocabulary, and grammar without feeling overwhelming.
- Apps for short daily listening and vocabulary practice
- Websites offering B1-level reading and listening exercises
- Platforms with DELF-style practice questions and timed tasks
- Tools that allow you to track progress and revisit weak areas
- Audio-based resources to train comprehension at natural speed
Importance of authentic materials (films, music, news articles)
Authentic materials bridge the gap between exam French and real-world French. Films, music, podcasts, and news articles train your ear to natural speed, accents, and everyday phrasing.
They also improve comprehension without translation and build confidence. Even short, regular exposure helps your brain adapt to French as a living language, not just an exam subject.
Practising Listening Skills
Listening is one of the most challenging parts of the DELF B1.
Not because the language is advanced, but because it’s fast, natural, and once-only.
Regular, focused practice trains your ear to follow meaning rather than individual words, which is exactly what the exam requires.
Strategies for improving listening comprehension
Effective listening practice is active, not passive. The aim is to understand ideas, opinions, and context, even when some words are unfamiliar.
- Focus on the general meaning before worrying about details
- Learn to recognise common B1 connectors and opinion markers
- Practise listening to different voices, speeds, and accents
- Replay recordings with a clear goal (main idea, attitude, details)
- Accept partial understanding, comprehension improves through exposure
- Practise with exam-style questions to build confidence under pressure
Recommended podcasts, videos, and audio resources
Using real, recognisable resources makes listening practice more effective and motivating. The options below are well-suited to DELF B1 level, combining clear speech, structured content, and realistic French.
Learner-friendly French podcasts (B1 level)
- InnerFrench: Clear, well-paced French with explanations aimed at intermediate learners
- Français Facile: Short episodes designed specifically for learners, ideal for exam prep
- Coffee Break French (intermediate episodes): Structured listening with guided explanations
Short news clips with clear structure
- RFI – Journal en français facile: Excellent for B1 listening with predictable vocabulary and topics
- TV5 Monde – Apprendre le français: Short reports with exercises and transcripts
Interviews and explainer videos
- Arte – short documentaries and explainers: Everyday topics with clear argument structure
- Vox-style explainer videos in French (social issues, culture, daily life)
DELF-style listening exercises with transcripts
- Official DELF B1 preparation books with audio CDs or downloads
- TV5 Monde: exercices B1 (listening + comprehension tasks)
- Sample papers from France Éducation international
YouTube channels for intermediate French
- Français avec Pierre: Clear explanations and natural speech
- Learn French with Alexa: Structured videos suitable for B1 learners
- Easy French: Authentic spoken French with subtitles
Tips for taking effective notes during listening exercises
Good note-taking supports comprehension. It shouldn’t distract you from listening. The goal is to capture meaning, not full sentences.
- Write keywords, names, numbers, and dates only
- Use symbols or abbreviations to save time
- Organise notes by question or speaker
- Leave space to add details during the second listening
- Avoid translating – write in French where possible
Enhancing Reading Comprehension
Strong reading skills are essential for the DELF B1. You’re not tested on translating every word. Your ability to understand meaning, identify key information, and interpret viewpoints.
With the right techniques, reading becomes faster, clearer, and far less stressful.
Techniques for reading practice
Effective reading starts with a strategy. Different texts require different approaches, and knowing how to adjust your reading style saves time and improves accuracy.
- Skimming: Read quickly to grasp the main idea, topic, and tone of the text. Focus on titles, subtitles, introductions, and conclusions.
- Scanning: Look for specific information such as names, dates, numbers, or keywords linked to a question.
- Read questions before the text to guide your attention
- Don’t stop for every unknown word – infer meaning from context
- Pay attention to connectors and opinion markers, which signal structure and argument
Suggested reading materials
Choosing the right materials makes reading practice more productive and enjoyable. At B1 level, texts should be authentic but accessible.
- Short news articles on everyday topics
- Opinion pieces with clear arguments
- Blog posts, emails, or informal letters
- Adapted short stories written for intermediate learners
- Informational texts related to daily life, culture, or society
How to summarise and analyse texts
Summarising reinforces comprehension and prepares you for both writing and speaking tasks.
- Identify the main idea and supporting points
- Answer three questions: What is the text about? What is the author’s purpose? What is their opinion?
- Write short summaries in your own words, ideally in French
- Note key vocabulary and useful expressions
- Analyse tone (neutral, persuasive, critical) rather than focusing on grammar
Developing Writing Skills
Writing in the DELF B1 is about clear structure and effective communication, not advanced language.
Examiners want to see that you can organise ideas, express opinions, and complete the task appropriately.
With regular practice and focused revision, writing becomes one of the most controllable parts of the exam.
Types of writing tasks in the DELF B1 exam
The writing task usually requires a text of around 160–180 words. Common task types include:
- Giving your opinion on a familiar topic
- Explaining a personal experience or situation
- Writing a formal or informal letter or email
- Arguing for or against an idea with reasons and examples
Tips for structuring essays and responses
A clear structure makes your writing easier to follow and improves your score.
- Start with a short introduction that clearly answers the task
- Organise ideas into logical paragraphs
- Use simple connectors to link ideas (cause, contrast, sequence)
- Support opinions with reasons or examples
- End with a brief conclusion or closing statement
Importance of feedback and revision
Improvement in writing comes from reviewing mistakes, not just producing more texts. Feedback helps you identify recurring issues with structure, grammar, or clarity.
Rewriting corrected texts is especially powerful. It reinforces accurate language, improves confidence, and helps you avoid repeating the same errors.
Regular revision turns writing practice into long-term progress. That’s what leads to consistent results in the DELF B1 writing exam.
Mastering Speaking Skills
The speaking exam is often the most intimidating part of the DELF B1. It’s also one of the most predictable.
You’re not expected to sound native. You’re expected to communicate clearly, express opinions, and interact naturally.
With regular, targeted practice, speaking can become a strength rather than a weakness.
Strategies for improving speaking fluency and confidence
Fluency at B1 comes from regular use, not perfect accuracy. The aim is to keep speaking, even when you hesitate.
- Practise speaking aloud daily, even if you’re alone
- Focus on communicating ideas, not correcting every mistake
- Reuse familiar vocabulary and structures confidently
- Learn set phrases for giving opinions and explanations
- Record yourself to identify habits and track progress
Role-playing and conversation practice with peers
Speaking with others simulates real exam conditions and builds interaction skills.
- Practise common exam scenarios (agreeing, disagreeing, explaining)
- Take turns asking and answering questions
- Keep conversations structured and on topic
- Ask partners to challenge your opinions politely
- Practise time limits to match exam conditions
Tips for the oral exam: common topics and preparation techniques
The DELF B1 oral exam often focuses on everyday and social topics.
Common themes include:
- Work and studies
- Travel and daily life
- Technology and media
- Environment and society
- Hobbies, health, and lifestyle
Preparation tips:
- Practise short monologues based on simple documents
- Prepare flexible opinion phrases you can reuse
- Learn to ask for clarification if needed
- Practise structuring answers (opinion → reason → example)
Prepare for the DELF B1 FAQs
What level of French do I need to pass the DELF B1?
You need an intermediate (B1) level, meaning you can understand the main points of everyday topics, express opinions, explain experiences, and interact – even if you still make mistakes.
How long does it take to prepare for the DELF B1?
Most learners need 2–4 months of focused preparation, depending on their starting level and study time. Consistent practice across all four skills matters more than total hours.
Can I pass the DELF B1 without perfect grammar?
Yes. Examiners expect mistakes at the B1 level. What matters is clear communication, logical structure, and completing the task. Errors only affect your score if they block understanding.
Is the DELF B1 certificate recognised internationally?
Yes. The DELF B1 is an official qualification issued by France Éducation international and is recognised worldwide. It is also valid for life.
What is the most difficult part of the DELF B1 exam?
This varies by learner, but listening and speaking are often the most challenging due to time pressure and natural speech speed. Regular, exam-style practice makes a significant difference.