10 Tips to Pass and Succeed In The DELF B2 Exam
The DELF B2 (Diplôme d'études en langue française) is an internationally recognized French language diploma awarded by the French Ministry of National Education and is valid for life. This certification proves your ability to communicate fluently and effectively in French at an upper-intermediate level, making it highly valuable for academic pursuits and career opportunities.
Preparing for the DELF B2 exam requires strategy, consistent practice, and familiarity with the exam structure. This guide will provide you with 10 practical tips to help you succeed in all four sections of the test: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
With the right preparation methods and resources, you can boost your chances of passing the DELF B2 on the first attempt. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the best ways to prepare for the DELF B2 and maximize your score!
1. Know what is expected of you
Four skills are evaluated, each scored out of 25 points:
Group tests (with other candidates in a large room):
Written Production: 25 points
Written Comprehension: 25 points
Oral Comprehension: 25 points
Individual test (alone with two examiners in a small room):
Oral Production: 25 points
To pass, you need at least 50/100 overall. Beware: the minimum required is 5/25 per skill. For example, if you score 4/25 in Oral Production, you will fail even if your overall score exceeds 50.
In general, you should be able to:
Defend and develop your point of view with arguments and examples.
Express causes and consequences using linking words.
Talk about the advantages and disadvantages.
Understand a current affairs document
2. Familiarize yourself with the evaluation grids
Written Production Evaluation Grid:
Oral Production Evaluation Grid:
Old format (more detailed): DELF B2 Oral Production Evaluation Grid
3. Practice with real exam topics
Find complete topics with audio links, transcripts for oral comprehension, and answer keys here:
4. Train under real exam conditions
Do at least 2 full practice exams while respecting the allotted times:
Written Production (1 hour)
15-20 min: Brainstorm and note ideas.
30-35 min: Write on the official sheet (use an erasable pen).
10 min: Review and correct grammatical errors
Oral Production (30 min preparation for a 5-7 min speech):
Don’t try to write everything! Create a clear plan.
Write the intro and conclusion if it reassures you.
Develop 2-3 parts with 2-3 arguments and examples each.
Use your notes during the oral.
5. Improve oral and written comprehension
Read questions before listening or reading texts.
Identify synonyms and know that questions generally follow the text’s order.
Listen to French radio and read articles regularly.
Don’t panic if you don’t understand every word. Focus on the overall meaning and use context to guess unknown words.
For multiple-choice questions, rely on logic and synonyms.
6. Tips to enhance written production
Usually involves writing a formal letter to express disagreement with a project.
Memorize key phrases like:
"As a spokesperson for..., I am writing to share our concerns about..."Maintain a formal style (use "vous," avoid informal language).
Use logical connectors: firstly, moreover, however, on one hand/on the other hand, notably, finally, therefore...
Respect the word count and note it at the end.
Structure your text with clear paragraphs for each argument.
Review for grammar, agreements, verb tenses, and endings.
Showcase varied grammar (subjunctive, conditional, past tenses, pronouns, questions, negations, imperatives).
7. Improve oral production
For the presentation (5-7 min):
Pick one of two articles drawn at random.
Formulate a question if none is given (e.g., Should phones be banned in class?).
Follow the structure:
Introduction: state the question, outline your plan.
Development: 2-3 parts (advantages, disadvantages, examples).
Conclusion: avoid "that’s it"; say "In conclusion, to answer the initial question, I think...".
Vary opinion phrases (I believe that, it seems to me that, according to the article...).
Use the source document’s vocabulary.
Employ many connectors and varied grammar (imperatives, gerunds, various tenses).
For the debate with the jury (10-13 min)
Memorize key phrases (Indeed, you are right, however...).
Use varied opinion expressions.
Prepare examples (personal experience, current events, country context).
Listen to debates regularly.
8. What to bring on exam day
· Mandatory:
Erasable pen
Watch
ID card
· Optional:
Water bottle
Highlighters
Pencil
Note: Scratch paper will be provided (personal notes are not allowed).
9. Registering and choosing a date
The exam topics and evaluation grids are standardized across centers. Find the national calendar here:
France Education International - DELF DALF 2025 Calendar
Sample 2025 DELF B2 dates (Wednesdays, 2:00-4:30 pm):
March 12
May 21
June 18
July 23
August 20
October 8
November 5
December 3
In 2025: written exams shift to Wednesday afternoons. Oral tests are often on the same day but may vary.
Important: Registration closes about 5 weeks before the exam. Spots fill up fast—register early!
10. Choosing an exam center
Costs vary (approx. €170-€270).
Result times vary (7 to 60 days).
Need results quickly? Consider smaller centers outside Paris.
Main Parisian centers:
· Prosodia
· Thot
Centers in France:
France Education International - Centers in France
Centers Worldwide:
Centers Worldwide Map
Preparation for the DELF B2 with French à La Carte
Prepare for the DELF B2 with private lessons in Paris or online.
Since 2012, French à La Carte has been offering personalized courses tailored to each student’s needs. Our lessons focus on the skills you need to prioritize, helping you build confidence and succeed.
Preparing for the DELF B2 with French à La Carte means giving yourself the best chance to pass the exam with ease and peace of mind.