DELF A1, A2, B1 or B2: Which Level Should You Prepare For?

Explore the differences between DELF levels, the skills you need at each stage, and how to choose the right French exam for your goals.

Thinking about taking a French exam but unsure whether to choose DELF A1, A2, B1 or B2?

The right choice depends on three things: your current French skills, what you need the diploma for, and how much preparation time you have.

A1 is the first step for beginners. A2 focuses on simple everyday exchanges. B1 requires more independent communication, while B2 involves explaining and defending ideas in greater detail.

You do not have to take every exam in order. However, you do need the language skills required for the level you choose.

What Is DELF, and How Do the Levels Work?

DELF stands for Diplôme d’études en langue française. It is an official diploma issued by the French Ministry of Education.

There are four independent DELF diplomas: A1, A2, B1 and B2. They follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, usually called the CEFR.

You choose your exam level when you register. For example, if you register for DELF B1, you take a B1 exam. Your result determines whether you pass that qualification; it does not automatically give you an A2 or B2 diploma.

Every DELF level assesses four skills:

• Listening: understanding spoken French.

• Reading: understanding written French.

• Writing: communicating through written tasks.

• Speaking: expressing yourself and interacting in French.

Your level may differ between skills. You might speak comfortably but struggle to understand recordings, or read well but need support with writing.

DELF A1: Basic French for Beginners

Choose A1 as a learning target if you are building your first practical French skills.

At this level, you can communicate about yourself and your immediate needs using short, simple sentences. Conversations usually depend on the other person speaking slowly and helping when necessary.

What Should You Be Able to Do?

You should be able to:

• Introduce yourself and share basic personal details.

• Ask someone their name, age, nationality or address.

• Understand familiar words in short, clear speech.

• Read simple signs, notices and short messages.

• Fill in a form and write a brief personal message.

What Does A1 Look Like in Real Life?

You can say:

“Je m’appelle Clara. Je suis indonésienne. J’habite à Batam et j’apprends le français.”

“My name is Clara. I am Indonesian. I live in Batam, and I am learning French.”

You can also answer simple questions about your family, work and interests.

What Should You Practise?

Focus on introductions, numbers, dates, everyday questions and useful vocabulary. Practise listening as well as speaking: understanding a question is just as important as knowing your answer.

A1 may be suitable if: you have recently started French and want a structured first milestone.

DELF A2: French for Familiar Everyday Situations

Choose A2 if you can manage basic introductions and are ready for longer everyday exchanges.

At A2, you can exchange straightforward information about familiar topics. You still use relatively simple language, but you can say more about your routine, experiences and needs.

What Should You Be Able to Do?

You should be able to:

• Describe your family, home, work and daily routine.

• Ask for information when shopping or travelling.

• Arrange a meeting or accept an invitation.

• Describe a past event in simple terms.

• Write short personal messages and practical emails.

What Does A2 Look Like in Real Life?

Instead of only saying that you like travelling, you can explain a recent trip:

“Le week-end dernier, je suis allée à Singapour avec ma famille. Nous avons visité un musée et mangé au restaurant.”

“Last weekend, I went to Singapore with my family. We visited a museum and ate at a restaurant.”

What Is the Difference Between A1 and A2?

At A1, you exchange basic facts. At A2, you can connect simple sentences and provide more information.

For example:

A1: “I live in Batam.”

A2: “I live in Batam with my family. I work during the week, and we usually go out on Sundays.”

A2 may be suitable if: you can handle short conversations but still struggle to explain opinions or keep an unfamiliar discussion going.

DELF B1: French for Independent Communication

Choose B1 if you can already communicate about familiar subjects and want to explain yourself more independently.

At this level, you move beyond short answers. You can describe experiences, explain plans, give reasons and deal with many situations that arise during travel.

What Should You Be Able to Do?

You should be able to:

• Follow the main points of clear speech on familiar subjects.

• Describe experiences, ambitions and future plans.

• Explain a problem and suggest a solution.

• Give an opinion with reasons and examples.

• Write a connected text with a clear sequence of ideas.

What Does B1 Look Like in Real Life?

Someone asks whether students should have part-time jobs. You can explain your position:

“I think part-time work can help students become more independent. They learn to manage money and gain experience. However, they should limit their working hours so they have enough time to study.”

You may hesitate or make mistakes, but you can communicate a connected message.

What Is the Difference Between A2 and B1?

At A2, you mainly describe and exchange information. At B1, you begin to explain why, organise your ideas and respond when the conversation becomes less predictable.

B1 preparation should include connected writing, spontaneous speaking and strategies for explaining a word you cannot remember.

B1 may be suitable if: you can hold familiar conversations and express simple opinions, but need more confidence, structure and accuracy.

DELF B2: French for Detailed Discussion and Argument

Choose B2 if you already communicate independently and need to develop more detailed, well-supported ideas.

B2 requires you to discuss a wider range of subjects, understand more complex material and defend a point of view.

What Should You Be Able to Do?

You should be able to:

• Understand the main ideas of complex spoken and written material.

• Discuss both familiar topics and broader social issues.

• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different options.

• Support an opinion with reasons and relevant examples.

• Respond to opposing views and follow-up questions.

• Write clear, detailed and organised texts.

What Does B2 Look Like in Real Life?

Instead of simply stating that remote work is convenient, you can examine the issue:

“Remote work can reduce commuting time and give employees greater flexibility. However, it may also weaken communication within a team. A hybrid arrangement could offer a balance, although its success depends on the role and how the organisation manages collaboration.”

The key is your ability to develop an argument and respond to different perspectives.

What Is the Difference Between B1 and B2?

At B1, you can give an opinion and explain your main reasons. At B2, you develop that opinion more fully, consider alternatives and defend your reasoning.

B2 may be suitable if: you can already discuss different subjects in French, but need to improve argumentation, precision and performance under exam conditions.

B2 does not mean perfect French. You can still make mistakes while communicating effectively.

Which DELF Level Should You Choose for Your Goal?

For a First French Qualification

A1 or A2 can provide a manageable milestone, depending on your current skills.

You do not need to register for an exam immediately after starting lessons. Build your foundation first, then use sample tasks to assess readiness.

For Everyday Life and Travel

A2 is a useful learning target for routine exchanges. B1 develops greater independence when you need to explain a problem, describe an experience or handle an unexpected situation.

These are practical learning goals; they are not statements about immigration requirements.

For Studying in French

Check the language requirements of your exact course and institution before booking an exam.

Do not assume that every programme accepts the same DELF level. Confirm the required qualification, minimum level and submission deadline directly with the admissions team.

For Work

Start with the communication your target job requires.

A role involving detailed meetings, client discussions or written reports demands more French than one involving predictable everyday exchanges. Ask the employer whether it requires a specific qualification.

Can You Skip DELF Levels?

Yes. You do not need to pass A1 before taking A2, B1 or B2. The diplomas are independent.

For example, someone who has learned French for several years may register directly for B1 if their skills are sufficient.

However, skipping an exam does not remove the need to learn the language taught at earlier stages. B1 communication still depends on foundations such as asking questions, describing events and connecting sentences.

How Can You Check Whether You Are Ready?

1. Try Tasks at Your Intended Level

Use official sample materials from France Éducation international.

Attempt the listening, reading, writing and speaking tasks. Looking at a reading exercise alone will not give you a complete picture.

2. Work Under Timed Conditions

Try the tasks without repeatedly pausing recordings, translating every sentence or checking a dictionary.

This helps you distinguish between understanding French with support and using it independently during an exam.

3. Get Feedback on Speaking and Writing

Ask a teacher familiar with DELF to assess your responses.

Useful feedback should explain whether you completed the task, communicated clearly, organised your ideas and used language appropriate to the level.

4. Look for Consistent Performance

One strong practice result is encouraging, but it should not be your only evidence.

You should be able to complete different tasks at the same level, including unfamiliar topics, without relying on memorised answers.

How Long Does DELF Preparation Take?

There is no single preparation time that suits everyone.

Your timeline depends on your starting level, study routine, exposure to French and the amount of feedback you receive.

It helps to separate two stages:

Building your French level: developing the vocabulary, grammar and communication skills you need.

Preparing for the exam: learning the task formats, managing time and practising how to demonstrate those skills.

If your French is already close to the target level, focused exam preparation may be enough. If there are major gaps, you will need broader language learning first.

An eight-week course, for example, should have a clear starting-level expectation. Its duration alone does not tell you which DELF level you will be ready to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which DELF Level Should a Complete Beginner Aim For?

A1 is the first DELF level. Begin with basic communication skills, then introduce exam practice as your French develops.

Should I Take A2 or B1?

Consider A2 if you can manage short, practical exchanges but struggle to explain ideas. Consider B1 if you can describe experiences, connect sentences and support opinions with simple reasons.

Use sample tasks and teacher feedback to make the final decision.

Can I Take B2 Without a B1 Diploma?

Yes. You can register directly for B2 because the DELF diplomas are independent. You still need the language skills required to complete B2 tasks.

Does a DELF Diploma Expire?

No. DELF diplomas are valid for life. Continuing to use French will help you maintain the skills your diploma represents.

Is B2 the Highest French Level?

No. B2 is the highest DELF level. The CEFR continues to C1 and C2, which are covered by DALF qualifications.

Should I Choose an Easier Exam to Be Sure I Pass?

Choose a level that serves your goal and matches your readiness. A lower-level diploma can be a useful milestone, but it may not meet the requirement of your intended course or application.

Start With the Right Level and a Realistic Plan

Your next step is to check your current skills across listening, reading, writing and speaking. Then choose a target that fits both your goal and your preparation time.

Not sure where to begin? Contact The Vortex to discuss your French-learning goals and find a suitable starting point for French lessons or DELF preparation.