What is a B1 level in French?

When you are making progress in a language, there are certain certifications that allow you to measure your progress. One of them is the CERF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Which divides the progress you make into the following categories:

A1 - Beginner

A2 - Elementary

B1 - Intermediate

B2 - Upper-intermediate

C1 - Advanced

C2 - Proficient

Today we’ll focus on the B1 level.

What is a B1 French level?

If you get to this point, you'll be able to construct more complicated sentences in order to communicate.

You can write a concise and coherent text about a topic you like and have knowledge about. Can tell a story about an event or a personal experience, and explain why or how a project or concept came to be.

You can comprehend the major points of plain standard speech on topics that you are familiar with. at job, school, or hobbies. 

Most situations that arise when traveling in a location where the language is spoken can be handled. 

It’s important to mention that each level can be evaluated into the following categories:

Listening: You’ll be able to understand the main points from a normal conversation about familiar topics like family, work, and hobbies. As well as understanding the language in many situations and locations.

Speaking: You’ll be able to engage in conversations about regular topics with most native speakers and they’ll be able to understand you properly.

Writing: You can write texts about yourself and the things that interest you. If you research a topic thoughtfully, you’ll be able to synthesize the information accordingly.

Reading: You will be able to read texts like magazines, newspapers, and blog articles. You can start reading easygoing books with no specific or scientific information.

Why is having a B1 level in French important?

A B1 French level can be really useful since most abroad educative programs will ask you for this level in order to accept you to go there study.

With a B1 level in French, you are no longer a beginner, you can now express yourself and your point of view, and visiting a French-speaking country will be a whole new experience, you’ll be able to properly communicate with the people around you, your learning experience will be more much richer, and as you learn more about the country and its culture your French will get better too.

How can I certify a B1 French level?

You have to certify your French level with the proper organization. The French Ministry of Education awards the official diplomas DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) and the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi en Langue Française) are the most important and more accepted ones. In the case of B1, The DELF certificate is the one to prepare for.

The DELF test for a B1 French level will be divided into four evaluations, writing, reading, speaking, and listening.

You’ll receive your results within a month, and the certificate will last for life, so don’t worry about timing when to take it.

Where can I prepare for the DELF B1 French level test?

The Alliance Française Silicon Valley can prepare you for your B1 French certification, through private tuition. This personalized training and flexible scheduling method is a great way to get ready before your exam. Visit our website for more details or contact us at info@afscv.org.

When will be the next period for B1 certifications?

You can find all the information on our DELF DALF information page.

So, as a summary, among the skills required to have a B1 French level certificate, you should be able to:

1. Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
   
2. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
   
3. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
   
4. Can describe experiences, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
   
5. Can understand the main points of many radio or TV programs on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.
   
6. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
   
7. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
   
8. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
   
9. Have a good control of grammar, vocabulary, and idiomatic expressions.
   
10. Can make short presentations on familiar topics as well as explain a process or describe an object or a graph.
    

It's worth noting that the proficiency levels are not absolute and different examination boards may have slightly different requirements.

^{By Alejandro Ramirez G}