DELF B2 formal letter: structure, example and set phrases

The DELF B2 formal letter is the most frequent text type in the writing paper. In five of our six practice tests, you are asked to write to the mayor or to a management team to defend a position. The marker expects an argued text, but also the conventions of a French letter.

This guide covers the structure, the set phrases to know, an annotated plan on a real topic and the mistakes that cost points. For the general method, read our guide to DELF B2 writing too.

What the task expects

The task describes a situation: a town-hall project, a decision by your company, a change at your local library. You write as the representative of a group, to state your position and try to convince the recipient.

Three things are assessed from the start: the recipient, your role and your goal. Underline them before writing. A well-written text addressed to the wrong person loses points on task completion.

The structure of a DELF B2 formal letter

1. The header

Top left: your first name, surname and address. Below, on the right: the recipient's name or title and address. Then the place and date: « Lyon, le 12 octobre 2026 ». Keep it simple: the marker checks that you know the conventions, not your real address.

2. The subject line

One line summing up why you are writing: « Objet : projet de transformation de la place centrale en parking ». It helps the marker immediately.

3. The salutation

« Monsieur le Maire, », « Madame la Directrice, » or « Madame, Monsieur, » if you don't know the name. No « Bonjour » and no « Cher Monsieur » in a letter of complaint.

4. The introduction

Introduce yourself in one sentence, recall the project and state your position clearly. The reader must know in the first paragraph whether you are for, against or in favour with conditions.

5. The body

Two or three arguments, one paragraph each. Each argument is backed by a concrete example. Add a concession to show you know the other side: « Certes, la circulation est difficile, mais… ».

6. The proposal and conclusion

Suggest a realistic solution: a residents' consultation, a compromise, a six-month trial. Then conclude by restating your request.

7. The closing formula and signature

« Je vous prie d'agréer, Monsieur le Maire, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées. » Repeat the same salutation as at the start. Then sign with your first name and surname.

An example plan on a real topic

In test no. 1, the town hall wants to turn part of the central square into a car park. You represent the neighbourhood's residents. Here is a possible plan for a DELF B2 formal letter against the project:

Part	Content
Subject	Car-park project on the central square
Introduction	Representative of the residents' committee; we have learned of the project; we oppose it.
Argument 1	The square is a place to live: market, children's games, neighbours meeting.
Argument 2	More parking attracts more cars: pollution and noise.
Concession	Shopkeepers do suffer from a lack of spaces; however, other solutions exist.
Proposal	A park-and-ride at the edge of town and a free Saturday shuttle.
Conclusion	Request a public meeting before any decision.

Set phrases to know

• Stating your role: « En tant que représentant de l'association des usagers… »
• Stating your position: « Nous tenons à vous faire part de notre opposition à ce projet. »
• Arguing: « D'une part… d'autre part… », « En outre… », « De plus… »
• Conceding: « Certes…, mais… », « Il est vrai que… ; néanmoins… »
• Proposing: « Ne serait-il pas possible de… ? », « Nous vous suggérons de… »
• Concluding: « Dans l'attente de votre réponse, … », « Nous restons à votre disposition pour… »

Vary your linking words: the marker assesses coherence and range of vocabulary. Avoid repeating « et » or « aussi » in every sentence.

Mistakes that cost points

1. Missing part of the task, such as the requested proposal.
2. Switching register: using « tu » or an informal expression.
3. A closing formula that doesn't match the salutation.
4. Fewer than 250 words: the text is penalised on several criteria.
5. Arguments without examples: the letter sounds vague and unconvincing.

Practising the DELF B2 formal letter

Read the task twice, plan for five minutes, write for forty minutes and keep ten minutes to proofread. Check agreements, tenses and set phrases.

Practise on our DELF B2 sample papers: five of them ask for a formal letter, with a word counter and the official grid. You can also write freely in the writing studio.

For an overview of the exam, see the France Education international website and our DELF B2 exam guide.