The DELF B2 at a glance
The DELF B2 (Diplôme d'études en langue française) certifies level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is awarded by France Education international (formerly CIEP) for the French Ministry of Education, in the same family as the DELF B1 and the DALF C1.
A B2 candidate understands the main ideas of complex texts, argues a point of view and interacts with native speakers with ease. It is often the level required to study at a French university, obtain French citizenship or work in a French-speaking environment.
- papers marked out of 25
- 4papers marked out of 25
- points in total
- 100points in total
- group papers + speaking
- ≈ 3 h 20group papers + speaking
- the diploma never expires
- For lifethe diploma never expires
The 4 DELF B2 papers
The three group papers (listening, reading and writing) are taken back to back on the same day — 2 h 30 in total. The speaking test is individual and often scheduled on another day.
Listening (compréhension de l'oral)
Three exercises on five recordings (radio programmes, interviews, debates). All questions are multiple choice. Long recordings are played twice, short ones once.
Tip: Read the questions before each recording and note the key words: they tell you what to listen for.
Reading (compréhension des écrits)
Three exercises on authentic texts: two press articles and a forum where several people give their opinion. Multiple-choice and matching questions.
Tip: Identify the author's position and the structure of the text before looking for details.
Writing (production écrite)
An argued text of at least 250 words — article, formal letter, essay or forum contribution — on a social issue. A text that is far too short is heavily penalised.
Tip: Keep 5 minutes to proofread: agreements, linking words and punctuation.
Speaking (production orale)
Based on a short prompt document, you present and defend a viewpoint (monologue), then debate it with the examiner (interaction).
Tip: Announce your outline in the introduction and back each argument with a concrete example.
Marking and pass mark
Each paper is marked out of 25, for a total out of 100. To obtain the DELF B2 you need both:
- at least 50/100 overall;
- at least 5/25 in each of the four papers — a lower mark is eliminatory, even if your total is above 50.
Two examples
- CO14/25
- CE16/25
- PE11/25
- PO13/25
54/100 and no paper below 5/25.
- CO22/25
- CE21/25
- PE4/25
- PO16/25
63/100, but 4/25 in writing: eliminatory mark.
The writing and speaking marking grids
The production papers are marked with an official 5-criterion grid, each criterion scored 0, 1, 3 or 5.
Writing
- Task completion
- Coherence and cohesion
- Sociolinguistic register
- Vocabulary (range and control)
- Grammar (morphosyntax)
Speaking
- Monologue: defending a viewpoint
- Interaction: debate with the examiner
- Vocabulary (range and control)
- Grammar (morphosyntax)
- Pronunciation and intonation
The new DELF B2 format: what changed
The reform changed the comprehension papers. Writing and speaking keep the same structure.
| Paper | Old format | New format |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 2 exercises, open questions and true/false with justification | 3 exercises, 5 recordings, 100% multiple choice |
| Reading | 2 texts, open questions | 3 exercises (press + opinion forum), 100% multiple choice |
| Writing | Argued text (250 words minimum) | Unchanged |
| Speaking | Presentation + debate, 30 min preparation | Unchanged |
Past papers from before the reform are still useful for writing and speaking, but not for comprehension.
DELF B2 tout public, junior, scolaire and Pro
Every version awards the same DELF B2 diploma with the same exam structure. Only the topics of the documents change.
- DELF B2 tout public
- For adults: study, citizenship, work. The most common version.
- DELF B2 junior
- For teenagers (about 12–17) registering at an exam centre, with age-appropriate topics.
- DELF B2 scolaire
- The junior version organised through schools and partner institutions.
- DELF B2 Pro
- To certify your French in a professional context.
Registration, dates and results
You register for the DELF B2 at an approved exam centre: an Institut français, an Alliance Française or another centre recognised by France Education international. Each centre sets its sessions, registration deadlines and fees, which vary by country.
On exam day, arrive early with photo ID. Results are released by the centre a few weeks after the session; a certificate of achievement is issued before the diploma itself.
You can retake the exam as many times as you need. To arrive ready, start with the free placement test, then practise with mock exams in the new format.
Questions about the exam
How long is the DELF B2 exam?
About 3 h 20 in total: 2 h 30 of group papers (30 min listening, 1 h reading, 1 h writing) and 20 minutes of speaking after 30 minutes of preparation.
What is an eliminatory mark in the DELF B2?
A mark below 5/25 in any of the four papers. It prevents you from obtaining the diploma, even if your total reaches 50/100.
How many words should I write in the writing paper?
At least 250 words. A text that is too short is penalised; a far too short text may receive 0 on every criterion.
Are DELF B2 past papers still useful?
For writing and speaking, yes. For comprehension, use papers in the new, fully multiple-choice format.
Does the DELF B2 junior lead to the same diploma?
Yes. The junior and scolaire versions award the same DELF B2 diploma as tout public; only the topics differ.
Can I take the DELF B2 without the B1?
Yes. Each diploma is independent: you can register directly for the DELF B2.
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