Have I Reached the B1 Level in French? How to know ?

If you are learning French and wondering whether you have reached the B1 level, you are not alone. This is one of the most common questions French learners ask themselves !

The CEFRL (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 are used throughout Europe (and beyond) to describe language proficiency. These levels provide structure for language courses, exams, and learning programs, and they are also essential for official purposes like visa applications, university admissions, or job qualifications.

In this article, I will help you understand what B1 really means in practice, how to know if you have reached it, and what to do next if you are close but not quite there yet.

What Does B1 Mean?

B1 is the “intermediate” level, the point where you are no longer a beginner but not quite an advanced speaker yet. It’s a crucial stage because it marks your ability to function more independently in the language, especially in real life situations.

At the B1 level, you can:

• Describe events and experiences from the past

• Make future plans and predictions

• Give advice and suggestions

• Talk about your hobbies, work, studies, and everyday life

• Handle situations that are likely to occur while traveling

• Express your opinions, dreams, hopes, and feelings

• Justify your views with explanations or examples

To do all that, you need a solid foundation in vocabulary, grammar, and the 4 language skills: Speaking, Writing,Listening, and Reading

Grammar and Vocabulary at B1 Level:

Reaching B1 means you have moved beyond simple present tense sentences and can now express more nuanced ideas using:

• Past tenses (passé composé, imparfait)

• Future tenses (futur proche and futur simple)

• Conditional to give advice or in polite situations

• Subjunctive, at least in common expressions (e.g., il faut que, j’aimerais que, etc.)

• Pronouns, connectors, comparisons, and more

You will also have acquired a working vocabulary for everyday themes like food, health, travel, shopping, work, and social life. You may still make mistakes, but your message is usually clear and understandable.

Why B1 Matters:

B1 is more than a label. It’s often:

• A requirement for French nationality (changing to B2 in 2026)

• Necessary for visa or residence permit applications in France

• A milestone before moving on to academic or professional studies

• A stepping stone to confidence and fluency in the language

If you are preparing for the DELF B1 (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française), the B1 exam tests your ability to perform all the tasks described above in realistic contexts.

How to Know if you have reached B1?

✅ You can have a conversation in French about every day or familiar topics without struggling to find words

✅ You understand the main ideas of simple articles, videos and conversations about familiar topics

✅You can travel to France or to a French speaking country and be able to handle any situation or problem
✅ You can write a simple letter, email, or story using correct tenses, spelling and grammar.
✅ You can describe a personal experience or express your opinion with supporting arguments about familiar topics.

Still unsure? You can take my free level test (created and corrected by me, not AI!) to assess whether you are at B1 or still need some work:

👉 Take the B1 Level Test Here :

https://frenchwithmarionlim.com/french_exam_Form.html

Not quite there yet? Join my B1 Review Course this Summer!

Many learners are stuck somewhere between A2 and B1 or B1 and B2 or feel like they are “sort of B1” but not fully confident. That’s exactly why I created my B1 Review Course, a summer program designed to help you:

✔️ Review key grammar and vocabulary
✔️ Practice all 4 language skills in context
✔️ Prepare for the DELF or TCF B1 exam
✔️ Build confidence in your speaking and writing

📩 Contact me directly if you are interested or want more information !

For courses specifically designed to prepare for the DELF B1 :

https://frenchwithmarionlim.com/french_exam.html

B1 is a big milestone in your French learning journey. It represents independence, confidence, and the ability to live and function in a French speaking environment. Even if you are not there yet, with the right guidance and practice, you can reach the level, sooner than you think!

If you would like to stay updated on French learning tips, course news, and more, follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn, or check out my website:

https://frenchwithmarionlim.com/