What is the difference between B1 and B2 levels ?

If you are learning a language, you have probably heard terms like A1, B1, or C2. But what do they actually mean?

These levels come from the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). They help teachers and learners to clearly identify where someone is in their language journey. They also guide the development of teaching materials and assessments.

Let’s focus on B1 and B2, which are both part of the intermediate levels.

But what is the real difference between them?

And how can you tell if you are B1 or B2?

1. B1: The first step into intermediate

At the B1 level, you can finally communicate comfortably in everyday situations and express most of what you want to say.

• You can travel with ease.

• You can speak about the past, present, and future.

• You can express wishes, hopes, and discuss what is possible, impossible, certain, or uncertain.

Grammar and tenses in B1:

At this level, you can confidently use :

• Le passé composé and l’imparfait

• Le présent

• L’impératif

• Le futur proche and le futur simple

• Le conditionnel présent

You’re also beginning to understand and use:

• Le subjonctif présent

• Le conditionnel passé

• Le plus-que-parfait

However, these more complex tenses may still be under development.

Grammar skills:

By B1, you have covered most essential grammar rules related to nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and more.

You can form more complex sentences using:

• Relative pronouns (qui, que, où, lequel…)

• Linking expressions for cause, consequence, contrast, and purpose.

In short, B1 is the door to real communication! You can say almost anything, but not always with precision.

You might still struggle with more abstract or nuanced conversations.

2. B2: Expressing yourself clearly and accurately

B2 is the second stage of the intermediate level. It’s a challenging and often lengthy phase : it can take 1 to 3 years to complete, depending on your learning style and consistency.

At this stage:

• Everything from B1 is now fully mastered.

• You speak with greater fluency and accuracy.

• You can participate in complex conversations on a wide variety of topics.

Key skill at B2: Expressing opinions

A big focus at B2 is opinion expression :

• You can give your views on current events, society, culture, etc.

• You can debate, compare ideas, and justify your perspective.

• You can structure arguments with clarity and logical flow.

You will now go beyond basic connectors like donc or alors and use more advanced expressions like:

• ainsi, en conséquence, à tel point que (for consequence)

• bien que, quoique (for concession)

• dans le but de, afin que (for goals)

In B2, your vocabulary expands significantly, and your speech and writing become more formal and precise.

3. Moving from B1 to B2 (and the Plateau)

As mentioned, B2 is a long journey. Many learners experience what we call “le plateau” : a frustrating stage where you feel stuck, even though you know a lot.

My advice as a French teacher:

• Don’t stop lessons after B1. Being intermediate does not mean you no longer need professional guidance.

• Immerse yourself in French. At B2, vocabulary from many different fields is essential. Read news articles, books, blogs. Listen to podcasts, radio, and songs. Watch videos, films, and documentaries.

• Speak regularly. Discuss a variety of topics. Get to know French culture and customs deeply.

• Keep working on grammar and writing. These skills are vital at B2 for accuracy and fluency.

• Stay motivated. B2 is demanding, but with the right plan, anyone can progress to C1!

4. B1 vs B2 in the DELF exams

Let’s look at how B1 and B2 differ in the official DELF exams :

Listening & Reading:

• B2 texts and audios are longer, denser, and more complex than B1.

Writing:

• B1: One written task (minimum 160 words), often a letter

• B2: One written task of at least 250 words, requiring you to express an opinion clearly. You may be asked to write a formal letter, an essay, or an article.

Speaking:

• B1: Includes personal introductions and role-plays.

• But for B2 you will do a structured oral presentation followed by a debate with the examiner. No more role-plays, you need to argue a viewpoint clearly and logically.

5. Conclusion: There is a real gap between B1 and B2

The French government recently updated the language requirements for citizenship:

• B1 is required in 2025

• B2 will be required starting from 2026

Don’t underestimate the gap between these two levels. Going from B1 to B2 takes time, effort, and consistency.

It’s possible to do it alone, but it will be longer and harder.

Make the smart choice: join my B2 courses !

They are organized, structured, and designed to give you all the tools you need to succeed.

Already at B2 and planning to take the DELF B2?

Check out my DELF B2 preparation program ! In just 6 weeks, you will practice every part of the exam and be fully prepared to pass with confidence !

Check my website and contact me for more information : https://frenchwithmarionlim.com/