Free Practice Questions for DELF B1

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card

140+ Questions

100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française)

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Exam Review

Key Facts: DELF B1 Exam

DELF B1 is administered by France Éducation international (FEI) on behalf of the French Ministry of National Education.

The DELF B1 diploma is valid for life and recognised in over 175 countries for academic, professional and immigration purposes.

Passing requires at least 50/100 overall and a minimum of 5/25 in each of the four sections — any section below 5 is eliminatory.

Since the 2020 FEI reform, DELF B1 comprehension papers use closed-response items only — three-option multiple choice, true/false and matching grids — with no written answers or quoted justifications.

The collective written tests last 1 hour 55 minutes: 25 minutes listening, 45 minutes reading, and 45 minutes writing.

The oral production test lasts about 15 minutes and comprises a guided interview, a role-play and a point-of-view presentation; the 10 minutes of preparation apply only to the third part.

Candidates have a right to double marking: two correctors for the collective papers and two examiners for the individual oral test.

Under the French rules in force since 1 January 2026, DELF B1 proves the B1 level required for a first 10-year carte de résident; naturalisation now requires B2.

DELF B1 is France's official CEFR B1 French diploma, valid for life, covering listening, reading, writing and speaking, with closed-response comprehension papers since the 2020 reform and a passing threshold of 50/100 with 5/25 minimum per section.

Sample DELF B1 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the DELF B1 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 140+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Vous écoutez cette annonce à la gare : « Mesdames et messieurs, le train numéro 4217 à destination de Lyon-Part-Dieu est annoncé avec un retard de vingt minutes. Il partira du quai numéro sept. Nous nous excusons pour la gêne occasionnée. » Pourquoi le locuteur s'excuse-t-il ?

A.Parce que le train partira d'un autre quai que prévu

B.Parce que le train aura du retard

C.Parce que le train est annulé

D.Parce qu'il n'y a plus de places disponibles

Explanation: The announcement states the train will depart 20 minutes late ('avec un retard de vingt minutes'), which is why the speaker apologizes. The train is delayed, not cancelled, and the platform (quai 7) is simply stated as information, not as a change. At B1 level, understanding the main reason for an apology in a public announcement is a core listening skill.

2Deux amis parlent : « — Tu as trouvé un appartement ? — Oui, enfin ! Ça fait trois mois que je cherche. Il est petit mais bien situé, près du métro. Le loyer est un peu élevé, mais j'ai décidé de le prendre quand même. — Tu as bien fait. La localisation, c'est l'essentiel. » Pourquoi la personne a-t-elle décidé de prendre cet appartement malgré le loyer élevé ?

A.Parce que l'appartement est très grand

B.Parce que l'appartement est bien situé

C.Parce que le loyer correspond à son budget

D.Parce qu'elle n'a pas eu d'autre proposition

Explanation: The person says the apartment is small but well-located ('bien situé'), near the metro. Despite the high rent, she decided to take it because of the location — and her friend confirms that location is what matters most ('la localisation, c'est l'essentiel'). Understanding the key reason behind a decision in a casual conversation is a typical B1 oral comprehension task.

3Extrait d'une émission de radio : « Notre invitée, Mme Lefèvre, dirige une association qui aide les jeunes en difficulté à trouver un emploi. Elle propose des ateliers de rédaction de CV et de préparation aux entretiens. L'an dernier, soixante-dix pour cent des participants ont obtenu un emploi dans les six mois suivant leur formation. » Quel est le résultat obtenu par l'association l'an dernier ?

A.La moitié des participants a trouvé un emploi

B.Tous les participants ont trouvé un emploi immédiatement

C.Soixante-dix pour cent des participants ont trouvé un emploi en six mois

D.L'association a formé soixante-dix jeunes

Explanation: The radio excerpt states clearly that '70% of participants obtained a job within six months of their training' ('soixante-dix pour cent des participants ont obtenu un emploi dans les six mois suivant leur formation'). At B1 level, candidates must extract precise statistics from radio reports.

4Dialogue au téléphone : « — Bonjour, je voudrais parler à M. Bernard, s'il vous plaît. — Je suis désolé, il est en réunion pour le moment. Vous souhaitez laisser un message ? — Oui. Pourriez-vous lui dire que la réunion de demain est reportée à jeudi ? C'est de la part de Mme Moreau. — Bien sûr, je lui transmettrai le message. » Quel est l'objet du message laissé ?

A.La réunion de demain est annulée

B.La réunion de demain est déplacée à jeudi

C.M. Bernard doit rappeler Mme Moreau

D.La réunion est annulée jusqu'à jeudi

Explanation: Mme Moreau says the meeting tomorrow is 'reportée à jeudi' — postponed to Thursday. 'Reporté' means rescheduled to a later date, not cancelled. Understanding the difference between 'annulé' (cancelled) and 'reporté' (rescheduled/postponed) is key at B1 level.

5Émission de radio sur un sujet de société : « De plus en plus de Français choisissent le vélo pour se rendre au travail. Cette tendance est encouragée par les villes qui investissent dans les pistes cyclables. Les cyclistes bénéficient désormais d'avantages fiscaux grâce au forfait mobilités durables. » Selon la radio, pourquoi de plus en plus de gens choisissent-ils le vélo ?

A.Parce que les transports en commun sont en grève

B.Parce que les villes investissent dans les infrastructures cyclables et offrent des avantages fiscaux

C.Parce que c'est obligatoire dans certaines villes

D.Parce que les voitures sont interdites en centre-ville

Explanation: The radio report explains two incentives: cities are investing in cycling lanes ('pistes cyclables') and cyclists benefit from tax advantages ('avantages fiscaux') through the 'forfait mobilités durables' scheme. B1 candidates must synthesise multiple pieces of information to answer correctly.

6Conversation entre collègues : « — Tu as vu le nouveau logiciel qu'on doit utiliser dès lundi ? — Oui, j'ai fait la formation hier. C'était assez complexe au début, mais finalement c'est plus intuitif que l'ancien. — Vraiment ? Moi, j'ai peur de ne pas y arriver. — Ne t'inquiète pas, il y a un tutoriel en ligne et le service informatique est disponible toute la semaine. » Que pense la personne qui a fait la formation du nouveau logiciel ?

A.Il est plus difficile que l'ancien logiciel

B.Il est finalement plus facile à utiliser que l'ancien

C.Il est inutile de suivre la formation

D.Il faut beaucoup de temps pour apprendre à l'utiliser

Explanation: The person who attended the training says the software 'seemed complex at first, but is ultimately more intuitive than the old one' ('plus intuitif que l'ancien'). 'Intuitif' means easy and natural to use. B1 listening requires understanding nuanced opinions, including qualifiers like 'finalement' (ultimately/in the end).

7Message sur un répondeur téléphonique : « Bonjour, ici le cabinet médical du docteur Aubert. Suite à votre appel, nous vous confirmons votre rendez-vous le mardi 10 juin à 14h30. Si vous souhaitez annuler ou modifier ce rendez-vous, veuillez nous contacter au moins 24 heures à l'avance. En cas d'urgence, composez le 15. » Que doit faire la personne si elle ne peut pas venir au rendez-vous ?

A.Appeler le 15

B.Se présenter au cabinet le mardi 10 juin

C.Contacter le cabinet au moins 24 heures avant le rendez-vous

D.Envoyer un email au docteur Aubert

Explanation: The voicemail explicitly states: 'if you wish to cancel or modify, please contact us at least 24 hours in advance' ('au moins 24 heures à l'avance'). The number 15 is for emergencies only, not for appointment changes. Reading/listening for specific instructions is a core B1 skill.

8Émission de radio : « Le gouvernement a annoncé hier un nouveau plan pour lutter contre le chômage des jeunes. Ce plan prévoit la création de cent mille postes en apprentissage dans les entreprises d'ici la fin de l'année. Les syndicats ont réagi de façon mitigée : certains saluent l'initiative, d'autres estiment que les mesures ne sont pas suffisantes. » Comment les syndicats ont-ils réagi à ce plan ?

A.Ils sont unanimement favorables

B.Ils sont unanimement opposés

C.Leurs réactions sont partagées

D.Ils n'ont pas encore réagi

Explanation: 'Réaction mitigée' is a key B1 vocabulary expression meaning a mixed or divided response. The text explicitly says 'some welcome the initiative, others consider the measures insufficient' — showing that reactions are divided. Understanding nuanced editorial language in radio reports is tested at B1.

9Lisez ce texte : « Depuis l'ouverture de la nouvelle médiathèque en septembre dernier, la fréquentation a doublé par rapport à l'année précédente. En plus des livres et des DVD habituels, on y trouve désormais un espace numérique avec vingt ordinateurs en accès libre. Des ateliers hebdomadaires pour enfants y sont aussi proposés. » Qu'est-ce qui est nouveau dans cette médiathèque ?

A.Elle propose uniquement des livres et des DVD

B.Elle dispose d'un espace numérique et d'ateliers pour enfants

C.Elle est ouverte uniquement aux adultes

D.Elle a diminué son nombre de visiteurs

Explanation: The text introduces two new features: 'désormais' (from now on / now available) signals the digital space with 20 computers, and weekly children's workshops are also mentioned as new offerings. 'Désormais' is a key B1 reading signal indicating something newly introduced.

10Lisez cet extrait d'article : « Le télétravail, longtemps perçu comme un avantage exceptionnel, est aujourd'hui devenu une pratique courante dans de nombreuses entreprises françaises. Si la majorité des salariés y voient une meilleure conciliation entre vie professionnelle et vie privée, certains déplorent en revanche un sentiment d'isolement et des difficultés à séparer les deux sphères de leur vie. » Quel inconvénient du télétravail est mentionné dans l'article ?

A.La diminution du salaire

B.Le sentiment d'isolement

C.L'augmentation du temps de travail

D.Le manque d'équipement informatique

Explanation: The article explicitly mentions 'un sentiment d'isolement' (a feeling of isolation) as a disadvantage ('déplorent en revanche') mentioned by some employees. 'En revanche' is a key B1 contrast connector meaning 'on the other hand', signalling the shift to negative aspects.

About the DELF B1 Exam

The DELF B1 (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française, level B1) is an official, internationally recognised French language diploma administered by France Éducation international (FEI) on behalf of the French Ministry of National Education. It certifies that the holder has reached the B1 'independent user' level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), meaning they can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters, deal with most travel situations, produce simple connected text, and describe experiences and opinions in French. The diploma is valid for life and is accepted worldwide by universities, employers and immigration authorities. Under the French rules in force since 1 January 2026, B1 is the language level required for a first 10-year carte de résident, while naturalisation requires B2. The exam has four equal sections worth 25 points each: oral comprehension, written comprehension, written production and oral production. Since the 2020 FEI reform, the two comprehension sections use closed-response items only — three-option multiple choice, true/false and matching grids — with no written answers or quoted justifications. Two official paper formats have circulated during the transition, and candidates may encounter either on exam day.

Exam sponsor: France Éducation international (FEI), under the authority of the French Ministère de l'Éducation nationale. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Question count not published by the exam provider

Time Limit

1 hour 55 minutes for collective tests (25 min oral comprehension + 45 min written comprehension + 45 min written production); 15 minutes speaking + 10 minutes preparation for individual oral test.

Passing Score

50/100 overall with a minimum of 5/25 in each section; any section below 5 is eliminatory regardless of the total.

Exam / Certification Fees

Approximately €70–€150 depending on country and exam centre; fees are set locally by authorised FEI centres. Check with your nearest Alliance Française or approved DELF centre for 2026 pricing.

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

25%

Compréhension de l'oral

Three exercises: a conversation about everyday-life situations, a radio programme on a work-related topic, and a radio programme on a general current topic. Questions are three-option multiple choice on current-format papers. Each recording is played twice and documents last up to 6 minutes.

25%

Compréhension des écrits

Two or three exercises depending on the paper format: an information-matching task on short authentic notices (classified ads, brochures, menus) plus one or two general-interest articles. Current-format papers use multiple choice, true/false and matching grids; quoted justifications were removed by the 2020 reform.

25%

Production écrite

One writing task (minimum 160 words): a letter, article, opinion essay or forum response on a general topic. Assessed on task completion, vocabulary range, grammar accuracy and text organisation.

25%

Production orale

Three parts in order: (1) entretien dirigé about the candidate's life and projects; (2) exercice en interaction, a role-play negotiating a solution in a realistic scenario; (3) expression d'un point de vue on a short trigger document. Only part 3 has preparation time (10 minutes).

Preparing for the DELF B1 Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 50/100 overall with a minimum of 5/25 in each section; any section below 5 is eliminatory regardless of the total.
Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
Time limit: 1 hour 55 minutes for collective tests (25 min oral comprehension + 45 min written comprehension + 45 min written production); 15 minutes speaking + 10 minutes preparation for individual oral test.
Exam / certification fees: Approximately €70–€150 depending on country and exam centre; fees are set locally by authorised FEI centres. Check with your nearest Alliance Française or approved DELF centre for 2026 pricing. Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 140 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

DELF B1: Suggested Study Strategy

1Practise with official FEI sample papers available on france-education-international.fr — they are the most reliable representation of the current exam format.

2For oral comprehension, listen daily to Radio France (France Inter, France Info) at normal speed; B1 requires understanding clear, standard French on familiar topics.

3For reading comprehension, practise skimming for main ideas and scanning for specific details — DELF B1 texts are 200–400 words, and 45 minutes must cover 2–3 exercises.

4Master the MCQ trap: the wrong options in DELF B1 often reuse words from the text with different meanings — read the passage for overall sense, not just keyword matching.

5Review the core B1 grammar structures: si-clauses (all three types), relative pronouns (qui/que/dont/où), the subjunctive after il faut que/vouloir que, and concordance des temps in indirect speech.

6For the writing task, learn a clear 3-paragraph structure (introduction, argument/description, conclusion) and practise B1 connectors: pourtant, par conséquent, grâce à, bien que + subjonctif.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DELF B1 and who administers it?

The DELF B1 is an official French language diploma awarded by the French Ministry of National Education and administered worldwide by France Éducation international (FEI) through a network of authorised exam centres including Alliance Française branches. It certifies CEFR B1-level French proficiency.

How is the DELF B1 scored and what score do I need to pass?

Each of the four sections (oral comprehension, written comprehension, written production, oral production) is worth 25 points. You need at least 50/100 overall and at least 5/25 in every section. Scoring below 5 in any section is eliminatory — you fail regardless of your total score.

What changed in the 2020 DELF B1 reform?

The reform removed written answers and quoted justifications from the two comprehension papers. Current-format papers use closed-response items only: three-option multiple-choice questions, true/false statements without justification, and criterion-matching grids. Compréhension des écrits also moved from 35 to 45 minutes and from two exercises to three, bringing the collective session to 1 hour 55 minutes. Two paper formats (format 1 and the updated format 2) have circulated during the transition, so ask your centre which one your session uses.

Is the DELF B1 enough for French nationality or a residence permit?

Not for nationality. Under the rules in force since 1 January 2026 (décret n° 2025-648 of 15 July 2025), naturalisation and acquisition by marriage require French at CEFR B2 in all four skills. B1 is the level now required for a first 10-year carte de résident, and A2 for a first multi-year residence card, so the DELF B1 diploma still satisfies those two applications. Check the current requirements on service-public.gouv.fr before you file.

How often can I retake the DELF B1 if I fail?

As often as you like. France Éducation international states that a candidate may sit an exam as many times as they wish until they obtain the diploma, and may re-register for the next session after their results are published — in case of failure or of success. The one condition is that you must have received your results before making a new registration; FEI does not publish a fixed waiting period in days. You may also register at any accredited centre of your choice.

Where can I find official DELF B1 sample papers?

France Éducation international publishes complete sample papers (exemples de sujets) for DELF B1 tout public, including the candidate booklet, the listening audio, the transcript, the answer key with the mark scheme, and the assessment grids for writing and speaking. Several examples are available: the older ones follow format 1 and the most recent follow the updated format 2. Work through at least one of each.