Quick Summary: France raised its language bar on 1 January 2026. A multi-year residence card now needs A2, the 10-year resident card needs B1, and naturalization needs B2, alongside a civic knowledge exam. DELF and DALF diplomas are accepted as proof and never expire. TCF and TEF count only in the IRN version. This guide maps each level to each procedure and shows how long the gap takes to close.
Quick Summary: DELF B1 is the largest single step on the CEFR ladder. You add the present subjunctive after high-frequency triggers, the conditionnel présent, the plus-que-parfait, reported speech in the present, the four relative pronouns, and si-clause hypothesis, plus 2,000 to 3,000 words across abstract themes. The level shifts from describing to justifying.
Quick Summary: DELF A2 roughly doubles the A1 syllabus. You add the passé composé, imparfait, futur simple, object pronouns, reflexive verbs, and comparison, plus 1,200 to 1,500 words across 18 themes. The defining skill is choosing the correct past tense. This page lists every structure in scope, maps it to each paper, and shows how to test your own readiness.
Quick Summary: The DELF A1 syllabus covers roughly 25 grammar structures and about 500 active words across 15 everyday themes. You need the present tense, articles, negation, question forms, and the near future, plus vocabulary for introductions, food, shopping, housing, and directions. This checklist lists every item in scope, shows which paper tests it, and gives you an honest readiness test before you book.
Quick Summary: DELF B2 stops testing whether your French is correct and starts testing whether it is persuasive. The level adds the full subjunctive range, sequence of tenses, reported speech in the past, compound relative pronouns, nominalization, emphasis structures and register control, plus 4,000 to 5,000 words weighted toward society, media, science and policy.
Quick Summary: Every DELF paper is written in French, including the instructions. Words like justifiez, relevez, citez, and nuancez each demand something specific, and answering incorrectly loses marks even when your French is correct. This guide decodes every instruction word used across the four papers, shows what each one obliges you to produce, and flags the traps that catch candidates most often.