Learn French B1 in English
B1 is the level most French residency and work files ask for. After A2, you step into real independence — expressing opinions, handling administrative appointments, and discussing familiar topics with confidence.
Try the first unit freeHow long does this level take? 14-16 weeks
What does B1 mean?
B1 is CEFR's 'independent user' level. It means you can handle most situations you'll meet living in a French-speaking country, understand the main points of familiar topics (work, admin, free time), and express your opinions and plans.
What you'll be able to do after B1
- Express and justify your opinion on a familiar topic
- Describe an experience, a dream, or a goal
- Handle an appointment at the préfecture or an administrative office
- Understand the main points of a news bulletin or simple article
- Write connected text on a topic you know
- Prepare for the DELF B1 exam
What you'll do every day
Vocabulary
Words for work, administrative steps, and personal opinion
Grammar
Subjonctif (the basics), conditional sentences, and linking ideas
Listening
Real news bulletins and conversations at natural speed
Speaking
Free-form voice conversation with Nour on varied topics
Sample sentences you'll learn in B1
Je pense que le français est une langue importante.
A way to express your opinion.
Il faut que tu remplisses ce formulaire.
Subjonctif after 'il faut que'.
Si j'avais plus de temps, j'apprendrais plus vite.
A hypothetical: si + imparfait, conditionnel.
Pouvez-vous m'expliquer les documents nécessaires ?
Vous = the polite form, useful for administrative appointments.
A rendez-vous at the préfecture
Bonjour, j'ai rendez-vous pour mon titre de séjour.
Hello, I have an appointment for my residence permit.
Avez-vous tous les documents demandés ?
Do you have all the requested documents?
Oui, j'ai apporté mon passeport et mes justificatifs.
Yes, I brought my passport and supporting documents.
Très bien, asseyez-vous, on va regarder ça ensemble.
Very good, have a seat, we'll go over this together.
The B1 exam
A mock exam styled after the DELF B1 — often the level asked for a French residence permit or work file.
Lerniyo's exam is built in the style of internationally recognized exams (DELF, DALF, TCF, TEF) — it is not an official registration with any of those organizations. The Lerniyo certificate is a completion certificate for our own curriculum.
See the full B1 exam guideWhat will you learn in French B1?
- Subjonctif: the basics (il faut que, je veux que)
- Conditional sentences (si + imparfait)
- Expressing and discussing an opinion
- Connectors: bien que, pourtant, donc
- Administrative French: appointments and documents
- Studying or working in France: steps and paperwork
- Writing connected text and a short essay
- Understanding a news bulletin and simple articles
- Verbs with fixed prepositions
- Tenses: imparfait vs. passé composé
Learn French B1 in English with Lerniyo
Most apps explain grammar using confusing jargon or a third language, adding difficulty on top of difficulty. Lerniyo explains everything in plain English, so you focus on French, not on decoding the explanation.
After B1 comes B2
See B2