From total fluency to just being able to order a baguette in your local bakerythere’s a world of difference in the levels of French attained by foreigners in France, and of course most people improve the longer they stay here.
But there are certain processes that require formal qualifications, so we’ve put together some sample questions to give you an idea of the level required. This article relates solely to your language ability – applying for citizenship has several other requirements, including having to demonstrate knowledge of French culture and history.
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The current rules in place require French at level B1 on the international DELF scale in order to obtain French citizenship.
Getting a residence permit residency permit currently has no formal language requirement, although Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin says he wants to introduce one for certain types of permit. There is currently no detail on what language level he is suggesting, but it’s unlikely to be higher than the level required for citizenship.
So what does B1 mean?
B1 on the DELF scale is defined as “able to handle day-to-day matters that arise in school, work or leisure”.
A B1 candidate “should be able to get by while travelling in an area where only French is spoken, and should be able to describe events and justify things like opinions, plans, or even ambitions”.
You are not required to be able to speak perfect, error-free French, only to be able to make yourself understood and understand any replies you are given.
Tests
Four tests are required for citizenship; a written test, reading tests, listening test and an oral test where you have a conversation with an examiner.
- Oral comprehension – 25 minutes. This test involves listening to a tape and answering questions about the content, usually multiple choice answers
- Oral discussion – 15 minutes. This is a one-on-one conversation with an examiner (either in person or on the phone) who asks you progressively more difficult questions, towards the end of the chat you are also given the opportunity to ask questions or start a debate with your examiner on the topic
- Reading test – 45 minutes. Candidates are expected to read a selection of French texts (newspaper articles, memos, adverts etc) and answer questions about their content
- Writing test – 30 minutes. Candidates must write a piece on a given topic in a specified style (formal letter, email, memo, news report etc)
Bear in mind that instructions for the exam – times allowed, which sections to answer etc – are all in French.
You need to pass all four sections of the language test in order to apply for citizenship. Although you do not have to take all the tests at the same time, test certificates presented for citizenship cannot be more than two years old.
Sample questions
Oral comprehension – for this section you will have to listen to audio of French people talking. The format varies, sometimes it could be a news report, an interview or a recorded discussion, and it will be played at least twice.
Here are some sample questions from a past B1 paper, after the candidates had listened to a short clip of Paul talking about his holidays – click here to listen to the audio.
What was the biggest downside to Paul’s trip?
- The food
- The heat
- The length of the journey
How many countries have they visited?
How does Paul feel?
- He is disappointed with his trip and happy to be back
- He is happy with his trip and regrets having returned
- He is happy with his trip and also happy to be back
Reading – you have 45 minutes to read two documents provided and then answer questions about them. The questions are usually a mix of multiple choice and longer answers.
Here are some sample questions from a past B1 paper, relating to a report about child soldiers, and the charity groups attempting to help them – you can read the document here.
1. This document aims to:
- Exposing the horrors of war
- Inform about actions for the rights of the child
- Sign a text for the rights of the child
2. Name three forms of support offered to child soldiers by NGOs
3. How many children are members of the SPLA.
Oral discussion – the examiner will ask you questions about the documents that you have read for the reading section, you have an extra 10 minutes before the oral section begins to prepare your response.
You will begin by introducing yourself and talking about your work, family or hobbies – the examiner will then ask you some questions about yourself before moving on to questions about the document.
Written – in this section you have 30 minutes to write an answer to a question. You must respond in 160 to 180 words. Here is a sample of the type of question asked:
In your opinion, what have been the most important change(s) of the last twenty years in your country?
(In your opinion, what are the most important changes that have taken place in your country in the past 20 years).
You can find the full exam paper with the correct answers (at the bottom) HERE.