How to make the leap from A2 to B1 French

There are six levels of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages): A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. Each level represents a step up from the one before it, introducing new and more complex grammar points and more advanced vocabulary.

Our Complete French Course covers all levels of the CEFR, with each lesson featuring a video, support guide, quizzes and extensive additional materials. While the lessons for the later levels of the CEFR are more complex and technical in nature, there are fewer lessons overall, meaning advancement through the different levels is quite achievable!

Despite that, many learners struggle to make the jump from A2 to B1 in particular.

One reason is that many jobs and educational courses call for applicants with A2 level French specifically. This is one reason why many exams and courses are designed to progress learners to A2 level. A standard pass for GCSE French (grades 4-6) for instance, requires A2 level French, although B1 level French is equivalent to a high pass (grades 7-9).

Another reason, however, is the common perception that B1 French is difficult. It can be more complex, sure. But once you've mastered the new grammatical elements introduced in B1, you'll be able to speak French with much more confidence and proficiency.

B1 French introduces a number of new grammar points including the future (futur simple) and imperfect (imparfait) tenses, object pronouns and the conditional mood. It also develops upon topics introduced in A2, such as relative, possessive, demonstrative and emphatic pronouns.

Upon completion of A2, learners should be able to read basic forms of communication with ease and express preferences, talk about daily routines and hobbies and conduct simple conversations with French speakers. But at B1 level, you are expected to be able to formulate more complex sentences, connecting clauses with relative pronouns and speaking more expansively about both the past and the future. It is a step up from routine communication, equipping learners with the skills to provide their opinions, as well as explore and explain more abstract topics.

You do not need to have completed previous levels of the CEFR, or possess certification providing proof of completion, to complete B1. For instance, subscribers to The Complete French Course can take the assessment for B1 (or any other level of the CEFR for that matter) without having taken the assessments for previous levels. We recognise that many learners sign up to The Complete French Course while already possessing some knowledge of French. For these learners, having to start from scratch - which is the case with many online French courses - is not ideal.

On the other hand, for users who have not studied the earlier levels of the CEFR, we strongly recommend getting to grips with the materials covered before attempting to take the B1 assessment.

Going from A1 to B1 French in three months is certainly achievable for dedicated learners who are able to sustain their studying. If you were to take a lesson from the Complete French Course every three days for three months, for instance, you would have reached the end of B1 level (Lesson 29), although it is recommended to periodically revise content from earlier lessons so that you don't forget.

If you want to learn French quickly, the following tips are invaluable:

• Incorporate French into your daily routine. Make sure you read or listen to something in French every day. Find a podcast in French, watch French-language television or pick a classic of French literature for your next read
• Supplement your learning by joining our Speaking Practice classes. These online sessions are the perfect way to practise speaking French alongside other learners under the guidance of an expert French teacher
• Use the 80/20 rule. Also known as the Pareto Principle, this rule suggests that 80% of what you learn from studies comes from a mere 20% of the material. By identifying and streamlining important areas of study, and making sure to introduce yourself to new words, grammatical constructions and cultural nuances rather than going over the same thing again and again, you can effectively study five times as quickly

• Sample French text for each level of the CEFR
• CEFR French Levels Explained
• Understanding CEFR French levels