If you’ve reached B2 in French and feel like you’ve hit a wall, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many learners face the same challenge, thinking there’s no way to continue progressing.
But the truth is, B2 is just the start of a whole new journey! As someone who’s studied seven languages, I understand how daunting it can feel to move forward, but with the right guidance, it’s possible to keep improving.
Let me share simple and effective tips to help you progress beyond Level B2 in French and make learning enjoyable again.
Why you might feel stuck after reaching level B2 in French
So, you’ve reached level B2 in French and think you can’t progress further or attend any new courses?
This is absolutely false! There are many ways to improve and maintain your French skills even if you have reached the upper-intermediate or advanced level. When I finish a course with a student, in addition to having my heart broken by saying goodbye, I give tons of resources to help them continue improving their French language skills.
The real challenge once we’ve reached either level B2 in French or level C1 in French is to continue learning and practicing without a formal framework. Many students are left without any solid tips towards practicing and maintaining their level.
5 reasons why it can be difficult to continue practicing French after reaching level B2
- Working in an international environment where French is not mandatory
- Not being located in a francophone country
- You don’t need to speak French in general
- Partner doesn’t want to talk to you in French
- You don’t have friends who speak French
If the above description rings a bell, I want you to know that you are not alone; there are many students in the same situation. I also find myself in the same situation because when I reach a certain level in my language study, the question of what to do next is a constant challenge. Like you, I feel so satisfied with myself for reaching the level B2 in French but then what? What’s next?
I couldn’t believe that after a group or private French classes there were no solid ways to continue improving our skills. I had to find a solution, first for my students because I want them to continue their progress, but also for myself because I of course wanted to improve my other languages skills, as well.
The fact that I’ve studied 7 languages improves my expertise in teaching French as a second language as it helps me truly understand my students. I know what I’m talking about! As a very friendly French teacher, I’m going to share all my secrets tips to help you improve your French in ways that will never bore you, even with a B2 level in French. These secrets work so well, I can guarantee this as I’ve used them myself to improve my Portuguese, Dutch, English and Spanish. These secrets are also helpful for students who haven’t studied or spoken French for a long time and simply need a refresher.
Simple Tips to Progress Beyond Level B2 in French
Before giving you my secret tips. I would like to share a thought with you. Some of my students with B2 or C1 think their French is not good enough to work in a French-speaking environment. If you think the same, let me tell you that it’s absolutely false. I’m always surprised to see how some people diminish their talents and great skills in speaking French.
Once you reach a B2 level, you CAN work in a French-speaking environment. Yes, yes, yes! It probably won’t be smooth or easy for the first few weeks, but your brain is a fantastic machine and you’ll progress faster than you think. If you start at a new company with B2 level in French, and you have to work in French, within a few months you’ll naturally reach level C1 French.
Let me assure you that by reaching B2 level in French you’ve conquered the most difficult part of learning and speaking French. Don’t be intimidated by native speakers. Express your weaknesses out loud and they’ll be gone. If you still get remarks judging you by your unique and original accent, please keep in mind that the «problem» isn’t you but them, and you’d better run away.
My 14 super tips to improve your French skills
1. Attend a group class a few times a week
Many language schools offer group classes but… but… after the B2 level, students tend to not be as numerous compared to the other levels and therefore you might find yourself alone enjoying a smaller group class than you possibly did for previous levels.
2. Attend a private French class once or twice a month
Implementing a course routine every two or four weeks can help you maintain your French skills. Choose a face-to-face or online class with a teacher you like and continue implementing French at your own rhythm.
3. Do activities in French
If you are in a French-speaking country take advantage of the opportunity to take part in a sporting activity (or not) and improve your French naturally. For example crossfit, yoga, meditation, cooking class… The choice is yours!
4. Train online
Find some online courses about topics you like, in French: Fun mooc – edX
5. Attend (online) conferences
Are you interested in a particular subject? Take advantage of the opportunity to attend conferences on the subject to broaden your knowledge and vocabulary in French. (Webikeo – Plateforme de webinar)
6. Subscribe to newsletters
Sign up for newsletters from your favorite influencers or entrepreneurs and learn the vocabulary and turns of phrase that the French use every day. (Le monde)
7. Find French speaker influencers to follow on social media
Subscribe to your favorite influencers’ accounts. You’ll learn new vocabulary and slang. You’ll also get updates on the situation in the country.
8. Do some volunteering in French
Do you want to help others? What could be better than helping others by joining an association? You’ll meet ordinary French people, and you’ll be able to put your skills into practice naturally.
9. Listen to podcasts in French
There are so many podcasts available and free. Each channel has its own theme. Enjoy!
10. Date a French speaker
This one is obvious and I can assure you that dating a French speaker – (who in addition doesn’t speak well foreign languages) is an amazing way to help you improve your French.
11. Stay informed in French
French news channels are packed with information about the country. You can learn a lot of words.
Don’t forget that journalists only offer a one-sided view of the news. Don’t take all information at face value. And avoid spending too much time on such sites… Otherwise you’ll soon get depressed! (RFI – France24)
12. Watch movies or series in French
Ah, the 7th art!
France is famous for its independent films and auteur cinema. Have you ever seen “Le Fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain”?
13. Watch documentaries in French
My favourite channel is Arte. The content is totally free and it’s probably the best resources to watch documentaries in French.
14. Read books in French
You can start with a book you liked reading in your native language translated in French or challenge yourself and read a book by a French author. Here a few names of an author I like: Frédéric Begbeider, Amélie Nothomb, Fatouma Dialo, Leila Slimani…
Simple tips to progress beyond Level B2 in French
You see, there are so many great ways to implement French in your daily life! You can improve your skills, even if you already have a great level and even if you are not based in a French-speaking country.
And you? What advice would you give someone who wants to improve their level of French? Join my weekly newsletter and share your advice with me!