50 Essential Words You Need to Know for French at the B2 Level - Talkpal
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50 Essential Words You Need to Know for French at the B2 Level

Learning French at the B2 level is an exciting milestone. At this intermediate level, you are expected to understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialization. You should be able to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. To help you enhance your vocabulary and ensure you can handle various topics with ease, here are 50 essential words you need to know for French at the B2 level.

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1. Aborder

Aborder means “to approach” or “to tackle” a subject. It is useful in both formal and informal contexts.
Example: Nous devons aborder ce problème dès que possible. (We need to tackle this problem as soon as possible.)

2. Affronter

Affronter translates to “to confront” or “to face.” It is often used when talking about challenges or adversities.
Example: Il a dû affronter de nombreuses difficultés. (He had to face many difficulties.)

3. Ambiance

Ambiance refers to the “atmosphere” or “mood” of a place.
Example: L’ambiance de ce restaurant est très agréable. (The atmosphere of this restaurant is very pleasant.)

4. Améliorer

Améliorer means “to improve.” This verb is essential for discussing progress or enhancement.
Example: Elle veut améliorer son français avant de partir. (She wants to improve her French before leaving.)

5. Appréciation

Appréciation can mean “appreciation” or “assessment.” It is commonly used in academic and professional settings.
Example: Son travail a reçu une appréciation positive. (His work received positive feedback.)

6. Assister

Assister means “to attend” or “to assist,” depending on the context.
Example: Il va assister à la réunion demain. (He will attend the meeting tomorrow.)

7. Atteindre

Atteindre translates to “to reach” or “to achieve.” It is often used in the context of goals and objectives.
Example: Elle a enfin atteint ses objectifs. (She finally achieved her goals.)

8. Avantage

Avantage means “advantage” or “benefit.” It is useful in discussions about pros and cons.
Example: Il y a de nombreux avantages à travailler ici. (There are many advantages to working here.)

9. Bénéfice

Bénéfice refers to “profit” or “benefit.” It is often used in business contexts.
Example: L’entreprise a réalisé un bénéfice important cette année. (The company made a significant profit this year.)

10. Compétence

Compétence means “skill” or “competency.” It is crucial for discussions about qualifications and abilities.
Example: Elle a les compétences nécessaires pour ce poste. (She has the necessary skills for this position.)

11. Confiance

Confiance translates to “confidence” or “trust.”
Example: J’ai confiance en ses capacités. (I have confidence in his abilities.)

12. Contribuer

Contribuer means “to contribute.” It is often used when discussing teamwork and collaboration.
Example: Il a beaucoup contribué au succès du projet. (He has greatly contributed to the project’s success.)

13. Critique

Critique can mean both “critical” and “critique.” It is essential for discussions about evaluations and opinions.
Example: Sa critique du film était très perspicace. (His critique of the film was very insightful.)

14. Découverte

Découverte means “discovery.” It is often used in scientific and academic contexts.
Example: La découverte de cette nouvelle espèce est fascinante. (The discovery of this new species is fascinating.)

15. Défi

Défi translates to “challenge.” It is useful in discussions about overcoming obstacles.
Example: Ce projet représente un grand défi pour nous. (This project represents a great challenge for us.)

16. Démarche

Démarche means “approach” or “process.” It is often used in professional and academic settings.
Example: Sa démarche méthodique a été très efficace. (His methodical approach was very effective.)

17. Développer

Développer means “to develop.” It is crucial for discussions about growth and progress.
Example: Ils veulent développer de nouvelles technologies. (They want to develop new technologies.)

18. Diversité

Diversité means “diversity.” It is often used in social and cultural discussions.
Example: La diversité culturelle est une richesse pour notre société. (Cultural diversity is a wealth for our society.)

19. Échec

Échec translates to “failure.” It is important for discussions about setbacks and learning experiences.
Example: L’échec fait partie du processus d’apprentissage. (Failure is part of the learning process.)

20. Égalité

Égalité means “equality.” It is essential in discussions about social justice and rights.
Example: Nous devons lutter pour l’égalité des chances. (We must fight for equal opportunities.)

21. Élargir

Élargir means “to expand” or “to broaden.” It is often used in the context of knowledge or horizons.
Example: Elle veut élargir ses compétences professionnelles. (She wants to broaden her professional skills.)

22. Enjeux

Enjeux translates to “stakes” or “issues.” It is crucial for discussions about important matters or challenges.
Example: Les enjeux de cette décision sont énormes. (The stakes of this decision are enormous.)

23. Environnement

Environnement means “environment.” It is used in both ecological and general contexts.
Example: Nous devons protéger notre environnement. (We must protect our environment.)

24. Épanouissement

Épanouissement means “fulfillment” or “blossoming.” It is often used in personal development contexts.
Example: Son épanouissement personnel est très important pour elle. (Her personal fulfillment is very important to her.)

25. Équilibre

Équilibre means “balance.” It is essential in discussions about work-life balance and stability.
Example: Trouver un équilibre entre travail et vie personnelle est crucial. (Finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial.)

26. Essentiel

Essentiel translates to “essential.” It is useful for emphasizing importance.
Example: Il est essentiel de bien comprendre ce concept. (It is essential to understand this concept well.)

27. Estimer

Estimer means “to estimate” or “to value.” It is often used in financial and evaluative contexts.
Example: Nous devons estimer le coût de ce projet. (We need to estimate the cost of this project.)

28. Exiger

Exiger means “to demand” or “to require.” It is crucial for discussions about expectations and requirements.
Example: Ce travail exige beaucoup de patience. (This job requires a lot of patience.)

29. Expertise

Expertise refers to “expertise” or “skill.” It is important in professional and academic contexts.
Example: Son expertise en informatique est impressionnante. (His expertise in IT is impressive.)

30. Fiabilité

Fiabilité means “reliability.” It is essential for discussions about trustworthiness and dependability.
Example: La fiabilité de ce système est prouvée. (The reliability of this system is proven.)

31. Gérer

Gérer means “to manage.” It is crucial for discussions about administration and control.
Example: Il sait très bien gérer son équipe. (He knows how to manage his team very well.)

32. Impact

Impact translates to “impact.” It is useful for discussing effects and influence.
Example: L’impact de cette décision sera significatif. (The impact of this decision will be significant.)

33. Indispensable

Indispensable means “indispensable” or “essential.”
Example: Votre aide est indispensable pour ce projet. (Your help is indispensable for this project.)

34. Innovation

Innovation refers to “innovation.” It is often used in technological and business contexts.
Example: L’innovation est clé pour le succès de notre entreprise. (Innovation is key to our company’s success.)

35. Interagir

Interagir means “to interact.” It is crucial for discussions about communication and socialization.
Example: Ils aiment interagir avec leurs clients. (They like to interact with their customers.)

36. Investissement

Investissement means “investment.” It is essential in financial and business contexts.
Example: L’investissement dans ce projet est rentable. (The investment in this project is profitable.)

37. Limite

Limite translates to “limit.” It is useful in discussions about boundaries and constraints.
Example: Nous devons connaître nos limites. (We need to know our limits.)

38. Maîtriser

Maîtriser means “to master” or “to control.” It is often used in the context of skills and knowledge.
Example: Il a maîtrisé plusieurs langues étrangères. (He has mastered several foreign languages.)

39. Motivation

Motivation translates to “motivation.” It is crucial for discussions about drive and determination.
Example: Sa motivation est exemplaire. (His motivation is exemplary.)

40. Objectif

Objectif means “objective” or “goal.” It is essential for discussions about aims and targets.
Example: Nous devons définir nos objectifs pour l’année prochaine. (We need to define our goals for next year.)

41. Opportunité

Opportunité means “opportunity.” It is useful for discussing chances and possibilities.
Example: Cette offre est une excellente opportunité pour toi. (This offer is an excellent opportunity for you.)

42. Persévérance

Persévérance means “perseverance.” It is crucial for discussions about persistence and determination.
Example: Sa persévérance a fini par payer. (His perseverance finally paid off.)

43. Pertinent

Pertinent means “relevant.” It is essential for discussions about appropriateness and significance.
Example: Ses commentaires étaient très pertinents. (His comments were very relevant.)

44. Prévoir

Prévoir means “to foresee” or “to predict.” It is often used in planning and forecasting contexts.
Example: Nous devons prévoir les besoins futurs. (We need to foresee future needs.)

45. Progresser

Progresser means “to progress” or “to advance.” It is crucial for discussions about development and improvement.
Example: Elle a beaucoup progressé en français cette année. (She has made a lot of progress in French this year.)

46. Proposer

Proposer means “to propose” or “to suggest.” It is useful for discussions about recommendations and offers.
Example: Il a proposé une solution intéressante. (He proposed an interesting solution.)

47. Réaliser

Réaliser means “to achieve” or “to realize.” It is often used in the context of accomplishments and realizations.
Example: Elle a réalisé son rêve de devenir médecin. (She realized her dream of becoming a doctor.)

48. Relever

Relever means “to raise” or “to take up.” It is used in the context of challenges and improvements.
Example: Il a décidé de relever ce défi. (He decided to take up this challenge.)

49. Saisir

Saisir means “to seize” or “to grasp.” It is useful for discussions about opportunities and understanding.
Example: Elle a saisi l’occasion de partir à l’étranger. (She seized the opportunity to go abroad.)

50. Valeur

Valeur translates to “value.” It is essential for discussions about worth and importance.
Example: Cette expérience a beaucoup de valeur pour moi. (This experience has a lot of value for me.)

By mastering these 50 essential words, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate a variety of conversations and texts at the B2 level in French. Remember to practice these words in context to fully integrate them into your vocabulary. Bonne chance!

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