Quick Answer
For French citizenship (B2 from January 2026), vocabulary must match admin and integration themes at upper-intermediate level. DELF B2 is a lifetime diploma; TCF IRN scores expire in two years — plan your timeline accordingly. Prep2Go’s DELF/TCF Anki deck includes 2,000+ exam-frequency words with European French audio; pair with mocks and the separate civic exam.
After the 2026 language reform, B1 is no longer enough for standard naturalization files — you need B2 proof (typically DELF B2 or TCF IRN at B2). Vocabulary apps marketed as “French flashcards” often spread CEFR breadth without the housing–health–work–admin density that oral and writing tasks punish.
Full legal context: DELF B2 French citizenship guide. Scoring traps: note éliminatoire (minimum per skill on DELF exams). This article compares vocabulary products only — not the separate examen civique.
DELF B2 vs TCF IRN: what changes for vocabulary study
| DELF B2 | TCF IRN (naturalisation) | |
|---|---|---|
| Result | Pass/fail diploma at B2 | Score → level (must reach B2) |
| Validity | Lifetime | Typically 2 years |
| Vocabulary style | Themed production + comprehension | Same CEFR band; computer adaptive |
| Risk | Note éliminatoire per skill | Score expiry if dossier is slow |
If your prefecture timeline is uncertain, many lawyers and schools recommend DELF B2 because it does not expire. TCF IRN can be excellent — but you must file while the certificate is valid.
Exam-themed Anki groups vocabulary by integration contexts — not random CEFR lists.
What “2,000+ exam-frequency words” should cover
At B2, examiners expect you to discuss logement (landlord letters, repairs), santé (appointments, insurance), travail (contracts, CV vocabulary), and vie administrative (impôts, préfecture, dossiers). Random B1 decks miss the density needed for production tasks.
A strong deck pairs lemmas + collocations + example sentences with European French audio. You should be able to explain a housing problem in 80–100 words using standard connectors (d'abord, ensuite, en conclusion) — vocabulary makes that possible; grammar deck practice makes it automatic.
Apps and decks compared
| Product | Model | Strength | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| MemoWord / Brainscape | Subscription packs | Themed sets | Less exam scoring alignment |
| Free CEFR apps | Freemium | Breadth | Weak admin/integration focus |
| DIY Anki | Free + time | Control | You build audio and themes |
| Prep2Go DELF/TCF | One-time + sample cards | 2,000+ words, EU French audio | Vocabulary — add grammar deck if writing weak |
If writing is your bottleneck, add DELF B2 grammar Anki deck (explanation-first cards) after you validate vocabulary with a sample-card preview.
8-week vocabulary track (B2 candidates)
- Preview sample cards, then use the full deck at 25 new cards/day; log themes (logement, santé, travail).
- FULL deck + listening practice; start timed writing prompts.
- Free readiness mock; note éliminatoire risk per skill.
- Reviews only; second mock; book real DELF/TCF when two skills are stable.
Read next
DELF B2 nationalité française 2026 · DELF A2 vs CELI scoring · European exams compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DELF A2 enough for citizenship in 2026? No — standard naturalization requires B2. DELF A2 remains useful for other visas and learning stages.
TCF Canada vs TCF IRN? TCF Canada is for Canadian immigration. French naturalisation uses TCF IRN (or DELF/DALF). Do not study the wrong variant.
How many words for DELF B2? No official single number; productive B2 vocabulary is typically 2,000+ themed items including collocations.
Free apps vs Prep2Go deck? Free apps if you have months. Exam-themed Anki if you need audio + grouping + one payment before a fixed exam date.