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DELF B1 interaction: clarify what a service can actually promise

Edited by Chris Lee · Updated · About the library

Distinguish an estimated repair date, an unconfirmed loan device and a confirmed progress call in a sixteen-line French B1 service dialogue.

In short

Ask C’est une estimation ou une date garantie ? when a service gives a conditional time. If it cannot promise completion, agree on a specific update: Pourriez-vous me faire un point demain à seize heures ? A confirmed call is distinct from a confirmed repair date.

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A technician discusses an open laptop with a customer at a computer-repair counter.
Clarify which repair date is an estimate and which follow-up is confirmed. Illustration: Atelier

The technician expects to finish Friday if a part arrives, but cannot guarantee that result. The customer needs information for a Monday presentation. They negotiate a reliable next contact instead of treating a conditional estimate as an unconditional promise.

Your lines are hidden in practice mode. Say them aloud, then reveal to compare.
  1. Client

    Bonjour, est-ce que mon ordinateur sera prêt vendredi ?

    Hello, will my computer be ready on Friday?

    English

    Hello, will my computer be ready on Friday?

  2. Technicienne

    Nous pensons terminer la réparation vendredi, si la pièce arrive demain.

    English

    We think we will finish the repair on Friday, if the part arrives tomorrow.

  3. Client

    C’est donc une estimation, pas encore une date garantie ?

    So that is an estimate, not yet a guaranteed date?

    English

    So that is an estimate, not yet a guaranteed date?

  4. Technicienne

    Exactement. La pièce n’a pas encore été livrée.

    English

    Exactly. The part has not been delivered yet.

  5. Client

    J’en ai besoin pour une présentation lundi matin.

    I need it for a presentation on Monday morning.

    English

    I need it for a presentation on Monday morning.

  6. Technicienne

    Je comprends, mais à ce stade, je ne peux pas garantir que la réparation sera terminée vendredi.

    English

    I understand, but at this stage, I cannot guarantee that the repair will be completed on Friday.

  7. Client

    Pourriez-vous vérifier l’arrivée de la pièce demain ?

    Could you check whether the part arrives tomorrow?

    English

    Could you check whether the part arrives tomorrow?

  8. Technicienne

    Oui, je peux vous faire un point à seize heures.

    English

    Yes, I can give you an update at four p.m.

  9. Client

    Même si elle n’est pas arrivée ?

    Even if it has not arrived?

    English

    Even if it has not arrived?

  10. Technicienne

    Oui, je vous appellerai dans les deux cas.

    English

    Yes, I will call you either way.

  11. Client

    Et si la réparation ne peut pas être terminée vendredi ?

    And if the repair cannot be completed on Friday?

    English

    And if the repair cannot be completed on Friday?

  12. Technicienne

    Nous regarderons alors si un appareil de prêt est disponible.

    English

    Then we will see whether a loan device is available.

  13. Client

    Le prêt reste donc à confirmer lui aussi ?

    So the loan still needs confirming too?

    English

    So the loan still needs confirming too?

  14. Technicienne

    Oui, je préfère être claire sur ce point.

    English

    Yes, I would rather be clear about that.

  15. Client

    D’accord. J’attends votre appel demain à seize heures pour organiser la suite.

    All right. I will wait for your call tomorrow at four to organise what happens next.

    English

    All right. I will wait for your call tomorrow at four to organise what happens next.

  16. Technicienne

    C’est noté. Ce rendez-vous téléphonique est confirmé.

    English

    Noted. That phone update is confirmed.

Track three different statuses

What is actually agreed?
ItemStatusReason
Friday completionEstimated, conditionalThe part has not arrived.
Loan deviceUnconfirmed possibilityAvailability will need checking.
Tomorrow’s 16 h callConfirmedThe technician commits to calling either way.

Dans les deux cas matters because the update is promised whether or not the part arrives. It gives the customer a definite contact point without pretending to control the delivery. The loan remains a possibility, explicitly subject to availability.

Je comprends que vous ne puissiez pas garantir la date. Quand pourrez-vous me donner une nouvelle information ?

I understand that you cannot guarantee the date. When will you be able to give me an update?

Question 1No account needed
What condition affects Friday completion?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Delivery of the part.. The technician names the part’s arrival as the condition.

Question 2No account needed
What is confirmed by the end?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

A phone update tomorrow at 16 h.. The technician explicitly confirms the call.

Question 3No account needed
Why ask whether the loan is also to be confirmed?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

To separate a possible backup from an actual reservation.. The customer checks the status of the second proposed solution.

In a similar exchange, state why the date matters, then ask for the next information the service can actually commit to providing. Repeat the time and channel at the end so both people know what will happen next.

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