Delf
Diploma in French Language StudiesWhat is DELF?
The DELF is made up of four diplomas, independent of each other (meaning that you could take level B1 even if you have not taken level A1 or A2) :
– A1/ A2 corresponds to a basic level
– B1/ B2 corresponds to an intermediate level
At each level, the four language skills are evaluated. Here is a short summary of what can be expected at each level :
Duration of evaluation: 2h30
DELF Exams
Whatever your level with the French language, it is better to follow an exam preparation course than to attempt to study for the French exams on your own because each exam has its special characteristics and methodologies that can be difficult to discover and understand alone.
Then there are the more specific French exams :
DELF Junior
This is a diploma issued by the French Ministry of Education in recognition of French language studies. The exams are adapted to the teenage lifestyle and correspond to the interests of teens.
DELF pro
This is a professional version of the DELF diploma. It specifically addresses those who wish to assimilate into a professional French speaking environment. It serves to evaluate accordingly the communication skills necessary for professional situations of every day life.
DELF prim
This version of the DELF is intended for children who are beginners in French as a foreign language and who are undertaking studies at the French elementary level. The tests are developed on the same model as the DELF tout public, but the subjects are adapted to the age of the candidates.
DELF scolaire
Aimed at teenagers enrolled in a public or private schools. This diploma’s value is exactly the same as the DELF tout public. There is no specific mention on the document that differentiates it from the DELF tout public
DELF A1
This level recognizes a basic level of knowledge. This is the most basic language level and is known as the “Breakthrough” level. At this stage, students can interact with others in simple ways: they can talk about themselves and their immediate environment.
Descriptions of examinations DELF A1
| Type of test : A1 | Duration | Mark out of |
|---|---|---|
| Listening : Comprehension questionnaires dealing with three or four very short recordings on everyday life (played twice). Maximum duration of recordings : 3 mins | Approximately 20 minutes | /25 |
| Reading : Comprehension questionnaires dealing with four or five written documents on everyday life. | 0h30 | /25 |
| Writing : Two part test: -filling in a record, a form -writing simple phrases (postcards, message, stories etc) on everyday topics. | >0h30 | /25 |
| Speaking : Three part test : -guided conversation -exchanging information -role-play. | 5 to 7 mins Preparation : 10 mins | /25 |
| total duration of all tests : 1h20 total mark out of 100 overall pass mark : 50/100 Pass mark per test : 5/25 |
DELF A2
DELF A2 is a similar level and further validates the skills of a basic language user, considered to be a social actor. The candidate is able to perform simple tasks in everyday life. They are able to use the most common polite forms of address and exchange.
Descriptions of examinations DELF A2
| Type of test : A2 | Duration | Mark out of |
|---|---|---|
| Listening : Comprehension questionnaires dealing with three or four very short recordings on everyday life (played twice). Maximum duration of recordings : 5 mins | Approximately 25 minutes | /25 |
| Reading : Comprehension questionnaires dealing with four or five written documents on everyday life. | 0h30 | /25 |
| Writing : Two short pieces of writing (letter to a friend or message) -describe an event or personal experiences -invite, thank, say sorry, ask for something, give information, congratulate in writing … | 0h45 | /25 |
| Speaking : Three part test : -guided conversation -exchanging information -role-play. | 6 to 8 mins Preparation : 10 mins | /25 |
| total duration of all tests : 1h40 total mark out of 100 overall pass mark : 50/100 Pass mark per test : 5/25 |
DELF B1
Speakers at this level are now becoming more independent. They are now capable of maintaining a conversation: they can understand and follow a discussion and give opinions. They are able to handle unexpected situations arising in everyday life.
Descriptions of examinations DELF B1
| Type of test : B1 | Duration | Mark out of |
|---|---|---|
| Listening : Comprehension questionnaires dealing with three recordings (played twice). Maximum duration of recordings : 6 mins | Approximately 25 minutes | /25 |
| Reading : Comprehension questionnaires dealing with two written documents : -extract useful information concerning a particular task -analyse the contents of a document of general interest. | 0h35 | /25 |
| Writing : Express personal opinions on a general topic (essay, letter, article etc). | 0h45 | /25 |
| Speaking : Three part test : -guided conversation -interactive exercise -expressing an opinion on a document designed to elicit a reaction. | Approximately 15 mins Preparation : 10 mins (only for the 3rd part of the test) | /25 |
| total duration of all tests : 1h45 total mark out of 100 overall pass mark : 50/100 Pass mark per test : 5/25 |
DELF B2
At the B2 level, a degree of independence has been acquired which allows the speaker to defend their opinions, develop their points of view and negotiate with others. At this level, candidates should find social discourse easy and be capable of correcting their own mistakes.
Descriptions of examinations DELF B2
| Type of test : B2 | Duration | Mark out of |
|---|---|---|
| Listening : Comprehension questionnaires dealing with three recordings : -interview, news bulletin etc (played once) -presentation, lecture, speech, documentary, radio or television programme (played twice). Maximum duration of recordings : 8 mins | Approximately 30 minutes | /25 |
| Reading : Comprehension questionnaires dealing with two written documents : -text of an informational nature regarding France or the French-speaking world -text of an argumentative nature. | 1h | /25 |
| Writing : Taking a personal stand (contributing to a debate, formal letter, review of a film/book) | 1h | /25 |
| Speaking : Stating and defending an opinion based on a short document designed to elicit a reaction. | Approximately 20 mins Preparation : 30 mins | /25 |
| total duration of all tests : 2h30 total mark out of 100 overall pass mark : 50/100 Pass mark per test : 5/25 |
