DALF
France's diplomas for advanced French, C1 and C2: the level many universities and employers ask for.
DALF continues where DELF ends. The two diplomas, C1 and C2, show that you can use French with ease for study and work. A DALF C1 exempts you from the French language test when you apply to most French universities.
Overview
DALF is the step after DELF on the European scale of language levels. C1 shows that you are a proficient user who can follow complex texts and lectures and express yourself fluently and precisely; C2 shows a level close to that of an educated native speaker. Each is a separate exam, and you can register directly for the level you want without holding the ones below.
What makes DALF demanding is less the grammar than the tasks. At C1 you write a neutral synthesis of several documents and then argue a point of view; at C2 you build a structured talk and a long written text from a whole file of sources. Good preparation therefore means learning these formats and practising them with a timer, ideally with someone who can mark your work against the official grids. The diploma never expires, which makes it a lasting investment for study or work in French.
The C1 exam
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Listening About 40 minutes
Recordings such as interviews, lectures and radio programmes, with questions.
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Reading 50 minutes
A long text on a literary or scientific subject, with questions.
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Writing 2 hours 30 minutes
A summary of several documents, then an argued essay on the same theme.
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Speaking 30 minutes, after 1 hour's preparation
A talk built from a set of documents, then a discussion with the jury.
How it's scored
DALF C1 has four parts worth 25 points each. You pass with 50 out of 100 and at least 5 out of 25 in every part. DALF C2 has two parts, one oral and one written, worth 50 points each: you need 50 out of 100 and at least 10 out of 50 in each.
How to prepare
- Learn the synthesis method: it is a skill of its own, and many candidates lose points by giving their opinion in it.
- Read French press and essays every day to build the vocabulary of argument.
- Time your preparation for the oral: one hour goes fast with several documents.
- Use the official sample papers to see the exact tasks for your level.
Official pages
Dates, registration and fees change from year to year, so check them on the official pages.
