DELF
France's official diplomas in French as a foreign language, from beginner (A1) to upper intermediate (B2).
DELF diplomas show your level of French on the European CEFR scale. They are recognised worldwide, and many French universities ask for B2. The higher levels, C1 and C2, are called DALF.
Overview
DELF is the most widely recognised way to prove your French. Each diploma matches one level of the European framework, from A1 for beginners to B2 for independent users, and each level is a separate exam that you register for on its own. Once you pass, the diploma is yours for life: unlike many language test scores, it doesn't expire.
Every level tests the same four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking, each worth a quarter of the total. To pass you need half the points overall and at least a minimum in each skill, so a strong result in one area can't hide a very weak one in another. B2 is the level French universities most often ask for, and many employers and schools use the DELF levels to describe the French they expect. Prepare all four skills, and practise the speaking part out loud with someone who can answer your arguments.
The four skills (B2 times)
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Listening 30 minutes
Listen to recordings and answer questions.
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Reading 1 hour
Read texts and answer questions.
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Writing 1 hour
Write an argued text of at least 250 words.
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Speaking 20 minutes, after 30 minutes' preparation
Present and defend a point of view, then discuss it with two examiners.
How it's scored
Each of the four skills is scored out of 25, so the exam is out of 100. You pass with 50 or more, as long as you have at least 5 in every skill: less than 5 in one skill means you fail, whatever your total.
How to prepare
- Pick the level you are already close to: each level is a separate exam.
- Practise the writing task with a timer and count your words.
- For speaking, practise giving your opinion with reasons and examples, then defending it.
- Use the official sample papers to learn the exact format of your level.
Official pages
Dates, registration and fees change from year to year, so check them on the official pages.
