Are you a foreigner and want to enhance your French skills for personal or professional purposes? Are you French from a non-French-speaking country and do not hold a French public secondary or higher education diploma? You can present the DELF and / or the DALF!
DELF - Diploma in French Language Studies
DELF is an official diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify that foreign candidates have achieved a certain level of French. DELF covers 4 independent diplomas corresponding to the first four levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
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.
Description of examination 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.n | 0h30 | /25 |
| Writing: Two part test: -filling in a record, a formn -writing simple phrases (postcards, message, stories etc) on everyday topics. | >0h30 | /25 |
| Speaking: Three part test : -guided conversationn -exchanging informationn -role-play. | 5 to 7 minsn 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.
Description of examination 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).n Maximum duration of recordings : 5 minsnnnnn | 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 experiencesn -invite, thank, say sorry, ask for something, give information, congratulate in writing | 0h45 | /25 |
| Speaking: Three part test: -guided conversationn -exchanging informationn -role-play. | 6 to 8 minsn 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.
Description of examination 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 taskn -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 conversationn -interactive exercisen -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.
Description of examination DELF B2
| Type of test : B2 | Duration | |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Who can register?
If you are a foreigner and you wish to improve your skills in French for personal or professional purposes: you can opt for the DELF and/or DALF.
If you are French originating from a non-French speaking country and do not hold a secondary education diploma or higher: you can opt for the DELF and/or DALF.
DELF or DALF which diploma is best for me?
- The DELF is the French Language Studies Diploma for beginner to intermediate levels: A1, A2, B1 and B2.
- The DALF is an Advanced Diploma in French Language for more advanced levels: C1 and C2.
The DELF and DALF diplomas are independent: you are therefore free to attend the examination of your choice. You can also take exams for several diplomas during a single session.
Where do I register?
- Online: Enrolment for an exam
- On site: at ILCF Lyon, at 23 place Carnot, in the 2nd Arrondissem*nt of Lyon.
- By e-mail: ilcf@univ-catholyon.fr
- By phone: 00 33 - (0)4 72 32 50 53
Calendar and Prices
Go to our dedicated page "calendar and prices".
How should I prepare for my exams?
The intensive half-year programme and the semi-intensive half-year programme taught at the ILCF include preparation for the DELF and DALF according to the level of your group.
- Descriptions of examinations (fr)
- Examples of oral comprehension tests
- Bibliography
Our other exams
DALF - Diploma in Advanced French Language Studies
TCF - French Knowledge Test
Enrolment to an exam DELF DALF
