DELF and DALF are French language exams for everyone who wants to have a certificate for the skills in the French language. The language certificate is adapted to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and available from the level A1 to the level C1.
DELF and DALF in categories
The language exam is divided in three categories:
DELF Junior
The DELF Junior has the same structure as the normal DELF certificate. Because of the themes and the material it is especially designed for young people. So only young pupils could take the exam and pass it. This exam is available from the level A1 to B2.
DELF DALF tout public
The DELF DALF tout public is the normal language certificate for everyone. So every learner who wants to get a certificate for his French language skills could take the exam. There are six different exams which are adapted to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (A1-C2).
DELF Pro
DELF Pro is more orientated on the practical aspect and is especially desigend for the professional context, so exactly for everyone who wants to work with the French language. The exam exists in the levels A1, A2, B1 and B2 and the themes are tied up to working situations.
Parts of the language exam DELF A1-B2
For all levels of the exam the parts are nearly similar. You have a listening comprehension, a reading comprehension, a written and an oral part. The duration of each part depends on the level. But it takes always more and more time to pass the exam with an higher level.
DELF A1
This level shows the basic knowledge and the language learner can interact in a simply way.
Listening comprehension: You have to answer some questions while listening to three or four short recordings on everyday life. The texts are played twice and this part takes about 20 minutes.
Reading comprehension: You have four or five written documents on everyday life and you have to answer some questions according to the text. This part takes about 30 minutes.
Writing: You have to write simple phrases or short texts, for example a postcard to a friend. This takes about 30 minutes.
Speaking: This part includes a guided conversation, exchanging information and a role-play. After a 10-minutes preparation you have 5-7 minutes to speak.
DELF A2
The level A2 shows the basic knowledge. The language learner can communicate in simple tasks.
Listening and reading comprehension: It’s nearly the same as in level A1. Only the topics are a little bit more difficult.
Writing: For the written part you have to describe an event or your personal experiences. In addition you have to invite somebody, say sorry, ask for something or give information about something. This part takes about 45 minutes.
Speaking: It’s the same as in level A1. After the 10-minutes preparation you have 6-8 minutes to speak, so a little bit longer than in A1.
DELF B1
With this level the learner is independent and can understand and maintain a discussion and give his own opinion.
Listening comprehension: The learner has to answer some question while listening to three recordings which are played twice. The maximum duration of the recordings is six minutes and the whole part takes about 25 minutes.
Reading comprehension: For the reading comprehension you have two written documents. With these you have to extract useful information concerning a particular task and analyse the contents of a document of general interest. This part takes about 35 minutes.
Writing: You have to express your personal opinion on a general topic. This could be in an essay, a letter or an article. This part takes about 45 minutes.
Speaking: You have to pass a guided conversation and an interactive exercice. For the third part you have a 10-minutes preparation. After the preparation you have to express an opinion on a document. This part takes about 15 minutes (without the 10-minutes preparation).
DELF B2
With this level the learner can construct arguments to defend his opinion and explain different viewpoints. He is more fluent and can correct is own mistakes.
Listening comprehension: You have to answer some questions while listening to three recordings. This could be an interview, a radio programme, a lecture etc. This part takes about 30 minutes.
Reading comprehension: There you have two written documents: One text of an informational nature regarding the French-speaking world and one text of an argumentative nature. With these texts you have to answer some questions. This part takes about one hour.
Writing: You have to take a personal stand and write for example a formal letter, a review of a film or an answer to a debate.
Speaking: After a 30-minutes preparation you have to state or defend an opinion which is based on a short document designed to elicit a reaction. The speaking part takes about 20 minutes (without the preparation).
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