Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française (DELF) is one of the most prestigious French language proficiency certification tests. DELF exam follows the standards established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). Offered by the French Ministry of Education, this exam has 7 levels, from which you can choose the one suitable per your expertise. Read on for more information and preparation for the DELF exam.
What is DELF Exam
French Ministry of Education offers non-native French speakers two official French language diplomas - DELF and Diplome Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF). In addition to the DELF test, there are exams designed specifically for children and teens.
In secondary and higher Secondary schools, the DELF Junior diploma certifies the French language proficiency of non-native speakers. The age range for this certification is from 11 to 17 years. Additionally, primary schools also certify kids between 7 and 11 years old with the DELF Prim diploma.
A DELF certification can prove highly beneficial for individuals seeking a job in France or other French-speaking nations like Switzerland, Canada, or Belgium. This certification is internationally recognized, and foreign countries often consider this degree to evaluate your skills in the language.
Levels of DELF Exam
The French language recognition received from your school, university, or professional background in the form of DELF consists of different levels. These levels differ between age groups.
A Level: Basic French language users
B Level: Independent French language users
C Level: Master French language users
This section offers a detailed analysis of the DELF exam levels.
Exam
Level
Skills
DELF Prim
A1.1
Understanding of familiar and daily expressions used commonly in everyday communication.
Able to ask and answer on topics related to one’s identity.
Understanding and stating simple statements as part of one’s social life.
Able to participate in simple conversations.
DELF Prim DELF Junior DELF
A1
Understanding of familiar words and basic phrases related to oneself, one's family, and neighbors.
Understanding of simple sentences, like on posters or notices.
Able to introduce oneself and talk about personal details.
Ability to converse in simple interactions if done slowly.
Write simple and short notes or fill in basic personal details.
DELF Prim
DELF Junior
DELF
A2
Understanding of frequent expressions that are relevant to one’s interests.
Able to read short texts, like in ads, timetables, menus, and more.
Ability to communicate information related to familiar topics and participate in simple tasks.
Participate in small social exchanges, provided one doesn’t have the pressure to keep the conversation going all by themselves.
Talk and explain simple facts related to one’s family, academic background, livelihood, etc.
Write simple letters, like thank you notes and notes about immediate needful matters.
DELF Junior
DELF
B1
Understanding the main points made in a regular conversation, especially in workplaces, media, etc. However, the delivery may need to be slow and clear.
Able to read texts related to one’s job, personal letters, event descriptions, etc.
Interact with people while traveling and keep up with a conversation that is familiar to oneself.
Able to form and connect phrases to describe one’s experiences, provide explanations, or narrate stories.
Write personal letters and write texts on familiar topics.
DELF Junior
DELF
B2
Should understand the following:
Extended speech and lectures
Complex texts, arguments, news, etc.
Movie dialogues, provided they are spoken in standard dialect.
Able to do the following:
Interact fluently and spontaneously, even with native speakers.
Actively participate in familiar discussions and keep up with the conversation.
Write on topics of personal interest, essays explaining one’s own viewpoint, letters explaining events and experiences, etc.
DALF
C1
Understanding the following:
Extended speech, even if that doesn’t follow a proper structure.
Movies and other programs without much effort.
Ability to do the following:
Fluently express oneself without taking a lot of pause to think about the correct phrase.
Speak in social and professional settings and produce opinions & relate to others who possess the same.
Vividly describe different subjects, write well-structured texts, and express oneself without leaving details behind.
Modify the tone of writing as per the readers.
DALF
C2
Complete understanding of the spoken language, despite the speed. One just needs a bit of time to get familiar with the accent.
Converse effortlessly and fluently, even with the usage of colloquial idioms.
Ability to do the following:
Read all forms of texts.
Write texts in a flow, complex letters, and even literary works reviews.
A thorough understanding of these levels will help you take the DELF test most suitable for your proficiency.
NOTE:
DELF is a standardized test suitable for all ages.
DALF is an Advanced French Language Diploma, which is also part of the DELF certification.
Importance of DELF Exam
You may be wondering what makes the DELF exam so important. Here is an outlook on that.
This diploma has a lifelong validity.
The DELF certificate is recognized by 174 countries globally.
It officially validates your French learning.
There are 274 million people speaking French globally, which is expected to reach 700 million by 2050.
French is the official language in Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and 25 other countries. Understanding the language allows you to adjust to any French-speaking country easily.
Your access to higher education and career opportunities will expand in French countries.
Most importantly, being certified by the French Ministry, the authenticity and prestige of this diploma are highly recognized.
Exam Format
The different levels of the DELF exam format assess four skills of your French language:
Listening by oral comprehension: Recorded documents will be given to you, with a minimum given duration. You must understand those records within that time to succeed.
Reading by written comprehension: Read the comprehension within the given time and answer the questions.
Writing by written expression: Write arguments with your own viewpoints on a given subject, following the time.
Speaking by oral expression: Defend your point of view with an oral presentation on a given trigger; this is an individual test and follows a timeline.
You must practice thoroughly for the test to answer questions within the given time limit. The duration for each level varies, too, as per difficulty and advancement. We recommend you follow the sample questions to learn about the timeframe.
Exam Scores
The total score of the DELF exam is 100. Each of your skills is marked out 25.
You need to score a minimum of 50 to pass the exam. However, you must need at least 5 out of 25 marks to pass every skill.
DELF Exam Dates 2024
Here is a detailed outlook of the DELF exam dates.
Exam Name
Session
Registration Date
Exam Date
DELF
March
8th February
11th –15th March
June
10th May
10th–14th June
July
18th June
22nd–26th July
September
20th August
23rd–27th September
December
8th November
10th–14th December
DELF Junior
April
18th March
22nd–25th April
July
18th June
22nd–25th July
December
28th October
2nd–9th December
DELF Prim
April
5th January - 5th February
22nd–24th April
December
16th August –16th September
2nd–9th December
Now that you know the exam dates, start preparing for the exam accordingly.
DELF Exam Fees
Below, you will find the DELF exam fees for each test level.
Delf Exam Level
Fee Range (Excluding GST)
A1 - A2
₹5,600 (For partner institutions)
₹ 8,000 (For external students)
B1 - B2
₹6,720 (For partner institutions)
₹9,600 (For external students)
DALF C1 - C2
₹7,420 (For partner institutions)
₹10,600 (For external students)
Source: Official Website
FAQs
Which diploma is my suitable option - DELF or DALF?
It depends on your French language proficiency level. If you are a beginner or at an intermediate or upper-intermediate level, the DELF exam should be your choice. If you are at an advanced or master level, you can go for the DALF exam.
What is considered a good mark for the DELF exam?
While 50 is your pass mark out of 100, and good marks are relative, scoring 75 is usually considered a good result. However, you must score at least 5 in each of the 4 sections to pass the DELF test.
How do I prepare for my DELF exam?
You can prepare yourself with the sample papers available on the exam site. This way, you will understand the exam format and track your time. The more you practice with these papers, the better you will prepare. You can also download preparation books to study for the exam.
Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.
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