DELF / DALF Exam 2024 - French Proficiency Test

Updated on 22 August, 2024

Kanika Pruthi

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Are you a non-native French speaker seeking to enhance your French skills for education abroad or other purposes? French citizens without a diploma from a French public secondary or higher education institution can also take the Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française (DELF) and Diplome Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF) exams.

The DELF and DALF are official diplomas issued by the French Ministry of Education to certify proficiency in French. DELF consists of 4 independent diplomas corresponding to the first four levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Whereas, DALF assesses advanced proficiency in French for candidates who have achieved higher levels of language competence.

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:  
  1. Extended speech and lectures
  2. Complex texts, arguments, news, etc.
  3. Movie dialogues, provided they are spoken in standard dialect.
  • Able to do the following: 
  1. Interact fluently and spontaneously, even with native speakers.
  2. Actively participate in familiar discussions and keep up with the conversation.
  3. Write on topics of personal interest, essays explaining one’s own viewpoint, letters explaining events and experiences, etc.

DALF

C1

  • Understanding the following:
  1. Extended speech, even if that doesn’t follow a proper structure.
  2. Movies and other programs without much effort.
  • Ability to do the following: 
  1. Fluently express oneself without taking a lot of pause to think about the correct phrase.
  2. Speak in social and professional settings and produce opinions & relate to others who possess the same.
  3. Vividly describe different subjects, write well-structured texts, and express oneself without leaving details behind.
  4. 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:
  1. Read all forms of texts.
  2. 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 

Wondering what is DELF exam and the format entail?

The DELF exam assesses four language skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. It consists of four sections, with a total duration of 1 hour and 20 minutes. The overall pass mark is 50/100, with each section requiring a minimum of 5/25 marks for a pass.

Listening Comprehension

  • Duration: 20 minutes
  • Marks: 25
  • Description: This section includes three or four short recordings related to everyday life situations. Each recording will be played 2 times. Candidates are required to answer questions based on what they hear.

Reading Comprehension

  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Marks: 25
  • Description: Candidates read four or five written texts, such as short notices, emails, or simple articles on familiar topics. The texts describe everyday activities and daily life.

Writing Production

  • Duration: 20 minutes
  • Marks: 25
  • Description: Divided into two sections:

Part 1: Candidates fill in personal information on a form (e.g., name, address, date of birth).

Part 2: Candidates write short texts (postcards, messages, notes) on everyday topics. This tests their ability to communicate simple information clearly and coherently.

Speaking

  • Duration: Approximately 20 minutes (including preparation time)
  • Marks: 25
  • Description: Divided into three parts:
  1. Part 1 (Guided Conversation): Candidates engage in a conversation with the examiner on a familiar topic (e.g., hobbies, daily routines).
  2. Part 2 (Interactive Exercise): Candidates participate in an interactive exchange with the examiner, responding to questions and providing information.
  3. Part 3 (Role Play): Candidates act out a role-play scenario, such as ordering food at a restaurant or asking for directions. This assesses their ability to handle common situations in French-speaking contexts.

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 and DALF Exam Centers in India

Are you looking to take the DELF or DALF exams in India? Explore the various DELF and DALF exam centers across India and DELF exam dates 2024 in India to find the most convenient location for your French language proficiency test:

City

Alliance Française Center

Ahmedabad

Alliance française d’Ahmedabad

Bangalore

Alliance française de Bengalore

Bhopal

Alliance française de Bhopal

Calcutta

Alliance française du Bengale

Chandigarh

Alliance française “Le Corbusier”

Chennai

Alliance française de Madras

Coimbatore

PSG Institute of Management

Goa

Alliance française de Panjim-Goa

Hyderabad

Alliance française Hyderabad

Jaipur

Alliance française de Jaipur

Mumbai

Alliance française de Bombay

New-Delhi

Alliance française de Delhi

Pondichéry

Alliance française de Pondichéry

Pune

Alliance française de Pune

Trivandrum

Alliance française de Trivandrum

DELF Exam Fees 

Below, you will find the DELF exam fees for each test level. 

Delf Exam Level

Fee Range

DELF A1 

8,620/- + GST (for external students), 

5,603/- + GST (for partner institution)

DELF A2

8,620/- + GST (for external students), 

6,034/- + GST (for partner institution)

DELF B1 - B2

6,732+ GST(for partner institutions)

₹10,200+ GST

(for external students)

DALF C1 - C2

7,458 + GST(for partner institutions)

11,300 + GST(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. 

What is the DELF exam for?

The DELF exam certifies your French language proficiency, which is beneficial for academic, professional, and personal purposes. It is recognized worldwide and opens up opportunities for studying, working, and living in French-speaking countries.

What is level 7 in French?

Level 7 in French, individuals have an intermediate proficiency. They can converse fluently in every day or work-related situations, understand complex conversations and texts, and write coherent and detailed content with occasional errors.

What is Grade 12 in French?

In DELF, Grade 12 corresponds to the B2 level on the CEFR. At this level, candidates have a solid intermediate proficiency in French, including understanding complex speech, interacting fluently with native speakers, comprehending high-frequency texts, and writing detailed texts on various subjects.

Did you find this article helpful?

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.

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