1) Introduction
The DELF is an official diploma certifying French as a Foreign Language (CEFR) for levels A1 to B2. Each level includes four tests: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Marking: 25 points per test (total 100) with minimum scores required; the diploma is valid for life.
2) Summary Table (formats, timing, skills, examples)
| Test | Key durations |
|---|---|
| Listening | A1 ≈ 20 min ; A2 ≈ 25 min ; B1 ≈ 25 min ; B2 ≈ 30 min |
| Reading | A1 30 min ; A2 40 min ; B1 45 min ; B2 60 min |
| Writing | A1 30 min ; A2 45 min ; B1 45 min ; B2 60 min |
| Speaking (total) | A1 5–7 min ; A2 6–8 min ; B1 10–15 min ; B2 15–20 min |
| Type / Tasks | Skills & professional examples |
|---|---|
| Listening: 1–3 audios played twice, MCQ, T/F, matching, short answers | Identify main idea + details, tone, context. Example: City announcement, internal message. |
| Reading: 1–3 texts (posters, emails, articles…) | Identify theme, opinion, register, structure. Example: HR memo, call for proposals. |
| Writing: email, story, essay, report | Coherence, vocabulary, grammar, audience adaptation. Example: Reply to a citizen, meeting report. |
| Speaking: monologue + interaction | Fluency, argumentation, reactivity. Example: Present a project, negotiate schedule. |
Tip: prepare a checklist: time / instructions / structure / review.
3) Listening
Format 1–3 audio documents (dialogues, announcements, interviews), played twice. Mixed questions: MCQ, true/false, matching, short answers.
Skills Main idea, precise information, tone/attitude, context (place, speakers).
Professional examples
- Public transport service interruption announcement: date, time range, reason.
- Internal information message: priority, department concerned, required action.
4) Reading
Format 1–3 texts (poster, email, article, letter). Tasks: MCQ, T/F, short answer, reformulation.
Skills Identify theme & details, author’s opinion, register (formal/informal), logical structure.
Professional examples
- Municipal vaccination campaign poster: audience, dates, conditions.
- Excerpt from a call for proposals: criteria, deadlines, procedures.
5) Writing
Format A1/A2: simple email/story; B1/B2: argumented letter, article, essay, report, opinion.
Criteria Coherence, clarity, vocabulary, grammar, audience adaptation.
Professional examples
- Email to explain a delay (polite tone, solution offered, deadline).
- Service meeting report (facts, decisions, responsible persons, next steps).
6) Speaking
Format 2 parts: monologue (short prep, especially 10 min at B1/B2) + interaction (questions, debate, negotiation).
Criteria Fluency, pronunciation, ability to describe/narrate/argue, reactivity.
Professional examples
- Presenting a digital project (goals, resources, schedule, metrics).
- Negotiating schedule changes (constraints, options, compromise).
7) Key traps
- Time management: break down (read → take notes → answer → review).
- Register: use polite/formal tone for admin/professional context.
- Connectors: firstly, then, moreover, however, therefore.
- Pronunciation: correct useful liaisons; avoid wrong ones.
Summary (5 lines)
The DELF evaluates four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) with standardized formats and timings. Tasks are predictable: knowing instructions and structure gives points.
Success = time management + clear structure + accurate language (correct register). Practice with professional scenarios when possible.
Marking: 25 pts per test; minimums required. Review grammar, tone, dates, times, connectors.
Practical Info
- Scoring: 25 × 4 = 100; minimum 5/25 & 50/100.
- Validity: lifetime.
- Preparation: alternate skill practice & full simulations.