Detailed information on the examinations

All of the examinations have been designed to reflect the principle of action used by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which defines users of a language as social actors who have tasks to perform (that are not only linguistic) in given circumstances, in a given environment and within a specific area of action, which may be personal, public, academic or professional.

These examinations are based on the knowledge, expertise, interpersonal skills and learning skills that are part of the ability to communicate by way of language at linguistic, sociolinguistic and pragmatic level. This ability can be used when performing varied language activities in comprehension, expression, interaction and mediation.

The examinations were therefore created to include the four skills at every level, with varying degrees of interaction and mediation required depending on the level. A mark of at least 50/100 is required in order to be awarded the diploma.

It must be remembered that neither the linguistic competency nor the adequacy of communication of spoken and written language can ever be evaluated in absolute terms. Rather, the minimum requirements for each level are different, and candidates cannot be penalised for not having knowledge that will come from future learning. The National Commission has created a short description of the expected content (expertise and morphosyntactic content). If you would like more information, please see the "reference levels for national and regional languages".

DELF A1  -  DELF A2  -  DELF B1  -  DELF B2

 

DELF A1

This level recognises basic knowledge. It is the most basic level at which a language is used, called the "discovery" stage. At this stage, the learner can interact in a simple way: he/she can speak about him/herself and his/her immediate environment.

Type of tests: 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.	0 h 30	/ 25
Writing Two part test:     - filling in a record, a form     - writing simple phrases (postcards, messages, stories etc) on everyday topics.	> 0 h 30	/ 25
Speaking Three part test:      - guided conversation      - exchanging information      - role-play.	5 à 7 mins preparation: 10 mins	/ 25

Total duration of all tests: 1 hour 20
* Total mark out of 100
* Overall pass mark: 50/100
* Pass mark per test: 5/25

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DELF A2

DELF A2 is based on the same principle: it recognises the linguistic competency of a basic user, considered as a social actor. The candidate can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring the most common polite phrases and exchanges of information.

Type of tests: A2	Duration	Mark out of
Listening Comprehension questionnaires dealing with three or four short recordings on everyday life (played twice). Maximum duration of recordings: 5 mins	Approximately 25 minutes	/ 25
Reading Comprehension questionnaires dealing with three or four short recordings on everyday life.	0 h 30	/ 25
Writing Two short pieces of writing (letter to a friend or message)     - describe an event or personal experiences     - invite, thank, say sorry, ask for something, give information, congratulate in writing...	0 h 45	/ 25
Speaking Three part test:     - guided conversation     - exchanging information     - role-play.	6 to 8 mins preparation : 10 mins	/ 25

Total duration of all tests: 1 hour 40
* Total mark out of 100
* Overall pass mark: 50/100
* Pass mark per test: 5/25

 

DELF B1

At this level, the user becomes independent. He/she can maintain interaction: he/she can understand and maintain a discussion and give his/her opinion. He/she is capable of dealing with situations likely to arise in daily life.

Type of tests: 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 task     - analyse the contents of a document of general interest.	0 h 35	/ 25
Writing Express personal opinions on a general topic (essay, letter, article etc).	0 h 45	/ 25
Speaking Test in three parts:     - guided conversation     - interactive exercise     - expressing an opinion on a document designed to elicit a reaction.	Approximately 15 minutes preparation: 0 h 10 (Only for the 3rd part of the test )	/ 25

Total duration of all tests: 1 hour 45
* Total mark out of 100.
* Overall pass mark: 50/100
* Pass mark per test: 5/25

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DELF B2

A B2 user has a degree of independence that allows him/her to construct arguments to defend his/her opinion, explain his/her viewpoint and negotiate. At this level, the candidate has a degree of fluency and spontaneity in regular interactions and is capable of correcting his/her own mistakes.

Type of tests: B2	Duration	Mark out of
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	1 h	/ 25
Writing Taking a personal stand (contributing to a debate, formal letter, review of a film/book)	1 h	/ 25
Speaking Stating and defending an opinion based on a short document designed to elicit a reaction.	Approximately 20 minutes preparation: 0 h 30	/ 25

Total duration of all tests: 2 h 30
* Total mark out of 100.
* Overall pass mark: 50/100
* Pass mark per test: 5/25