DELF

What is the DELF?

The Diplôme d'études en langue française or DELF is an official diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify competency in French to candidates outside of France. DELF diplomas are certified for life once an individual has been awarded the diploma. It is broken down into 6 different levels that reflect the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is highly important that French educators have a solid understanding of DELF as this is what we work towards. As educators we look to prepare our students for life outside of school and a majority of the students, especially French immersion students will look to take the self at some level.  

How is the DELF organized?

The DELF is divided into 6 levels from A1 to C2. The different levels are reflective of a persons level of French, thus the exam corresponds with the levels. A1 being the easiest level reflects lower comprehension, this would mean that younger students such as primary, junior and intermediate. High school and university students would fall into the higher categories of B1 to C2, especially immersion students. 

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How long is the exam?

The exam is broken up into 4 parts : Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The length of the exam is dependent on what level of certification a person is looking to achieve. While the different levels of the exam all have their own requirements based on level of difficulty, all exams are graded the same. All parts of the exam are scored out of 25 points for a total score of 100 points. A person must achieve a minimum of 5 / 25 per section and overall have a minimum score of 50 / 100 in order to achieve a passing grade. 

What is required for each section?

Listening - Candidate is presented with a series of recordings and asked to fill out some comprehension questions regarding the selection played

Reading - Candidates' reading comprehension by presenting several short pieces of writing, followed by comprehension questions requiring simple filling (ticking, multiple choice, true/false) or a justified written answer

Writing - Candidate's written skills are tested and again varies in subjects according to the level 

Speaking - Conversation between examiner and candidate to gage candidates oral communication level

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What does each level require?

 A1

• Listening section is played twice for the listener and is at minimum 3 minutes.

• Reading section gives candidates short texts or signs.

• Writing section includes two tasks. The first task is to fill in a document with required personal information and the second task is a simple text with a content of the daily life. (40 words required)

• Speaking section is a guided conversation where the candidate is prompted by the examiner, a short exchange of information on a defined subject and finally a role-play between the examiner and the candidate

A2 ​

• Listening section is played twice for the listener and is longer than 3 minutes.

• Reading section gives candidates short texts or signs.

• Writing section includes two tasks. The first task is to describe a brief event or an experience. The second task is to write a text of: expression of invitation, congratulations, application, giving information, justification etc. (60 - 80 words required)

• Speaking section is a guided conversation where the candidate is prompted by the examiner, a short exchange of information on a defined subject and finally a role-play between the examiner and the candidate

B1​

• Listening section is played twice for the listener and is at minimum 6 minutes.

• Reading section candidates are given longer texts. 

• Writing section asks candidates to express personal viewpoint in a given situation through an essay, a letter or an article. (160 - 180 words required)

• Speaking section is a guided conversation, an interactive exercise and discussion of a document designed to elicit a reaction from the candidate

B2

• Listening section is in two parts. The first recording is played twice and the second only once, with the total length of recordings being approximately 8 minutes.

• Reading section candidates are given longer texts, total length of B2 texts being around 1000 words

• Writing section asks candidates to express personal viewpoint and argumentation in a justified application, reply to message etc. (250 words required)

• Speaking section, the candidate is expected to state and defend an opinion, based on a short document designed to elicit a reaction.

Why should educators know about DELF?

By being aware of the requirements for DELF, educators are able to build some of these aspects into their teaching and how they are assessing their students. By building this in to the classroom,  an educators is better able to prepare their students for the DELF if they wish to take it. By having pre-existing evaluation's based in in the same fashion, students will feel less overwhelmed going in to obtain their certification.

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Check out the official DELF website for more information.