DELF and DALF: French language certifications explained

If you are thinking of getting an official qualification to prove your French language abilities, the DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) exams, are the ones to consider.

These exams, administered by the French Ministry of Education, are widely recognised in Europe and can be helpful if you’re needing to prove your level of French language, be that for a job prospect or for other purposes.

This article will aim to explain what these exams include, how to prepare, and what their benefits are, from someone who has taken all their DELF exams and is currently preparing for their DALF’s.

What are the DELF and the DALF?

The DELF and DALF exams assess French language skills at different levels for a fee. They can allow you to study, work and immigrate to French-speaking countries, or help you to prove your French-language abilities in the form of an official certificate that is valid for life.

In 2022, 1,236 examination centres in 167 countries held exam sessions for these French language exams, and these numbers are ever-growing!

The difference between the DELF and DALF essentially lies in categorisation. 

DELF categorises the 4 exams between beginner to upper intermediate level, and DALF categorises the 2 exams at the advanced and mastered language level, as demonstrated in the table below:

Exam structure and content

Each exam is divided into four sections:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

The total marks available for every exam is scored at 100 (100%).

However, you only need a pass mark of 50% in total to get your certificate for the exam level you are taking, with a minimum requirement of 5/25 in each of the 4 sections.

For each level the exam format will remain similar, however, the time spent on each section will vary and typically increase, as the level increases in difficulty, as demonstrated in the table below:

DELF/DALF vs TCF: Which French certification is right for you?

If you’re considering French language certifications, it’s worth knowing how DELF/DALF compares with the TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français). Both are widely recognised, but they serve different purposes.

Exam purpose and recognition:

DELF/DALF: These exams offer a lifelong certification, meaning once you pass, your certificate is valid forever. This makes them ideal for formal qualifications like jobs or studies in French-speaking environments.

TCF: Unlike the DELF/DALF, the TCF is valid for only two years. It’s often used for immigration purposes, university admissions, or as a quick assessment of language skills. It’s less formal but more flexible in some contexts.

Structure and format:

DELF/DALF: Fixed format with four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), with a need to pass each section with a minimum score.

TCF: For a TCF you can choose which skills to be tested on, although for some purposes (e.g., French citizenship), specific areas are mandatory. The TCF also uses multiple-choice questions for some sections, which may appeal to those looking for a quicker, less subjective test.

Level assessment:

DELF/DALF: Each exam is level-specific; you must decide beforehand which level you’re testing for (A1 to C2).

TCF: Adaptive; you are not set to a specific level when you register. Your level is assessed based on your performance during the test, making it ideal for those unsure of their proficiency.

Preparation and costs:

DELF/DALF: Often requires more structured preparation due to the nature of the exam and the need to meet minimum scores across all sections.

TCF: Generally, less intensive in preparation as it has a more adaptive nature, but still requires a solid understanding of French. The costs can vary widely, but the DELF/DALF is often seen as a better investment due to its lifelong validity.

To find out more about the TCF and whether this is potentially a better option for you, consider the official TCF website for more information.

Registration, costs and results

To take a DELF / DALF, you will have to register through authorised test centres or online platforms to take your exam, and there will be a fee included for sitting the exam.

The costs for DELF / DALF exams range between £80 to £200 according to The Institut Français du Royaume-Uni’s website, but this will depend on the level, and the test centre in which you are taking it.

If you do not pass your exam you can retake it, but the cost of the exam you are taking will apply again.

Here are a few examples of some (not all) registered test centres for the DELF / DALF in the UK:

• The Institut Français du Royaume-Uni
• The University of Westminster
• Alliance Française Oxford
• Manchester-Alliance française

After having taken your exam, you will receive your results via email first, then in about 4 to 6 months’ time, you will be able to book a collection slot for your hardcopy diploma itself.

How to prepare for DELF / DALF exams?

Preparation for the DELF / DALF exams can be stressful, but I have found the following strategies the most helpful in my preparation.

Understand the exam format

Make sure you are familiar with the structure, types of questions, and timing for each section, before diving straight into the content.

Consider the official website for the DELF/DALF with all the information about the layout of the exams to be certain of exactly what to expect and prepare for.

Build up a strong vocabulary base

This is very important for any language exam, as there are bound to be words that show up in your paper that you do not know.

Obviously, you will never be able to go through every word in the dictionary to be prepared for anything that pops up, but regularly learning new vocab and solidifying the ones you are already familiar with is key.

You can do this through Quizlet, Memrise, Anki, or other vocab practising methods that work well for you!

Practice with past papers

Do past papers under timed conditions. This will not only familiarise you with the exam format, but also helps you identify areas for improvement.

Past papers and resources on the DELF/DALF can be found on this website. This is my personal go-to revision method alongside the next one!

Build up each section individually

Everyone will have their own strengths and weaknesses in each section. This is important to identify and working on each section individually will help with your wider success in your DELF / DALF exam.

Reading: practice with French newspapers, magazines, and literature to improve reading comprehension and exposure to different writing styles.

• Some good websites include: Le Monde and Le Figaro for press style articles, and this website on Lingua, which has reading exercises for specific DELF / DALF levels.

Writing: practice writing essays and various formats of writing styles (reports, letters etc.) on typical exam topics.

• Pay attention to structure, syntax, coherence, and grammar in particular. At any level it is useful to memorise connector words to develop your writing abilities (eg., Tout d’abord, ensuite, par conséquent).

Speaking: try to engage in regular conversational practice with French speakers if you can, focusing on pronunciation and fluency.

• If you do not have anyone to actively practise with, consider getting a personal tutor, or using online platforms where you can talk to native speakers, such as Kwiziq and iTalki.

Listening: try French podcasts, radio, and watch French films with subtitles. Practice dictation exercises to improve both listening and writing.

• Lawlessfench is a good website for listening practice for each level of DELF / DALF.