DILF DELF DALF exam preparation

What is the French DILF – DELF – DALF exam?

DILF - DELF – DALF are all some French proficiency test certified by the French’ ministry of the national education. It validates your level in French from the very basic A1.1 up to the bilingual level C2.

• DILF: diplôme initial langue française
• DELF: diplôme élémentaire en langue française
• DALF: diplôme approfondi langue française

Here is a summary of all the levels and the prices.

Why do I need to take it?

This worldwide known test can be a requirement to apply for a school or to apply for a job in France. However it is also extremely useful to have it on your CV and stands out in the job market.

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Recognition around the world

Not only is this French certification valid for life, it is also recognized all around the globe. Moreover:

• More than 220 million people speak French on the five continents
• French is the second most widely learned foreign language after English
• Sixth most widely spoken language in the world
• ​France is the world’s top tourist destination
• French is the third most widely used language on the Internet

Check this blog to get 10 good reasons to learn French.

What is the difference between DILF, DELF and DALF?

Eventhough they are all a French proficiency test, there are different levels.

DILF - A1.1.

The DILF is a rare exam that can only be sat in France. It validates the A1.1 level, the most basic level of foreign language. Only adults over 18 years old can take it.

DELF - A1, A2, B1 and B2

The DELF exists for the levels A1, A2, B1 and B2. Various people can take it:

• DELF prim -> primary students (7 – 12 years old), levels A1 and A2
• DELF junior -> teenagers in school (12 – 17 years old), levels from A1 to B2
• DELF scolaire -> teenagers (12 – 17 years old), levels from A1 to B2
• DELF tout public -> all adults, levels from A1 to B2
• DELF pro -> for workers aiming to work in France or within the French speaking community, levels from A1 to B2

DALF - C1, C2

The DALF is aimed for fluent speakers, validating the level C1 or C2. The C2 level is rarely taken as the person is usually living in France or has high qualification in the language.

What level should I choose?

There are different options for you to test your level:

• Language centers all around the world offer a level test to make sure you choose the right French certification.
• Your school or job might require a certain level. For example, most French jobs where French will be mainly used in the work environment require a B1 or B2 level.

You should wisely choose your level, as you will not be granted the B1 level if you fail the B2 exam. Same thing if you get high score in A2 level you will not be given the B1 exam. This is because each test is very specific level.

How is the exam structured?

Whatever certification you choose, you will be tested on four aspects:

• Reading comprehension - understand two or more texts and answering questions
• Listening comprehension - taking notes on a casual conversation played during the exam
• Writing expression - write paragraphs about certain subjects
• Oral expression - casual conversation (DELF) up to 20min presentaton and questions (DALF) 

PDF and samples are availble at the bottom of the page. 

How many points do I need to pass the exam?

For the DELF and DALF, each category is worth 25 points. You must score at least 50 points with a minimum of 5 points in each section to pass the exam.

For the DILF, reading comprehension and writing expression are worth 15 points. Listening comprehension and oral expressions are worth 35 points.

Where to take it and for how much?

You can sit the DELF and DALF everywhere in the world for differents prices. 

Where are the CIEP centers located?

They are a lot of languages centers all around the world that are qualified to sit the DILF, DELF and DALF. You can check to closest to you on this link.

The price

Each center is allowed to set its own prices to sit the exam. Here is an estimation of how much it will cost you:

• A1.1 € 77
• A1: € 77
• A2: € 99
• B1: € 127
• B2: € 147
• C1: € 201
• C2: € 227

How to successfully pass the DILF – DELF – DALF?

Everything you have to know to be successful in your exam.

How long should I study for?

This depends on each individual. French is a tricky language and the best practice is to meet and talk with a native speaker.

Online tutoring

coLanguage allows you to prepare and talk to native speakers via Skype in an easy manner:

• Meet your French teacher on Skype
• Private lessons focused on your needs
• You only need an internet connection and a headset
• Flexible appointments

Check out our verified and professional online French teachers, which can help you to get prepared for the exam.

How can I improve my grammar for free?

With more than 115 french lessons and 280 exercices, coLanguage allows you to aply grammar in real situation for free. You can hear the audio files and test yourself with some exercices.

What if I fail?

Not to worry, you can retake the exams as many times as you want as long as you wait 30 days in between each.

DILF, DELF and DALF samples, PDF

You can find a lot of resources online but here are some to start with:

DILF:

http://www.ciep.fr/en/dilf

http://www.french-exam.com/category/delf-dalf-online-free-preparation-exercises/dilf-a1-1/

DELF:

http://www.ciep.fr/en/delf-tout-public/sample-papers

http://www.bonjourdefrance.co.uk/learn-french-online/delf-preparation.html

https://delf-dalf.ambafrance-ca.org/sample-subjects

http://www.french-exam.com/mock-french-exam/

DALF:

http://www.ciep.fr/en/dalf/sample-papers

http://www.delfdalf.fr/dalf-c1-sample-papers.html

http://www.french-exam.com/2014/02/23/dalf-c2-french-exam-practice-test-4/