What are the DELF DALF diplomas?
The DELF ("Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française") and DALF ("Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française") consist of 6 diplomas independent from each other.
They correspond to the 6 levels of the Common European Framework of References for languages. These diplomas, valid throughout the world, are issued by the French Ministry of Education.
The DELF A1 and A2 for the elementary user validates a basic knowledge of French and a "survival" level for daily life.
The DELF B1 and B2 for the independent user confirms a good knowledge of French and the ability to communicate verbally and in writing covering a wide range of topics within the modern French language.
The DALF C1 and C2 for the proficient user validates fluent and spontaneous communication skills at highest level and include specialized topics, chosen by the candidate himself. Candidates who have been awarded the DALF C1 or DALF C2 are exempted from language entrance examinations in French Universities.
They correspond to the 6 levels of the Common European Framework of References for languages. These diplomas, valid throughout the world, are issued by the French Ministry of Education.
The DELF A1 and A2 for the elementary user validates a basic knowledge of French and a "survival" level for daily life.
The DELF B1 and B2 for the independent user confirms a good knowledge of French and the ability to communicate verbally and in writing covering a wide range of topics within the modern French language.
The DALF C1 and C2 for the proficient user validates fluent and spontaneous communication skills at highest level and include specialized topics, chosen by the candidate himself. Candidates who have been awarded the DALF C1 or DALF C2 are exempted from language entrance examinations in French Universities.
The characteristics of DELF DALF
- All diplomas are independent from each other (the unit credit scheme has disappeared) which means candidates can sit the DELF DALF exam at any level without access tests.
- All units are valid indefinitely and all over the world.
- All four competences (speaking, writing, listening and reading skills) are tested at all levels.
- Each DELF DALF exam corresponds to the following hours of teaching :DELF A1 : 60 hours from Beginner levelDELF A2 : 160 hours from Beginner level (100 hours from DELF A1DELF B1 : 310 hours from Beginner level (150 hours from DELF A2)DELF B2 : 490 hours from Beginner level (180 hours from DELF B1)DALF C1 : 690 hours from Beginner level (200 hours from DELF B2)DALF C2 : 890 hours from Beginner level (200 hours from DALF C1)
Preparing for the DELF DALF exam at ILA
The DELF/DALF Exams Course prepares on three different levels for the DELF B1, DELF B2 and DALF C1 exam. TheFrench language courses consists of the Standard Course + 60 additional lessons special exams training over the last 6 weeks prior to the exam (see exam dates). Students staying for more than 6 weeks (recommended stay for the preparation is 8 to 12 weeks) start in the 30 lessons Intensive Course which also covers all aspects of the exam. The preparation for DELF A1 and DELF A2 takes place in the Intensive Course, which covers all aspects of these exams. DALF C2 can be prepared in the Combination Course.
Which exam can I sit with my current level and my study time at ILA?
The preparation time of the exam depends on the current level of French and on your exam preparation time outside classes hours.
The placement test will enable us to plan with you together the exam you will be able to sit. Your advantage is the short deadlines for enrolment for the exam in Montpellier (in most cases only two weeks before the actual exam takes place). We are therefore able to monitor your progress and to give you advice on which exam to sit.
The placement test will enable us to plan with you together the exam you will be able to sit. Your advantage is the short deadlines for enrolment for the exam in Montpellier (in most cases only two weeks before the actual exam takes place). We are therefore able to monitor your progress and to give you advice on which exam to sit.
Calculating your approximate times for the DELF DALF exams
In order to give you an idea of which exam you might be able to take, please follow the procedure underneath :
Please find your current level according to hours of French taken so far.
Please find your current level according to hours of French taken so far.
| • A1 (Beginner) | 0 - 80 | French lessons |
| • A2 (Elementary) | 80 - 160 | French lessons |
| • B1 (Intermediate 1) | 160 - 320 | French lessons |
| • B2 (Intermediate 2) | 320 - 480 | French lessons |
| • C1 (Advanced) | from 480 | French lessons |
This table enables you to find approx. preparation times for each DELF DALF exam in relation to your current level of French. Please bear in mind that this is only a rough guide and the evaluation test at the beginning of your course and our advice throughout your course will help you to decide about which DELF DALF exam to take.
| Current level | A1 (Beginner) | A2 (Elementary) | B1 (Intermediate 1) | B2 (Intermediate 2) | C1 (Advanced) | C2 (Superior) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DELF A1 | 4 weeks | 2 weeks | none | none | none | none |
| DELF A2 | 10 weeks | 6 weeks | 2 weeks | none | none | none |
| DELF B1 | 16 weeks | 12 weeks | 6-8 weeks | 2 weeks | none | none |
| DELF B2 | 22 weeks | 18 weeks | 12-14 weeks | 6-8 weeks | 2 weeks | none |
| DALF C1 | 26 weeks | 22 weeks | 18-20 weeks | 12-14 weeks | 6-8 weeks | none |
| DALF C2 | 32 weeks | 28 weeks | 24-26 weeks | 18-20 weeks | 12-14 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
DELF DALF exam dates 2013
The DELF DALF exam takes place in the DELF DALF exam centre of Montpellier at the dates listed below (in brackets : enrolment deadlines).
ILA will look after you enrolment.
In case you are not able to sit the DELF DALF exam at these dates in Montpellier, you can still prepare your DELF DALF exam here and sit it in your home country.
| DELF A1 | DELF A2 | DELF B1 | DELF B2 | DALF C1 | DALF C2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | 15 March (18 February) | - | - |
| 27 May (2 May) | 27 May (2 May) | 28 May (2 May) | 28 May (2 May) | 29 May (2 May) | 29 May (2 May) |
| - | - | - | 20 June (3 June) | - | - |
| - | - | - | 22 August (8 August) | 23 August (8 August) | - |
| There will be exams in December 2013, but dates will be given by the exam center later. We will publish the dates once available. | |||||
Exam costs are as follows : DELF A1: 100€, DELF A2: 120€, DELF B1: 160€, DELF B2: 180€, DALF C1: 200€, DALF C2: 200€.
These fees are not included in the course fee and payable directly to the DELF DALF exam centre.
These fees are not included in the course fee and payable directly to the DELF DALF exam centre.
