An official diploma, also given by the French Ministry of Education, evaluates and certifies the French language skills of foreign applicants and French citizens from non-French speaking countries.
The DELF is made up of four diplomas, independent of each other (meaning that you could take level B1 even if you have not taken level A1 or A2) :
A1/ A2 corresponds to a basic level
B1/ B2 corresponds to an intermediate level
At each level, the four language skills are evaluated. Here is a short summary of what can be expected at each level :
- DELF A1 is the first level. You are capable of simple interactions. At this level, you must be able to introduce yourself and ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know, and things you have.
Duration of evaluation: 1h20
- DELF A2 is also a basic level. In addition to the skills of A1, you are able to perform simple tasks of daily life.
Duration of evaluation: 1h40
- DELF B1 is an intermediate level. You are considered an independant user capable of managing familiar situations encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. You can deal with most situations that may arise while traveling in a French-speaking country. You can describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Duration of evaluation: 1h45
- DELF B2 is a higher degree of independence. You can understand the main ideas of a complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialization. You can converse with native speakers with a degree of fluency and spontaneity. You can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Obtaining a DELF B2 level certification serves as the French level test for admission to a French university.
Duration of evaluation: 2h30