The French DELF A1 exam stands for Diplôme d’Ẹtudes en Langue Française, which is the official diploma for French as a foreign language. For the students looking to pursue higher studies in France or francophone countries, for the adults considering working in a French-speaking country, the DELF is the internationally recognised French exam that demonstrates your proficiency in French language.
The advanced French students can take DALF exams (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) which cover CEFR levels C1 and C2.
Note: The children and adolescents can take the DELF Prim which covers CEFR level A1.
DELF A1 Requirements
The level of knowledge of the French language A1, allows you to
- introduce myself and someone;
- understand announcements and simple oral instructions;
- understand short and simple texts;
- fill out a form with my name, nationality, address, etc. ;
- write a simple and short postcard;
- answer simple questions about me (for example: my name, my nationality, my activities);
- ask someone simple questions;
- buy something and pay.
The DELF A1 confirms basic knowledge of the French language and corresponds to the first level (A1) on the six-level scale of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
French DELF A1 passing criteria
There are no grades: you either pass or fail and there is a French DELF A1 certificate for every CEFR level. The diplomas are independent so you can take whichever exam you feel most qualified to pass. You can take DELF/DALF exam any number of times until you pass, but must wait 60 days between retakes.
DELF A1 exam pattern
French DELF A1 exam consists of 4 sections:
- Compréhension de l’oral (Listening)
- Compréhension des écrits (Reading)
- Production écrite (Writing)
- Production orale (Individual test)
1. Compréhension de l’oral (Listening)
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Modules (exercices): 4
- Points: 25
The Compréhension de l’oral (listening) part lasts about 20 minutes and during this time you need to complete 4 exercises.
The examiner plays three or four very short recordings on everyday life (played twice), followed by questionnaires to test how much was understood. The maximum duration of recordings is 3 mins.
A maximum of 25 points can be obtained for the entire Listening module in the French DELF A1 exam. A minimum section pass mark is 5.
2. Lesen (Reading)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Modules (exercices): 4-5
- Points: 25
The Reading module lasts 30 minutes. During this time, you need to complete questionnaires dealing with four or five written documents on everyday life.
A maximum of 25 points can be obtained for the entire Reading section in the DELF A1 exam. A maximum of 25 points can be obtained for the entire Listening module in the DELF A1 exam. A minimum section pass mark is 5.
Note: In the reading part, you should use a special approach. It will not be enough just to read the text. Sometimes the question creators specifically add various prepositions, verb forms and synonyms in order to increase the complexity of the questions.
3. Schreiben (Writing)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Modules (Teile): 2
- Points: 25
The module “Writing” or “Letter” of the French DELF A1 examination lasts 30 minutes and consists of 2 parts.
- Filling in a record, a form
- Writing simple phrases (postcards, messages, stories etc) on everyday topics
A minimum section pass mark is 5.
4. Sprechen (Speaking)
- Duration: 15 -20 minutes
- Modules (Teile) : 3
- Points: 215
The oral part of French DELF A1 is an individual and three part test.
- Guided conversation
- Exchanging information
- Role-play
Conclusion
In conclusion, the French DELF A1 exam is a fundamental milestone in the journey to mastering the French language. It validates your ability to communicate in everyday situations and opens doors to French-speaking communities worldwide. With the right preparation and determination, success in the DELF A1 exam is well within reach, marking the beginning of your French language adventure. Bonne chance!
Check out DELF EXAM.