The French DELF A1 diploma certifies that you can manage basic French in common situations. Understanding the DELF A1 exam format helps you focus on listening, reading, writing, and speaking tasks. It opens doors to travel, study, and work across Francophone countries. Next, discover who can take this exam and how it’s structured.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age & Background: No strict age limit, though most candidates are 16+. A1 study of about 100–150 hours prepares you for elementary tasks.
- Registration Process: Sign up via the French Alliance website or approved centers, provide ID, and pay the exam fee.
Study Commitment: Aim for four to six hours weekly over five months to build the skills outlined in the DELF A1 exam format.
DELF A1 Exam Format
- Listening (Compréhension orale): 25 min | 20 tasks
You’ll hear announcements and dialogues, then answer multiple-choice or true/false questions to test everyday comprehension. - Reading (Compréhension écrite): 30 min | 20 tasks
Tasks include matching short texts, answering questions on emails or notices, and finding specific details in public information. - Writing (Production écrite): 30 min | 2 tasks
Fill in a form with personal details and write a brief postcard or message (40 words) using correct basic grammar. - Speaking (Production orale): 10 min | 3 tasks
Introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and describe an image or situation to show basic interaction skills.
| DELF A1 Test Sections | Duration | Mark out of |
ListeningThree or four very short recordings on everyday life (played twice), followed by questionnaires to test how much was understood.Maximum duration of recordings: 3 mins | Approximately 20 minutes. | 25 |
| Reading Comprehension questionnaires dealing with four or five written documents on everyday life. | 25 minutes. | 25 |
| WritingTwo-part test: – filling in a record, a form – writing simple phrases (postcards, messages, stories etc) on everyday topics | 25 minutes | 25 |
| SpeakingThree-part test: – guided conversation – exchanging information – role-play | 15 minutes. | 25 |
French DELF A1 passing criteria
- Scoring Method: Each section scored out of 25, for a total of 100 points.
- Pass Marks: 50/100 needed to pass; no minimum per section, so balanced performance is key.
- Grade Interpretation: Results labeled “Admis” or “Ajourné,” with detailed section scores to guide further study.
- Is DELF A1 exam easy? With steady preparation, its clear, real-world tasks feel approachable rather than daunting.
DELF A1 Test Dates & Results
- Exam Sessions: Offered each quarter—March, June, September, December.
- Registration Deadlines: Usually six weeks before each session; early sign-up ensures your preferred date.
Results Timeline: Listening/reading and writing scores released online in 4 weeks; speaking scores follow by week 6.
The oral part of French DELF A1 is an individual and three part test.
- Guided conversation
- Exchanging information
- Role-play
Conclusion
The DELF A1 exam validates your ability to use basic French in everyday contexts—ideal for travel, study, or work. Alternatives like TCF A1 and TEF A1 follow similar patterns. With 100–150 hours of focused study, you can achieve success. Ready to begin? Enroll with Zing Languages for expert DELF A1 preparation!
Check out DELF EXAM.