What is DELF or DALF?
The DELF (Diplôme d'études de langue francaise) and the DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue francaise) are internationally recognized certificates for French as a foreign language. They are considered official proof of French language skills, e.g. when enrolling at universities for French-language degree programs or when applying to employers in Switzerland, France, Belgium or Canada.
The diplomas are issued by the French Ministry of Education (Ministère de l'Education Nationale). They consist of six completely independent units, which are based on the language level of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference and the European Language Portfolio.
The difference between DELF and DALF
The difference between the DELF and DALF is only the language levels.
The DELF tests the language levels A1 to B2
- A1: This tests whether someone can understand simple situations and whether they have a basic knowledge of French.
- A2: This level covers elementary manners which ensure communication in everyday life.
- B1: The aim of this level is to use the language independently by examining flexible language use in everyday situations.
- B2: This level requires independent use of language and tests coherent argumentation, linguistic fluency and strong language awareness.
The DALF tests the language levels C1 and C2
- C1/C2: At the two highest language levels, the required language skills and competences approach those of a Francophone native speaker.
How long is a DELF/DALF certificate valid?
Once passed, a DELF or DALF language certificate remains valid indefinitely. It confirms mastery of the four language competences listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written and oral expression in French at the respective tested language level.
How much do DELF/DALF exams cost?
The exact costs for a DELF or DALF exam depend on the respective examination centre and the respective language level for which you want to take the exam. Examination fees vary slightly depending on the region in Switzerland. Exact details can be found on the websites of the respective examination centres https://www.delfdalf.ch/de/pruefungszentren.
How long do the DELF/DALF exams take?
DELF A1 exam
The examination consists of the four basic language skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written and oral expression. The collective part of the examination lasts about 120 minutes. In addition, there is the oral part, which comprises 10 minutes of preparation and 5 to 7 minutes of examination.
DELF A2 exam
The examination consists of the four basic language competences listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written as well as oral expression. The collective examination lasts approx. 100 minutes. In addition, there is the oral examination, which consists of 10 minutes of preparation time and 6 to 8 minutes of examination.
DELF B1 exam
The examination consists of the four basic language skills of listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written and oral expression. The duration of the examination is 105 minutes. The oral part consists of 10 minutes preparation time and 15 minutes examination.
DELF B2 exam
The exam consists of four basic language skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing and oral expression. The B2 DELF exam lasts 150 minutes, with reading comprehension and writing each taking one hour. The oral part includes 30 minutes of preparation time and 20 minutes of actual exam time.
DALF C1 exam
The exam consists of the four basic language skills of listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing and oral expression. The entire C1 DALF exam takes a total of four hours, with 150 minutes for writing. The oral part consists of 60 minutes preparation time and 30 minutes examination time.
DALF C2 exam
The exam consists of the four basic language skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written and oral expression. The written part takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. The oral examination consists of 60 minutes of preparation time and 30 minutes of examination time.
What do I need a DELF or DALF certificate for?
A DELF or DALF certificate is important and beneficial in many ways. It serves as an international language certificate for the French language and is recognized worldwide. The DELF or DALF diploma is very popular with students so that they can prove their knowledge of French with the help of an official certificate. DELF and DALF certificates are required for admission to various universities (especially in French-speaking countries such as France, Belgium, Canada and Switzerland). French-speaking universities require either a B1 DELF or even a C1 DALF for enrollment. On the other hand, potential employers sometimes require it or it has a significant impact on the decision in application processes. Depending on the context for which one would like to take the DELF/DALF certificate, there are five different types of exams:
- DELF Scolaire for pupils of secondary schools
- DELF/DALF Tout Public for adults and students
- DELF Junior for students whose school does not offer a DELF exam
- DELF Prim for primary school pupils
- DELF Pro for people who need French in the professional world
Where can you write a DELF/DALF exam?
There are several examination centres in Switzerland. The list of examination centres can be found at the following link https://www.delfdalf.ch/de/pruefungszentren
Can I take the DELF or DALF exam online?
No, you cannot take the DELF/DALF exam online. It is taken at an approved examination center. The Registration for the DELF or DALF is also held there. There are more than 1000 examination centers in over 173 countries worldwide. The list of DELF/DALF examination centers in Switzerland can be found at the following link https://www.delfdalf.ch/de/pruefungszentren
How can I prepare for a DELF/DALF exam?
Optimal and comprehensive preparation for a DELF or DALF exam is essential. Regular practice and training in the foreign language as well as targeted exam preparation are a must for passing this extensive and complex language exam. It is often difficult to prepare oneself sufficiently for the DELF or DALF exam. Many people do not know what exactly to concentrate on, incomprehensions accumulate, mistakes (whether grammatical or oral) are not immediately pointed out, it is difficult to stay motivated and on the ball, and preparing for the upcoming DELF/DALF exam proves to be a considerable challenge.
This is where professional DELF and DALF exam preparation courses come into play. The DELF and DALF exam preparation courses offered by ILS in Switzerland are particularly recommended. They are characterised by a high success rate and a high recommendation rate among participants. The language courses work specifically towards the DELF and DALF examinations. The teachers have many years of experience in teaching DELF and DALF exam preparation courses and know exactly what is important. If participants would like more language tuition in addition to the group course, additional private lessons can of course be booked to eliminate specific difficulties or to intensify the language tuition before the exam.
Here are some advantages of professional DELF/DALF exam preparation courses like those offered by ILS:
- Previous knowledge of French is consolidated, expanded and new important language skills are acquired.
- Participants learn the examination methods and techniques required for the DELF/DALF examination sections.
- Course participants learn all the basic language skills of the respective level in the four important language disciplines of listening comprehension, reading comprehension, oral and written expression.
- DELF/DALF preparation courses are offered both as active group courses or as intensive one-to-one lessons tailored to individual needs
- Examination simulations are held in which old examinations are practised under real examination conditions.
- The teachers are specialised in DELF and DALF French courses and have several years of experience in teaching exam preparation courses.
In addition, regular French language lessons, which are not specifically geared towards DELF/DALF examinations, can help significantly to achieve success in the foreign language and in obtaining language certificates (by successfully passing language examinations). Language learning is a perpetual process. Foreign languages should be used as often as possible over a longer period of time and practised regularly. Otherwise, the language skills you have already learned will quickly be forgotten. This is exactly where language courses at language schools come in. Professional language courses ensure regular language use, incomprehensibilities can be immediately eliminated and participants can further develop their skills.
Where can I prepare for a DELF/DALF exam?
If you are looking for a professional preparation course specialising in DELF or DALF exams, then ILS is the right choice for you. The ILS DELF and DALF preparation courses are characterised by a high success rate, satisfied participants, a top price-performance ratio and unique and individually adapted course offers. All ILS teachers specialise in DELF and DALF exam preparation courses and have many years of teaching experience.
ILS has several centrally located and easily accessible locations in Switzerland:
ILS Aarau https://ils-aarau.ch/locations
ILS Basel https://www.ils-basel.ch/locations
ILS Bern https://www.ils-bern.ch/locations
ILS Zürich https://ils-zuerich.ch/standorte
In the case of private courses, you also have the option of purchasing language lessons online via Zoom.
