DELF preparation

WHAT IS DELF? 

A silver laptop with an orange espresso cupDELF is a diploma which officially certifies your level of knowledge of the French language. This certification is key to work and study in France and the Francophone world. It is issued by the French Ministry of Education and as such, it is recognized everywhere in the world, without expiration or time restrictions. Taking this exam is an opportunity to find out what your real level of French is and to get your French skills certified.

It is designed to assess the communicative skills of a candidate in real situations using authentic documents. The focus will be on the four main language skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing, combined with aspects of local culture.

Whatever your level of French, it is better to follow a DELF exam preparation course than to attempt to study for the DELF exam on your own. This is because each DELF exam has special characteristics and methodologies that can be difficult to discover and understand without help and support. 

HOW MANY LEVELS DOES DELF HAVE?   

The DELF diploma covers the first four levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:  A1 (beginner), A2 (elementary), B1 (intermediate), B2 (independent). The 4 DELF diplomas can be earned and awarded independently of each other, in the same or different country. Note: to study at a French university, a DELF B2 is required. Please click here for more information regarding studying at a French university.

DOES SITTING ALONE WITH YOUR TEXTBOOKS TIRE YOU OUT? DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START? 

Wait, it does not have to be that painful! 

My DELF exam preparation course is designed to guide you step by step.

It includes in-depth explanations of the methodology, the specific vocabulary and topics for the exam. You will have the opportunity to develop your grammatical and communicative skills. All 4 language skills will be worked on, as they are all assessed during the exam: oral comprehension, written comprehension, oral expression and written expression.

During the lesson, we’ll work on the written comprehension, written production and the expression production of the different exam parts. For homework, I will give you homework to practice oral and written comprehension. I will prepare and correct your homework. You have to make sure that you can allocate at least 2 hours of homework time for each lesson. This DELF preparation course includes mock examinations so that you know what to expect on the day so you can take the DELF examination fully prepared.

The time needed to prepare for the test depends on your current level of French, how much you intend to study outside of class and your goal. I recommend at least 10 months of preparation at a rate of one lesson per week (+ homework) in order to be ready to pass the exam to the next level. You can reduce the time frame by taking 2 lessons per week.

Once you feel ready to take the exam, you can register directly at the nearest exam centre next to you in France or in our own country and then take the examination. DELF can be taken only 4 times a year (unless you want to travel to another country and take it there, of course). Please note, exam fees are not included in the price of my exam preparation course.

To find the nearest approved exam centre:

WHAT IS THE EXAM LIKE? 

Each exam tests you on four areas, covered in different papers: 

  • Reading (marked out of 25)
  • Writing (marked out of 25)
  • Listening (marked out of 25)
  • Speaking (marked out of 25)

In the DELF speaking exams, you have 30 minutes to prepare a well-presented and argued presentation about a topic. After you’ve given the presentation, you will be asked questions about it. 

Exams are marked out of 100. To pass any of the levels, you must score 50/100, with a minimum score of 5/25 in each area. 

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT:
DELF PRO

The DELF also exists in a professional version.

professional handshakeThe DELF Pro is designed for candidates seeking initial employment opportunities or promotion within a French-speaking work environment. It adds credibility and importance to your resume. The DELF Pro assesses the communication skills needed for all aspects of professional life today. The examination topics are based on the world of work. The DELF Pro comprises 4 self-standing qualifications, corresponding to the first four levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: A1, A2, B1, B2. Each level of the examination assesses the four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. A score of 50 out of 100 averaged across all four sections entitles the candidate to the DELF Pro Certificate A1, A2, B1 or B2. There are no entry requirements: candidates can take the examination at the level of their choosing.

To learn more about the DELF Pro, click here. 

Although I always try to keep up-to-date as best as I can, please check the information I give you with official channels, as rules and requirements can change quickly.

To discuss your needs or course content, please contact me.