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DELF and DALF: French Proficiency Tests for Study Abroad
Are you thinking of studying abroad in France? Do you imagine yourself studying in top ranking universities like Sorbonne? Yes, you can unleash all the best courses and universities in France or wherever France is a taught language simply by having good scores in French proficiency tests like DELF and DALF. Both the scores have a lifetime of validity. Get to know about them here.
1. French Proficiency Tests: DELF and DALF
The French Ministry of Education certifies French language proficiency of non-native French speakers with 2 diplomas. If you have chosen France as a dream country to study abroad then you can opt for a French proficiency test that proves your language skills for more opportunities in the same country. French is a language of culture, liberty and freedom. Knowing this language will unlock a lot of opportunities when it comes to programs, internships, jobs. You must be at least 17 years old to sit for these two tests.
2. What is DELF for Studying Abroad?
The acronym DELF means Diplôme d'études en langue française (in English: Diploma in French Studies). This test determines the French language skills of a beginner and categorizes the proficiency through Level A1, A2, B1 and B2. These levels again designate a certain position in CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Universities in France will ask for a student minimum of B2 level proficiency to enroll in a course.
Listening: In this section, recordings will be played for two times that candidates need to listen carefully and have to answer.
Reading: This section will have small questions that will interrogate the student's ability to read and comprehend the language. The format will have multiple choice questions which they have to answer by reading small texts.
Writing: This may contain multiple levels of difficulty where students might need to write personal information with an introduction. Furthermore, in Level A2 students might need to be more descriptive whereby they will describe an event or experience. In B1 and B2 level, students will be asked to write for a topic with arguments.
Speaking: This section will check moderate levels of conversational quality. While in A1 and A2 Levels will have simpler conversation with simple sentences, the B1 and B2 will check if the speaker is able to describe an image or situation. B2 will also check if the speaker can argue or present an opinion.
The first three sections of the test are known together as ‘Epreuves Collectives’. For an easier comprehension let us chart the info here:
|
Exam Level |
Listening |
Reading |
Writing |
Speaking |
|
DELF A1 |
20 minutes |
30 mins |
30 mins |
5–7 mins and 10 mins prep |
|
DELF A2 |
25 minutes |
30 mins |
45 mins |
6–8 mins and 10 mins prep |
|
DELF B1 |
25 minutes |
45 mins |
45 mins |
15 mins and 10 mins prep |
|
DELF B2 |
30 minutes |
60 mins |
60 mins |
20 mins and 30 mins prep |
3. What is DALF for Studying Abroad?
The acronym DALF implies Diplôme approfondie de langue française (in English: Diploma in Advanced French). This test scrutinizes the advanced users of the language and will categorize the proficiency through C1 and C2 Level as per the standards of CEFR or Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. C2 is the highest level of proficiency in French language.
3.1 DALF C1 Test
- Oral comprehension
- Written comprehension (50 minutes)
- Written production, must write an essay with arguments with simple grammar (2 hours 30 minutes)
- Oral production, consisting of an interview with the jury based on a text (30 minutes; 1 hour preparation time)
|
Exam |
DALF C1 |
|
Listening |
40 minutes |
|
Reading |
50 minutes |
|
Writing |
2 hour 30 mins |
|
Speaking |
30 mins with 1 hour prep time |
3.2 DALF C2 Test
This French proficiency test level determines a user's precision, correctness of expressions. A user of this level can communicate fluently in business, academic and other setups.
Oral comprehension and production: The jury will conduct an interview after the student listens to a recording of 15 minutes for two times.
Written Comprehension and production: Here the candidate has to pen down an essay of 2000 words.
|
Exam |
DALF C2 |
|
Oral comprehension and production |
30 mins with 1 hour prep time |
|
Written Comprehension & production |
3 hours 30 mins |
4. List of Exam Centers for DELF and DALF
The DELF and DALF French proficiency tests are conducted across India limited to metros only. You can sit in these cities:
|
Delhi |
Kolkata |
Pondicherry |
|
Chandigarh |
Indore |
Mysore |
|
Jaipur |
Pune |
Trichy |
|
Mumbai |
Bangalore |
Ahmedabad |
5. How to Register for DELF/DALF?
To register for DELF/DALF, follow the steps cited underneath:
|
Step:1 |
Visit the official online registration platform ON A LAPTOP. |
|
Step:2 |
Create your account or log into your previously registered Alliance Française account. |
|
Step:3 |
Choose the DELF/DALF examination and the examination center. |
|
Step:4 |
Pay the required fee by selecting your internal or external candidature. |
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, if you have studied French at school level or have an inclination to the French language, you can attempt the French proficiency test: DELF and DALF. This ultimately opens up hundreds of programs in France at university level to study abroad, plus, it poses a good value for French companies. If you are looking for admission in upcoming 2024 intakes with these proficiency tests contact us.
7. Who are We!
We, the Career Clinic, is a Noida based study abroad consultancy that delivers top courses and universities to study abroad. We have a global reach from Europe to Latin America where you can study and work as you please. See yourself venturing out to the world? Reach out to us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both these DELF and DALF are official French proficiency tests to study abroad along with the following tests:
- TEF (Test d’Evaluation de Français)
- TCF (Le Test de connaissance du français)
- IB French (International Baccalaureate)
- DILF (Le Diplôme Initial de Langue Française)
- AP French (Advanced Placement French Language and Culture)
- GCSE French (General Certificate of Secondary Education)
However, DELF and DALF are more common for international students to appear for.
Let us give a more clear idea about different levels within DELF and DALF.
DELF A1: Breakthrough or beginner
DELF A2: Waystage or elementary
DELF B1: Threshold or intermediate
DELF B2: Vantage or upper-intermediate
DALF C1: Effective Operational Proficiency or Advanced
DALF C2: Mastery or proficiency (Near-native)
Depending on your scores or skills, you will fall into one of these categories.
If you want to improve your existing French proficiency skills for DELF and DALF, then read below:
- Increase your vocabulary and accent using academic resources like language learning apps.
- Get familiar with test format and improve the weakest areas.
- Attempt as many mock tests as possible.
- Review your knowledge from a second person.
- Try to communicate with an actual French speaker.
The fee structure for DELF and DALF tests for Indian students varies depending on whether a student is studying at Alliance Française or not. If they are enrolled there, then they will be considered internal students and if not, then external students. Now, the fees are:
- DELF A1 & A2 (Internal: Rs 5600; External: Rs 8,000)
- DELF B1 & B2 (Internal: Rs 6720; External: Rs 9,600)
- DALF C1 & C2 (Internal: Rs 8260; External: Rs 11,800)
