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DILF, DELF or DALF: Which Test Is Right for You (and How to Pass It)

Once you get to a certain level in French, you might want to prove your worth.

But which test should you take to show everyone just how well you can parler?

We’re going to take a look at the DILF, DELF and DALF, so you’ll know which test is right for you, why you should take it, plus tips for passing.

Contents

An Introduction to DILF, DELF and DALF

The DILF, DELF and DALF are three different tests offered by the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework. The diplomas obtained when these tests are taken situate your level within an official European guideline.

Similar tests throughout Europe have been created for other European languages, each of which is divided into six levels, starting from A1 and going through to C2.

In France, different levels are tested using the exams.

What is the DILF?

The DILF tests a seventh level that does not exist throughout Europe, which is pre-beginner or introductory, and has been dubbed A1.1.

We’ll go into more detail about the differences between the levels a bit later on.

What is the DELF?

The DELF exam tests the A1 and A2 levels, which are seen as beginner or “basic,” and the B1 and B2 levels, which are intermediate or “independent.”

What is the DALF?

The DALF tests C1 and C2, which are referred to as advanced or “proficient.”

Why take these French exams?

These diplomas are quite useful for European employers and schools who want new hires/students to have a certain level in any foreign language, as the tests are regulated and conform across Europe.

A B2 speaker of French, Spanish or Italian will have approximately the same proficiency in each language, and writing on your CV or resume that you have a B2 diploma is quite a bit clearer than saying “intermediate,” for example.

How to Choose the Right Test for You: DILF, DELF or DALF

If you want to take one of these tests to prove your French level, it is imperative that you choose the correct test.

Why?

Because unlike placement tests, the DILF, DELF and DALF do not tell you what your level is.

Rather, you must ascertain which level you believe you have and take the appropriate test to earn that diploma, thus validating your level.

If you take and fail a B2 test, for example, you cannot earn a B1 diploma. If you take a B1 test and pass with flying colors, the judges will not give you a B2 diploma.

For this reason, unless you absolutely need to prove that you have a certain level, for example for a job or university entrance requirement, it is often a good idea to err on the side of caution and take the test that you believe may be easier. This way, you will hold at least one diploma no matter what, and you can set your sights on the next level afterwards.

To choose which test to take, first read the descriptions below, and try to ascertain which category of test best suits your language level. Then try some test exercises to zero in on the proper test to take.

Who should take the DILF

The DILF, or Diplôme initial de langue française, tests the lowest level of French, categorized as A1.1. This level is appropriate for someone just starting to learn French, thus the name of the test: initial diploma of French language.

The DILF was developed specifically for France following a demand from the French Ministry of Culture’s general directorate for French and the languages of France. It is predominantly taken by migrants to France with little to no French exposure, particularly those who may not be fully literate in their native tongue. For this reason, many exam centers do not offer the DILF, and it is rare that a student of French would take this test.

As opposed to the DELF and the DALF, the DILF prioritizes spoken and listening communication and comprehension over written and reading communication and comprehension.

Who should take the DELF

The DELF, or Diplôme d’études en langue française is the test that will concern most French learners, as it tests levels from A1 through B2, covering beginner and intermediate learners.

Within the DELF category of tests are four different exams. When opting to take the DELF, you will have to choose amongst the DELF A1, DELF A2, DELF B1 or DELF B2 tests, as each test is specially tailored to students of that level.

The DELF is one of the most useful diplomas to have, particularly when applying to French jobs or for French university degrees. Most undergraduate and graduate programs require a B2 diploma, though some undergraduate programs accept B1. B1 and B2 are also the levels that most French workplaces require if your job is going to include a moderate amount of French.

Who should take the DALF

The DALF or Diplôme approfondi de langue française is the advanced language diploma. It is very similar to the DELF, though it is not always offered at the same test centers at the same time as the DELF is being administered. Two DALF tests exist: one for level C1, and the other for level C2.

A C1 is required by some master’s and doctorate programs.

C2 is a rare test to take, as by the time you have reached this level, you usually have another degree that outweighs it, for example a French master’s degree. Earning a C2 diploma usually requires at least several months of immersive learning as well, meaning that someone with a C2 level has likely already attended French university or worked in a French job.

What These French Exams Are Like

The DILF, DELF and DALF vary enormously depending on which level exam you are taking, but in spite of this, the format remains very similar for all of the tests.

Each of the tests examines four different elements of French language, highlighting cultural comprehension as well as linguistic comprehension. The four elements are:

  • reading comprehension
  • listening comprehension
  • writing expression
  • oral expression

Each of the sections of the DELF and DALF are graded out of 25 points. In the DILF, however, the listening comprehension and spoken production sections are worth 35 points, and the other two sections are worth 15. You must get at least 50 points total to pass, with at least 5 points in each section.

Each level will have different time allocated to each of the sections, as well as a different format. For example, in the DALF, the oral expression will require a 20-minute presentation and interview, whereas for the DELF, just a few questions will be asked.

For more information about the specifics of the section that concerns you, check out this official guide to the DELF and DALF.

How to Sign Up for the DILF, DELF or DALF

Once you have decided which test best suits your level, it is time to sign up. There are a variety of testing centers throughout the world where you can take the tests, and you can usually easily sign up online.

Registration fees vary depending on the testing center, but usually begin at around $100 for the lowest levels and up to $200-250 for the DALF.

How to Succeed at the DILF, DELF or DALF

So how can you succeed at these tests? The best way is to be prepared and practice. Like with any test, it is a good idea to get used to the format of the test, which is why on top of your regular French practice, you should try some exercises in the same format as the DILF, DELF and DALF.

Here are some links to get you started:

DILF Practice Resources 

DELF Practice Resources 

DALF Practice Resources 

 

No matter which test you take, the best thing you can do to ensure that you succeed is continue to work on your French. 

Our favorite method is to learn French in context. You can do this by surrounding yourself with real French media (stuff that is made by and for native French speakers) like French music, news articles, podcasts and videos.

Luckily, this is all easily accessible online via a plethora of streaming platforms—like YouTube, Netflix and Spotify.

So, keep getting practice with real French, keep reading and speaking, and you’ll be showing off your DILF, DELF or DALF diploma in no time.

And one more thing...

If you like learning French on your own time and from the comfort of your smart device, then I'd be remiss to not tell you about FluentU.

FluentU has a wide variety of great content, like interviews, documentary excerpts and web series, as you can see here:

learn-french-with-videos

FluentU brings native French videos with reach. With interactive captions, you can tap on any word to see an image, definition and useful examples.

learn-french-with-movies

For example, if you tap on the word "crois," you'll see this:

practice-french-with-subtitled-videos

Practice and reinforce all the vocabulary you've learned in a given video with learn mode. Swipe left or right to see more examples for the word you’re learning, and play the mini-games found in our dynamic flashcards, like "fill in the blank."

practice-french-with-adaptive-quizzes

All throughout, FluentU tracks the vocabulary that you’re learning and uses this information to give you a totally personalized experience. It gives you extra practice with difficult words—and reminds you when it’s time to review what you’ve learned.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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