The lowest level of the DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) exam is DELF A1. This level is designed for complete beginners in French, representing the most foundational stage of language proficiency.
Understanding DELF Exam Levels
The DELF examinations are official diplomas awarded by the French Ministry of Education to certify the French language proficiency of foreign candidates. They are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which provides a standardized way to describe language ability.
The DELF exams cover the first four levels of the CEFR: A1, A2, B1, and B2. Each level assesses a candidate's ability to communicate in French across various skills, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Here's a breakdown of the DELF levels:
| DELF Level | CEFR Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| DELF A1 | A1 | Beginner (Ability to understand and use very basic everyday expressions and simple phrases) |
| DELF A2 | A2 | Elementary (Ability to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance) |
| DELF B1 | B1 | Low-intermediate to Intermediate (Ability to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters and produce simple connected text) |
| DELF B2 | B2 | Upper Intermediate (Ability to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, and interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity) |
Why is DELF A1 the Starting Point?
DELF A1 focuses on basic survival French. At this level, candidates are expected to be able to:
- Introduce themselves and others.
- Ask and answer basic personal questions (e.g., where they live, people they know, things they have).
- Interact in a simple way, provided the other person talks slowly and clearly.
- Understand very short, simple texts and common signs.
This foundational level ensures that learners build a solid base before progressing to more complex linguistic tasks. For more information on the distinctions between DELF and DALF certifications, you can refer to resources like the City Lit blog.
