The DELF and the DALF certificates, created by ministerial decree on 22 May 1985, are now offered in 900 exam centres throughout 154 countries. About 350 000 units are taken every year and 60 000 people are awarded with the certificate. Candidates who have been awarded the DALF are exempted from language entrance examinations in French Universities.
The new formula (From 1 September 2005) is made of 6 independant diplomas available for all non-French citizens who wish to prove their French language skills.
Each certificate now corresponds to one of the 6 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Oral/written production and reception are now tested at all levels.

Any certificate acquired before 1 September 2005 is still valid. It doesn't entitle the holder to a new diploma. Units earned before 1 September 2005 remain valid. The holder is entitled to a certificate based on a table of equivalence established by the National Commission of the DELF and the DALF.

Informations about the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF):

Basic language user

A1          

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

 A2

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Independent user

B1          

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.               

 B2

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Proficient user

C1

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

C2

Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning

 Download DELF-DALF Brochure here