If you are a foreigner and wish to improve your skills in French for personal or professional purposes or ff you are French and originate from a non-French speaking country and do not hold a secondary or higher education diploma: you can opt for the DELF and/or DALF.
DALF C1
Language users at C1 level are autonomous. They are able to communicate fluently and spontaneously. They possess a wide range of vocabulary and are able to choose the correct expression to introduce their comments. They can produce clear and well-constructed discourse without hesitation that shows their command of the use of structure.
Description of examination DALF C1
| Type of tests: C1 | Duration | Mark out of |
|---|---|---|
| Listening comprehension: questionnaires dealing with recordings: - a long recording (interview, lesson, conference...) approximately eight minutes long (played twice) - several short radio broadcasts (newsflashes, surveys, adverts etc) (played once). Maximum duration of recordings: 10 mins |
Approximately 40 minutes |
/ 25 |
| Reading comprehension: questionnaires dealing with a text of ideas (literary or journalistic), 1,500 to 2,000 words long. |
0h50 | / 25 |
| Writing Two part test: - Summarise several written documents totalling approximately 1,000 wordsn - write an essay with supporting arguments on the contents of the documents Candidate can choose between two fields: humanities and social studies, science |
2h30 | / 25 |
| Speaking A presentation based on a series of written documents, followed by a discussion with the examiners. Candidates can choose between two fields: humanities and social studies, science |
0h30 preparation: 1h |
/ 25 |
Total duration of all tests: 4 hours
Total mark out of 100
Overall pass mark: 50/100
Pass mark per test: 5/25
DALF C2
Command of the language is conveyed by accuracy, appropriateness and fluency of expression. C2 candidates are able to complete tasks at the advanced or academic level.
Description of examination DALF C2
| Type of tests: C2 | Duration | Mark out of |
|---|---|---|
| Listening and Speaking Three part test: - write-up the contents of a recording (played twice) - personal development based on the problem given in the recordingn - debate with the examiners. Candidates can choose between two fields: humanities and social studies, science |
passation: 0h30 preparation: 1 h |
/50 |
| Comprehension et Writing Writing a structured text (article, editorial, report, speech etc) based on several documents totalling approximately 2,000 words. Candidates can choose between two fields: humanities and social studies, science |
3h30 |
Total duration of all tests: 4h
Total mark out of 100
Overall pass mark: 50/100
Pass mark per test: 5/25
DELF or DALF, which diploma is best for me?
- The DELF is the French Language Studies Diploma for beginner to intermediate levels: A1, A2, B1 and B2.
- The DALF is an Advanced Diploma in French Language for more advanced levels: C1 and C2.
The DELF and DALF diplomas are independent: you are therefore free to attend the examination of your choice. You can also take exams for several diplomas during a single session.
Where do I register?
- Online: Enrolment for an exam
- On site: at ILCF Lyon, at 23 place Carnot, in the 2nd Arrondissement of Lyon.
- By e-mail: ilcf@univ-catholyon.fr
- By phone: 00 33 - (0)4 72 32 50 53
Calendar and prices
Go to our dedicated page "calendar and prices".
How should I prepare for my exams?
The intensive half-year programme and the semi-intensive half-year programme taught at the ILCF include preparation for the DELF and DALF according to the level of your group.
