How to prepare for the DELF exam - 2026 guide

1. What is the DELF exam?

The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is an official French diploma issued under the authority of the French Ministry of National Education and administered by France Éducation international.

For most adult learners, the relevant version is DELF “tout public” (A1–B2). One major advantage: the DELF diploma is recognized internationally and is valid for life (see the official overview: DELF tout public).

If you need levels C1–C2, you’ll typically look at the DALF: DALF.

2. Why choose DELF?

• For study: DELF B2 is widely used as proof of French for university applications.
• For work: It’s a clear, standardized credential employers can understand.
• For immigration and administration: In many contexts, an official diploma is easier to present than informal proof.
• For personal goals: A concrete level + exam date gives your learning structure and momentum.

External reference for university admissions (B2 proof commonly expected): Campus France – Applying to a French institution.

3. What the DELF actually tests (A1–B2)

DELF tests four skills, at every level:

• Listening comprehension
• Reading comprehension
• Writing (written production)
• Speaking (oral production)

Each level is independent: you register for the level that matches your current ability and your goal.

4. How the exam works (scoring, pass conditions, and what candidates miss)

4.1 Scoring in one minute

• Total: 100 points
• Each skill: 25 points
• Pass mark: 50/100 overall
• Minimum per skill: 5/25 (a very low score in one skill can fail you even if your total is high)

4.2 What this means in real prep

• You can’t “compensate” endlessly: a weak skill (often writing or speaking) must be fixed.
• Exam technique matters: structure, timing, and task compliance often decide pass vs. fail.
• Consistency beats cramming: especially at B1 and B2.

4.3 Our experience (what makes learners pass faster)

• Task-first training: learn the format before “more grammar”
• Correction loops: repeated targeted feedback on the same errors (writing + speaking)
• Timed practice: weekly mock parts under real conditions
• Speaking structure: clear plan → examples → conclusion (even at A2/B1)

5. DELF exam structure & timing (A1–B2)

Below is a practical, scannable overview. For the official level pages and descriptors, start here: France Éducation international – DELF tout public.

5.1 DELF A1 – Beginner

• Total duration (approx.): 1h20
• Listening: ~20 min (very short recordings, daily situations)
• Reading: ~30 min (signs, forms, simple texts)
• Writing: ~30 min (form + short message)
• Speaking: 5–7 min (+ ~10 min prep)

Official level page: DELF A1

5.2 DELF A2 – Basic user

• Total duration (approx.): 1h40
• Listening: ~25 min (announcements, simple conversations)
• Reading: ~30 min (menus, emails, posters)
• Writing: ~45 min (short letter + simple description)
• Speaking: 6–8 min (+ ~10 min prep)

Official level page: DELF A2

5.3 DELF B1 – Independent user

• Total duration (approx.): ~1h45–1h55 (varies slightly by center presentation)
• Listening: ~25 min (everyday + public contexts)
• Reading: ~35 min (articles, letters, blogs)
• Writing: ~45 min (opinion email/letter with simple arguments)
• Speaking: ~15 min (+ ~10 min prep)

Official level page: DELF B1

5.4 DELF B2 – Upper-intermediate

• Total duration (approx.): ~2h30
• Listening: ~30 min (interviews, reports, natural speed)
• Reading: ~60 min (opinion pieces, more complex documents)
• Writing: ~60 min (structured argument, cohesion markers)
• Speaking: ~20 min (+ ~30 min prep)

Official level page: DELF B2

6. DELF dates in 2026 (how to find the right session)

• DELF sessions are organized by authorized test centers (often several sessions per year).
• Exact dates depend on your location, so the most reliable workflow is:

1. Find a local authorized center (Alliance Française / Institut français / partner center).
2. Check their next DELF “tout public” session dates (A1–B2).
3. Register early (popular levels like B1/B2 can fill up).

Start from the official DELF page and navigate to your region/center: France Éducation international – DELF tout public

7. How much does DELF cost?

Fees vary by country and test center. As a general guide, many centers price higher levels (B1/B2) above A1/A2. Always confirm directly with your center when you register.

• A1: often around €90–€120
• A2: often around €100–€140
• B1: often around €120–€170
• B2: often around €140–€200

Tip: treat any “one-price-fits-all” chart as approximate—centers set their own local pricing.

8. Choosing your level (fast, reliable methods)

• Do a mock exam for your target level to see if timing + tasks are manageable.
• Pick the level you can pass in exam conditions, not the level you “feel like”.
• If you have 3+ months, aiming one step above your current level can be realistic (with structured prep).

For realistic practice under exam conditions, check the official guidance on practice tests: France Éducation international – Practical information for candidates

9. How to prepare effectively (a plan that matches how DELF is graded)

9.1 If you start 3–6 months before

• Study 30–45 minutes/day, 5 days/week
• Rotate skills, but prioritize your weakest (often writing or listening)
• Do one timed exam part every week (then correct it properly)

9.2 If you start 1–2 months before

• Increase to 1–2 hours/day
• Do weekly timed mock exams (or at least timed writing + speaking)
• Build “repeatable templates” for writing and speaking (structure matters more than fancy vocabulary)

9.3 Oral skills (what actually moves your score)

• Practice with a timer (learn to finish cleanly)
• Record yourself and score yourself on: structure, clarity, connectors, accuracy
• Get targeted feedback from a teacher (especially for B1/B2 argumentation)

10. Common mistakes (we see these every session)

• Not respecting the task type: writing an “essay” when it asks for a “letter/email”
• Weak structure: no clear plan, no connectors, no conclusion (especially B1/B2)
• Over-focusing on grammar drills: without timed task practice
• Ignoring correction: repeating the same mistakes because nobody tracks them
• Speaking without strategy: good vocabulary, but unclear message and poor timing

11. Want a boost? Consider structured DELF preparation

Self-study works best when you already know the exam format. If you want faster progress, a prep course can give:

• A clear roadmap (what to train each week)
• Real corrections on writing and speaking
• Exam strategy (task compliance, time management, scoring priorities)
• Accountability (so practice actually happens)

Bonne chance!