DELF / DALF

The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) consists of
levels A1, A2, B1, and B2,
while the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) includes
levels C1 and C2.

We are delighted that you’re interested in our DELF and DALF examinations and excited to support you on your French-learning journey. This document is here to give you a clear and friendly overview of how the exams work, what each level involves, and what you can expect when preparing and writing your exam with us

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DELF/DALF EXAMINATION

Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française (DELF) / Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF) The Alliance Française de Bloemfontein is an accredited examination centre for the DELF/DALF examinations, which are held twice a year. These examinations assess French language proficiency across six levels, from basic to advanced. The levels are divided into A1 and A2 (basic), B1 and B2 (intermediate) (DELF), and C1 and C2 (advanced) (DALF). Each level is independent, allowing candidates to register for any level without having passed a lower one. Successful candidates from each level obtain an internationally recognised French language qualification. Participation in DELF/DALF examinations is entirely optional and independent of the classes offered at the Alliance Française de Bloemfontein. These exams are not a prerequisite for enrolment. Students may register for the exams whenever they feel ready. More information is available upon request

WHAT ARE delf/dalf

The DELF/DALF exams assess French language proficiency across six levels, following the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) consists of levels A1, A2, B1, and B2, while the DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) includes levels C1 and C2. Each level is independent, meaning candidates can choose to take any level without needing to have passed a lower level.

The Alliance Française de Bloemfontein is an accredited examination centre for the annual DELF/DALF examinations. Our classes have also been categorised according to these levels. If you would like to enrol for one of these examinations, please familiarise with your current level of French in order to prepare.

what you can do

With each Level

To help you better understand how each exam level can support your personal, academic, or professional goals, the following table outlines what you can do with each DELF and DALF qualification. Whether you’re learning French for travel, work, study in France, or simply for the joy of it, each level represents a meaningful step forward. These internationally recognised diplomas open doors around the world, and we hope this overview helps you choose the level that best matches your ambitions.

CEFR LEVEL: A1

Handle basic everyday interactions (greetings, simple questions, personal information). Ideal for travel in French-speaking areas and demonstrating beginner competence

CEFR LEVEL: A2

Handle basic everyday interactions (greetings, simple questions, personal information). Ideal for travel in French-speaking areas and demonstrating
beginner competence

CEFR LEVEL: B1

Manage more detailed conversations, express opinions, and cope independently in most daily situations. Often required for jobs needing basic functional French.

CEFR LEVEL: B2

Communicate clearly and confidently on a wide range of topics. Accepted by most French universities for admission and valued by employers in francophone environments.

CEFR LEVEL: C1

Understand and produce complex, well-structured language. Suitable for studying at French universities without language support and for professional roles requiring strong communication skills.

CEFR LEVEL: C2

Use French with near-native fluency. Suitable for academic research, specialised professional fields, translation, teaching, and any context requiring expert-level
language mastery.

recommended LEARNING

Hours Per Level

There are recommended learning hours to reach the level of French proficiency evaluated by each DELF/DALF exam. These are based on CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) estimates.

Recommended Hours per CEFR Level (for an average learner)

exam level	cefr level	appox. hours needed to reach level*
DELF A1	A1	60–100 hours
DELF A2	A2	160–200 hours total (≈100 more after A1)
DELF B1	B1	350–400 hours total
DELF B2	B2	500–600 hours total
DALF C1	C1	700–800 hours total
DALF C2	C2	1000–1200+ hours total

*Actual time varies depending on the learner’s language background, exposure to French, learning intensity, and personal aptitude.

Competences and Exam Format

DELF & DALF Overview

To help you prepare confidently for your upcoming examination, the following overview explains the competences assessed at each DELF and DALF level, as well as the format of the different tests. Each level evaluates your ability to understand, speak, and write French in real-life situations, with tasks designed to match your stage of learning. This summary will give you a clear picture of what to expect on exam day and how each component contributes to your overall result.

exam level	cefr level	Competences Assessed	exam components
DELF A1	A1	Basic understanding; simple interactions; familiar everyday expressions.	Listening (short, simple recordings), Reading (very simple texts), Writing (forms, short messages), Speaking (guided interview, simple role-play).
DELF A2	A2	Routine communication; simple tasks; descriptions of immediate needs.	Listening (short, everyday situations), Reading (simple notices, letters), Writing (short texts), Speaking (interview, role-play, information exchange).
DELF B1	B1	Independent communication; expressing opinions; handling most daily situations.	Listening (longer dialogues), Reading (articles, everyday texts), Writing (letters, descriptions, opinions), Speaking (interview, interactive task, presentation).
DELF B2	B2	Clear, detailed communication; strong argumentation; fluent interaction.	Listening (longer reports, interviews), Reading (complex texts), Writing (structured essays, arguments), Speaking (defending an opinion, formal discussion).
DELF C1	C1	Advanced comprehension; coherent, sophisticated speech; strong analytical skills.	Listening (long, complex audio), Reading (detailed and specialised texts), Writing (well- developed analysis or report), Speaking (presentation + discussion).
DELF C2	C2	Near-native mastery; precise, nuanced expression; handling highly complex material.	Listening & Reading (integrated analysis of multiple documents), Writing (synthesis and commentary), Speaking (presentation and defence based on documents).

Preliminary calendar

DELF/DALF Tout Public

The following are the preliminary dates as determined by the Embassy for the DELF/DALF examinations in South Africa for the first semester of 2026. Please take note that these examinations will take place in person and is subject to timely payments and registration.

exam level	cefr level
A1	13 April 2026
A2	14 April 2026
B1	15 April 2026
B2	16 April 2026
C1	17 April 2026
C2	17 April 2026

GET IN TOUCH

If you have any questions or want to register for these exams,
please contact the Alliance Française de
Bloemfontein