DELF / DALF: Get an international certificate !

What are the DELF / DALF examinations ?

The DELF (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française / Diploma in French language) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française / Advanced Diploma in French language) diplomas are awarded in recognition of French proficiency. They are held in over 120 countries and issued by the French Ministry of Education to certify the French language skills of candidates.

The DELF examinations are designed to assess the communicative skills of candidates in a real-life situation using authentic documents, and to evaluate practical language skills (writing a letter, asking for information, exchanging opinions) rather than formal grammatical knowledge.

What are the levels ?

There are six diplomas corresponding to the six-level scale of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CECR). The four diplomas that make up the DELF are A1, A2, B1 and B2 and two diplomas mak up the DALF, namely, C1 and C2.

These levels are completely independent, meaning that candidates are not required to have completed a previous level before registering for the examination of their choice. At each level, four skills are evaluated: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Why write the DELF or DALF exams ?

Not only are these diplomas internationally recognised and accepted, but they are valid for life – an asset whether you are currently studying or already in the working world! It is also worth mentioning that, should you wish to study at a French university, the DELF B2 is the minimum language requirement.

Structure of the examinations

At each level, four skills are evaluated: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The DELF exams are divided into 2 parts:

  1. Listening comprehension, written production, and reading comprehension are tested in a written exam. The date and time of this written exam is scheduled nationally and cannot be changed under any circumstances.
  2. Speaking and oral interaction are tested in a one-on-one exam. The date and time of this oral exam is communicated to candidates no later than one week prior to the written exam and every effort is made to ensure that the test takes place on the same day as the written component.

Where and when can you write it ?

The Alliance Française of Potchefstroom works in partnership with the French subject group at the North-West University (Potchefstroom) to administer DELF examinations. Currently students can write levels A1, A2 and B1 here in Potchefstroom !

If you want to write more advanced levels, you can contact the Alliance Française of Johannesburg or Pretoria to find out about available dates.

Times of DELF examinations in Potchefstroom will be published here. You can contact us for more information or sign up to our mailing list to receive more information.

How to prepare ?

Sign-up for classes at the Alliance Française of Potchefstroom, and we can guide you to receive your International Certificate !