French, one of the most beautiful romance languages that descended from Latin, has become a global language which is spoken by millions around the world. Learning this language opens up a world of opportunities in your career, studies or even relocation to a French-speaking country.
Learning a new language can be challenging at times. In order to learn and master French, finding the right teacher that understands your learning style is important. If you are already studying or planning to learn French, you can consider pursuing certain exams in order to obtain global recognition.
It can be useful to sit for exams that can prove your proficiency level and earn a certificate that is recognised internationally. This can be used to gain employment, residence permits, and citizenship or university admissions in French-speaking countries. Some fear that they cannot afford to learn French but How Much Does it Cost to Learn French? Do your research and consider all your options before moving forward.
There are many different types of French proficiency tests available that you can choose from based on your purpose. If you have an interest to pursue this and start your research, you will definitely came across many types of French proficiency examinations such as DILF, DELF and DALF. So, what do these acronyms stand for, what are the differences between these exams and which one is the right choice for you? Let’s take a closer look together.
Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR)
The DILF, DELF and DALF correspond to the official CEFR levels. What is CEFR? CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It was developed by the Council of Europe in order to have a standardised system to measure the different language abilities.
This is beneficial for everyone including students, employers, education institutions and even the government. They will have a stable and reliable way to measure language proficiency by referring to the CEFR levels which are split into six:
A1 - Beginner
A2 - Elementary
B1 - Intermediate
B2 - Upper-Intermediate
C1 - Advanced
C2 - Proficient / Fluent
These six levels are completely independent of each other and each level covers four main language skills which are listening, speaking, reading and writing. For the French language, different levels are tested using exams.
DILF
DILF or Diplôme initial de langue française tests the preliminary knowledge of French. While level A1 is considered the lowest in the CEFR scale, DILF falls under an even more elementary level, A1.1.
This proficiency test is mainly aimed at (not limited to) migrants in France who has minimal exposure to the French language especially for those who may not be fully literate even in their own native language.
Therefore, DILF which is only available in France focuses on spoken and listening communication and comprehension over written and reading communication and comprehension.
The absolute beginners will be tested on their French language communication and linguistic skills with DILF.
There are 4 tests in total for DILF which will asses oral reception, written reception, oral production and written production. Since DILF falls under level A1.1, oral reception and production will carry more weight which is 70 points compared to 30 points for the written tests.
DELF
DELF or Diplôme d’études en langue covers a wide range of tests designed for any French language student, from DELF Prim, for students as young as seven, to DELF Pro, which is geared towards business professionals. The most commonly administered exam is called DELF Tout Public, which caters to the general public.
DELF provides official validation which demonstrates proficiency skills for CEFR levels: A1, A2, B1, B2.
It covers four different levels which are independent of each other and each test is specially tailored to suit the students of the level. It tests students in four areas which are covered in separate papers: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening. Each area is marked out of 25 points, giving it a total of 100 points.
You must score at least 50 out of 100 points in order to pass. You must also keep in mind that if you score less than 5 points in any one of the section, you will not pass. It is considered good if you manage to score around 75 out of 100 points.
Undergraduate and graduate programmes usually require a B2 diploma while some undergraduate programmes may accept B1. French employers are also known to mostly require B1 and B2 levels where the job involves moderate usage of French.
DALF
DALF stands for diplôme approfondi langue française, is aimed at fluent French speakers who are over 18 years old. It consists of two diplomas which corresponds to CEFR levels C1 and C2.
If you are planning to pursue higher education in France or French, the DALF certificate is for you. It validates that you have the required language skills and won’t need to take other additional language test.
DALF C1 requires you to demonstrate a good understanding of the cultural, social, political, economic and scientific French topics. Furthermore, you must be familiar with the format of how French people submit an exam which may differ from what you are used to in Malaysia.
Do you have plans to pursue a master’s degree in France? Or are you looking to score a job in a large French organisation that requires its employees to be fluent in French? These situations will require you to have passed DALF C1.
DALF C2 is the highest level of certification one can achieve in the French language. It is rare for someone to opt for this exam as only the crème de la crème make it to this level.
The C1 exam tests you on four areas, covered in different papers: Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening. Each area is marked out of 25 points, giving it a total of 100 points. In order to pass, you must score 50 out of 100 points with a minimum of 5 points for each area.
The C2 exam is slightly different where it combines linked skills: Reading and writing, Speaking and listening. Each area is marked out of 50 points, giving it a total of 100 points. In order to pass, you must also score 50 out of 100 points.
If you want to improve your French speaking skills, check out: Learn French Faster by Practicing Speaking between Classes
Which is the Right Choice for You?
If you are still confused on which proficiency test to choose, don’t worry, we will help you. What is your goal for learning French?
If you are an absolute beginner to the French language, currently residing in France and are looking for something really basic to start off, you can consider attempting DILF. Otherwise, since it is not really well-known and not as useful, you can safely skip it.
DELF is one of the most beneficial certificate to French language learners. There are many reasons to take this test as it encompases levels A1 through B2, covering beginner and intermediate learners. If you would like to pursue bachelor’s degree at a French University or get a job in France that requires you to know moderate level of French, the DELF B2 exam is a suitable and helpful option. Some may even accept level B1.
DALF on the other hand is for those who have mastered French. Level C1 is for those who are looking to pursue masters or doctoral courses in France. Sometime these courses may even require level 2 but it is quite rare. There are certain organisations that may require you to obtain DALF C1 depending on the job nature and company culture.
DELF and DALF are quite different compared to the typical placement tests that you may have encountered. How is it different? While the usual placement test results will determine what level you are in, with DELF and DALF, you need to determine your level and choose to sit for the appropriate test.
You can choose which level of exam you want to sit for based on your proficiency level since the tests are independent of each other. For example, you can sit for DELF B2 without taking the previous levels.
The DELF DALF examinations presented in Malaysia are:
- DELF DALF Tout Public for General Public from 17 years old
- DELF Junior for children aged from 12 to 17 years old
- DELF Scolaire for school children who are in the selected Government schools
- DELF Prim for children from 8 to 12 years old
- DELF Pro for professionals working in a French-speaking environment
Decide which DELF exam to Pursue
If you have not decided which DELF exam to pursue, you cannot effectively prepare for it. If you are an adult, you can opt for either DELF Tout Public or DELF Pro. What is the difference?
DELF Tout Public is a generalised test to validate their learning of the French language in an official and permanent way. DELF pro on the other hand is catered towards those who wish to fit professionally into a French-speaking work environment. Both require you to demonstrate proficiency levels ranging from A1 to B2, but the nature of the discussions and materials differ slightly.
There are three options of tests for youngsters which are DELF Prim (levels A1.1 to A2), DELF Scolaire and DELF Junior which covers levels A1 to B2.
The DELF junior version has the same basic structure as the DELF for adults. Only the topics are different as the materials take into account the interests of young people.
Decide which test you want to pursue and which level is the right one for you based on your end goal in order to make the necessary arrangements and preparations. If you want to know more about learning French, check out All You Need to Know about Learning French.
Do you need help for your DELF test preparations? Why don’t you hire a Superprof tutor to assist you in achieving great scores in DELF? Our highly experienced and qualified tutors are waiting to help you improve your French language skills. You don’t need to struggle on your own, contact a Superprof tutor today and start your learning journey.
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