The DELF (Diplôme d'études en langue française) and the DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française) are France's official diplomas for learners of French. The French Ministry of Education awards them, and France Éducation international writes and runs the exams. It has more than 1,200 centers for its French exams, in 172 countries. Each diploma matches one CEFR level, and a diploma is valid for life.
Bubblegum is a language app with lessons in France French or Quebec French. Poppy, your AI tutor, writes them at your level and about things you like.
What Are the DELF and DALF Levels?
The DELF has four diplomas, A1 to B2, and the DALF has two, C1 and C2.
- DELF A1
DELF
- Written tests: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Speaking: 5 to 7 minutes
- DELF A2
DELF
- Written tests: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Speaking: 6 to 8 minutes
- DELF B1
DELF
- Written tests: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Speaking: 15 minutes
- DELF B2
DELF
- Written tests: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Speaking: 20 minutes
- DALF C1
DALF
- Written tests: 4 hours
- Speaking: 30 minutes
- DALF C2
DALF
- Written test: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Listening and speaking: 30 minutes
There are versions for adults (tout public), for teenagers (junior), and for children (Prim). The version doesn't appear on the diploma, so a junior B1 counts the same as an adult B1.
What Is on the Test?
From A1 to C1 there are four tests, each worth 25 points: listening, reading, writing and speaking. You need 50 of the 100 points to pass, and at least 5 points in every test. A score under 5 in one test means no diploma, even with a high total.
| Level | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking (time to prepare) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 20 min | 30 min | 30 min | 5–7 min (10 min) |
| A2 | 25 min | 30 min | 45 min | 6–8 min (10 min) |
| B1 | 25 min | 45 min | 45 min | 15 min (10 min) |
| B2 | 30 min | 1 hour | 1 hour | 20 min (30 min) |
| C1 | 40 min | 50 min | 2 hours 30 min | 30 min (1 hour) |
DALF C2 has two tests worth 50 points each. One is a 3 hour 30 minute written test, where you read a set of documents and write your own text about them. The other joins listening and speaking in 30 minutes, after an hour to prepare. You need 50 points in total and at least 10 in each test.
When Can You Take the DELF or DALF?
You sign up with an exam center, and the center sets the dates and the fee. Each country has its own calendar, so ask your nearest center or find one on the official map of exam centers.
In France, the last adult sessions of 2026 run on November 3–5 and December 1–3, so ask a center whether sign-up is still open. A1 and A2 fall on the Tuesday, B1 and B2 on the Wednesday, and C1 and C2 on the Thursday.
How to Prepare with Comprehensible Input
Every test up to C1 needs at least 5 of its 25 points, so a weak listening score on its own can cost you the diploma. Lots of comprehensible input, with audio as well as text, builds your listening along with your reading.
- Pick a DiplomaLook at the writing task in the sample paper for the level you want. If you could write that text today, even with mistakes, the level fits.
- Train Your EarsPlay French audio while you follow the text, then play it once more with the text hidden.
- Do All Four TestsFrance Éducation international shares sample papers with audio for each level. Do the listening, reading and writing tests in one sitting, the way the real exam runs them.
This lesson is about cafés, bakeries and French food. If Level 2 feels easy, jump to Level 5 and notice which words still make sense.
Cafés and Bakeries at Five Levels
From Bubblegum’s guide Cafes, Bakeries, and French Food. It works here the way it works inside Bubblegum.
I can handle simple exchanges.
At the Bakery
Lucas arrives at the bakery and talks to Thomas.
Hi Thomas, yesterday I ate your croissants and they were delicious.
Hi Lucas, thanks! Didn't you take any bread?
No, I didn't take any bread, but I went to get a baguette.
Ah, I made some wonderful pastries this morning!
Frequently Asked Questions About the DELF and DALF
Do I have to take the DELF before the DALF?
No. Each level is its own diploma, so you can go straight to DALF C1 if your French is at that level.
What is the difference between the DELF and the TCF?
The TCF is a single test from France Éducation international that places you on a CEFR level with a score from 100 to 699. A TCF result lasts two years, and a DELF or DALF diploma never runs out.
Is Bubblegum free?
Yes. The lesson library is free for everyone, because we believe everyone should be able to learn. It holds lessons that other learners asked Poppy for. A new custom lesson costs us real money to make, so your first one is free, and Bubblegum Pro gives you unlimited custom lessons.
Sources
- France Éducation international: DELF tout public (issuer, four diplomas, valid for life)
- France Éducation international: DALF (C1 and C2)
- France Éducation international: diplomas and tests (versions for adults, teenagers and children)
- France Éducation international: DELF A1 (tests, minutes, scoring)
- France Éducation international: DELF B2 (tests, minutes, scoring)
- France Éducation international: DALF C1
- France Éducation international: DALF C2 (two tests, 10 of 50 in each)
- France Éducation international: practical information for DELF-DALF candidates (sign-up through an exam centre)
- France Éducation international: brochure on French certifications (written test totals; more than 1,200 centres for its French exams in 172 countries; June 2024)
- France Éducation international: DELF-DALF session calendar in France, 2026
- France Éducation international: TCF tout public (valid two years)
- France Éducation international: how the TCF is scored (100 to 699)
