What is the DELF?
The Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française is the official French government certification. It never expires and is recognised in over 170 countries for study, work and immigration.
Definition
The world's most recognised French diploma
The DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) is the only official French government diploma that certifies your language competence. It is issued directly by the Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale of France.
Unlike other exams, the DELF never expires. That makes it the smartest investment for permanently certifying your French level.
Each level (A1, A2, B1, B2) is an independent diploma. Start at the level that matches your current knowledge and progress at your own pace.
+170
Countries that recognise it
+900k
Candidates per year
+30
Years of history
∞
Diploma validity
Levels
The 4 DELF levels
Each level is an independent diploma certifying a specific competence within the Common European Framework.
Basic everyday interactions: greetings, introducing yourself, ordering in a café.
Communication in everyday situations: transport, shopping, simple work tasks.
Understanding familiar topics: travel, events, personal experiences.
Debating and arguing about complex topics with fluency and accuracy.
Exam structure
The 4 skills assessed
The DELF assesses all four core language skills with equal weighting. You need at least 5/25 in each.
Listening Comprehension
25 pts
Listen to recordings of real-life situations and answer comprehension questions.
Reading Comprehension
25 pts
Read authentic texts (articles, emails, notices) and demonstrate reading comprehension.
Written Production
25 pts
Write texts in French: letters, emails, descriptions or arguments.
Oral Production
25 pts
Face-to-face conversation with a certified examiner from the Institut Français.
Benefits
Why get the DELF?
The DELF opens doors worldwide. Discover all the advantages of this official diploma.
+170 countries recognise it
Accepted by universities, employers and immigration authorities worldwide.
Lifetime validity
It never expires. Once you earn it, it's yours forever — no renewal needed.
Official French government diploma
Issued by the Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale of France — maximum credibility.
Boost your career
Required by French companies and international organisations for many roles.
+900,000 candidates/year
The world's most recognised French diploma. A huge community of certified speakers.
Entry to French universities
Admission requirement to study in France or in universities with French-language programmes.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the DELF
What exactly is the DELF?
The DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) is the official diploma of the French Ministry of Education, certifying your French level on the Common European Framework. It is the world's most prestigious and widely recognised French exam.
What are the DELF levels?
The DELF has four levels: A1 (beginner), A2 (elementary), B1 (intermediate) and B2 (upper-intermediate). Each level is an independent diploma. For C1 and C2, there is the DALF.
Does the DELF expire?
No. The DELF has lifetime validity. Unlike the DELF Prim or Junior versions (which have age restrictions), the adult DELF never expires.
How much does the DELF cost?
The price varies by country and authorised examination centre. In the UK it typically costs between £80 and £150 depending on the level. Check your nearest Institut Français or Alliance Française for current prices.
When and where can I take the DELF?
The DELF is held at authorised examination centres (Institut Français, Alliance Française and other approved centres) several times a year — typically in February, May/June and November.
What is the minimum passing score?
You need at least 50/100 points overall AND at least 5/25 in each of the four parts. Scoring below 5 in any single part means you fail, even if the overall total exceeds 50.
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