What is the DELF exam?

DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) is the official French-language certification issued by France Éducation international. It covers CEFR levels A1, A2, B1, and B2, tests four skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking), and produces a certificate recognised internationally.

What is the difference between DELF and DALF?

Both come from the same issuer, France Éducation international. DELF assesses levels A1 through B2, while DALF is reserved for the advanced C1 and C2 levels. Beginners and intermediate learners take DELF first; DALF only becomes relevant once your ability moves beyond B2.

Should a beginner take DELF A1 or A2?

If you are genuinely starting from zero, DELF A1 is the natural entry point since it measures the most basic expressions. DELF A2 fits learners who are already comfortable introducing themselves, understand simple sentences, and have studied French for some time. Trying official sample papers for both levels helps you decide.

Where is the DELF exam held in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, the DELF exam is administered by IFI (Institut français d'Indonésie) in four cities: Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta. Each IFI sets its own session calendar and registration procedure, so keep an eye on the official announcements from the IFI nearest to you.

How long is a DELF certificate valid?

A DELF certificate is valid for life. After passing a level, you never need to retake the exam or renew the certificate. That is why many learners treat DELF A1 A2 as a foundation and add B1 and B2 later as their French develops.

What is the minimum score to pass the DELF exam?

Each skill is worth up to 25 points, for a total of 100. Candidates pass with an overall score of at least 50 out of 100, provided every skill earns a minimum of 5 points. In practice, one severely weak section can sink an otherwise sufficient total.

How long does the DELF A1 exam take?

The collective written session for DELF A1 (listening, reading, writing) runs about 1 hour 20 minutes. The speaking test happens separately as a short face-to-face session with an examiner, roughly 5 to 7 minutes, plus preparation time before you enter the room.

How long should a beginner prepare for DELF A1 A2?

It varies with study intensity and how much French you encounter day to day. As a rough picture, beginners who study consistently several times a week usually aim for A1 within a matter of months. Scheduled lessons with a tutor help keep the four skills balanced and let you measure progress regularly.

DELF Exam for Beginners: A1 & A2 Preparation Guide

The DELF exam is an official French-language certification issued by France Éducation international, covering levels A1 through B2. Beginners typically start with DELF A1 or A2, and every candidate is tested on four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. In Indonesia, the exam is administered by IFI in Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta, and the certificate never expires.

DELF levels: A1, A2, B1, B2 (C1 and C2 belong to DALF)
4 skills tested: listening, reading, writing, speaking
Administered by IFI in 4 Indonesian cities
The certificate is valid for life

What the DELF Exam Is and Who Issues It

DELF stands for Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française, an official French proficiency certificate issued by France Éducation international, a public institution of the French government. The diploma is recognised internationally and follows the CEFR framework across four levels: A1, A2, B1, and B2. Learners aiming at the advanced C1 and C2 levels sit a separate exam called DALF. One feature makes the DELF exam especially attractive for Indonesian learners: the certificate is valid for life. Once you pass a level, the result stays valid forever with no retake required. That sets it apart from several popular language tests whose scores expire after two years, which turns your DELF preparation into a long-term investment.

Level	What It Measures	Best Suited For
DELF A1	Self-introduction, very basic expressions, simple questions about identity and immediate surroundings	Absolute beginners learning French from zero
DELF A2	Routine exchanges such as shopping, family, and work; writing short messages	Learners who have covered the basics and are ready to level up
DELF B1	Telling stories, expressing opinions, handling common situations while travelling	Intermediate learners who need proof of independent ability
DELF B2	Structured argumentation, understanding complex texts, spontaneous discussion	Study candidates, as many French-speaking universities commonly request this level

Preparing for the DELF Exam as a Beginner: Start with A1 and A2

What the DELF Exam Is and Who Issues It

Sources & References

Get Ready for Your First DELF Exam with a Private Tutor

DELF by the Numbers

The Four Skills Tested in the DELF Exam

Compréhension orale (listening)

Compréhension écrite (reading)

Production écrite (writing)

Production orale (speaking)

DELF Levels A1 A2 through B2: Choose Your Starting Point

How Beginners Can Prepare for the DELF Exam

Assess your starting point, then lock in a target level

Get familiar with the task format for each skill

Build a balanced four-skill routine

Run timed mock exams

Register for a session at IFI and plan your final week

One Week Before the DELF Exam: Checklist

DELF Exam Questions, Answered