The DELF (diplôme d’études en langue française) is an official diploma issued by the French Ministry of Education. There are 4 diplomas corresponding to the first 4 levels described by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – A1, A2, B1, B2.
The diploma assesses all 4 skills, divided into 2 sections:
1. ÉPREUVES COLLECTIVES
- Compréhension de l’oral (Listening)
- Compréhension des écrits (Reading)
- Production écrite (Writing)
2. ÉPREUVE INDIVIDUELLE
- Production orale (Speaking)
DELF B1 is broadly equivalent to an AS qualification and allows holders to apply for French nationality. With B1, you can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in country where French is spoken. You can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).
For more information, see the France Éducation International pages.
MARKING AND AWARD CRITERIA
- Each section of the diploma is marked out of 25;
- At least 5 marks must be obtained on each section;
- 50% in total across the 4 skill areas is required to be awarded the B1 diploma.
SUMMARY OF THE B1 DIPLOMA
| ÉPREUVES COLLECTIVES | Durée | Note sur | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Compréhension de l’oral Réponse à des questions de compréhension portant sur plusieurs documents enregistrés ayant trait à des situations de la vie quotidienne (deux écoutes). |
25 minutes | /25 |
| 2 | Compréhension des écrits Réponse à des questions de compréhension portant sur plusieurs documents écrits:
|
45 minutes | /25 |
| 3 | Production écrite Écrire 1 texte de 160 mots minimum – expression d’une attitude personnelle sur un thème général (essai, courrier, article, etc.) |
45 minutes | /25 |
| ÉPREUVE INDIVIDUELLE | Durée | Note sur | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Production orale : 3 parties
|
15 minutes Prép: 10 minutes (pour la 3e partie) |
/25 |
SAMPLE 1 – Candidate Documents
- Sample 1 DELF Épreuves collectives (QUESTION PAPER)
- Sample 1 DELF Épreuves collectives (AUDIO FILE)
- Sample 1 DELF Épreuve individuelle - production orale (CANDIDATE)
SAMPLE 1 – Mark Schemes
- Sample 1 DELF Épreuves collectives (MARK SCHEME - LISTENING & READING)
- Sample 1 DELF Épreuves collectives (AUDIO TRANSCRIPT)
- Sample 1 DELF Épreuve individuelle - production orale (EXAMINER)
SAMPLE 2 – Candidate Documents
SAMPLE 2 – Mark Schemes
- Sample 2 DELF Épreuves collectives (MARK SCHEME - LISTENING & READING)
- Sample 2 DELF Épreuves collectives (AUDIO TRANSCRIPT)
GENERIC MARK SCHEMES – Production écrite et Production orale
WRITING PRACTICE
- Production écrite: example 1 – structures and vocab
- Production écrite: example 2 – structures and vocab
LISTENING PRACTICE
- RFI Online
B1-level exercises with answers and transcripts. - TV5 Monde
A variety of exercise types at B1 level.
Key Vocabulary
Download as PDF (or Excel to create your own lists):
- B1 Core Vocab (PDF · Excel)
- B1 Production orale (PDF · Excel)
- B1 Production orale et production écrite (PDF · Excel)
Revision Booklets
Revision guidance and sample practice materials for writing (PE) and oral (PO):