Official diplomas · Valid for life
DELF – DALF: preparation in Geneva
The official French diplomas of the Ministry of National Education, recognised worldwide and valid for life. We prepare you for every level, from A1 to C2.
State diplomas
Certify your French, for good
The DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) and the DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française) are state diplomas issued by the French Ministry of National Education, internationally recognised and valid for life.
They come in 6 independent levels aligned with the CEFR. At the Alliance Française de Genève, we support every candidate towards success, for professional, academic or administrative reasons.
- valid for life: no expiry date;
- recognised in more than 160 countries and by many universities;
- B2 or C1 generally required for university;
- an asset for employment and your CV.
Which one to choose?
DELF or DALF?
Six independent levels: you take directly the one that suits you.
Levels A1 to B2
DELF
From first steps to the independent user.
- A1, A2: basic user (integration, everyday life)
- B1, B2: independent user (work, university entrance)
- Variants: DELF Prim, DELF Junior / Scolaire, DELF Pro
Levels C1 and C2
DALF
For experienced and bilingual users.
- C1: autonomous user (higher education, demanding professional environment)
- C2: perfect command of the language
- Highly valued for the grandes écoles and international careers
The 4 skills
The 4 tests of the exam
A written group test and an individual oral interview before a jury, lasting from about 1 h 20 (A1) to over 3 h 30 (C2).
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Listening comprehension
Understand different accents, rhythms and audio documents, with effective listening strategies.
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Reading comprehension
Quickly spot the essentials, understand instructions and manage your time.
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Written production
Structure your answers, organise your ideas and use the expected vocabulary.
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Spoken production
Organise your speech and answer clearly and confidently in front of the jury.
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Time management
Practise in real conditions with timed mock exams.
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Examiners’ expectations
Understand the marking grids to avoid pitfalls.
When is it useful?
Why take the DELF or the DALF?
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Higher education
The DELF B2 is often required for university admission; the DALF C1/C2 for the grandes écoles.
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Employment
Certify your level to employers and ease your professional integration.
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International recognition
Recognised by the education ministries of more than 160 countries.
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Valid for life
You will never need to retake it, unlike the TCF or the TEF.
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Demanding positions
Research, teaching, diplomacy: the DALF opens international careers.
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Personal goal
Official recognition of your level, even without an academic project.
Practical details
Who is it for? Which level? Which format?
Audience
Who is it for?
Anyone who is not a French speaker and wants to showcase their French skills.
- International students
- Candidates for expatriation or naturalisation
- Professionals in a French-speaking environment
- Adults and teenagers
Registration
Required level
No prior diploma: you choose the level that matches your skills.
- A1, A2: basic user
- B1, B2: independent user
- C1, C2: proficient user
- Placement test recommended
Preparing
How to prepare for the DELF and the DALF?
Courses and mock exams to manage your time, understand the examiners’ expectations and avoid pitfalls.
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Private preparation lessons
A programme focused on your exam, your level and your test date, online or in Geneva.
See private lessons -
Preparation workshops
Thematic workshops to practise speaking, writing and methodology.
See the workshops -
Group courses
Intensive or evening courses to consolidate your level before the exam.
See group courses
Please note
Where to take the exam?
The Alliance Française de Genève is not an official exam centre, but we are experts in your preparation. The final exam takes place at an approved centre.
CEFR levels
The 6 levels of the DELF and the DALF
- A1
First steps
Introduce yourself, ask simple questions, understand everyday expressions.
DELF A1 - A2
Everyday life
Talk about family, work, leisure and your immediate surroundings.
DELF A2 - B1
Independence
Get by in most situations, tell a story, give your opinion.
DELF B1 - B2
Fluency
Argue, defend a point of view, understand complex topics.
DELF B2 - C1
Precision
Express yourself fluently and in a structured way, at university and at work.
DALF C1 - C2
Mastery
Understand everything and grasp the finest nuances of the language.
DALF C2
Free placement test
Which DELF or DALF level to aim for?
The online test is free: it helps you choose the right level before you register.
Take the placement testFrequently asked questions
DELF – DALF: your questions
What are the DELF and the DALF?
The DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) and the DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française) are state diplomas issued by the French Ministry of National Education. They certify 6 independent CEFR levels: A1 to B2 for the DELF, C1 and C2 for the DALF.
How long are the DELF and the DALF valid?
For life. Unlike the TCF and the TEF, valid for 2 years, the DELF and the DALF never expire.
Is a prior diploma needed to register?
No. You can register directly for the level that matches your skills. We recommend taking a placement test before choosing.
How does the exam work?
The DELF and the DALF assess 4 skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written production and spoken production. The exam includes a written group test and an individual oral interview before a jury. Duration ranges from about 1 h 20 at level A1 to over 3 h 30 at level C2.
What level is needed for university?
Level B2 or C1 is generally required to enter a French-speaking university; some grandes écoles ask for C1 or C2.
Can I take the DELF or the DALF at the Alliance Française de Genève?
We prepare you for the DELF and the DALF (courses, mock exams), but we are not an official exam centre: the exam takes place at an approved centre.
Are there versions for children, teenagers or professionals?
Yes: the DELF Prim for children, the DELF Junior/Scolaire for teenagers and the DELF Pro oriented towards professional French.
They trust us
Our partners
Institutions, schools, festivals, cinemas and publishers: a Geneva and Francophone network at the service of our learners.
Need information?
Succeed in your DELF or DALF
Unsure about the level or the procedures? Our educational advisers will support you.