What the DALF is — quick overview

• DALF = Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (levels C1 and C2 of CEFR).

• Highest French language qualifications delivered by France Éducation International.

• Aimed at advanced / near-native users of French.

• Accepted for university admissions, work visas, professional recognition, and immigration in many contexts.

• Validity:LIFETIME (does not expire).

• DALF C1 and C2 are independent: you can take C2 without having C1.

Decide which level to take (C1 or C2)

DALF C1

• You should choose C1 if you can:

• understand long, complex texts

• speak fluently with limited searching

• write structured essays

• summarise information clearly

• manage academic or professional tasks in French

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 DALF C2

• You should choose C2 if you can:

• handle ANY communication situation effortlessly

• understand virtually everything you hear or read

• produce precise, well-structured, nuanced writing

• give detailed oral presentations with argumentation

• C2 is extremely demanding—designed for near-native proficiency.

Registration — step by step

• 1. Find an authorised exam centre (Alliance Française / Institut Français / FEI-recognised centres).

• 2. Choose your level → C1 or C2.

• 3. Complete the registration form and pay fees (fees vary by country).

• 4. Receive your convocation (date, time, candidate number, oral time slot).

• 5. Keep your ID and receipt ready for exam day.

Exam format — how DALF is conducted

• DALF is divided into two modules:

• Collective written tests (Listening + Reading + Writing)

• Individual oral test (Speaking)

• These are usually on separate days.

• The DALF has longer and more complex tasks compared to DELF.

Structure & duration of each module

Here are the standard official exam structures:

DALF C1 – Exam Structure

1) Compréhension orale (Listening) – 40 minutes

•  Two parts:

​  1. Short recordings → multiple-choice or short answers

 2. Long recording (conference, interview, debate) → detailed written answers

• Requires note-taking and synthesis of key ideas.

2) Compréhension écrite (Reading) – 50 minutes

• One long article (press, analysis, magazine feature, essay).

• Questions: structure, argument, theme, detailed information.

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3) Production écrite (Writing) – 2 hours 30 minutes

Write a well-structured essay based on multiple documents (dossier of 3–4 pages).

You must:

•   analyse

•   extract key information

•   express your opinion

•   build coherent arguments

• This is one of the most challenging parts.

4) Production orale (Speaking) – 30 minutes + 30 min prep

• You receive a document dossier.

• You prepare a 10–15 min presentation, then discussion with examiners.

• Tasks involve advanced reasoning, analysis and defence of ideas.

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 DALF C2 – Exam Structure

C2 is the highest French exam, focused on synthesis and argumentation.

1) Compréhension orale + Production orale (Listening + Speaking) – 30 min prep + 30 min oral

• You listen to a long audio document (conference, report, debate).

• Then you:

  •   deliver an oral synthesis,

  •   follow with a structured oral presentation,

  •   finish with discussion where examiners challenge your ideas.

2) Compréhension écrite + Production écrite (Reading + Writing) – 3 hours 30 minutes

• Given a large dossier (multiple texts, reports, studies).

• Write a structured written synthesis + argumentative commentary.

• Requires precision, nuance, and strong academic writing.

Scoring & pass rules

• Each DALF skill is scored out of 25, but because some skills are merged at C2, the total organisation differs, yet:

•   Total = 100 points

•   Minimum to pass = 50/100

•   Minimum per skill = 5/25 (or per combined block for C2)

• Failing one block means failing the whole diploma.

Results, diploma & validity

• Results usually take 4–8 weeks depending on country.

• Centres publish results online or via email/SMS.

• Those who pass receive the official lifelong DALF diploma later (printed in France).

Retakes / repeats

You may retake DALF C1 or C2 as many times as you want.

• You must retake ALL parts, not just the failed module.

• If you want to retake a level you have already passed, you must sign a declaration surrendering your old diploma.

Exam-day rules & what to bring

Bring:

• Original passport/ID

• Convocation

• Pens, pencils, eraser

• Water bottle (transparent)

• No dictionaries unless authorised as an accommodation

Rules:

• Latecomers may be refused entry into the written test.

• Phones must be switched off and placed away.

• Talking during written tests is prohibited.

• For oral tests, you get dedicated preparation time alone with documents.

Tips for DALF preparation (practical)

For C1

• Practise summaries, structured essays, and opinion pieces.

• Use connectors: cependant, néanmoins, par ailleurs, en revanche…

• Watch French debates, conferences, interviews.

For C2

• Practise synthesis writing from multiple sources.

• Work on long, precise, nuanced arguments.

• Improve note-taking while listening to long recordings (France Culture, Arte, RFI).

Quick DALF Checklist

• Choose level C1 or C2

• Register at official centre → pay fees

• Receive convocation

• Written tests (collective)

• Oral test (separate appointment)

• Wait for results

• Collect diploma