DELF for the general public

The Diploma in French Language Studies (DELF) for adults, in its “tout public” (general public) version, is an official diploma awarded by the French Ministry of National Education. There are 4 diplomas corresponding to the first 4 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): DELF A1, DELF A2, DELF B1, and DELF B2.

General presentation

The DELF is an official, high-quality diploma, aligned with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

This diploma is recognized worldwide and is valid for life.

Depending on the level achieved, the DELF can enhance a curriculum vitae (CV) and make it easier to secure a job in a company where French is the working language.

The DELF B1 is a prerequisite for obtaining French nationality. The DELF B2, and increasingly the DALF C1, are required for admission to French, European, or French-speaking universities, as well as certain prestigious grandes écoles (elite higher education institutions).

Target audience

The DELF “for the general public” is intended for adults and older teenagers, whether foreign or French, who wish to have their French language skills recognized for personal or professional purposes.

The “general public” version implies that any societal topic can be covered in the exercises, within public, personal, professional, and educational contexts.

Younger audiences, such as children and teenagers, can be directed towards specific versions known as “Prim” or “junior / scolaire” (junior / school version). In these versions, the exercises exclusively feature topics that are of interest to young learners. The DELF exams assess communication skills. A young learner will be placed in a context that is more relatable and engaging for them in the “Prim” or “junior / scolaire” versions, thus allowing them to fully demonstrate their abilities.