DELF · Tout public

DELF A1Diplôme d'études en langue française

Practice every DELF A1 section and prove your first French foundations with a diploma that lasts for life.

Practise for the DELF A1 exam with full, timed mock tests and instant feedback. DELF A1 certifies the breakthrough level of the CEFR: you can introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions, and interact when someone speaks slowly and clearly. The exam has four sections (listening, reading, writing, speaking), each scored out of 25 for a total of 100; you pass at 50/100 and the diploma is valid for life.

Format and scoring per the official DELF tout public (France Education international).

The DELF A1 exam, section by section

The four sections run in this order. The three written sections are taken together; the oral is individual.

CO
Listening
Compréhension de l'oral
5 exercises · audio x2
20 min · /25
CE
Reading
Compréhension des écrits
4 exercises
30 min · /25
PE
Writing
Production écrite
2 exercises
30 min · /25
PO
Speaking
Production orale
3 exercises
7 min · /25
100/100 total
Pass at 50/100. Each section must reach 5/25 or the whole exam fails. The diploma is valid for life.

Practice DELF A1 by skill

Who takes DELF A1?

A1 is the starting point for absolute beginners. It is popular with younger learners, heritage speakers building formal recognition, and adults who want a first stepping stone towards higher DELF levels. Most learners reach A1 after around 80 to 100 hours of French.

How to prepare for A1

  1. 1Focus on the most common greetings, numbers, and everyday vocabulary before anything else.
  2. 2Practise listening to very slow, clear French; the A1 audio uses simple, familiar situations.
  3. 3For writing, learn how to fill in a short form and write a few basic sentences about yourself.
  4. 4Run a full timed mock exam before the real test to get used to the four-section format.

Know your A1 score before exam day

delfprep mirrors the real exam, then grades your writing and speaking the way an official DELF examiner would, with feedback that quotes your own words.

  • Full timed mocks, all four sections
  • AI feedback on writing and speaking
  • Predicted /100 score, section by section
  • Unlimited practice across every level

A1 or a different level?

How DELF A1 compares to the level above it and to the TCF/TEF tests.

 
DELF A1
DELF A2
CEFR level
Breakthrough
Elementary (waystage)
Typical use
First certification, heritage speakers, school programmes
School milestones, vocational training, first formal proof
Validity
For life
For life
The DELF is a permanent diploma; the TCF and TEF are timed tests valid two years and used for Canada federal immigration. The DELF is for Quebec and education.

Free DELF A1 sample paper

A complete practice paper with detailed answer keys, online and as a printable PDF.

DELF A1 practice test questions, answered

What level is DELF A1?+

A1 is the breakthrough level of the CEFR. It shows you can use and understand very basic French phrases, introduce yourself and others, and ask and answer simple questions.

How is DELF A1 scored?+

Each of the four sections is scored out of 25, for a total of 100. You pass at 50/100, but you must score at least 5/25 in every section.

Does the DELF A1 diploma expire?+

No. The DELF is awarded for life and never needs renewing, unlike the TCF or TEF which are valid for two years.

How long is the DELF A1 exam?+

The collective written and listening sections run roughly an hour and a quarter together. The individual speaking test is short, around 5 to 7 minutes. Practising every section with timed mock exams is the best way to get comfortable with the full format.

Is DELF A1 recognised for immigration?+

The DELF is used for Quebec immigration and education applications, not for Canada federal Express Entry (which uses the TEF Canada or TCF Canada).

Other DELF levels

A1You are here
A2B1B2

Ready to find your A1 level?

Take a full mock or practice one section at a time. See your predicted score before exam day.