DELF or DALF: what are the differences?

The DELF (A1 to B2) and the DALF (C1, C2) together form the family of official diplomas of French as a foreign language. Here is what sets them apart in practice — and how to choose the right one for your goal.

These six diplomas are issued for life by the French Ministry of National Education, designed and administered by France Éducation International on the basis of the CEFR — basic and independent users for the DELF, experienced users for the DALF.

Comparison table

Which diploma for your goal?

Exam structure: what changes

At the DELF (A1 to B2), the four skills are assessed separately: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written production, oral production. Each is worth 25 points, total mark out of 100.

At the DALF C1, reading comprehension and written production are merged into a single exam of 2 h 30 (synthesis of a dossier + argued essay out of 50 points). Listening comprehension and oral production remain separate.

At the DALF C2, only two exams remain, each combining reception and production: oral (listening + interview of 3 h 30) and written (dossier + article, 3 h 30). Each exam counts for 50 points.

DELF vs TCF vs TEF: do not confuse them

The TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) and the TEF (Test d'Évaluation du Français) are tests and not diplomas. They issue a level certificate valid for 2 years, not a permanent diploma. The DELF-DALF is the ministry's only permanent diploma.

• TCF-IRN: accepted for access to French nationality (at the same level as the DELF B2 since 2026).
• TCF-DAP: required for Campus France (application for foreign students from outside the EU).
• TEF-Canada: required for economic immigration to Canada.

Our platform handles only the DELF-DALF. If you specifically need a TCF or a TEF, contact France Éducation International or a specialised centre.

How to choose your first diploma

1. Assess your level with a free online test (RFI Savoirs, Ministry of the Interior).
2. Check the minimum level required for your goal (naturalisation, university, employer…).
3. Prepare seriously before sitting the exam.

Frequently asked questions — DELF and DALF

What is the difference between the DELF and the DALF?

The DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) covers the first 4 CEFR levels: A1, A2, B1, B2. The DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) covers the 2 advanced levels: C1 and C2. All six are official diplomas of the French Ministry of National Education, valid for life. The difference is therefore the level: the DALF is aimed at experienced users of French.

Is the DALF harder than the DELF?

Yes. The DALF (C1, C2) assesses a markedly higher level: comprehension of long and complex texts, synthesis of several documents, nuanced argumentation. Its structure is also different — at DALF C1 the reading comprehension and written production are merged, and the DALF C2 has only 2 exams combining reception and production.

Do I need to take the DELF before the DALF?

No. Each diploma is independent: you can register directly for the level that matches your skills, without having obtained the lower levels. An experienced candidate can take the DALF C1 directly without holding the DELF B2. It is nonetheless recommended to aim for the level just above your actual command of the language.

Which diploma should I choose for French naturalisation?

Since the immigration law of 26 January 2024, the minimum level required for French nationality by decree is the DELF B2 (previously B1). For the 10-year long-term resident card, the minimum level remains the DELF B1.

Which diploma to enter a French university?

The DELF B2 is the level generally required for admission to a bachelor's or master's degree. Some selective courses (grandes écoles, demanding masters) require the DALF C1. A holder of the DALF (C1 or C2) is permanently exempt from any French test for access to French universities.

DELF-DALF or TCF: what is the difference?

The DELF-DALF is a permanent diploma, valid for life. The TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) is a test that issues a certificate valid for only 2 years. For naturalisation, the TCF-IRN at B2 level is accepted on the same basis as the DELF B2; for Campus France, the TCF-DAP is required. If you want a permanent diploma, choose the DELF-DALF.

Are the DELF and the DALF recognised internationally?

Yes. The DELF and the DALF are recognised worldwide as official proof of French level, issued by the French Ministry of National Education. They are accepted by universities, employers and immigration authorities in many countries.

How much does the DELF or the DALF cost?

At Centre Zenith in 2026: DELF A1 93 €, A2 115 €, B1 130 €, B2 150 €, DALF C1 and C2 200 €. The price rises with the level because the exams are longer and the marking more demanding.

Does the DELF or the DALF expire?

No, never. Unlike the TCF and TEF tests (certificates valid for 2 years), the DELF and the DALF are permanent diplomas: once obtained, they are valid for life and never expire.

How long between two levels (e.g. B1 then B2)?

On average, moving from one level to the next requires 150 to 250 additional hours of French, i.e. about 6 months to 1 year of regular preparation. The B1 → B2 jump, then B2 → C1, is more demanding than the first levels because it involves abstraction, argumentation and authentic documents.