DELF A1 Exam Guide: Complete Preparation for Absolute Beginners
You’ve been learning French for a few months and want official certification of your beginner level, but the DELF A1 exam feels intimidating because you don’t know what types of questions to expect, how the scoring works, or whether your basic French is actually good enough to pass. The exam costs 100-150 euros and you can only take it a few times per year, so failing because of poor preparation wastes both money and time while delaying your certification goals for university applications, visa requirements, or personal achievement. This complete DELF A1 guide covers every section of the exam with specific strategies, common mistakes beginners make, practice exercises, scoring requirements, and proven preparation techniques that help absolute beginners pass on their first attempt.
What is DELF A1 and why take it
DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) A1 is the first level of official French certification issued by France’s Ministry of Education. It proves you can handle basic French communication in simple, everyday situations.
Unlike Duolingo certificates or app achievements, DELF is recognized internationally by universities, employers, and immigration authorities. The diploma never expires. Once you pass, you have lifetime proof of A1 French competency.
Who needs DELF A1 certification
DELF A1 serves several specific purposes. Some people take it as a personal achievement milestone – concrete proof they’ve successfully learned beginner French. Others need it for practical reasons: university applications requiring language certification, visa applications for France or francophone countries, job applications where employers want verified language skills, or as a stepping stone toward higher DELF levels.
You don’t need DELF A1 to learn French. You need it to prove you’ve learned French to institutions that require official documentation.
Most French textbooks are written by native speakers who’ve forgotten what confuses beginners. They explain grammar assuming you already think like a French person.
Roger learned French as an adult after growing up with English and German. He remembers exactly which explanations clicked and which ones left him confused. The FrenchToEnglish approach was built from those memories, including the specific challenges he faced preparing for official French exams and discovering which preparation strategies actually work versus which ones waste time.
DELF A1 exam structure and scoring
Understanding exactly what you’ll face eliminates anxiety and focuses preparation.
The four sections breakdown
1. Compréhension de l’oral (Listening comprehension)
- Duration: 20 minutes approximately
- Points: 25/100
- Format: 3-4 short recordings played twice
- Topics: Everyday situations, announcements, dialogues
2. Compréhension des écrits (Reading comprehension)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Points: 25/100
- Format: 4-5 short written documents
- Topics: Signs, messages, forms, simple texts
3. Production écrite (Written production)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Points: 25/100
- Format: 2 writing tasks
- Topics: Fill out form, write short message
4. Production orale (Oral production)
- Duration: 5-7 minutes + 10 minutes preparation
- Points: 25/100
- Format: 3 parts – guided conversation, exchange of information, role-play
Total duration: Approximately 1h20 for written sections, then oral section scheduled separately
Total points: 100 points (25 per section)
Passing requirements
Minimum score to pass: 50/100 total
Minimum per section: 5/25 in each section
What this means: You can’t completely fail one section. If you get 0/25 in listening but 75/75 in the other three sections, you still fail overall. You must demonstrate at least basic competency in all four skills.
Strategic implication: Focus preparation time on your weakest section. A balanced score of 13/25 in all sections (52/100 total) passes. An unbalanced score of 20/25 in three sections and 4/25 in one section (64/100 total) fails.
💡 Registration and logistics:
- Where to register: Alliance Française, Institut Français, official DELF centers (search “DELF exam near me”)
- Cost: Usually 100-150 euros depending on country and center
- Frequency: Most centers offer exams 2-4 times per year
- Registration deadline: Typically 6-8 weeks before exam date
- Results timing: 4-6 weeks after exam
- What to bring: Valid ID (passport), registration confirmation, pens (blue or black ink)
Section 1: Compréhension de l’oral (Listening)
Listening is often the hardest section for English speakers because you can’t control the speed and you only hear each recording twice.
What to expect in listening section
Exercise 1: Answering questions about recorded dialogues
You hear 3-4 short recordings (announcements, conversations, phone messages). Each plays twice. You answer simple questions about who, what, when, where.
Example scenario: Recording of train station announcement
🇺🇸 EN — The train to Lyon departs from platform number 5 at 2:30 PM
Question you might see: À quelle heure part le train ? (What time does the train leave?)
Topics commonly tested:
- Transportation announcements (trains, buses, airports)
- Shop opening hours and closures
- Phone messages about meetings or appointments
- Weather forecasts
- Simple conversations about daily activities
Listening strategies that work
Before the recording starts:
- Read the questions quickly (you have time before each recording)
- Identify key information needed (time? place? person? price?)
- Underline question words (qui, quoi, où, quand, combien)
During first listening:
- Focus on understanding general context (who’s talking, what situation)
- Listen for numbers, names, places – these are usually key answers
- Don’t panic if you miss something – second listening is coming
During second listening:
- Focus specifically on answering the questions
- Write down exact details you hear (numbers, times, places)
- If uncertain between two answers, write both and choose after
Common listening vocabulary you must know
🇺🇸 EN — The platform, the train, the bus, the plane
🇺🇸 EN — Open, closed, Monday, the weekend
🇺🇸 EN — The morning, the afternoon, the evening
🇺🇸 EN — Expensive, cheap, free
🇺🇸 EN — The appointment, the meeting, cancelled, postponed
Numbers mastery is critical: Practice numbers 1-100, times (14h30 = deux heures et demie, quatorze heures trente), prices (euros and cents), dates.
⚠️ Common listening mistakes:
- Trying to understand every word – Impossible and unnecessary. Focus on key information only.
- Not reading questions first – You waste both listenings trying to remember everything instead of targeting specific answers.
- Confusing similar-sounding numbers – Practice distinguishing 13 vs 30, 14 vs 40, 15 vs 50
- Missing “ne… pas” negatives – “Le magasin n’est PAS ouvert” vs “Le magasin est ouvert” – opposite meanings!
Section 2: Compréhension des écrits (Reading)
Reading is often easier for English speakers because you control the pace and can reread.
What to expect in reading section
Document types you’ll see:
- Signs and notices (restaurant menus, shop hours, public signs)
- Short messages (texts, emails, notes)
- Forms and questionnaires
- Simple advertisements
- Short informational texts (100-150 words)
Question types:
- True/False/Not mentioned
- Multiple choice
- Matching information
- Finding specific details
Example reading exercise
Document: Restaurant sign
Ouvert du mardi au samedi
12h-14h et 19h-22h
Fermé dimanche et lundi
Menu du jour : 15€
Réservation conseillée au 01 42 33 44 55
🇺🇸 EN — Restaurant “Le Bon Coin”
Open Tuesday to Saturday
12pm-2pm and 7pm-10pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
Daily menu: 15€
Reservation recommended at 01 42 33 44 55
Sample questions:
- Le restaurant est ouvert le dimanche ? (Is the restaurant open Sunday?) → Faux
- À quelle heure ouvre le restaurant le soir ? (What time does the restaurant open in the evening?) → 19h
- Combien coûte le menu du jour ? (How much is the daily menu?) → 15 euros
Reading strategies
Step 1: Read questions first
Know what information you’re looking for before reading the document. This focuses your attention.
Step 2: Skim the document
Get general idea: What type of document? What’s it about? Don’t try to understand every word.
Step 3: Scan for specific information
Look for keywords from questions. Numbers, names, times, places jump out visually.
Step 4: Eliminate obviously wrong answers
In multiple choice, cross out clearly incorrect options first. Often you can eliminate 2-3 wrong answers easily, making the correct answer obvious.
Essential reading vocabulary
🇺🇸 EN — Open / Closed / Opening hours
🇺🇸 EN — Monday to Friday / The weekend
🇺🇸 EN — Free / Paid / The price / To cost
🇺🇸 EN — Forbidden / Allowed / Mandatory
🇺🇸 EN — From (starting from) / Until / Between… and…
Section 3: Production écrite (Writing)
Writing tests your ability to produce basic French, not just understand it. This requires active knowledge.
Task 1: Filling out a form
What you’ll do: Complete a form with personal information
Common form fields:
🇺🇸 EN — Last name / First name
🇺🇸 EN — Date of birth / Place of birth
🇺🇸 EN — Nationality / Profession
🇺🇸 EN — Address / Postal code / City
🇺🇸 EN — Phone number / Email
Strategy: This is easy points. Practice writing your personal information in French. Know how to spell everything correctly. Get this 12-13/13 points easily.
Task 2: Writing a short message
What you’ll do: Write 40-50 words in a simple message (postcard, email, note)
Common scenarios:
- Postcard to a friend about your vacation
- Note to neighbor about a party you’re having
- Email accepting or declining an invitation
- Message to a friend suggesting an activity
Example task: “Vous écrivez une carte postale à un ami français. Vous parlez de vos vacances (40-50 mots)” (You write a postcard to a French friend. You talk about your vacation, 40-50 words)
Model answer:
Je suis en vacances à Nice. Il fait très beau et chaud. J’adore la plage et la mer. Hier, j’ai visité le vieux Nice, c’est magnifique. La nourriture est délicieuse. Je rentre lundi.
À bientôt,
Sarah
🇺🇸 EN — Hi Marc!
I’m on vacation in Nice. The weather is very nice and hot. I love the beach and the sea. Yesterday, I visited old Nice, it’s magnificent. The food is delicious. I’m coming back Monday.
See you soon,
Sarah
Word count: 45 words – perfect!
Writing structure that works
Opening:
- Informal: Salut [name]! / Bonjour [name]!
- Formal: Madame, Monsieur,
Body (3-4 sentences):
- Address the task directly
- Use simple present or passé composé
- Include required information from task
Closing:
- Informal: À bientôt, / À plus, / Bisous,
- Formal: Cordialement, / Bien à vous,
Your name
Essential writing phrases
🇺🇸 EN — I’m on vacation in [place]
🇺🇸 EN — The weather is nice / It’s hot / It’s raining
🇺🇸 EN — I really like / I love / It’s great
🇺🇸 EN — Yesterday, I visited / I ate / I bought
🇺🇸 EN — I would like to invite / I suggest / We can meet
⚠️ Common writing mistakes:
- Writing too much or too little – 40-50 words means 40-50 words. 25 words loses points. 80 words wastes time.
- Complex grammar attempts – Keep it simple. Better to write simple sentences correctly than complex sentences incorrectly.
- Forgetting accents – é, è, ê, à, ù matter. “Je suis alle” (wrong) vs “Je suis allé” (correct)
- Not addressing the task – If task says “talk about weather,” you must mention weather. Answer what’s asked.
Section 4: Production orale (Speaking)
Speaking is the section that terrifies most beginners, but it’s often easier than expected because examiners are trained to help you succeed.
The three parts of oral exam
Part 1: Guided conversation (1 minute)
Examiner asks simple questions about you.
🇺🇸 EN — What’s your name?
🇺🇸 EN — Where do you live?
🇺🇸 EN — What’s your nationality?
🇺🇸 EN — What do you do for a living?
Strategy: Prepare short answers to these standard questions. Practice saying them aloud until automatic.
Part 2: Exchange of information (2 minutes)
You draw cards with questions and ask the examiner these questions. The examiner asks you similar questions back.
Example card topics:
- La famille (family)
- Les loisirs (hobbies)
- Le travail (work)
- Les vacances (vacation)
Sample question on card: “Vous aimez le sport ?” (Do you like sports?)
🇺🇸 EN — Do you like sports?
Examiner might answer: “Oui, j’aime beaucoup le tennis. Et vous?”
🇺🇸 EN — Yes, I like swimming. I swim twice a week.
Part 3: Role-play (2 minutes + 10 minutes preparation)
You receive a card with a scenario. You have 10 minutes to prepare. Then you perform the role-play with the examiner.
Common scenarios:
- Buying something in a shop
- Ordering in a restaurant
- Asking for directions
- Making an appointment
- Buying a train ticket
Example role-play scenario
Your card says: “Vous êtes dans une boulangerie. Vous achetez du pain et un gâteau. Vous demandez le prix.” (You’re in a bakery. You buy bread and a cake. You ask the price.)
Your prepared dialogue:
🇺🇸 EN — Hello!
Examiner (baker): Bonjour, je peux vous aider ?
🇺🇸 EN — Yes, I would like a baguette, please
Examiner: Voilà. Et avec ceci ?
🇺🇸 EN — I would also like a chocolate cake
Examiner: Très bien. Et ce sera tout ?
🇺🇸 EN — Yes, thanks. How much is it?
Examiner: 8 euros, s’il vous plaît.
🇺🇸 EN — Here you go. Thanks, goodbye!
Oral exam survival phrases
When you don’t understand:
🇺🇸 EN — Sorry? / Excuse me? / I don’t understand
🇺🇸 EN — Can you repeat, please?
When you need time to think:
🇺🇸 EN — Um… / So… / Let’s see…
When you don’t know a word:
🇺🇸 EN — How do you say… in French?
Using these phrases shows language awareness and is better than freezing in silence.
💡 Speaking confidence tips:
- Smile and make eye contact – Examiners rate you higher when you seem confident and friendly
- Speak clearly, not quickly – Slow, clear French beats fast, mumbled French
- Use hand gestures – Natural gestures help communication and show comfort
- Don’t apologize for mistakes – Self-correct briefly and continue, don’t say “Oh sorry my French is bad”
- The examiner wants you to pass – They’re trained to help you succeed, not trick you
Study glossary – DELF A1 essential vocabulary
| FR | EN | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| L’examen / Le test | The exam / The test | Je passe l’examen DELF A1 |
| Réussir / Échouer | To pass / To fail | J’espère réussir l’examen |
| La compréhension orale | Listening comprehension | La section de compréhension orale |
| La production écrite | Written production | J’ai fini la production écrite |
| Remplir un formulaire | To fill out a form | Je dois remplir ce formulaire |
| Un message / Une carte postale | A message / A postcard | Écrire une carte postale |
| Un jeu de rôle | A role-play | Le jeu de rôle à l’oral |
| L’examinateur / L’examinatrice | The examiner (male/female) | L’examinateur pose des questions |
| Les résultats | The results | J’attends les résultats |
| Le diplôme / Le certificat | The diploma / The certificate | J’ai reçu mon diplôme DELF |
| S’inscrire / L’inscription | To register / Registration | Je vais m’inscrire à l’examen |
| La date limite | The deadline | La date limite d’inscription |
Your 8-week DELF A1 preparation plan
These techniques work, but they work faster with structured learning designed for English speakers. Roger’s approach teaches you how to rewire your English-speaking brain for French patterns.
Here’s your realistic preparation timeline:
Weeks 1-2: Assessment and foundations – Take a practice DELF A1 exam to identify weak sections. Focus 60% of study time on weakest section, 40% maintaining other sections. Build vocabulary lists for common topics: family, work, hobbies, food, travel, weather.
Weeks 3-4: Listening and reading intensive – Daily listening practice with beginner podcasts, A1-level audio exercises. Read simple French texts daily (children’s books, A1 readers, simple news). Practice taking notes while listening. Time yourself on reading exercises.
Weeks 5-6: Writing and speaking focus – Write one message/postcard daily (40-50 words). Practice filling out forms. Record yourself answering oral exam questions. Practice role-plays aloud. Work with language partner if possible.
Weeks 7-8: Full practice exams and refinement – Take complete practice DELF A1 exams under timed conditions. Review mistakes carefully. Focus remaining time on persistent weak areas. Practice oral exam with timer. Rest well before exam day.
The goal isn’t perfect French. The goal is scoring 50/100 with at least 5/25 in each section. This is achievable for anyone who’s completed approximately 60-80 hours of beginner French study.
DELF A1 tests practical communication skills, not academic French knowledge. You don’t need to know subjunctive mood, passé simple, or complex pronouns. You need to order food, introduce yourself, understand train announcements, and write a simple postcard.
Most DELF A1 failures happen because of:
- Complete failure in one section (scoring 0-4/25) even with good scores elsewhere
- Poor time management (spending 20 minutes on form, rushing the message)
- Panic during oral exam leading to silence instead of attempting answers
- Not reading questions carefully in listening/reading sections
All of these are preventable through practice. The exam format never changes. If you’ve practiced with real DELF A1 materials, you know exactly what to expect. No surprises. No tricks. Just straightforward testing of basic French skills.
Your DELF A1 diploma never expires. Ten years from now, you’ll still have official proof that you can communicate in basic French. That certification opens doors for future opportunities even if you’re not sure what those opportunities are yet.
