DELF and DALF certificates
Swiss French School offers preparation courses for the DELF and DALF certificates
The DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) exams serve to assess and certify the French language proficiency of non-native speakers. DELF is suitable for individuals at beginner to intermediate levels, while DALF is for advanced users needing high-level proficiency for academic, professional, or advanced communication purposes.
Want to improve your French level? Swiss French School welcomes you to its schools.
What are the DELF/DALF certificates?
The DELF and DALF are two official certificates issued by the French Ministry of Education. Each of these diplomas is highly recommended (in some cases mandatory) if you wish to live, study, work, or travel in Switzerland or in a French-speaking country.
The DELF, Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française, is designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to use French in everyday life situations. DELF tests four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It is suitable for individuals at various proficiency levels, from beginners (A1 and A2) to intermediate (B1 and B2)
The DALF, Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française, is intended for more advanced users. It's ideal for those who need a high level of French proficiency for academic, professional, or advanced communication purposes. DALF tests four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It is suitable for individuals at advanced levels, specifically C1 and C2, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Why should I take a DELF/DALF certificate?
- Career opportunities: In Switzerland, where multiple languages are spoken, having a good level of French can significantly boost your career, especially in international organizations, financial sectors, and diplomatic roles.
- Education ppportunities: If you or your family plan to pursue higher education in Switzerland or neighboring French-speaking countries, DELF or DALF certificates may be required for admission.
- Residency and citizenship: Achieving a good level in French through these certifications can fulfill language requirements for Swiss residency or citizenship applications, making the process smoother.
- Cultural integration: Proficiency in French enables deeper cultural immersion and integration in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, improving your everyday interactions and experiences.
What is the structure of the DELF/DALF exams?
The DELF (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française) and DALF (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) exams consist of multiple parts or sections, each assessing different language skills. The exact structure may vary slightly depending on the level, but generally, these are the common components:
- DELF (Levels A1 to B2):
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Listening (Compréhension orale) | Candidates listen to recorded audio material and answer questions to assess their understanding of spoken French. |
| Reading (Compréhension écrite) | This section evaluates candidates' ability to comprehend written French texts and answer questions based on the readings. |
| Writing (Production écrite) | Candidates are required to write essays or responses to prompts to demonstrate their written communication skills. |
| Speaking (Production orale) | In the oral exam, candidates engage in conversations with an examiner, responding to questions and prompts to assess their spoken French proficiency. |
- DALF (Levels C1 and C2):
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Listening (Compréhension orale) | Similar to DELF, this section assesses candidates' ability to understand spoken French through recorded audio material. |
| Reading (Compréhension écrite) | Candidates read and analyze complex texts, answering questions and demonstrating their advanced reading skills. |
| Writing (Production écrite) | This section requires candidates to write essays or reports, showcasing their ability to express themselves in writing at an advanced level. |
| Speaking (Production orale) | In the oral exam, candidates engage in in-depth discussions, deliver presentations, and defend their viewpoints, demonstrating their advanced spoken French skills. |
Overall, both DELF and DALF exams evaluate listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, with DALF focusing on advanced proficiency at C1 and C2 levels.
Preparation courses for the DELF/DALF :
If you are considering preparing for the DELF or DALF test in Switzerland, Swiss French School has the solution for you! Our centers, ideally located near the CFF train stations, are accredited to support you in preparing for and passing this exam.
- Prepare for the DELF/DALF certificate in Geneva
- Prepare for the DELF/DALF certificate in Lausanne
- Prepare for the DELF/DALF certificate in Fribourg
- Prepare for the DELF/DALF certificate in Montreux
To help you prepare, we offer private courses, which are the most effective and can start at any time of the year. Our courses include:
- Classes taught by specialized and certified teachers.
- Free mock exam to determine your strengths and weaknesses, allowing us to tailor the study duration accordingly.
- Personalized study program: Regardless of the exam date, the program will be adapted to ensure your success.
- 45-minute lessons scheduled according to your availability.
- Immerse yourself in the French language by attending our social clubs and workshops at no extra cost.
For more information about the certificates, the enrollment or the upcoming dates, please visit the official DELF-DALF website in Switzerland.
