How is the DELF exam structured and how many marks does each section carry for me?
The DELF tests four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. Each skill carries 25 marks, giving a total of 100. Listening, reading and writing are taken as collective tests, while speaking is an individual interview. Task types and durations generally grow with the level, though not at every level.
The DELF checks four skills, listening, reading, writing and speaking, and each one is worth 25 marks out of a total of 100. The layout is broadly similar from A1 to B2, but the tasks generally get harder and the timings longer as the level rises, though not at every level.
DELF Sections and Typical Duration
| Section | What it tests | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Understanding recorded conversations, announcements and other audio | About 20 to 30 minutes |
| Reading | Understanding written texts and finding relevant information | About 30 to 60 minutes |
| Writing | Writing responses suited to your level | About 30 to 60 minutes |
| Speaking | Interviews, interaction or presenting a viewpoint with examiners | About 5 to 20 minutes, depending on level |
How Tasks Change by Level
- At A1, you face short listening, reading and writing tasks, then a speaking test of 5 to 7 minutes after 10 minutes of preparation.
- At B2, listening takes about 30 minutes, reading and writing take around an hour each, and speaking lasts 20 minutes after 30 minutes of preparation.
- Writing moves from filling in a form and a short message at A1 to an organised, argued response at B2.
- Speaking moves from simple introductions to expressing and defending a viewpoint.
My Advice
Practise all four skills instead of leaning only on grammar. Speaking is done one to one with examiners, so rehearse aloud with a partner or tutor well before exam day. Always look at the exact durations for your own level, since they differ noticeably between A1 and B2.
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