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The DELF A1: Your First Step in Learning French

The DELF A1: Your First Step in Learning French

Discover the DELF A1, the first official French diploma for beginners. Test your level, validate your skills, and build confidence in French!

12 November 2025

Are you starting to learn French and wondering how to measure your progress? The DELF A1 is made for you!
In this article, you’ll discover what the DELF A1 is, why it’s worth taking, how the exam is organized, and what you need to pass.
This diploma officially recognizes your basic French skills and helps you build confidence as you move toward higher levels.

🎓 What Is the DELF A1?

The DELF A1 (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française – Level A1) is the first level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
It represents a “discovery” level: at this stage, you can communicate simply in everyday situations — introducing yourself, asking basic questions, or talking about your surroundings.

💬 I Choose the DELF A1 If I Can…

  • introduce myself and someone else;

  • understand simple announcements and instructions;

  • understand short and simple written texts;

  • fill out a form with my name, nationality, address, etc.;

  • write a short and simple postcard;

  • answer basic questions about myself (my name, nationality, activities);

  • ask simple questions to someone;

  • buy something and pay for it.

👉 If these situations sound familiar to you, the DELF A1 is the right choice!

🌍 Why Take the DELF A1?

Taking the DELF A1 allows you to:

  • Get official recognition of your French level, valid worldwide;

  • Track your progress with a clear, structured evaluation;

  • Stay motivated to move forward to higher levels (A2, B1, B2…);

  • Support your studies, career, or administrative applications in French-speaking contexts.

It’s an excellent starting point for anyone beginning their journey in French.

🧩 How Is the Exam Organized?

The DELF A1 exam assesses the four main language skills, each scored out of 25 points, for a total of 100 points:

  1. Listening comprehension ( /25 )
    → understanding short recordings from daily life (dialogues, announcements, messages).

  2. Reading comprehension ( /25 )
    → reading simple texts such as emails, ads, or schedules.

  3. Writing ( /25 )
    → writing short messages, forms, or simple descriptions.

  4. Speaking ( /25 )
    → introducing yourself, talking about your interests, and interacting in simple situations.

✅ How to Pass the DELF A1

To pass the exam, you must score:

  • at least 50 out of 100 overall,

  • and not less than 5 out of 25 in any of the four parts.

This ensures a balanced level across all skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

🌟 In Summary

The DELF A1 is your first step toward mastering French.
It’s an official, accessible, and motivating diploma that helps you validate your learning and progress with confidence on your French journey.

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