DILF: initial diploma in French language

​​DILF presentation

Logo DILF
DILF (diplôme initial de langue française) is a diploma of French as a foreign language. DILF is issued by the French Ministry of Education. DILF asses the primary knowledge of the French language. DILF validates a first level of mastering in French. DILF corresponds to level A1.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Therefore DILF is an initial step toward DELF and DALF.

DILF is targeting the older beginners and the freshly arrived in France. DILF is part of the French integration policy in which the mastership of the French language is a cornerstone. Thus DILF enables the freshly arrived or anyone in a linguistic need to start the process of their integration, with a positive and rewarding method, essential to success.

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DILF is only available on French territory. Abroad DELF would be the replacement solution.

DILF examination is based on level A1.1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
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Description of DILF examination

​​Type of tests: DILF
Duration
​​Mark out of
Listening comprehension
  • understanding a public announcement
  • understanding a simple message
  • understanding simple instructions
  • understanding numerical information, understanding the time


​25 minutes


/ 35
Reading comprehension
  • understanding signs
  • understanding simple instructions
  • understanding simple information
  • understanding numerical information
  • recognizing the type and function of simple texts



​25 minutes



​​/ 15
Spoken production

  • Interview with the panel​

  • Expression activities:
- asking for and giving a price
- introducing people or describing places
- expressing a need or making an appointment
- indicating the nature of a health problem




​10 minutes




​/ 35
Written production
  • copying down an address, a telephone number
  • writing down a number, a price, a date
  • filling in a form
  • leaving a simple message


15 minutes


​​/ 15
​​Total length of group tests: 1 hour 15 minutes
* Total mark out of 100
* Overall pass mark of the DILF: 50 / 100
* Minimum mark required for oral tests: 35 / 70

​​DILF sample papers

​To go further and especially to prepare you well to DILF examination, you can consult and download DILF sample papers.

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