CEFR levels & DELF / DALF diplomas

CEFR and French Learning: Your adventure towards French fluency awaits you! 🇫🇷✨

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the international standard for describing language ability. Created by the Council of Europe, it’s now used worldwide to give learners a clear idea of what they can do in a foreign language. Think of it as your French-learning GPS — reliable, structured, and only occasionally reminding you that you’ve taken a wrong turn.

The CEFR looks at four core skills:

  • Listening 👂
  • Speaking 🗣️ 
  • Reading 📚 
  • Writing ✍️

They go together to build real communication — a bit like making a good croissant. Each layer matters.

DELF and DALF: official qualifications for your French

If you’ve ever wondered how to prove your level of French, the DELF and DALF exams are the official, internationally recognised way to do it. They follow the CEFR levels and — good news — they’re valid for life. No expiry dates, unlike that yoghurt hiding at the back of the fridge.

DELF – Beginner to Upper Intermediate

A1 – Beginner: 60–100 hours
A2 – Elementary: 160–200 hours
B1 – Intermediate: 360–400 hours
B2 – Upper Intermediate: 560–650 hours

DALF – Advanced

C1 – Advanced: 810–950 hours
C2 – Mastery: 1060–1200 hours

These hours refer to guided learning, not the total number of hours you spend watching French Netflix and feeling proud of yourself — although that absolutely counts as exposure too.

You can test your current level here (grab a cuppa; it takes a bit):

How long does the journey take?

Reaching A1 usually takes around 60–100 hours — roughly two hours a week for a year. Very doable.

Each level adds additional recommended hours, gradually taking you from beginner to confident communicator, and eventually to the lofty heights of C2. By that time, you’ll have accumulated lots of guided study plus real-world practice — easily a few thousand hours altogether. It sounds like a lot, but it happens step by step.

Exam structure

The DELF tests your reading, writing, speaking and listening, with a score out of 100.
To pass, you need:

  • 50/100 overall, and
  • at least 5/25 in each skill area

The length depends on the level: beginner exams are just over an hour, advanced ones can last up to three hours. Snacks recommended.

Why learn avec moi ? 🎓

Self-study is possible — bravo! — but French has its moments. Pronunciation can feel like wrestling an escargot 🐌, and grammar rules can be 🤯.

This is where I come in.

I bring years of teaching experience, a sense of humour, and a friendly approach that makes tricky things feel manageable. You’ll get:

  • clear explanations
  • guided pronunciation
  • practical, everyday French
  • lots of encouragement
  • and a safe space where mistakes are part of the process

If you’d like a French journey that’s structured and full of small joyful victories, I’d love to work with you.

👉 Click here to learn more about lessons with me.

Merci beaucoup !

À bientôt 👋🏽
CécileBB 😊