If you are learning French and want to prove your level of proficiency, you might be interested in taking the DALF C1 exam. So, what is DALF C1 ? DALF stands for «Diplôme approfondi de langue française» (Advanced Diploma in French Language) and it is an official certification issued by the French Ministry of National Education. The DALF C1 exam is the fifth level out of six in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which describes the different stages of language learning. This exam is independent from the other levels, so you can register directly for the one that suits your needs. The DALF C1 diploma is valid for life and it is recognized internationally by universities, employers and institutions.
The DALF C1 exam is designed to assess your ability to use French for academic, professional and social purposes. It shows that you can understand a wide range of complex texts and grasp implicit meanings. It also shows that you can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much effort. You can produce clear, well-structured and detailed texts on topics of some complexity, using appropriate organizational and cohesive devices. To achieve that goal, we propose you on LangExam some free sample of DALF C1 exam (to study on our own). But we also teach you french with our method LangMethod and our natives teachers.
The DALF C1 exam can open many doors for you, such as:
• Studying in a French-speaking university or institution. Many French universities require the DALF C1 level for foreign students who want to enroll in their programs.
• Working in a French-speaking environment or country. The DALF C1 level can boost your CV and demonstrate your linguistic skills to potential employers.
• Participating in competitive exams or contests that require a high level of French. The DALF C1 level can give you extra points in many exams or contests, especially in the field of education.
• Enjoying French culture and literature at a deeper level. The DALF C1 level can help you appreciate the nuances and subtleties of French texts, films, music and art.
Now that you know what is the DALF C1, let’s talk about his structure. The DALF C1 exam consists of four parts: two collective tests that you take with other candidates in the same room at the same time, and two individual tests that you take alone with the examiners. Each part is worth 25 points out of 100. To pass the exam, you need to score at least 50 points out of 100. A score in one part can compensate for a lower score in another part. However, a score below 5/25 in any part is eliminatory. The four parts are:
• Listening comprehension / 25 points / (Duration: about 40 minutes). You listen to two or three audio recordings on topics related to current affairs or culture, and answer questions about them.
• Reading comprehension / 25 points / (Duration: 50 minutes). You read two texts on topics related to current affairs or culture, and answer questions about them.
• Writing production / 25 points / (Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes). You write an essay or a report based on a document that you are given.
• Speaking production / 25 points / (Duration: 30 minutes). You prepare a presentation on a topic that you choose from a list, and then discuss it with the examiners.
The total duration of the collective tests is 4 hours.
There are three sessions per year: February, June and October. You can check the calendar of the sessions here. You can take the exam at any of the official centers authorized by France Education International, which is the national body that organizes and delivers the exams. In Spain, there are 33 official centers where you can take the DELF-DALF exams. You can choose the one that is closest to your location.
To prepare for the DALF C1 exam, you need to practice your French skills regularly and familiarize yourself with the format and content of the exam. You can use different resources to help you with your preparation, such as:
• Online courses with our company Langmethod, which is the fast way to learn with native teachers. We invite you to check our advice on Youtube also.
• Books or manuals that provide tips, strategies and practice tests for each part of the exam. For example, you can use «Réussir le DALF C1-C2», which is a comprehensive and updated guide that covers all the aspects of the exam.
• Free samples or past papers that you can download from the official website of France Education International or from other sources. For example, you can find some DALF free samples here, which include audio files, transcripts and answer keys.
We hope know you understand better what is DALF C1. This exam is a challenging but rewarding experience that can prove your high level of French and open many opportunities for you. If you are interested in taking the exam, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information and guidance: langexamlangmethod@gmail.com.
We are here to help you achieve your goals!