The DELF A2 is the second level of the DELF certification series and represents elementary French proficiency. At A2 you can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to everyday life — shopping, directions, family, employment. This guide covers the complete DELF A2 exam pattern for 2026 and shows you exactly how to prepare.
Why Take DELF A2?
University entry language credits: Some French universities accept DELF A2 for basic language course credit.
Immigration gateway: A2 is a stepping stone toward the B1 required for long-stay French visas and some Canadian immigration pathways.
School admission: French secondary schools and lycees may require A2 for international student placement.
Lifetime validity: DELF A2, like all DELF certificates, never expires.
DELF A2 Exam Structure 2026
DELF A2 tests four components. Minimum score of 5/25 per component, total minimum 50/100 to pass.
| Component | Skills Tested | Duration | Max Score | Min Score |
| Comprehension de l’oral | Listening comprehension | 25 minutes | 25 | 5 |
| Comprehension des ecrits | Reading comprehension | 30 minutes | 25 | 5 |
| Production ecrite | Written production | 45 minutes | 25 | 5 |
| Production orale | Oral production | 6–8 minutes | 25 | 5 |
Total written time is approximately 100 minutes. The oral component is scheduled separately, often the same or next day.
Component 1: Comprehension de l’oral (Listening) – 25 Minutes
At A2 you will hear short, simple dialogues and announcements — phone messages, instructions, weather forecasts, short conversations in everyday settings.
| Exercise | Format | Plays | Marks |
| Exercise 1 | Match short dialogues to images/situations | Twice | 6 |
| Exercise 2 | Identify purpose of a short recording (phone message, announcement) | Twice | 7 |
| Exercise 3 | Short conversation — answer simple comprehension questions | Twice | 12 |
Tip: At A2 the language is slow and clearly articulated. Focus on keywords — numbers, names, times, and places. You do not need to understand every word.
Component 2: Comprehension des ecrits (Reading) – 30 Minutes
Reading tasks at A2 use authentic but simple texts — schedules, notices, short letters, menus, and classified ads.
| Exercise | Text Type | Task | Marks |
| Exercise 1 | Notice, sign, or short informational text | True/False or matching | 6 |
| Exercise 2 | Short letter or email | Answer comprehension questions | 8 |
| Exercise 3 | Programme, schedule, or timetable | Matching or information extraction | 11 |
Practise reading real-world French: public notices, restaurant menus, transport timetables, and short personal emails. These mirror the exact text types used in the exam.
Component 3: Production ecrite (Writing) – 45 Minutes
The writing section has two tasks completed within 45 minutes:
| Task | Description | Word Count | Marks |
| Task 1 | Fill in a form or complete a short notice with personal information | 40–60 words | 10 |
| Task 2 | Write a short personal message — email, postcard, note — describing an event, an invitation, or sharing simple news | 60–80 words | 15 |
Focus on: correct verb conjugations in present and past tense (passe compose), basic connectors (et, mais, parce que, alors), and standard greetings and sign-offs.
Component 4: Production orale (Speaking) – 6–8 Minutes
| Phase | Activity | Duration |
| Preparation | Review interview cards/prompts | 10 minutes |
| Part 1 – Guided interview | Answer questions about yourself: name, family, job, hobbies, daily routine | 2–3 minutes |
| Part 2 – Exchange of information | Ask and answer questions using prompt cards on a given topic | 2–3 minutes |
| Part 3 – Role play | Simulate a simple real-life interaction: at a shop, making a reservation, asking for directions | 2–3 minutes |
The examiner is trained to be encouraging at lower levels. Speak clearly, use simple sentences, and do not worry about making occasional small errors — they are expected at A2.
DELF A2 Exam Fees in India 2026
| City | Approx. Fee (INR) | Centre |
| Mumbai | ₹7,000 – ₹9,000 | Alliance Francaise Mumbai |
| Delhi | ₹7,000 – ₹9,000 | Alliance Francaise Delhi |
| Bengaluru | ₹6,500 – ₹8,500 | Alliance Francaise Bangalore |
| Chennai | ₹6,500 – ₹8,500 | Alliance Francaise Chennai |
| Pune | ₹6,500 – ₹8,500 | Alliance Francaise Pune |
How to Prepare for DELF A2 – 6-Week Study Plan
| Week | Focus Area | Key Activities |
| Week 1 | Core vocabulary | Learn 30 words/day: family, food, transport, numbers 1-1000, days/months |
| Week 2 | Passe compose & present tense | Practice 20 regular and irregular verbs in both tenses daily |
| Week 3 | Listening practice | Listen to Francais Authentique Debutant; answer comprehension Qs |
| Week 4 | Reading practice | Read simple French texts — menus, notices, timetables; identify key info |
| Week 5 | Writing practice | Write 3 short messages (60-80 words) per day; check grammar |
| Week 6 | Mock tests + speaking | Full timed mock tests; record speaking practice and self-evaluate |
A2 Vocabulary – Key Topic Clusters
DELF A2 draws heavily on these vocabulary areas. Make sure you have at least 20–30 words per cluster:
Daily life: Waking up, meals, shopping, transport, money
People and relationships: Family, friends, colleagues, physical descriptions
Places: Town, countryside, rooms in a house, public buildings
Time: Clock times, schedules, frequency adverbs (souvent, parfois, jamais)
Feelings and opinions: j’aime / je n’aime pas, je pense que, selon moi
Common A2 Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using infinitives everywhere: At A2 you must conjugate verbs. “Je aller” is wrong — “je vais” is correct. Practise conjugation tables daily.
2. Forgetting agreement: Adjectives in French agree in gender and number. “Un livre interessant” vs. “une histoire interessante.”
3. Over-using “il y a”: Vary your structures. Use “c’est”, “on peut”, “il faut”, and “vous pouvez” to add variety.
4. Writing too short: Task 2 asks for 60–80 words. Candidates often write 40 words and lose marks for insufficient response.
Practice mock tests on languagetest.in to familiarise yourself with the exact question formats and timing.
References: France Education International DELF info: france-education-international.fr | Alliance Francaise India: alliancefrancaise.in | languagetest.in DELF A2 practice resources
Each post reviewed by the languagetest.in research team.