The Comprehension de l’oral (Listening) component of the DELF A2 is worth 25 points and is 25 minutes long. It presents four short audio documents representing everyday communication: short exchanges, voicemails, announcements, and simple informational messages. At A2, the audio is slow and clear, vocabulary is everyday and familiar, and questions test whether you can identify specific information — names, times, places, prices, and simple intentions. This guide covers the format, all four task types, and the strategies that lead to a consistent pass.
DELF A2 Comprehension de l’Oral – Module Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | Approximately 25 minutes (including listening and writing time) |
| Number of documents | 4 short audio documents |
| Total marks | 25 |
| Pass mark | 5 out of 25 (combined with reading; pair threshold is 25/50) |
| Audio speed | Slow to moderate — deliberate pace; clear pronunciation |
| Number of listens | Each document is played twice with a pause between listens |
Document 1 – Identify the Situation and Basic Information (5–6 Marks)
The first document is typically a short announcement or recorded message: a shop closure notice, a recorded phone greeting, a public transport announcement. Questions ask you to identify the topic, a time, a place, or a simple instruction.
| Question Type | Strategy |
| What is the message about? / Where is this announcement? | The topic is almost always stated in the first sentence; listen for keywords that identify the context (magasin / gare / hopital / ecole) |
| What time does X open/close? | Write down all times you hear; the question asks for one specific time — read the question before the second listen to know which time you need |
| What should the listener do? | Listen for an imperative or instruction: “Veuillez… / N’oubliez pas de… / Appelez le…” — note the action and the reason |
Document 2 – Short Conversation or Exchange (5–6 Marks)
Document 2 is a brief conversation between two people in an everyday situation: buying something at a market, arranging to meet, asking for directions, or making a plan. Questions test whether you understood the outcome, a specific detail, or the relationship between the two speakers.
| Question Type | Strategy |
| What do the two people decide to do? | Listen for the agreed action in the conversation — not every option mentioned, but the final decision (“D’accord / C’est parfait / On se voit alors a…”) |
| What does speaker A want? / What does B suggest? | Identify each speaker’s contribution separately; note who says what |
| Where / when will they meet? | Write down place and time as you hear them; one or both will appear in the question |
Document 3 – Voicemail or Short Recorded Message (6–7 Marks)
Document 3 is typically a voicemail left by a friend, colleague, or family member. It communicates information and/or makes a request. Questions ask about the content of the message — who called, what they said, what they need, and any specific information provided.
| What to Note During Listening | Why |
| Who is leaving the message | The name is usually stated at the beginning: “Bonjour, c’est [name]…” |
| The reason for the call | Usually stated in the first sentence after the greeting: “Je t’appelle parce que… / Je voulais te dire que…” |
| Any specific information (address, time, number) | Write it down immediately — do not try to remember it; the second listen allows you to verify |
| The request or instruction | Often at the end: “Tu peux me rappeler? / N’oublie pas d’apporter… / Peux-tu…?” |
Document 4 – Short Radio or Informational Broadcast (6–7 Marks)
The final document is a short radio segment, news brief, or informational broadcast on an everyday topic. Questions are typically True/False (Vrai/Faux) or multiple choice and test whether you understood the main topic and 2–3 key details.
| Strategy Step | What to Do |
| Before the first listen | Read all questions and underline the key information each question asks about (a person, a time, a place, a number) |
| During the first listen | Focus on confirming or denying each Vrai/Faux statement; for multiple choice, eliminate obviously wrong options |
| During the second listen | Verify your answers; pay particular attention to any question you were unsure about after the first listen |
| After both listens | Check for consistency: do your answers form a coherent picture of what the broadcast said? |
DELF A2 listening preparation should include daily exposure to slow, clear French audio: RFI Journal en Francais Facile, TV5 Monde A2 listening exercises, and simple French podcasts for beginners. The most important preparation technique is reading all questions before the audio plays so you know exactly what information to focus on during each listen. languagetest.in provides DELF A2 listening mock tests covering all four document types with audio, complete answer keys, and transcripts for post-test review to support targeted preparation.
References: CIEP DELF A2 official guide: france-education-international.fr | RFI Francais Facile: rfi.fr/fr/podcasts/journal-en-francais-facile | languagetest.in DELF A2 listening preparation
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