Why a DELF A1 Vocabulary List Is Your Best Study Tool
DELF A1 tests basic survival French, and vocabulary is the single biggest factor in your score. Without the right words, you cannot understand listening recordings, read signs and menus, write short messages, or introduce yourself in speaking. This DELF A1 vocabulary list organises the most important words by theme so you can study them systematically.
A1 expects approximately 300 to 500 active words. You do not need thousands of words, but you need the right ones practised to the point of automatic recall.
Greetings and Politeness
| French | English | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| Bonjour | Hello / Good day | Formal greeting, any time of day |
| Bonsoir | Good evening | After approximately 6 PM |
| Au revoir | Goodbye | Standard farewell |
| S il vous plait | Please (formal) | Requests in writing and speaking |
| Merci / Merci beaucoup | Thank you / Thank you very much | Responses and polite exchanges |
| Excusez-moi | Excuse me (formal) | Getting attention, apologising |
| Je voudrais | I would like | Polite requests in shops, restaurants |
| Enchante(e) | Nice to meet you | Introductions |
These phrases appear in every section of the exam, especially speaking and writing:
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Numbers, Dates, and Time
Numbers appear in listening (prices, phone numbers, times) and reading (schedules, forms). Master these:
- Cardinal numbers 0 to 100: Focus on the irregular patterns (soixante-dix = 70, quatre-vingts = 80, quatre-vingt-dix = 90)
- Ordinal numbers: premier/premiere, deuxieme, troisieme (used for floors, dates, rankings)
- Days of the week: lundi, mardi, mercredi, jeudi, vendredi, samedi, dimanche
- Months: janvier through decembre (not capitalised in French)
- Time expressions: il est trois heures, midi, minuit, et quart, et demie, moins le quart
Family and People
| French | English |
|---|---|
| la mere / le pere | mother / father |
| la soeur / le frere | sister / brother |
| la fille / le fils | daughter / son |
| la femme / le mari | wife / husband |
| les grands-parents | grandparents |
| l ami(e) | friend |
| le/la voisin(e) | neighbour |
Speaking and writing tasks at A1 frequently ask you to describe your family:
Food, Drink, and Shopping
Restaurant menus, shopping dialogues, and price-related listening tasks require this vocabulary:
- Common foods: le pain (bread), le fromage (cheese), la viande (meat), le poisson (fish), les legumes (vegetables), les fruits (fruits), le riz (rice), les pates (pasta)
- Drinks: l eau (water), le cafe (coffee), le the (tea), le jus (juice), le lait (milk)
- Shopping phrases: combien ca coute (how much does it cost), l addition (the bill), la monnaie (change), cher/chere (expensive), gratuit (free)
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Transport and Directions
Listening and reading tasks often feature travel scenarios:
- Transport: le bus, le metro, le train, l avion (plane), le taxi, le velo (bicycle), la voiture (car)
- Places: la gare (station), l aeroport (airport), l arret de bus (bus stop), la pharmacie, la poste, l hopital, le supermarche
- Directions: a droite (right), a gauche (left), tout droit (straight ahead), pres de (near), loin de (far from), en face de (opposite)
Daily Life and Activities
A1 speaking tasks ask about your routine and hobbies. Essential verbs and nouns include:
- Routine verbs: se lever (get up), se coucher (go to bed), manger (eat), boire (drink), travailler (work), etudier (study), dormir (sleep)
- Hobbies: lire (read), regarder la television (watch TV), ecouter de la musique (listen to music), faire du sport (do sport), cuisiner (cook)
- Time markers: le matin (morning), l apres-midi (afternoon), le soir (evening), aujourd hui (today), demain (tomorrow), hier (yesterday)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many words do I need to know for DELF A1?
DELF A1 requires approximately 300 to 500 actively known words. Focus on high-frequency vocabulary across core themes (greetings, numbers, food, transport, family, daily routine). Quality of recall matters more than total word count: you need to recognise these words instantly in listening and produce them in speaking.
Should I learn DELF A1 vocabulary with flashcards?
Flashcards with spaced repetition are one of the most effective methods for A1 vocabulary. Use apps that include audio pronunciation so you learn how words sound, not just how they look. Supplement flashcards with contextual practice: reading short texts and listening to dialogues that use your target vocabulary.
Do I need to know masculine and feminine forms for DELF A1?
Yes. Gender affects articles (le/la, un/une), adjectives, and past participles. At A1, examiners expect you to use correct articles with common nouns. Learn each noun with its article from the start (le livre, la table) rather than memorising the noun alone and guessing the gender later.
What is the best way to remember French numbers for DELF A1?
Practise number dictation daily: have someone read random numbers while you write them. Focus on the French-specific patterns: soixante-dix (70), quatre-vingts (80), quatre-vingt-dix (90). Practise with prices, phone numbers, and times to build automatic recognition in exam-relevant contexts.
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