DELF A2 is the second level of the DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) certification series, issued by France Education International (CIEP). It certifies that you can understand and use frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate relevance – personal information, shopping, local geography, employment.
DELF A2 is widely recognised for school admission, basic visa applications, and as a foundation for further French study. This guide gives you everything you need to pass the DELF A2 in 2026.
See also: DELF B1 Complete Guide – Format, Tasks, Scoring, and Preparation Tips 2026
What is the DELF A2?
DELF A2 corresponds to the second level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). At this level, you can:
- Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to everyday topics
- Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange
- Describe your background, immediate environment, and needs in simple terms
The DELF A2 certificate is valid for life – it never expires.
DELF A2 Format – Complete Overview
| Component | Task Description | Time | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compréhension de l’Oral (Listening) | 3–4 short recordings; MCQ and short answers | ~25 min | 25 |
| Compréhension des Écrits (Reading) | 4 short texts; MCQ, matching, true/false | 30 min | 25 |
| Production Écrite (Writing) | 2 tasks: fill a form + write a short message/card | 45 min | 25 |
| Production Orale (Speaking) | 3 tasks: monologue + dialogue + role play | 6–8 min (+10 prep) | 25 |
Total: 100 points. Pass: 50/100 overall AND minimum 5/25 on each section.
Listening – Compréhension de l’Oral (25 Points)
The listening component has 3–4 short audio documents (conversations, announcements, messages) each played twice.
Task Types
- Task 1: Short announcements or instructions – select the correct image or option
- Task 2: Short dialogues about everyday situations – answer multiple choice questions
- Task 3: Slightly longer conversation or interview – answer true/false or short questions
Preparation Tips
- Listen to French radio for children or beginner learners: RFI en français facile
- Practice note-taking during listening – date, time, place, person details
- Focus on numbers, prices, times, addresses – common in A2 listening tasks
- Read all questions before each audio plays – predict what you are listening for
Reading – Compréhension des Écrits (25 Points)
Four short texts covering practical topics: notices, messages, ads, instructions, descriptions.
Task Types
- Matching short texts to descriptions or categories
- True/false questions about text content
- Multiple choice questions about key information
- Locating specific information (name, address, hours, price)
Preparation Tips
- Read short French texts daily: menus, ads, notices, postcards
- Practice scanning for specific information (numbers, names, prices)
- Do not translate everything – locate and identify key details quickly
Writing – Production Écrite (25 Points)
Two writing tasks testing ability to communicate in simple written French.
Task 1 – Complete a Form or Card
Fill in a simple form or note card with personal information. This is the easiest task at A2 – full marks are achievable with basic preparation.
- Practice filling in standard French forms: nom, prénom, adresse, date de naissance, nationalité
- Know how to write a French date: “le 21 avril 2026”
Task 2 – Write a Short Text (60–80 words)
Write a short email, card, or message to a friend or colleague. May include:
- A postcard from holiday
- A message accepting or declining an invitation
- A short note explaining an absence
- A message recommending a restaurant or film
Writing Scoring Criteria
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Respect of task requirements | All required information included; correct length |
| Coherence | Logical order; basic connectors used correctly |
| Lexical range | Relevant everyday vocabulary; mostly accurate |
| Grammar | Basic structures correct; some errors acceptable |
Speaking – Production Orale (25 Points)
The speaking test lasts 6–8 minutes with 10 minutes preparation time. It has three tasks.
Task 1 – Guided Monologue (Monologue Suivi)
Talk about yourself: family, hobbies, daily routine, job, where you live. This is tested using a question card with 3–4 prompts.
- Prepare a 2-minute self-introduction: name, origin, profession, hobbies, family, daily life
- Use: “Je m’appelle… / J’habite à… / Je travaille comme… / J’aime…”
Task 2 – Exercise in Interaction (Exercice en Interaction)
A role play between you and the examiner. You respond to a practical everyday situation.
- Example: You are at a shop asking about prices; you are at a restaurant ordering food
- Example: You call a hotel to book a room; you buy train tickets
- Practice transactional French: asking for information, making requests, responding to offers
Task 3 – Point of View (Point de Vue)
You receive a document (photo, short text, or ad) and must express your opinion or reaction in simple French.
- Example: A photo of a city vs countryside; discuss which you prefer and why
- Use: “Je pense que… / Je préfère… / À mon avis… / C’est parce que…”
A2-Level French Phrases to Master
Everyday Communication
- Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous répéter? (Can you repeat that?)
- C’est combien? (How much is it?)
- Je voudrais… / J’aimerais… (I would like…)
- Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez? (What do you recommend?)
Expressing Opinion
- Je pense que… / Je crois que… (I think that…)
- À mon avis… (In my opinion…)
- Je préfère… parce que… (I prefer… because…)
Connecting Ideas
- D’abord… ensuite… enfin… (First… then… finally…)
- Parce que… / Donc… / Mais… / Et… (Because… / So… / But… / And…)
8-Week Preparation Plan
| Week | Focus | Daily Practice |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Core A2 vocabulary and grammar | Learn 8 words/day; practice present, passé composé, futur proche |
| 3 | Listening comprehension | 3 short listening exercises daily; RFI en français facile |
| 4 | Reading comprehension | Read 2 short texts daily; answer comprehension questions |
| 5 | Writing production | Write 1 short message (60–80 words) daily; self-correct |
| 6 | Speaking practice | Practice self-introduction + role play situations daily |
| 7 | Full mock tests | Complete 2 full DELF A2 mock tests under timed conditions |
| 8 | Error correction and confidence | Review mock errors; consolidate strong areas |
Recommended Resources for DELF A2
| Resource | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CIEP/France Education sample tests | Official past papers | Authentic exam tasks |
| Reussir le DELF A2 (Hachette) | Preparation book | Structured skill-by-skill practice |
| RFI en français facile | Podcast / news | Authentic listening at simplified level |
| Bonjour de France (online) | Free exercises | Reading and vocabulary practice |
| languagetest.in mock tests | Online simulation | Timed DELF A2 practice with feedback |
Key Takeaways
- DELF A2 has 4 equal components worth 25 points each; minimum 5/25 required per section
- Writing Task 1 (form filling) is the easiest high-scoring opportunity – practise it perfectly
- Speaking: prepare a strong 2-minute self-introduction for Task 1 before exam day
- Listening: read all questions before audio plays; focus on numbers, names, and times
- DELF certificates are valid for life – no need to renew once you pass
Related: DELF B1 Complete Guide – Format, Tasks, Scoring, and Preparation Tips 2026
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