The DELF A2 exam tests your ability to handle simple, routine tasks and social situations in French. It corresponds to the A2 level of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) — you should be able to exchange information on familiar topics, describe your background and immediate environment, and understand frequently used expressions.
The syllabus is divided into four sections: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, written production, and oral production. Each section carries equal weight (25 points), and the total exam is scored out of 100. You need a minimum of 50 points overall and at least 5 points per section to pass.
Listening Comprehension (Compréhension de l'oral) — 25 points
This section lasts about 25 minutes. You will hear three to four short recordings (announcements, conversations, instructions) and answer multiple-choice or short-answer questions.
What is tested:
- Understanding key information in short, clear recordings about everyday life (shopping, directions, schedules)
- Identifying the topic, speaker, and context
- Grasping numbers, times, and prices
Study tips:
- Listen to French radio snippets (RFI, France Info) or A2-level podcasts daily
- Practice with mock tests that mimic the pace and accent of native speakers
- Focus on extracting specific details — dates, names, numbers — from audio clips
Take a free DELF A2 demo mock to find out where you stand: <a href="/demo">Try the demo →</a>
Reading Comprehension (Compréhension des écrits) — 25 points
You have 30 minutes to read three to four short texts (advertisements, emails, notices, simple articles) and answer comprehension questions.
What is tested:
- Understanding main ideas and specific details in everyday written material
- Scanning for practical information (opening hours, prices, instructions)
- Inferring meaning from context when vocabulary is unfamiliar
Study tips:
- Read French news headlines or simplified news sites (1jour1actu, Le Petit Quotidien)
- Practice skimming and scanning — time yourself to improve speed
- Build a vocabulary notebook for common topics: food, travel, work, hobbies
Written Production (Production écrite) — 25 points
This section lasts 45 minutes. You must complete two tasks: a short message or note (about 60 words) and a longer text (80–100 words) describing an event, personal experience, or giving simple instructions.
What is tested:
- Ability to write simple connected sentences on familiar topics
- Correct use of basic grammar (present tense, passé composé, future proche)
- Coherence and clarity — your writing should be easy to follow
Study tips:
- Write a daily journal entry in French (3–5 sentences)
- Memorise useful phrases for letters and emails: "Je voudrais…", "Merci de…", "Pouvez-vous…"
- Practice linking words: "d'abord", "ensuite", "enfin"
Oral Production (Production orale) — 25 points
The oral exam lasts about 15 minutes, including 10 minutes of preparation. It has three parts:
- Guided conversation (3–4 minutes): introduce yourself and answer simple questions
- Exchanging information (3–4 minutes): role-play a situation (e.g., asking for directions, ordering food)
- Role-play (3–4 minutes): simulate a dialogue based on a prompt
What is tested:
- Fluency and pronunciation in routine interactions
- Ability to ask and answer simple questions
- Handling basic social exchanges without long pauses
Study tips:
- Practice speaking out loud every day — even talking to yourself helps
- Record yourself and listen for clarity and pronunciation
- Use language exchange apps (Tandem, HelloTalk) for real conversations
See DELF A2 mock-test packs and pricing: <a href="/plans">View plans →</a>
Weightage Summary
| Section | Points | Approx. Duration | |---------|--------|------------------| | Listening | 25 | 25 min | | Reading | 25 | 30 min | | Writing | 25 | 45 min | | Speaking | 25 | 15 min |
All sections are equally weighted. Your weakest area can pull down your total score — aim for at least 5 points in each.
Grammar & Vocabulary Topics You Must Know
While the DELF A2 syllabus does not publish an exhaustive grammar list, these topics consistently appear:
- Tenses: présent, passé composé, imparfait (recognition), futur proche
- Pronouns: direct and indirect object pronouns (le, la, lui, leur)
- Prepositions: à, de, en, dans, pour, avec
- Negation: ne…pas, ne…jamais, ne…rien
- Comparatives: plus…que, moins…que, aussi…que
- Vocabulary: daily routines, food, travel, health, work, leisure, weather
Study tip: Focus on mastering the passé composé (auxiliary + past participle agreement) — it’s the most common past tense at A2.