1. Guided interview
Answer familiar questions about yourself, your family, routines, work or studies. Prepare flexible facts, not one memorised speech.
French exams · CEFR A2
The DELF A2 exam: everyday French with less support.
The DELF A2 tests whether you can handle routine situations, understand a simple conversation, describe your daily life, recount a past event and write short personal messages. It has the same four skills as A1, but the answers are longer and the interaction is less scripted.
The DELF A2 format at a glance
| Skill | What happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Four exercises: listen to recordings and answer questions. | 25 minutes |
| Reading | Four exercises: read everyday documents and answer questions. | 30 minutes |
| Writing | Two texts of at least 60 words each. | 45 minutes |
| Speaking | Guided interview, prepared monologue and interaction. | 6–8 minutes 10 minutes’ preparation |
The listening, reading and writing papers are sat with other candidates. Speaking is individual, in front of two examiners. The current timings and task counts come from France Éducation international’s official DELF A2 page.
The pass rule has two parts
You need both
At least 50/100 overall and at least 5/25 in every skill. A paper below 5 is eliminatory, even if your total is above 50.
This matters for preparation. A brilliant reading score cannot rescue a speaking score below five. Give your weakest paper enough regular practice to clear the floor, then use stronger skills to lift the total.
The three speaking parts
2. Prepared monologue
Use the preparation time to choose a simple order: situation, two or three details, then a closing thought.
3. Interaction
Handle an everyday exchange: ask for information, arrange something, buy or return an item, invite, apologise or respond to a problem.
The interaction is where A2 most clearly moves beyond A1. You need to listen to what the examiner says and keep the exchange alive—not only recite your half.
What A2 writing expects
You write two texts, each at least 60 words. Typical purposes include inviting, thanking, apologising, describing an experience or giving practical information. A reliable structure is greeting, reason for writing, two organised details, request or reaction, and closing.
Sixty words is short enough that every sentence needs a job. Practise linking with et, mais, parce que, puis, ensuite. Leave time to check names, dates, agreement and whether you answered every instruction.
A practical four-week preparation loop
| Week | Priority |
|---|---|
| 1 | Take one official sample and identify the weakest paper. |
| 2 | Write two timed 60-word messages and record three short monologues. |
| 3 | Practise interactions: buying, asking, inviting, changing plans and apologising. |
| 4 | Complete a full timed mock, then repair only the recurring errors. |
Build the French beneath the format
A2 needs stories, not only sample papers.
Practise connected everyday French through visual stories, slower audio and speaking feedback. Six Club lessons are free.
Quick answers
Before you book.
What is the pass mark?+
At least 50/100 overall and at least 5/25 in each paper. A paper below five is eliminatory.
How long is the exam?+
Listening is 25 minutes, reading 30, writing 45, and speaking 6–8 minutes after 10 minutes of preparation.
What are the speaking parts?+
A guided interview, a prepared monologue and an interaction based on an everyday situation.
Does the diploma expire?+
No. A DELF diploma is valid for life.