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Competency Levels

The DELF and DALF officially certify the ability of students to use French in real-life situations.

The tests are based on the six competence levels identified within the Common Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

  • A document produced by the Council of Europe after twelve years of research
    • Provides a series of descriptions of abilities which can be applied to any language
    • Can be used to set clear targets for achievements within language learning
    • It has now become accepted as a way of benchmarking language ability all over the world

Assessments: Get to know your level in French

  • Ev@lang (please contact flc@uleth.ca for an access code)
  • RFI
  • Tv5 Monde

This level recognizes the most basic level at which a language is used, called the "discovery" stage. Candidates can interact in a simple way. They can speak about themselves and their immediate environment.

Ce niveau valorise les premiers acquis. Il s’agit du niveau le plus élémentaire d’utilisation de la langue dit « de découverte ». A ce stade, le candidat est capable d’intéractions simple: il peut parler de lui et de son environnement immédiat.

Estimated hours of study / Heures d’apprentissage approximatives: 80

This level recognizes the linguistic competency of basic users. Candidates can carry out simple and routine tasks requiring the most common polite phrases and exchanges of information.

Ce niveau valide la compétence langagière d’un utilisateur élémentaire, considéré comme un acteur social. Le candidat est capable de réaliser des tâches simples de la vie quotidienne. Il peut utiliser les formules de politesse et d’échange les plus courantes.

This level recognizes independent users. Candidates can maintain and understand a discussion. They are capable of giving their opinion and dealing with situations likely to arise in daily life.

À ce niveau, l’utilisateur devient indépendant. Il est maintenant capable de poursuivre une interaction: il peut comprendre et poursuivre une discussion, et donner son opinion. Le candidat est capable de se débrouiller dans des situations imprévues de la vie quotidienne.

Estimated hours of study / Heures d’apprentissage approximatives: 160-320

This level recognizes users’ independence and ability to construct arguments to defend their opinion and negotiate. Candidates have a degree of fluency and spontaneity in regular interactions and are capable of correcting their own mistakes.

À ce niveau, l’utilisateur a acquis un degré d’indépendance qui lui pemet d’argumenter pour défendre son point de vue et négocier. Le candidat fait preuve d’aisance dans le discours social et est capable de corriger lui-même ses
erreurs.

Estimated hours of study / Heures d’apprentissage approximatives: 320-480

This level recognizes autonomous language users. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously. Candidates have a large vocabulary and can choose appropriate expressions in order to communicate without hesitation. The use of clear, well-structured discourse demonstrates mastery of grammatical structures.

L’utilisateur est autonome. Il est capable d’établir une communication aisée et spontanée. Il possède un répertoire lexical large et peut choisir une expression adéquate pour introduire ses commentaires. Le candidat produit un discours clair, bien construit et sans hésitation qui montre l’utilisation maîtrisée des structures.

Estimated hours of study / Heures d’apprentissage approximatives: 480 +

This level recognizes advanced users. Their mastery is illustrated by precision, appropriateness and fluency of expression. Candidates are capable of using language for academic and technical purposes.

L’utilisateur maîtrise la langue. Cette maîtrise se traduit par un degré de précision, d’adéquation et d’aisance dans l’expression. Le candidat est capable de réaliser des tâches académiques ou de niveau avancé.

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