DELF vs DALF

What changes at DALF

• The synthesis. C1 asks for a synthèse de documents — several texts summarised into one balanced account in your own words.
• Combined skills. C2 merges the four papers into two long integrated tasks.
• Document-based speaking. You present from a text rather than a prompt.
• Length. DALF papers are substantially longer.

The practical consequence is that DALF needs technique as well as French. Candidates who fail C1 most often fail the synthesis on method.

Choosing a level

1. Find what the institution asks for — usually B2, sometimes C1.
2. Sit that level. There is no credit for attempting higher and falling short.
3. Remember the pass rule: 50 out of 100 overall and at least 5 out of 25 in every paper.
4. A weak paper can fail an otherwise strong candidate, so do not neglect your weakest skill.

The minimum-per-paper rule is the one that catches people. Strong reading and writing cannot rescue a speaking paper below 5 out of 25.