Short answers, based on FEI's candidate manuals and sample papers.
Twice at A1, A2 and B1. At B2, exercises 1 and 2 are played twice and exercise 3 once (format 1). At C1, the long document is played twice and the short extracts once. At C2, the recording is played twice.
Two designs of the A1-B2 listening and reading papers, both in official use. Format 1 is all multiple choice with more, shorter documents; format 2 adds short written answers. You learn which one you have on the day.
FEI says neither format helps or harms your chances of passing.
No, unless it makes the answer impossible to understand.
Yes. The recording includes reading time before each document: for example 30 seconds at A1, 1 minute at B1 and 3 minutes for the long C1 document.
You fail the diploma, even if your total is 50/100 or more.
No. One recording is played for the whole room, with every instruction and pause built in.
About 20 minutes at A1, 25 at A2 and B1, 30 at B2 and about 40 at C1. At C2 it is part of the oral paper.
The level-by-level format is on the listening description page, the marking on the listening scoring page, and worked examples on the listening samples page. For the whole exam, see the DELF / DALF exam format.
Practise DELF / DALF online
The TestSucceed app has DELF practice for A1, A2 and B1, with more levels on the way. The tasks are timed like the real exam and marked instantly, and your writing and speaking are assessed by AI trained by our French exam experts. Start with DELF / DALF practice or sit a full DELF / DALF mock test.
Written by Kirill O'Nayd
French exam expert and educator at TestSucceed. He prepares candidates for the DELF and DALF from A1 to C2 and studies how each paper is marked against the official grids. See all TestSucceed preparation materials.