Short answers, based on FEI's candidate manuals and the official grids.
A1: 40 words (exercise 2). A2: 60 per text. B1: 160. B2: 250. C1: 200-240 for the synthesis and at least 250 for the essay. C2: 700.
Fewer than half the expected words scores 0 on every criterion: for example 79 words or fewer at B1 and 124 or fewer at B2.
Only for the C1 synthesis (200-240 words). Elsewhere you may write more than the minimum.
A word is a group of characters between two spaces: "j'ai" and "rendez-vous" count as one word.
No. The synthesis must stay objective, with no outside ideas or personal comments. Your opinion goes in the essay.
Two examiners, with the official grid introduced in September 2022.
No. Copies are anonymised, so use an invented name in your texts.
No. At C2 one 3 h 30 paper combines both: you write a 700-word text from a dossier of about 2,000 words.
The level-by-level format is on the writing description page, the marking on the writing scoring page, and worked examples on the writing 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.