Last updated on October 27th, 2026 at 09:37 am
The DELF A2 certifies that you can manage everyday life in French: shopping, making an appointment, talking about your work and family, or telling someone what you did last weekend. It is a real step up from the A1, and since 2026 it has also become an important level for anyone settling in France.
Here is how the exam works, how it is scored and how to prepare for it.
Key takeaways
- The DELF A2 is an official diploma from the French Ministry of Education and is valid for life.
- It has four papers, each marked out of 25: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
- You need 50/100 to pass, with at least 5/25 in each paper.
- Since 2026, A2 is the level required for the multi-year residence permit in France.
What is the DELF A2?
The DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) is awarded by the French Ministry of Education and administered by France Éducation international. A2 is the second level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): you can handle simple, familiar tasks, describe your background and your surroundings, and talk about past experiences in simple terms.
The four papers of the DELF A2
| Paper | What you do | Duration | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening (compréhension de l’oral) | answer multiple-choice questions on short everyday recordings: announcements, messages, conversations | 25 min | /25 |
| Reading (compréhension des écrits) | answer multiple-choice questions on short everyday texts | 30 min | /25 |
| Writing (production écrite) | write two short texts: describe a personal experience, then write a message to invite, thank or apologise | 45 min | /25 |
| Speaking (production orale) | a guided interview, a short monologue on a familiar topic and a role-play | 10 min preparation + 6 to 8 min | /25 |
The three written papers take place together and last 1 hour 40 minutes in total. The speaking test is individual. Since the exam was overhauled, the listening and reading papers use multiple-choice questions instead of open questions.
How is the DELF A2 scored?
The exam is marked out of 100. To pass, you need at least 50 points overall and at least 5 out of 25 in each paper. The writing paper is often the trickiest at this level: you need to tell a short story in the past and adapt your message to its purpose.
Who is the DELF A2 for?
- Newcomers to France who need to prove an A2 level for their residence permit.
- Professionals and students who want official proof that they can manage everyday situations in French.
- Learners who passed the A1 and want a recognised next milestone.
Good to know: since 2026, the multi-year residence permit in France requires an A2 level, the resident card requires B1 and naturalisation requires B2. The DELF is one of the accepted proofs of level, and unlike a test result, it never expires. Always check the latest requirements with the official authorities.
How to prepare for the DELF A2
- Master the past tenses. You will need the passé composé, and a little of the imparfait, to tell a personal experience.
- Practise everyday situations. Shops, transport, appointments, phone calls and directions are typical exam topics.
- Write the two typical messages. Train with a short account of an event and a message to invite, thank or apologise.
- Prepare short monologues. Practise talking for two minutes about your home, your job, your weekend or your holidays.
- Work with sample papers. They help you get used to the multiple-choice format and the timing.
Going further
Our French exam preparation guides you to the DELF with native teachers who know the marking criteria, and our French conversation lessons build the confidence you need for the speaking test. Just starting out? Read our guide to the DELF A1. Not sure of your level? Take our French level test.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the DELF A2 exam?
The written papers last 1 hour 40 minutes: 25 minutes of listening, 30 minutes of reading and 45 minutes of writing. The speaking test takes 10 minutes of preparation and 6 to 8 minutes in front of the examiners.
What score do you need to pass the DELF A2?
You need at least 50 out of 100 overall, with a minimum of 5 out of 25 in each of the four papers.
Is the DELF A2 enough for a residence permit in France?
Since 2026, A2 is the level required for the multi-year residence permit, and the DELF A2 is one of the accepted proofs of level. The resident card requires B1 and naturalisation requires B2. Always check the latest requirements with the official authorities.
What is the difference between the DELF A1 and the DELF A2?
At A1, you can handle very simple exchanges and introduce yourself. At A2, you can talk about past experiences and manage everyday tasks more independently. The A2 exam is longer, and the writing paper includes telling a personal experience.
Live French · one-on-one Zoom lessons with native teachers since 2007 · 4.9/5 on Google
Perfectionnez votre français : cours d’essai gratuit ! Inscrivez-vous ici
