Free Practice Questions for DELF A1
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Key Facts: DELF A1 Exam
DELF A1 is administered by France Éducation international (FEI) on behalf of the French Ministry of National Education in more than 160 countries.
The DELF A1 diploma certifies CEFR A1 'breakthrough' level French and is valid for life with no expiry date.
Passing requires at least 50/100 overall and a minimum of 5/25 in each of the four sections — any section below 5 is eliminatory.
Since the 2020 FEI format update, DELF A1 comprehension answers are objective: 3-option multiple-choice, matching, or one short written item of information (a word, date, time or price).
The collective written tests last approximately 1 hour 20 minutes: around 20 minutes listening, 30 minutes reading, and 30 minutes writing.
The oral production test lasts 5–7 minutes plus 10 minutes preparation and includes a guided interview, a cue-card information exchange, and a simple role-play.
France Éducation international counted more than 457,000 DELF and DALF candidates in 2022, examined in 1,236 centres across 167 countries.
DELF A1 exam fees are set locally by authorised centres and commonly range from approximately €90 to €120 in France and Alliance Française locations.
DELF A1 is France's official entry-level CEFR A1 French diploma, valid for life, covering everyday listening, reading, writing and speaking with objectively marked comprehension sections (3-option QCM, matching, or one short written item) since the 2020 format update.
Sample DELF A1 Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to review concepts for the DELF A1 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 140+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Vous entendez cette annonce dans un magasin : « Bonjour ! Le magasin ferme à dix-huit heures aujourd'hui. Merci de votre visite. » À quelle heure ferme le magasin ?
2Vous entendez une conversation : « — Bonjour, je m'appelle Marie. Et toi ? — Bonjour, moi c'est Thomas. — Tu es français ? — Non, je suis belge. » De quelle nationalité est Thomas ?
3Vous entendez cette annonce dans une gare : « Le train pour Paris part du quai numéro trois dans cinq minutes. » De quel quai part le train ?
4Vous entendez : « — Tu veux du café ou du thé ? — Du thé, s'il te plaît. Je n'aime pas le café. » Qu'est-ce que la personne veut boire ?
5Vous entendez : « Aujourd'hui il fait beau et chaud. La température est de vingt-cinq degrés. » Quel temps fait-il aujourd'hui ?
6Vous entendez : « — Où est la boulangerie, s'il vous plaît ? — Elle est à gauche, à côté de la pharmacie. » Où est la boulangerie ?
7Vous entendez : « Bonjour ! Je cherche un livre pour mon fils. Il a sept ans. » Quel âge a le fils ?
8Vous entendez ce message téléphonique : « Allô, c'est Sophie. Je suis au supermarché. Tu veux quoi pour le dîner ce soir ? Rappelle-moi. » Où est Sophie ?
9Vous entendez : « — C'est combien, ce tee-shirt ? — Il coûte douze euros. » Quel est le prix du tee-shirt ?
10Vous entendez : « Je travaille du lundi au vendredi. Le week-end, je me repose. » Quand est-ce que cette personne travaille ?
About the DELF A1 Exam
The DELF A1 (Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française, level A1) is the entry-level French language diploma in the DELF/DALF certification suite, administered by France Éducation international (FEI) on behalf of the French Ministry of National Education. It certifies that the holder has reached the A1 'breakthrough' level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) — the first step on the six-level scale. At A1, candidates can understand and use very basic French expressions relating to everyday needs, introduce themselves and others, and ask and answer simple questions about personal details such as where they live, things they have, and people they know. The diploma is valid for life and recognised internationally. The exam has four equal sections worth 25 points each: oral comprehension, written comprehension, written production and oral production. Since the 2020 FEI format update, the two comprehension sections are answered objectively: candidates check a 3-option multiple-choice box, match items, or write one short piece of information (a word, date, time or price) rather than producing extended answers. The A1 listening passages feature clear, slow, high-frequency language on themes such as greetings, shopping, transport, times and dates. The A1 reading exercises use short authentic documents: signs, labels, forms, menus and simple notes.
Exam sponsor: France Éducation international (FEI), under the authority of the French Ministère de l'Éducation nationale. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.
Assessment
Question count not published by the exam provider
Time Limit
Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes for collective tests (~20 min oral comprehension + 30 min written comprehension + 30 min written production); 5–7 minutes speaking + 10 minutes preparation for the individual oral test.
Passing Score
50/100 overall with a minimum of 5/25 in each section; any section below 5 is eliminatory regardless of the total score.
Exam / Certification Fees
Approximately €90–€120 depending on country and exam centre; fees are set locally by authorised FEI centres. Check with your nearest Alliance Française or approved DELF centre for 2026 pricing.
Exam sponsor websiteFees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.
Our practice resources: topics covered
We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.
Compréhension de l'oral
Four to five short exercises built on very short recordings: a voicemail message, a public announcement, simple instructions, and mini-dialogues. Most questions are 3-option QCM; a few ask for one short written item of information. Each recording is played twice.
Compréhension des écrits
Four exercises using short authentic A1-level documents — signs, public notices, menus, short messages, and a brief article. Questions are mainly MCQ or matching; some require a very short written answer (a word, date or time).
Production écrite
Two short tasks: filling in a simple form with personal details and writing a very short message (postcard, invitation, note) of at least 40 words. Assessed on task completion and basic accuracy.
Production orale
Three parts: (1) guided interview about the candidate's personal information (name, age, nationality, job, hobbies); (2) information exchange in which the candidate asks the examiner questions using six word cue cards; (3) simulated dialogue (role-play) in an everyday situation such as shopping or asking for information.
Preparing for the DELF A1 Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 50/100 overall with a minimum of 5/25 in each section; any section below 5 is eliminatory regardless of the total score.
- Assessment: Question count not published by the exam provider
- Time limit: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes for collective tests (~20 min oral comprehension + 30 min written comprehension + 30 min written production); 5–7 minutes speaking + 10 minutes preparation for the individual oral test.
- Exam / certification fees: Approximately €90–€120 depending on country and exam centre; fees are set locally by authorised FEI centres. Check with your nearest Alliance Française or approved DELF centre for 2026 pricing. Official sources
Using Our Practice Resources
- Work through all 140 available questions
- Review every answer and explanation
- Track weak areas and revisit them
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
DELF A1: Suggested Study Strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DELF A1 and who should take it?
The DELF A1 is the entry-level French language diploma administered by France Éducation international (FEI) on behalf of the French Ministry of National Education. It is designed for complete beginners or near-beginners who want official, internationally recognised proof of their basic French skills. It suits students starting secondary school in a French-speaking country, adults who have completed a first-level course, or anyone needing a formal A1 credential for visa or employment purposes.
How is the DELF A1 scored and what score do I need to pass?
Each of the four sections (oral comprehension, written comprehension, written production, oral production) is worth 25 points. You need at least 50/100 overall and at least 5/25 in every section. Scoring below 5 in any section is eliminatory — you fail regardless of your total score.
What kind of French will I hear and read in the DELF A1?
At A1 level, all listening and reading materials use very simple, high-frequency language. Spoken passages are short (under 1 minute), delivered slowly and clearly, on everyday topics such as greetings, numbers, times, shopping, family and basic directions. Written documents are short authentic texts: signs, simple forms, menus, labels and very short personal messages — nothing longer than a few sentences.
What changed in the 2020 DELF A1 format update?
Since 2020, the compréhension de l'oral and compréhension des écrits sections are marked objectively: candidates mostly answer 3-option multiple-choice questions, match documents, or write one short piece of information (a word, date, time or price) — extended open-response writing no longer appears in the receptive sections. The overall structure and level remain unchanged. Two official booklet formats (format 1 and the updated format 2) coexist; candidates may receive either on exam day.
How often can I retake the DELF A1 if I fail?
You can retake the DELF A1 as many times as you wish — even after passing, if you want a better score. Under decree n° 2020-1196, you may re-register for a later session as soon as your previous results have been published; you simply cannot hold two simultaneous registrations for the same level. There is no limit on the total number of attempts, and the exam is offered several times a year at authorised centres worldwide.
Where can I find official DELF A1 sample papers?
France Éducation international publishes official sample exam papers (exemple de sujets) for DELF A1 on their website at france-education-international.fr. These include the candidate document booklet, audio recordings for the listening exercises, and the answer key. They are the most accurate guide to the current exam format and difficulty level.