What Is The DELF Exam?
If you’re here to find out the best textbooks for the DELF exam then we can probably assume you already know what the DELF is. But just incase, the DELF exam is the official French language exam that demonstrates your French proficiency.
It is internationally recognised and can help you obtain citizenship in a French speaking country or even just to study or work in one.
It tests the four skills: speaking, writing, reading and listening and is graded using the CEFR with six levels:
- A1 – Beginner
- A2 – Upper beginner
- B1 – Intermediate
- B2 – Upper intermediate
- C1 – Advanced (DALF)
- C2 – Mastery (DALF)
If you’re interested in taking the DELF, but haven’t quite decided yet then you may want to consider reading our article on why you should take the DELF here.
Best textbooks for the DELF exam
So now that we’re all settled with what the DELF is, let’s take a look at the best textbooks you can you to help you study for the exam. When preparing for an exam it’s important to not only study, but also to understand the structure of the exam so you know what to expect on the day.
We have chosen the Reussir Le Delf textbooks because we believe they’re the best textbooks that you can use to help you prepare for the DELF exam. In the textbooks you will find they:
- Demonstrate the structure of the DELF examinations
- Have exercises to help you practise and prepare
- Have goal settings so you know what you need to work to
Best Textbooks For The DELF Exam – A1
At A1 you’re just starting out your French journey and what better way to begin than to work towards a French DELF exam.
Best Textbooks For The DELF Exam – A2
By completing the A2 exam you will have demonstrated that you have mastered beginner French and are ready to move on to study intermediate French.
You will be able to use your French in transactions and travel based activities within French speaking countries.
Best Textbooks For The DELF Exam – B1
B1 is the first stage in the intermediate levels of French. With B1 you should be able to use your French to get by in most situations without having to resort to your own language or to English.
With B1 you may not be able to express every idea or desire but functionally you should be able to manage in a French speaking country.
Best Textbooks For The DELF Exam – B2
B2 French is an exciting level to be at. A B2 level indicates that you have mastered intermediate French and are ready to move on to advanced French. With B2 French you should also be able to express any idea in French and to use French in any situation required, even if it’s not perfect.
Your French at B2 doesn’t just allow you to get by in France but to be able to be a active member of French society.
These are the textbooks that we think are most useful to help you prepare for the DELF. We hope you find these textbook recommendations useful and if you have any others that you think could be useful make sure you let us know.
We have selected these textbooks as our best textbooks for the DELF because we believe that they are the best currently available and if we were to sign up for the exam tomorrow, these are the textbooks that we would use.
However, it’s important to remember that people learn differently and what is the best for one person may not be the best for everyone. With that in mind it is important that you research different textbooks before you make your purchase.
A great way to get a feel for if a book is right for you is to read the customer reviews. By seeing what other people have said about a textbook can show you if it’s the right book for you.
To learn more about the DELF, check out these commonly asked questions here.
Best Textbooks For THE DALF Exam
Although the DALF is technically a different exam, we have decided to include our recommended textbooks for the DALF as it’s a natural continuation from the DELF.
The DALF exam is for advanced French learners and if you have managed to get to here it indicates that your French is at a C1 – C2 level. These levels demonstrate a very advanced level in the language and will have taken a lot of work to get to.
The advanced French exams can be gruelling and for that you will need lots of preparation and to study a lot.
Here are the textbooks that we would recommend to help you pass the DALF examinations.
DALF Textbook Recommendations – C1 and C2
This DALF preparation textbook has combined the material from C1 and C2. The textbook breaks down the sections into oral, listening, writing and reading so you can understand how the sections are structured and prepare for each of them.
Then as well as activities to practise the book includes an auto evaluation section so you can monitor your progress and see what you need to practise before the DALF exam.
How To Choose The Right DELF Textbook
We’ve given you a selection of great DELF and DALF books but the one you choose will ultimately be up to you. All we can do is give you advice but it’s you who needs to make the final decision. With that in mind we’ve compiled some tips of things you can do to find the best DELF books for your French learning needs.
Choose The DELF Textbook That Matches Your Level
This might sound like an obvious one but when you’re choosing a DELF textbook, it’s incredibly important that you choose one that matches your current level. This is the level that you’re preparing to take the exam in, so if you’re about to take the B1 French exam make sure you buy a B1 DELF textbook.
Check That It Tests All Your Language Skills
If you’re preparing for the DELF or DALF exams, you don’t just want a textbook that concentrates only on reading or only on grammar. You’re going to be tested in the four language skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking. So with this in mind you really want to find a DELF textbook that tests you on all of those skills. That way you will be as prepared as possible for the DELF exam.
Make Sure They Are Practise DELF Exercises
It’s not enough to read the material that you need to learn for the DELF exam, you need to make sure you practise what you’ve learnt. A great way to do this is to make sure the DELF textbook you purchase comes with practise exercises so you can assess your learning. Or if the textbook you buy if purely for past paper practise then great!
Price Compare Your DELF Textbooks
Don’t just buy the first one you come across. If money is a factor in your decision making then make sure you do a price comparison to ensure you’re getting the best value for money when you purchase your DELF textbook because different stores price books differently depending on where you’re buying them from.
DELF & DALF FAQ
These are some of the commonly asked questions about the DELF and DALF examinations.
What is a DELF exam?
The DELF & DALF exams are the official French examinations to demonstrate proficiency.
What does DELF stand for?
DELF stands for Diploma in French studies – Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française and DALF stands for Diploma in Advanced French – Diplôme approfondi en Langue Française.
What are the DELF levels?
There are six levels of the DELF & DALF exams: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.
How long is DELF valid?
The results from DELF/DALF are valid forever, however if you’re taking the test to immigrate to Quebec then you need to have taken them within two years of your application.
Final thoughts
Are you thinking about taking the DELF? Or have your already taken it? If you have let us know about your experience in the comments below. Also be sure to let us know what textbooks you found the most useful for taking the exam. Are there any textbooks we’ve missed off the list that you think could be useful?
How do you normally prepare for exams? How have you been preparing for the French exam? Do you have any tips or tricks that you could recommend to our other readers?
Once you’ve finished concentrating on the DELF, why not take a look at your recommendations of best French textbooks generally. The DELF can be a great way to improve your French but sometimes some general studying can be a stress free way to make small improvements.
And if you have decided to take the DELF exam then we wish you good luck and get studying.
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