Neethus Academy

Apply Today
Student studying French materials and books as part of DELF A1 preparation.

How to Prepare for the DELF A1 Exam Effectively

Preparing for the DELF A1 exam might seem daunting when one is just beginning to learn the language. But the good news is, with the right approach, resources, and a structured plan, even complete beginners can confidently work toward success. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the format of the exam to a realistic study schedule, so your DELF A1 preparation stays smooth and stress-free.

Overview of the DELF A1 Exam Format

Before planning your preparation, it is important to understand what exactly the DELF A1 exam tests. The A1 level is the beginner stage of French proficiency, meaning it tests your ability to communicate in simple, everyday situations.

 

The exam has four main modules:

 

  1. Listening (Compréhension Orale)

 

You’ll listen to short recordings about daily life—announcements, simple conversations, or messages—and answer either multiple-choice or short-answer questions.

 

Duration: 20 minutes

Marks: 25

 

  1. Reading (Compréhension des Écrits)

 

This section tests your ability to understand basic written texts such as advertisements, posters, emails, or short notes.

Duration: 30 minutes

Marks: 25

 

  1. Writing (Production Écrite) 

You will write simple sentences, fill in basic forms, or create a short message introducing yourself or describing an activity.

 

Duration: 30 minutes

Marks: 25

 

  1. Speaking (Production Orale)

 

The three tasks that comprise the speaking test are guided conversation, information exchange, and expressing a simple message.

 

Duration: 5–7 minutes (one-on-one with the examiner

Marks: 25

 

The minimum required score to pass is 50/100, with at least 5/25 in each section.



Required Skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking

Your DELF A1 preparation should focus on developing the following four important skills:

✔ Listening 

  • Understand slow, clear French.
  • Recognise familiar words related to daily activities, numbers, prices, time, places and basic needs.

✔ Reading 

  • Recognize basic signs, menus, schedules, descriptions and short texts.
  • Understand general meaning without knowing every word.

✔ Writing

  • Write brief, structured sentences about yourself or familiar topics.
  • To fill in simple forms: name, address, nationality
  • Write brief letters and notes.

✔ Speaking

  • Introduce yourself and discuss daily topics- family, hobbies, routines.
  • Ask and answer simple questions.
  • Communicate basic needs in shops, public transport, or school settings.

Strengthening these skills with daily practice will carry over into improved results in all sections.

 

DELF A1 Study Plan (1-Month or 2-Month Outline)

You can  beginner French audios every day. You can choose either a 1-month intensive schedule or a slower 2-month plan according to your availability.

✔ 1-Month Study Plan (Fast-Track)

Week 1:

  • Learn basic grammar: articles, verbs in present tense, gender rules.
  • Build essential vocabulary: introductions, numbers, colors, days, food, and places.
  • Listen to beginner French audios every day for 5–10 minutes.

Week 2:

  • Learn how to make simple sentences and questions.
  • Practice the reading of short texts like advertisements, posts on social media, and dialogues.
  • Write a few sentences about yourself, your family, and about your life.

Week 3:

  • Take sample DELF A1 practice tests.
  • Speaking Improvement: self-introduction, description of everyday routines and likes/dislikes.
  • Watch videos in slow French to improve comprehension.

Week 4:

  • Focus on weak areas identified in mock tests.
  • Practice writing emails, filling out forms, and writing brief messages.
  • Practice speaking every day with a friend/teacher or using language apps.

✔ 2-Month Study Plan (Beginner-Friendly)

Month 1:

  • Build foundational grammar.
  • Learn vocabulary by theme: home, family, weather, transportation, shopping, health.
  • Read for 10–15 minutes each day.
  • Begin slow conversation practice.

Month 2:

  • Focus on exam-specific skills: listening tests, writing tasks, and role-play speaking.
  • Complete at least 3 full mock exams.
  • Review your mistakes and revise tricky grammar.
  • Increase listening to 20 minutes daily.

Both plans ensure balanced coverage of all required skills.

Must-Use Resources & Sample Papers

  • The proper resources can make DELF A1 preparation so much easier. Listed below are the best tools and materials for beginners:


    1. Official DELF A1 Sample Papers

     Available on the websites France Éducation International and Alliance Française.


     These give you the closest idea of the actual test format.


    Recommended Books


    • Édito A1

    • Latitudes A1

    • Entre Nous A1

    • Taxi! A1  (Métro series)

    These books include exercises, audio files, and mock test sections.


    1. Mobile Apps

    • Duolingo (vocabulary & basic grammar)

    • TV5MONDE Learn French

    • Memrise

    • LingQ for reading practice

    1. YouTube Channels 

    • Discover how to use Alexa to learn French

    • Français avec Pierre

    • Easy French – street interviews

    1. Listening Resources 

    • Coffee Break French

    • RFI Savoirs (easy French)

    • Slow spoken French podcasts

    Using these tools consistently will quickly improve your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make While Preparing for DELF A1

  1. Memorising Instead of Understanding

Rather than memorizing dialogues, learn the structure behind the sentences so that you can adapt it to new situations.

  1. Ignoring Listening Practice 

Listening is one of the hardest parts for beginners – practice daily even if you don’t understand everything.

  1. Not Practising Speaking

Many students focus only on reading and writing; speaking practice is very important because the exam includes live conversation.

  1. Skipping Sample Tests 

Mock exams help you to understand timing, instructions, and common question patterns.

  1. Poor Time Management 

Allocate fixed hours daily, revise regularly. It works better, short and consistent study sessions than long cram sessions. 

  •  

Exam-Day Checklist

Before going to your exam centre, ensure that you have the following:  

  • Valid ID and exam registration details 
  • Two pens, a pencil, and an eraser. 
  • Transparent water bottle  
  • Printed hall ticket



Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours do I need to prepare for DELF A1?

Most learners require 60–80 hours of concentrated study. 

Is DELF A1 difficult for complete beginners?

No, it is manageable provided that you follow a structured study plan.

What books should I use for DELF A1?

At present, not all UKVI visa types accept it, so make sure to check before making a booking.

Can I clear DELF A1 through self-study?

Yes, many beginners pass DELF A1 through consistent self-study and practice.

Related Blogs

  • All Posts
  • canada
  • CBT
  • DELF
  • DHA
  • French
  • GENERAL
  • German
  • Haad
  • IELTS
  • IQN NEW ZEALAND
  • MOH
  • NCLEX-RN
  • NHRA
  • OET
  • OSCE
  • Pearson Vue
  • PROMETRIC
  • PTE
  • TOEFL
    •   Back
    • NCLEX - NGN
    •   Back
    • OET FOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST
    • OET FOR PHARMACIST
    • OET FOR DOCTORS
Load More

End of Content.

Course Enquiry

    Latest Posts

    • All Posts
    • canada
    • CBT
    • DELF
    • DHA
    • French
    • GENERAL
    • German
    • Haad
    • IELTS
    • IQN NEW ZEALAND
    • MOH
    • NCLEX-RN
    • NHRA
    • OET
    • OSCE
    • Pearson Vue
    • PROMETRIC
    • PTE
    • TOEFL
      •   Back
      • NCLEX - NGN
      •   Back
      • OET FOR PHYSIOTHERAPIST
      • OET FOR PHARMACIST
      • OET FOR DOCTORS
    Scroll to Top
    Call Now Button