The DILF is an official French language certification issued by the French Ministry of National Education that evaluates the very first, basic level of proficiency (A1.1) for adult beginners or new arrivals in France.

It acts as a stepping stone towards the DELF and DALF, testing fundamental listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

A1.1 (very basic beginner)

Beginners just starting out with French.

Assesses all four skills: listening, reading, writing, speaking.

Relatively short; varies by centre. (Official breakdown not always published, but focused on basic skills.)

Each section up to 25 points, total 100. Need 5/25 each and ≥ 50/100 overall to pass.

Lifetime — it’s a diploma.

Internationally recognized; useful for beginners to show foundational French skills.

Introductory level; accessible to early learners.

DILF (Diplôme Initial de Langue Française)