A2 French: the level where everyday French starts to work

A2 French is the second of the six CEFR levels, the Council of Europe’s scale of language levels, and the top of the basic-user band [1]. This page explains what A2 level French means, what you can do at French A2 level, which exam reports it and how to try a quick check. For the whole scale, read French levels explained. For the level above, read B1 French; for the level below, see the French A1 test.

What is A2 level French?

A2 level French sits one step above A1 and one below B1 [1]. The Council of Europe puts A1 and A2 in the “basic user” band, B1 and B2 in the “independent user” band and C1 and C2 in the “proficient user” band [1].

“A2 French”, “French A2 level” and “A2 level French” all name the same level. The CEFR describes ability in any language, so A2 French is simply A2 applied to French.

What can you do at French A2 level?

At A2 you can handle short, familiar, routine exchanges. The Council of Europe’s descriptor says an A2 user [1]:

• can understand sentences and frequently used expressions about areas of most immediate relevance, such as very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography and employment;
• can communicate in simple and routine tasks that need a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar matters;
• can describe in simple terms their background, their immediate environment and matters of immediate need.

Look at the words “simple”, “routine” and “immediate”. A2 is about everyday needs. The B1 descriptor moves on to connected text and giving brief reasons for opinions and plans [1].

France Éducation international, the body behind the DELF, lists what a candidate at this level can do. It includes simple everyday tasks in shops, asking for information and using public transport, using common politeness formulas, telling a past event, talking about likes and why, describing daily life, following directions, and linking sentences with “et”, “mais” and “parce que” [2].

What is the A2 French exam?

The DELF A2 is a diploma from France Éducation international. It has four papers [2]:

Each paper is out of 25 points. To pass, a candidate needs at least 50/100 overall and at least 5/25 on every paper. Below 5/25 on any paper is eliminatory [2].

So a strong paper cannot cover a very weak one. Plan your practice around all four skills, not your favourite.

France Éducation international also publishes two sample papers for the A2, with answers, listening transcripts, MP3 audio and the marking grids [3]. Our guide to the DELF A2 sample papers covers how to use them.

How can you check your A2 French level?

Start with the descriptor above and ask which parts you can do today, in French, without help. You may be ahead in one skill and behind in another. An online quiz gives an estimate only; French comprehension quiz explains what such a check can and cannot show. Only an exam gives a result an institution will read.

A2 is built on everyday words and short links between sentences. Tap to hear each one.

Now try the quick check. It uses these words and the DELF A2 pass rule.

To keep these words in memory, see French learning resources. Lingwell is a French-learning app, and you can join its waitlist.

Common mistakes

• Reading A2 as a score. A2 is a level on a scale. The DELF A2 is a diploma with its own pass rule [2].
• Counting on one strong paper. The rule needs at least 5/25 on every paper as well as 50/100 overall [2].
• Assuming A2 is enough for everything. The level describes simple, routine communication [1]. Institutions set their own level requirements.
• Quoting a Canadian CLB figure for A2 as if it were official. This page rests on no official source for one, so none is stated.
• Relying on a level guide, including this one. The official pages change. Check each page’s date against the date at the top of this one.

Sources