Looking for a high-quality program to prepare for the French DALF C1 exam?
At École Suisse Internationale, we welcome students all year round right in the heart of Paris to prepare for the official French language exams. Our French courses are taught by experienced and supportive teachers who are committed to helping you make steady, confident progress.
Join our language school and prepare for the DALF C1 exam in Paris with flexible course options designed to help you advance at your own pace.
Why Prepare for the French DALF C1 Exam?
The DALF C1 exam (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) is an official French language exam issued by the French Ministry of National Education. Aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), it certifies an advanced level of proficiency in both written and spoken French.
Are you an international student? Passing the DALF C1 exam allows you to prove your French level for admission into university programs or prestigious higher education institutions in France.
Are you an expat living and working in France? The DALF C1 can significantly improve your chances of landing a job where French is the primary working language.
Whether your goal is academic, professional, or personal, earning the DALF C1 is a powerful asset for your CV, demonstrating your autonomous command of French in all types of situations.
How to Successfully Prepare for the French DALF C1 Exam
The DALF C1 exam evaluates all four core language skills in French as a foreign language:
- Listening comprehension, using authentic audio recordings
- Reading comprehension, through the analysis of various French texts
- Oral production, involving a structured presentation and interaction with an exam panel
- Written production, focused on developing arguments around complex topics
To pass the C1 level, you’ll need a strong command of both understanding and expression. The exam includes a wide range of topics — from everyday life to more specialized or academic subjects.
Success in the DALF C1 exam doesn’t only rely on your French proficiency — understanding the exam format and practicing under real conditions are key. An effective DALF C1 preparation course should include exam simulations and practice tests.
At École Suisse in Paris, we tailor your preparation to your current level. With private lessons and close support from your teacher, you receive personalized feedback to help you steadily reach your goals with confidence.
Our DALF C1 Preparation Program in Paris
At École Suisse Internationale, we offer a combined programme designed to help you succeed on the DALF C1 exam:
- In the morning, take part in small-group classes to strengthen your overall French skills. Based on your placement test, we’ll assign you to a group at your level (availability varies depending on the time of year).
- In the afternoon, benefit from one-on-one lessons specifically focused on preparing for the DALF C1 exam.
Courses are held at our Paris campus, located at 10 rue des Messageries. Our flexible options allow you to choose the number of private lessons according to your goals and availability.
Thanks to this combined format, you improve holistically — working on listening, speaking, writing, and exam strategy — all in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Interested in this DALF C1 preparation programme in Paris? Find out all the details and how to register here:
Why Choose École Suisse in Paris to Prepare for the French DALF C1?
High-Quality, Experienced Teaching
At École Suisse Internationale, we’ve been teaching French to international students for nearly 100 years. Our reputation for excellence is backed by the EduQua label, the Swiss certification for high-quality continuing education. All of our French teachers are certified professionals specialized in teaching French as a foreign language. Our mission is to help you progress efficiently with engaging, structured lessons.
A Friendly, Supportive Environment — in Central Paris
Learning French at École Suisse in Paris goes beyond grammar and vocabulary. You’ll study in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, meet fellow international students, and create lasting memories. Our school is located in the vibrant 10th arrondissement of Paris — the perfect place to experience everyday French culture and language immersion.
Personalized Support
We believe that language learning is a personal journey. That’s why we offer individualized support to all our students. This applies not only to our private lessons but also to our small-group classes, where every student has space to speak, ask questions, and progress at their own pace.
Our students' testimonials
Julia
I attended classes at École Suisse Internationale for 10 days in June because I wanted a full French immersion experience to improve several areas before taking the DALF exam. I was completely satisfied with my choice, as the teaching methodology matched exactly what I needed, and both the teachers and classmates were so supportive and engaging that the hours flew by — and everyone kept speaking French even during the breaks.
A special thank-you to Véronique, who went out of her way to help me with the exercises because she genuinely wanted to make sure I passed the exam. I wouldn’t have succeeded in the DALF without their classes and this total immersion.
I recommend it 100%, and I’ll be going back for more months of practice as soon as they offer classes at my level again. (June 2023)
Isabelle C.
Over the past three months, I’ve been improving my French at École Suisse Internationale Paris. After nine weeks of classes, my language skills and the way I express myself are much better than when I started. Since I had already spent three months at another language school, I can compare École Suisse with other options.
This school has many unique features that allow language learners (in my opinion, especially those who already have a basic level and can converse in French) to absorb the French language and culture in a way that isn’t possible elsewhere. This is particularly important for DALF exams, because beyond correct language use, cultural understanding and linguistic nuance also determine success or failure.
In my view, École Suisse stands out from its competitors in the following ways:
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Topic-focused classes: Each class is dedicated to a specific theme or skill area (like vocabulary, listening comprehension, or grammar). This is more effective for making progress than a mixed class format, and it also gives you a clear sense each day of what you’ve learned (great for motivation 🙂).
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Rotating teachers: You have several different teachers each week. This is a big advantage, especially for longer stays! Different personalities and teaching styles mean you can never get bored — something that, in my experience, is quite likely in other language schools.
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Homework: Even though it may sound surprising, not all language schools assign and correct homework — which is why I’m including it here. The positive impact is obvious, and even if you don’t complete it on time, no one at École Suisse will hold it against you. So don’t worry! You can also ask teachers anytime for extra practice sheets if you want to work on something at home.
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Atmosphere: The small size of the school and the incredibly warm and well-trained team create a family-like environment where you don’t have to be afraid of making mistakes. It also helps you feel quickly at home in the big city of Paris. The mix of serious learning and warm laughter you’ll find at École Suisse is something truly special!
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Location: While not a unique selling point (there are other language schools in great neighborhoods too), I’d still like to highlight that the school is located in a wonderfully vibrant and authentic part of Paris. Public transport connections are excellent. Even on foot, you can access almost everything going on in Paris. Don’t be misled by the supposedly “far” distance from the “tourist center” on a city map —> The center of Paris is much smaller than you might think, and the school is very central! The proximity to Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est also makes the 10th arrondissement a “station district.” As someone from Frankfurt, this gave me pause before arriving. But there is absolutely no reason to worry here. On the contrary — it’s incredibly convenient for those traveling to and from Germany!
In short: come to École Suisse — you won’t be disappointed! (March 2024)
Are you looking for a high-quality, personalised DALF C1 exam preparation program?
Join our French courses in Paris and train for the exam in a supportive and motivating environment — just like our students did.
► I'M READY TO JOIN THE DALF C1 PREPARATION PROGRAMME
FAQ – DALF C1 Preparation Courses in Paris
What is the difference between DELF and DALF?
The DELF exam (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) certifies beginner to intermediate levels (A1 to B2), while the DALF exam (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) covers advanced levels C1 and C2.
The DALF C1 requires excellent skills in speaking, writing, listening, and reading. It’s often required by French universities and employers.
How long does it take to prepare for the DALF C1 exam?
It depends on your current level. On average, moving from a B2 to C1 level takes several weeks to a few months of regular study.
If you already have a strong level, a shorter intensive course focused on exam methodology of the DALF C1 exam may be enough.
Is the DALF C1 required for university studies in France?
Not always, but it is highly recommended. Many French universities and grandes écoles require a C1 level in French to enrol in programs taught entirely in French.
Can I prepare for the DALF C1 on my own?
You can — but it's challenging and you may become discouraged. Preparing alone requires strong self-discipline, access to quality resources, and a solid understanding of the exam methodology.
A structured course at a specialized French language school helps you progress faster, identify and correct mistakes, and simulate real exam conditions.
Does École Suisse organise DALF exam sessions?
No, École Suisse offers DALF C1 preparation programs, but it is not an official exam center. To take the DALF C1 exam, you’ll need to register with an authorized exam center. Most offer several sessions per year.
Still have questions?
We’re happy to help by phone: +33 1 47 70 20 66
Or by email: info@ecolesuisse-fle.fr