Diplôme de Hautes Etudes Françaises (DHEF)

This is an examination at an advanced level which requires near-native speaker level linguistic skills. It is approved by the French Ministry of Education. In some countries, it is recognised as proof of the ability to teach French.

It includes five components. Candidates may choose between two options: civilisation or literature.

Reading

Candidates must be able to read and understand the gist and specific details of either authentic texts written by modern authors and dealing with the cultural issues which are listed in the syllabus for the civilisation option, or literary texts taken from the works of classical or modern authors which are listed in the syllabus for the literature option. They must demonstrate their knowledge of a wide vocabulary, both general and specific to the option they have selected.

Writing

The civilisation option includes two tasks.

For the first one, candidates are required to answer an open questionnaire (5 questions) which relates to one of the cultural themes which are listed in the syllabus.

The second task consists in the comprehension of a 250-word modern text dealing with another civilization issue. The text is followed by 5 open questions which constitute the bases and guidelines for a composition.

The literature option requires the candidate to write a composition commenting on a passage taken from one of the literary works listed in the syllabus.

For each option, the writing tests last four hours.

Speaking

The candidates are tested individually by two examiners. They must be able to articulate their thoughts on a given topic (related to the option they have selected) in an organised spoken discourse, take part in a discussion, and express and justify personal opinions.

examiners also test written comprehension by making candidates read aloud and comment on a text related to the syllabus of the option selected. The component lasts thirty minutes.

Structural Competence

Candidates must demonstrate their ability to make use of their lexical and grammatical knowledge, and set forth arguments.

There are two sections. The first one includes two drills on rewording and verb tenses (twenty items altogether).

The second consists of a discursive text (500 to 600 words) followed by three to four questions which involve comprehension, stating ideas, lexical organisation and logical structure. It is also accompanied by a writing task which aims at assessing the candidates ability to write a summary, reword ideas, and express and justify their opinions.

The component lasts two hours and thirty minutes.

Dictation

Candidates must be able to understand a text, which is usually taken from a contemporary work of literature, and to write it down while respecting commonly accepted grammar and spelling.

The text, which is about 250 words long, is read four times. It is first read in full at normal speed, then dictated in short units which are each read twice. Then, the text is read again in full for the last time.

The component lasts thirty minutes.

Weighting of components

The writing component carries 30% of the total marks, the speaking component 20%, the French civilisation or literature component 20%, structural and reading competence 20%, and the dictation component 10%.

Results

There are three pass grades: Très Bien (Very Good), Bien (Good), and Assez Bien (Fair). Certificates are awarded to all successful candidates.