Zweeten Diplom Lëtzebuergesch als Friemsprooch (2DLaF)

This is an examination at ALTE Level Three.

There are three components:

Reading

After reading a 200-word text, candidates are expected to demonstrate orally that they have a global understanding of the purpose and the content of the text. They are asked further detailed questions about the text.

Candidates have to be able to understand texts of a certain level of difficulty, drawn from social, professional or cultural life.

Writing

There are three tasks: The first task requires the candidate to write a report of a discussion or a speech of about 15 minutes recorded on audio- or video tape (150–200 words). Taking notes is allowed. The second task is a summary of a 300–400 word text. Responses should be about 80 words in length. The third task requires the candidate to write or answer a personal or formal letter (200–300 words).

Candidates must be able to write fluently in everyday language, producing narrative passages and formally correct letters. They must be able to use relative clauses and link sentences accurately.

At this level, spelling is taken into consideration for purposes of evaluation. It should respect the basic rules of orthography, and any errors should not interfere with the intelligibility of the text.

Listening / Speaking

Candidates are tested individually by two examiners. The test consists of three parts: oral interaction, listening comprehension and oral expression. Candidates have a five-minute conversation with the examiners on general topics. In the comprehension test they must be able to identify the purpose and the main points of an authentic listening text. In the test of oral expression the candidates are expected to participate in a conversation and debate the topic introduced in the listening text.

Candidates must be able to communicate in a variety of real-life situations, e.g. social, professional and cultural contexts. They are expected to interpret arguments and defend complex points of view, using complex structures.

Weighting of components

Each component is individually assessed and certificated. In the case of the Listening/Speaking component, interaction, comprehension and oral expression are each assessed, and are given equal weighting, at 33.3% of the total.

Results

There are two grades: Pass and Fail. Each individual component is graded. Certificates are awarded to all successful candidates.