Ieweschten Diplom Lëtzebuergesch (IDL)

This is an examination in Luxembourgish at near-native-speaker level. Candidates must attempt all components and, except for Writing, are tested individually for all components.

There are four components:

Reading

There is a 1000-word text taken from newspapers, official reports or contemporary literature. Candidates must demonstrate orally that they have a global understanding of the purpose and the content of the text. They may be asked further detailed questions about the text.

Candidates must be able to understand the gist and the details of authentic general or literary texts.

Writing

There are three tasks. The first task requires the candidate to write a report of a discussion or a speech of about 20 minutes recorded on audio- or video tape. The candidate is allowed to take notes, and responses should be about 500 words in length. The second task requires the candidate to write or answer a personal or formal letter. Contents are to be drawn from different texts (200–300 words). The third is a gap-filling task with 24 to 30 items where the candidate must prove his knowledge and control of the language system.

Candidates are expected to be able to write on all topics for which Luxembourgish is used as a written language.

They must be able to express themselves accurately and fluently in writing and to use correct spelling.

Listening

After hearing a 500-word recorded text, candidates are expected to give an oral report on its purpose and content, and answer a series of questions.

Speaking

Candidates have to express their opinion on a prepared subject chosen from a range of three themes. In addition to the separate assessments of listening and speaking, there is a conversation with an examiner during which the candidates ease in oral communication is tested. The theme may be suggested by the candidate. 50% of this component is a test of listening, and 50% a test of speaking.

As far as oral comprehension and expression are concerned, candidates must be able to show almost the same degree of accuracy and fluency as they would in their first language. They must show an ability to take part in discussions without any difficulty and communicate in any social, professional or cultural situations that may arise.

Weighting of components

Each of the four components is equally weighted and carries 25% of the total marks.

Results

There are two grades: Pass and Fail. These are awarded for each of the four components individually. Only candidates who pass each component are awarded the IDL diploma.