Starting in 2024, the DELE C1 and C2 exams will undergo some important changes that will affect both the format and structure of the exams. These changes aim to improve the assessment of candidates’ communicative competence and to align it more closely with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
What changes will be introduced in the DELE C1 and C2 exams?
The main changes starting in 2024 will focus on the incorporation of new tasks and the updating of some of the content assessed in the tests. In general, modifications will be made to the written expression and oral expression tasks, with the aim of more accurately reflecting the candidates’ linguistic competence.
1. Assessment of Mediation
One of the most significant changes in both the C1 and C2 exams is the introduction of the “mediation” skill. This refers to the ability to convey, reformulate, or adapt messages between different interlocutors, making it a key skill in communication. The inclusion of mediation is intended to better reflect the real-world use of language, as it focuses on the ability to facilitate communication between different speakers or groups.
2. Changes in the Written and Oral Expression Tasks
The written and oral expression sections of both the C1 and C2 exams will undergo some adjustments to reflect this new emphasis on mediation. For example, new types of tasks will be introduced in which candidates will need to demonstrate their ability to mediate between different perspectives or sources of information.
These changes are intended to assess not only linguistic accuracy but also the ability to use the language in practical, interactive ways, which is an essential aspect of advanced proficiency.
3. Fewer Questions in the C2 Exam
For the C2 exam, one of the most notable changes is a reduction in the number of questions in some sections. While the complexity and level of difficulty of the tasks will remain high, the total number of questions in certain parts of the exam will be reduced. This aims to focus more on the depth and quality of candidates’ responses rather than on the quantity of questions answered.
4. Scoring Changes
Another important change will be the adjustment in the scoring criteria for the exams. The new mediation tasks will be included in the evaluation rubric, meaning candidates will be assessed not only on their ability to produce correct language but also on their capacity to mediate effectively between ideas, texts, or speakers.
These changes in the scoring system reflect the growing importance of communicative competence and interaction in real-life situations, which is increasingly emphasized in language education and assessment.
5. When Will These Changes Take Effect?
The changes to the C1 and C2 exams will take effect from 2024 onwards. Candidates preparing for these exams should familiarize themselves with the new task types and evaluation criteria to be better prepared for the updated format. While the general structure of the exams will remain similar, the new changes will reflect a more modern and comprehensive approach to assessing language proficiency.
Conclusion
The changes to the DELE C1 and C2 exams in 2024 represent a shift towards a more comprehensive and realistic assessment of language skills. The introduction of mediation tasks and updates to task types and scoring will bring the exams more in line with the CEFR’s principles and make them more relevant to current communication needs. Candidates will need to adapt to these changes to succeed in the updated version of the DELE exams.