Everything you need to know about the DELE, the Spanish proficiency test

If you're planning to study, work, or live in a Spanish-speaking country, you've probably heard of DELE - Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera. This internationally recognized official exam is essential to prove your language proficiency and open doors to incredible opportunities. In this article, Be easy provides all the information you need to know about the DELE, from proficiency levels to valuable study tips.

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What is DELE and why is it important?

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The DELE is an official Spanish proficiency test from the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science, which proves language proficiency through four skills: Reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written production, and oral production. Recognized by educational institutions, companies, and governments around the world, DELE is a differentiator in your curriculum and can be decisive for:

• Get scholarships in Hispanic countries
• Admit to Spanish or Latin American universities
• Get better job opportunities
• Prove your level of Spanish for professional or academic purposes

DELE exams are held three times a year at authorized centers, such as the Cervantes Institute, which is present in several Brazilian cities and abroad.

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DELE Proficiency Levels: From Basic to Advanced

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DELE offers six levels of proficiency, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

• A1 and A2 (basic): Suitable for beginners and those with elementary knowledge of Spanish.
• B1 and B2 (intermediate): Required by most universities and companies. The B2 is the most recommended for undergraduate and graduate studies.
• C1 and C2 (advanced): Required to study the Spanish language itself or to act as a Spanish teacher.

Each level has its own test, and the candidate only competes for the specific degree at that level. It is not possible, for example, to take the B2 exam and, if you do not achieve the required grade, receive the B1 diploma.

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Structure and duration of the Spanish proficiency test

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The DELE exam evaluates the four language skills at different stages:

1. Reading comprehension (60 to 90 minutes): Questions based on texts of different genres and styles.

2. Listening comprehension (35 to 50 minutes): Exercises based on varied audios, such as dialogues, interviews, and narratives.

3. Written production (60 to 90 minutes): Writing texts according to the proposed themes.

4. Oral production (15 to 20 minutes): Interaction with an examiner, including monologue and conversation.

The total duration of the test varies according to the level chosen, and can reach 4 hours for the most advanced levels.

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Essential tips for preparing for DELE

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Now that you know the structure and levels of the DELE, here are some valuable tips to prepare:

• Study with materials specific to the DELE.
• Train within the allotted time for each task to simulate the actual test conditions.
• In the written production, pay attention to the proposed theme and the requested textual typology.
• When listening, get used to the different Spanish accents presented in the audios.
• Study and work in Spain to improve your Spanish with a complete immersion in the language and culture.
• Remember that the DELE is not a test of grammar, but of communication skills. Focus on practicing the language in a contextualized and authentic way.

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Be easy

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Na Be easy, we understand the importance of DELE for your academic and professional future, which is why our study programs in Spain are carefully designed to help you achieve fluency in Spanish and achieve the long-awaited degree. Don't waste any more time and start preparing for DELE right now with Be easy. Contact our team and discover how we can help you fulfill your dream of mastering Spanish and expanding your horizons!