5 things you should know before planning for DELE

The D.E.L.E. exams are the most widely recognised Spanish language qualifications in the world. To put it short- if you want to add “I speak Spanish” on your CV, that means having a DELE. It’s definitely not an easy exam to pass, but it’s worth getting the diploma if you would like to work or even to boost your resume for work at home.

So if you are interested, here is some information and advice you should know before planning for DELE !

1.What is the DELE Exam?

The DELE Spanish exam is the only official and internationally recognized exam of Spanish as a foreign language and it can be written at any level, from beginner (A1) to mastery (C2). It has 5 parts: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing ability, grammar and vocabulary, and an oral exam. The first thing to do is check out the DELE Cervantes website and look at some of the past exams. This will help you to familiarize yourself with the different levels, and based on that you can decide which level exam you want to write. If you’re not sure which is the best DELE exam for you, you can also take Habla Ya’s Spanish Placement Test (at no charge) and they’ll get back to you with your current Spanish level, and then they will be able to “predict” how many hours of Spanish lessons you’ll need to prepare for each DELE Test.

2.Who can register for the DELE Exam?

The DELE certificate is an exam that you should take if you want an official evaluation of your Spanish language skills. Lots of employers and universities consider the DELE as the one Spanish level test which reflects a good evaluation of your ability to use the language.

Also the Registration fees for DELE vary. It depends on the level of the test as well as the country where the examination is taken.

The candidates willing to obtain the DELE certificate must, however, prove the citizenship of a country where Spanish is not the official language. If you are a citizen of a Spanish speaking country living in another country where Spanish is not the official language, you must satisfy at least two of the following conditions to register:

  • Spanish is not the mother tongue of either of your parents.
  • Spanish is not the first language that you learned.
  • Spanish is not the habitual language you use for communicating.
  • Spanish has not been the principal language in total or part of your primary or secondary education.

You must declare that you satisfy two of these conditions in a written document.

3. DELE Exam Levels

The DELEs are divided into three levels depending on the language level:

  • DELE A1
    This accredits the sufficient linguistic competence to understand and use daily expressions frequently used in any part of the Spanish-speaking world, aimed at satisfying immediate needs; asking and giving basic personal information about yourself and daily life and interacting on a basic level with speakers, whenever they are speaking slowly and clearly and are willing to cooperate.
  • DELE A2
    This accredits that the candidate is capable of understanding daily phrases and expressions frequently used related to areas of experience which are particularly relevant to them (basic information about yourself and your family, shopping, places of interest, occupations, etc.).
  • DELE B1(Intermediate-mid/threshold level) 
    This accredits sufficient knowledge of the language to allow control in situations which require an elementary use of the language.
  • DELE B2 (High-intermediate level)
    This accredits the necessary knowledge of the language to allow communication in everyday situations which do not require specialized terms.
  • DELE C1
    This accredits the sufficient linguistic competence to cope in common situations of daily life which require a specialized use of the language.
  • DELE C2 (Superior level)
    This accredits an advanced knowledge of the language allowing communicaton in all situations requiring advanced use of the language and a knowledge of cultural background.

4.DELE test format

Although the test differs in its exact format depending on the level, it tests the four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The test lasts about 3 hours, and is sent to Spain for grading which takes about 3 months. You have to receive 70% in each section in order to pass the test, so you have to make sure all of your skills are strong.

There are plenty of practice tests on their website, which are a great resource for people preparing to take the test as well as Spanish learners who want to test their skills.

5.How to prepare for DELE?

Spanish learning will be fun and exciting once you start using the online lessons and courses . You can prepare with CultureAlley that have courses for people taking the DELE. With CultureAlley  you can learn languages for free while browsing Facebook, and playing games. You get several free audio-visual lessons! You can learn Spanish for free while browsing your friend’s conversations on your own Facebook feed! It is the most immersive, fun, and contextual way to learn Spanish. You can Play fun games to master what you learn. You get over 70 free lessons to build your concepts on http://new.culturealley.com/ . Master conversations, grammar, vocabulary and more. Whether you are a traveler looking for quick vocabulary or a professional looking for some serious learning – we have the right lessons for everyone!

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