Maybe you’ve decided to take the plunge and sit an official D.E.L.E exam and now the nerves are building. The D.E.L.E. exams are the most widely recognized Spanish language qualifications in the world. Well here are few myths you might just have about D.E.L.E
Don’t worry, we will clear the confusion!
1. It is an easy Exam
It’s definitely not an easy exam to pass, but it’s worth getting the diploma if you would like to work or boost your resume or even explore interesting freelance teaching and translation opportunities.
In the D.E.L.E. exams you will have to write and you will have to do a grammar and vocabulary section. But chances are you don’t often write all that much in your day to day life. You will need to pass all sections of the exam and so writing practice is an essential part of your language study. From day 1! And grammar is a stumbling block that you need to get over as soon as possible. You need 70% in every section and even if you’re acing all the other parts a 69% in one still means a fail. So its definitely not an easy exam, as you will have to focus on each section equally.
2. You can take it anytime
There are specific dates for the exams. You have to register yourself first for the exam by visiting the DELE official site and register before one month of the exam. You have to take the exam on that date only!
The following are the upcoming exam dates for 2014:
JULY: 18th July- Levels B1, B2, C1
NOVEMBER: 22nd November- Levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2
3.Only a grammar book is sufficient
No, you cannot pass DELE exam just by studying from books. You will need to practice writing, speaking, and listening . The exam may ask you to read a quote and elaborate it. Make sure that while you study Spanish you continue to practice it outside of class in the informal ways (watching TV, listening to music, speaking to local people).
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4.DELE certificate Exam is for FREE
The price of the DELE exam varies based on country, level, and the center where you are take your exam from.
The following table is an example of the 2013 prices:
| COUNTRY | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
| CZECK REPUBLIC | 1,285 Kč | 1,600 Kč | 1,820 Kč | 2,150 Kč | 2,400 Kč | 2,510 Kč |
| EGYPT | 345 EGP | 420 EGP | 470 EGP | 570 EGP | 645 EGP | 700 EGP |
| FRANCE | 88 € | 98 € | 109 € | 145 € | 155 € | 160 € |
| GERMANY | 114 € | 123 € | 134 € | 189 € | 199 € | 204 € |
| GREECE | 75 € | 85 € | 110 € | 125 € | 140 € | 145 € |
5. It is a written exam
Although the test differs in its exact format depending on the level, students must pass the five sections of the exam in order to obtain the Diploma, as listed below:
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Listening Comprehension
- Grammar and Vocabulary
- Speaking
In order to obtain a Diploma, students must score “apt” in all sections of the test, and not just in writing.
6. Classroom study is sufficient
Are you thinking of taking these exams to prove your level of Spanish? You need to continue to practice outside of class in the informal ways like watching TV, listening to music or speaking to local people to master the language.
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7. Exam does not focus on speaking
This section could be very short but important indeed as you need to score good in each section to pass. Speaking is the quickest and most efficient way to improve your language level. You will need to “Frame” your thoughts. Very often the speaking section will involve you having to give an opinion on something. For example a photo, or perhaps a comparison of photos. Use framing phrases to say things like “in my opinion” “well, i see you’re point but I don’t quiet agree” “and that’s why, in a nutshell I think this photo expresses the themes of..”.
Remember it’s important to frame both the start and the end.
8.Even the citizens from Spanish speaking country can give the exam
Anyone who is living in a country where Spanish is not the official language can apply for the DELE exam. Also the citizens from Spanish speaking countries living in other countries where Spanish is not the official language, can give the DELE exam if they fulfill at least two of the following conditions (and declare it in a written document):
- Spanish is not the mother tongue of any of his/her parents.
- Spanish is not the first language that he/she learned.
- Spanish is not the habitual language used for communicating.
- He/She has not studied Spanish in the total or part of his/her primary or secondary education.
- Check yours Now!
9.You can start preparing for DELE a month before the exam
This is perhaps the biggest myth. If you think you can prepare well to appear for DELE in a month, then you are wrong. Numerous “language schools” specifically in developing countries might lure with flase promises of finishing DELE levels in record times – don’t get fooled! According to Instituto Cervantes, clearing each level requires significant number of learning hours. So start today and plan for the next exam in advance.
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| Duración currículo oficial (A1-C1) | Duración nivel C2 | Duración total |
|---|---|---|
| 660 horas | 180 horas | 840 horas |
| Nivel | Curso | DELE | |
| A 180 horas |
A1 (90 horas) |
1 (Inicial 1) | A1 ACCESO |
| 2 (Inicial 2) | |||
| 3 (Inicial 3) | |||
| A2 (90 horas) |
4 (Inicial 4) | B1 INICIAL |
|
| 5 (Inicial 5) | |||
| 6 (Inicial 6) | |||
| B 300 horas |
B1 (150 horas) |
7 (Intermedio 1) | |
| 8 (Intermedio 2) | |||
| 9 (Intermedio 3) | |||
| 10 (Intermedio 4) | |||
| 11 (Intermedio 5) | |||
| B2 (150 horas) |
12 (Avanzado 1) | B2 INTERMEDIO |
|
| 13 (Avanzado 2) | |||
| 14 (Avanzado 3) | |||
| 15 (Avanzado 4) | |||
| 16 (Avanzado 5) | |||
| C 360 horas |
C1 (180 horas) |
17 (Superior 1) | C1 DOMINIO |
| 18 (Superior 2) | |||
| 19 (Superior 3) | |||
| 20 (Superior 4) | |||
| 21 (Superior 5) | |||
| 22 (Superior 6) | |||
| C2 (180 horas) |
23 (Especial) | C2 SUPERIOR | |
| 24 (Especial) | |||
| 25 (Especial) | |||
| 26 (Especial) | |||
| 27 (Especial) | |||
| 28 (Especial) |
