When you think of exams, the words “motivating,” “inspiring,” and “transformative” may not be the first words that come to mind. But as an adult Spanish learner who has prepared for and taken the DELE exam twice, I’ve got a unique perspective to share.
You’ve probably already heard of the DELE, or Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera — an internationally recognized certification and a powerful tool for assessing your proficiency. But taking this exam can also change your trajectory as a Spanish learner.
When I was learning Spanish in Barcelona, it took me about nine months to go from an A1 to a B1 level of Spanish. But then, in the next three months, I went from B1 to B2 — a big jump! What helped me level up so quickly? I’m convinced that signing up to take the DELE level B2 at the end of the summer was the secret to that rapid progress.
What I discovered was this:
Preparing for the exam gave me clarity on my objectives. At the same time, it provided a real milestone and the opportunity to really see and feel that progress.
Taking the DELE exam worked so well for me the first time that later, I opted to take the C1 DELE exam in Mexico City to push myself to the advanced level I wanted.
Ready to find out how you, too, can use the DELE to jump to the next level?
In today’s comprehensive post, we’ll explore the DELE exam together. I’ll share my unique perspective and approach with you. That way, you’ll be able to cultivate a strong language-learning practice, clarify your objectives, and push yourself to the next milestone.
While reading this post, consider these questions:
Because of its unique structure, the DELE can be a guiding compass on your Spanish language journey. Let’s look at the different levels and structure of the DELE exam, so you can understand how it can help you decide exactly where you want to go with your Spanish — and what it will take for you to get there.
From the start, the DELE exam will push you to set clear objectives. Before you can sign up, you’ll have to think about the level of exam you want to take.
The levels range from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery) . So, for example, if you’ve been working to achieve a specific level of Spanish, you could select the test level that matches to see if you’ve met all the milestones you need before pushing on.
The DELE exam is comprehensive because it assesses your Spanish skills in 4 key areas. Each section creates a well-rounded snapshot of your abilities when you take the exam.
The listening section measures your ability to understand spoken Spanish in various contexts. It will challenge you with conversations, interviews, and audio clips while asking you to adapt to different accents and speaking styles.
How well do you interpret written information in Spanish? After the DELE exam, you’ll have a clear answer. The reading section takes stock of your reading comprehension skills in Spanish. When you pass the exam, you’ll test your knowledge with various texts, articles, and passages. You’ll gain valuable insights about your reading speed and vocabulary in Spanish when you take this exam too.
Can you express your thoughts and ideas coherently and accurately in written Spanish? This section of the exam examines your writing skills, such as forming grammatically correct sentences, organizing your thoughts, and showing an understanding of the Spanish language.
Last but not least, the DELE exam will help you track your speaking progress. Through interviews, discussions, and presentations, this section is an accurate diagnostic tool for your fluency. You’ll also learn more about your pronunciation, ability to use a variety of expressions and vocabulary, and ability to express yourself confidently and spontaneously.
One of the most powerful benefits of preparing for the DELE exam is that it helps you hone in on each of the core Spanish skills and create a structured learning habit for each. Making a habit of showing up to prepare for the exam can reinforce your commitment to Spanish.
While preparing for both the B2 and C1 DELE exams, I focused on my learning habits .
I took practice tests, enrolled in a preparation course, and pushed myself to improve my writing. And doing all of that structured preparation helped me pinpoint areas for improvement.
As you prepare, the structure of the exam will push you to break out of your usual comfort zone in your learning routine. Taking practice exams will help you truly know your strengths — and greatest areas for improvement.
If you want a realistic snapshot of your Spanish skills, you’ll need to take the exam corresponding to your Spanish level . At the same time, you’ll want to push yourself just a bit — so that you have an opportunity to grow during your preparation period.
Then, to reach the target you’ve set for yourself, you will need to create a study plan that will supercharge your Spanish and push you to a new level. Let me show you how.
Think back to recent study materials you’ve used or Spanish programs you’ve completed. Were they designed for beginners (A1-A2), intermediate (B1-B2), or more advanced learners? If you’re unsure, take a practice test and see if it feels too easy, way above your level, or just challenging enough.
If you have been studying Spanish mostly on your own or mainly in the U.S. with no immersion in a Spanish-speaking country, then the A2 level is a good place to start. Don’t be fooled by the term “beginners” or “basic level” alongside A2 — the test requires you to be able to do quite a lot in Spanish. I say to start with A2 because the jump to B1 is a big one, and I want you to feel confident preparing for the DELE, not like you’re in over your head.
Evaluating your Spanish level might be a bit confusing when you start out, but learning to assess your Spanish level informally is an important skill you’ll need throughout your Spanish language journey. And it will help you learn to have a clearer picture of your language skills in the future.
You’ll want to set a target DELE level that aligns with where you are currently in your Spanish. Suppose you’ve just finished an A1-level course, for example, and want to be more conversational for your next trip to Mexico. In that case, you may want to spend 3-6 months pushing yourself to A2 (or more pre-intermediate) level.
Or maybe you’ve been at the pre-intermediate stage for a long time and want to give your Spanish the extra push you need to understand your Spanish-speaking clients or patients at work. Take stock of your skills and see if the B1 level exam seems doable.
You can use some of my favorite DELE preparation tools (don’t worry, I’ll share those tools a bit further down in this post!) at this phase to help you get clear on your self-assessment and your objectives. Try some of the practice activities and take one of the practice tests to see if preparing for an exam at that level is a motivating push — but not an unrealistic reach.
And finally, you’ll create a study plan to help you get there.
Now you’ll be able to learn one more fundamental language-learning skill for adults: empowering yourself with your own study plan.
That might sound daunting to you, and if it does, remember, you just have to break it down into smaller (doable) stepslike these:
Let’s say you’ve taken a practice test and realize you really need to improve your listening comprehension. Now look at your study materials. How can you find ways to practice listening comprehension in 15-30 minute bursts?
Once you’ve identified a few activities that you could do (for example: listening to two podcasts you really like while following along with the transcript), you could start working on them daily for 15 minutes each.
Next, consider your schedule and decide where you’d like to fit in these sessions. You don’t have to study in 1-hour blocks. You can slip in shorter sessions throughout the day.
The important thing is to schedule these sessions regularly — and to practice most days during the week.
If you use traditional materials to prepare for the DELE exam, you’ll notice many opportunities to check your understanding and even take practice tests to see if you’re improving. But initially, I suggest tracking how often you are showing up to review (i.e., keeping track of the days you did a practice test on your calendar).
The habits and the system you’re putting in place will help you progress over the next 3-6 months. So focus on those first, then check to see if you’re improving on those self-tests in a few weeks.
This exam's challenging and authentic nature will push you to use the best study strategies and materials.
Here are my suggestions for materials to use to help you level up in these essential language proficiency areas.
Use authentic, high-quality learning resources such as podcasts , music, news recordings, TV shows, film, and audiobooks. You’ll be practicing daily, so you’ll want to use something that’s convenient and enjoyable.
Be sure to read on a wide range of topics and use various materials such as ads, magazines, newspaper articles, stories, and books. And be sure you’re using the best reading strategies for Spanish learners .
You’ll want to be sure that any programs or study materials you use don’t focus only on speaking. Make sure that writing is a part of your daily practice.
In beginning (A1 or A2) levels, this could simply mean creating phrases or completing activities and worksheets in a learning guide. At intermediate levels, for increased fluency, consider starting a daily journal on any topic. And to reinforce your reading habit, you can write a quick summary of what you’ve read a few times a week.
As your level increases, you’ll want to try out some practice activities specific to academic writing to get you in the habit of organizing your thoughts and structuring your responses in Spanish. Consider finding a tutor to review, edit and give you feedback on your writing .
Find ways to speak with native speakers and conversation partners. But remember, the exam also evaluates accuracy and pronunciation. So you’ll want to explore creative ways to practice Speaking without a conversation partner , such as shadow reading and recording yourself for a more structured approach.
At the earlier levels, you’ll want to improve your ability to create strong and correct sentences with a structured approach to learning Spanish grammar . And at a more advanced level, you could even join a book club in Spanish to give you an extra push in your reading and discussion skills at the same time.
When I prepared for the DELE exam myself, I had the chance to try out a lot of different materials. And I’ve curated a few of my favorites here.
I used these books to prepare for both the B2 and C1 exams , and this vocabulary review book are highly effective for preparing for the DELE or expanding your general vocabulary.
Group courses can also be a highly beneficial way to train. I took one of these while I was preparing for the B2 exam while also reviewing a workbook on the side. If you do take a group course, make sure you still take matters into your own hands by reviewing on your own with extra study materials.
As an adult learning Spanish, finding ways to track (and celebrate!) your progress toward essential milestones can boost your language learning. Seeing your progress reinforces your commitment to your most effective language practices.
In my own experience, and the experience of many people I know, preparing for and taking the DELE exam can be just what you need to push yourself toward real, visible progress with your Spanish.
Looking back on my own experience, I was so pleased about the progress I made when I prepared for the DELE exam. But now, looking back as a coach and educator, I wonder…
What’s the most valuable part about preparing for this exam for you, the adult Spanish learner? Is it that big step forward you’ll take in your Spanish, that new level, the higher fluency, and better conversation skills?
Maybe the most precious part of this process is in the new habits and systems preparing for this exam that will help you put in place. The new kind of Spanish learner you’ll become.
And here is what I know for sure:
Becoming that new kind of Spanish learner will empower you and strengthen your progress in Spanish for years to come.
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