The DELE (Spanish diplomas) attest to your level in this foreign language for more than 30 years. Do you want to go on exchange or work in a Spanish-speaking country? We tell you everything about the DELE exam, about the level of skills you must have, about the tests for this test and about preparing for this official exam!
What is DELE?
The DELE stands for Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera, literally “diploma in Spanish as a foreign language”. This is also what constitutes the acronym DELE. It was created in 1989 by the Instituto Cervantes in Spain in collaboration with the University of Salamanca and the Spanish Ministry of Education and Culture. It has become one of the most recognized and prestigious Spanish language exams in the world.
It aims to assess your level of Spanish from A1 (beginner) to C2 (advanced), both in terms of oral and written expression, and in terms of understanding texts. The DELE diploma is essential to test your level, know your position in this language compared to your classmates and boost your chances of going on an exchange to a Spanish-speaking country.
Why take the DELE?
Taking the DELE exam has many advantages! First of all, the DELE offers certification to the student or graduate who has international recognition. The DELE is one of the most recognized and prestigious Spanish language exams in the world. It is recognized by universities, businesses, governments and international organizations as proof of your Spanish skills.
Thus, the DELE offers you numerous opportunities to study abroad, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain or the majority of Latin American states. It is sometimes recommended to take the DELE to go on exchange to certain universities. It is also a formidable vector of employability within Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in the tourism, translation, interpretation, international business or education sectors.
Finally, the DELE is an essential certification to obtain a work or study visa. Indeed, just as proficiency in French is mandatory to obtain certain visas, some countries require you to display this diploma in order to work or study in their country.
How to pass the DELE?
To take the DELE, you must first choose your skill level between A1 and C2. You should know that the cost of the DELE also depends on the level in which you register. For levels A1, A2 and B1, you have to pay 130 euros, compared to 170 euros for level B2. The price of DELE C1 is 175 euros and that of level C2 is 180 euros.
You must then find an examination center, in particular by going through theCervantes Institute and then proceed with registration before paying the fees related to taking the DELE. You should not neglect preparation for the exam and do not hesitate to take a few Spanish lessons to practice speaking in particular.
After taking the DELE, you will receive your results by mail approximately two months after the exam date. You can also find your grades on the website of the Instituto Cervantes or your exam center.
Where to take DELE?
Many exam centers allow you to take the DELE in mainland France, but also in the overseas territories. You can take the DELE in institutes, colleges, high schools or universities. To have the complete DELE list, you must log in to the search engine from the Instituto Cervantes. Please note, the search is done in Spanish!
The DELE tests
The DELE exam is a bit like a TOEIC. It also has similar tests of comprehension and expression. However, depending on the DELE level you wish to take and validate, the tests are not the same. Indeed, certain tests can be merged or deleted. For example, for the lower levels (DELE A1 and DELE A2), there are only oral comprehension and written comprehension tests. For higher levels (DELE C1 and DELE C2), the written and oral expression and interaction tests are obviously longer and more difficult.
The DELE is made up of several tests which assess the level of competence and mastery in Spanish. Here are the tests and the skills assessed for each of them:
- Oral comprehension. This test assesses the candidate’s ability to understand dialogues, announcements, interviews and audio recordings in Spanish. Skills assessed include listening comprehension, the ability to identify primary and secondary information, understanding nuance, and the ability to follow a common thread. This test lasts approximately 40 minutes.
- Written comprehension. This test aims to assess your ability to understand texts written in Spanish, such as newspaper articles, announcements, emails and letters. You need to know how to bring out the main and secondary information, understand the nuances and have the ability to follow a common thread. This test lasts approximately 60 minutes.
- Written expression and interaction. It aims to assess the non-native candidate’s ability to write in Spanish and interact with other people in writing. Skills assessed include the ability to write clear, coherent text, grammar and syntax, appropriate use of punctuation and vocabulary, and the ability to answer questions and communicate with others in writing. This test lasts approximately 80 minutes. This is the biggest test of the DELE.
- Oral expression and interaction. It aims to assess your ability to speak Spanish and interact with other people, but orally. Skills assessed include pronunciation, intonation, fluency, grammar and vocabulary. Candidates must be able to express themselves clearly and coherently, answer questions and communicate with others effectively. This test lasts approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
DELE levels in France
In France, the levels of the DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) correspond to those of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):
- DELE A1: Corresponds to a beginner level in Spanish. Candidates who pass this exam are able to communicate in a very basic way in simple everyday situations.
- DELE A2: Corresponds to an elementary level in Spanish. Candidates who pass this exam are able to communicate in common situations, such as shopping and traveling.
- DELE B1: Corresponds to an intermediate level in Spanish. Candidates who pass this exam are able to communicate with ease in common everyday and professional situations.
- DELE B2: Corresponds to an intermediate-advanced level in Spanish. Candidates who pass this exam are able to communicate effectively in professional situations and understand literary or academic texts in Spanish.
- DELE C1: Corresponds to an advanced level in Spanish. Candidates who pass this exam are able to communicate fluently and accurately in professional and academic situations.
- DELE C2: Corresponds to a very advanced level in Spanish. Candidates who pass this exam are able to communicate with ease in all situations, including a professional context.
How to prepare for the DELE?
Here are some tips for preparing for the DELE:
- Know and understand the requirements of the exam, depending on the level you are going to take. It is important to understand the requirements of each DELE test to know what to focus on when preparing.
- Train with practice exams. The Instituto Cervantes also provides you with practice exams on its website.
- Use prep books. There are many preparation books for the DELE. They offer practice exercises, grammar explanations and tips for passing the exam.
- Practice regularly. Regular practice of speaking and writing in Spanish is essential to improve your language skills. It is recommended to practice at least an hour a day using resources such as mobile apps, podcasts or videos in Spanish. Don’t forget that written expression is the biggest test of the DELE.
- Use online resources. There are many free online resources to prepare for the DELE, such as training videos, practice exercises, discussion forums and Spanish language blogs.
