DELE
Spain's official diplomas in Spanish as a foreign language, from A1 to C2, valid for life.
DELE diplomas are awarded by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of Spain's Ministry of Education, and recognised worldwide. Each level is a separate exam testing reading, listening, writing and speaking, and the diploma never expires.
Overview
Spanish is one of the most studied languages in Sweden and France, and DELE is the most widely recognised way to prove it. The diplomas follow the European framework from A1 for beginners to C2 for mastery, and many universities and employers in Spain and Latin America ask for B2 or higher. Spain also requires the A2 DELE, together with a civics test, from many applicants for Spanish nationality.
Because the result is simply apto or no apto, the key decision is the level. Try a model exam first and choose a level where you can comfortably reach the pass mark in every group, not only in total. Speaking and writing tasks follow set patterns at each level, so practising them with someone who can give feedback pays off quickly. Exams are held several times a year at Instituto Cervantes centres and partner schools.
The four tests (B2 times)
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Reading 70 minutes
Texts such as articles, reports and literature, with questions.
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Listening 40 minutes
Conversations, interviews, news and talks.
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Writing 80 minutes
Two tasks, such as a letter based on a recording and an opinion text.
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Speaking 20 minutes, after 20 minutes' preparation
A talk on a topic, a discussion with the examiner and a task built on a photo.
How it's scored
The tests are grouped in two: reading and writing in one group, listening and speaking in the other (C2 groups them a little differently). Each group is worth 50 points. You need at least 30 in each group and 60 out of 100 in total to be rated apto. There is only pass or fail: no grade is given on the diploma.
How to prepare
- Pick the level carefully: there is no partial credit for a lower level if you fail.
- Because each group needs 30 of 50, don't neglect your weakest skill.
- Use the official model exams from the Instituto Cervantes for your level.
- Practise the 20 minutes of speaking preparation: plan notes, not full sentences.
Official pages
Dates, registration and fees change from year to year, so check them on the official pages.