spanish language exams * diplomas de español como lengua extranjera (dele)

DIPLOMAS DE ESPAÑOL COMO LENGUA EXTRANJERA

The 'Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera' (DELE) are qualifications designed for foreign learners of Spanish, and recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture & Sport. The DELE examinations have been designed following the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) of the Council of Europe. Examinations are held in May, August and November.

The DELE exams are split into three main levels (A for beginners to C for advanced users):

This Diploma shows that students are able to use basic language everyday situations.

The DELE A1 examination consists of different tests, split into 2 sections:

• Section 1 (Reading and writing skills): Reading comprehension (45 minutes) and written expression and interaction (25 minutes).
• Section 2 (Speaking skills): Listening comprehension (20 minutes) and oral expression and interaction (15 minutes).

(view a sample DELE A1 test paper)

Diploma de Español - A2 (DELE A2)

This Diploma shows that students can understand common, everyday phrases and expressions (eg. talk about themselves and their families, their work etc.)

The DELE A2 examination consists of different tests, split into 2 sections:

• Section 1 (Reading and writing skills): Reading comprehension (60 minutes) and written expression and interaction (50 minutes).
• Section 2 (Speaking skills): Listening comprehension (35 minutes) and oral expression and interaction (15 minutes).

(view a sample DELE A2 test paper)

This Diploma shows that the holder can understand the gist of simple texts, if they involve well-known topics related to work, studies or leisure. It also shows that they can deal with most of the situations that may arise during a trip to a Spanish speaking country.

The level B1 examination has different tests, split into these sections:

• Section 1
  • Reading comprehension test (70 min)
  • Listening comprehension test (40 min)
• Section 2
  • Written expression and interaction test (60 min)
  • Spoken expression and interaction test (15 min + 15 min to prepare)

(view a sample DELE B1 test paper)

Diploma de Español - B2 (DELE B2)
- this replaces the 'Diploma Básico de Español (DBE)'

High-intermediate level. This Diploma shows that the student can deal without any problems with everyday situations and that they can converse fluently with others about basic topics. It also shows that the student can understand the gist of complex texts, including technical texts, provided that they are within the candidate's field of specialization.

As with the B1 level, the B2 exam has different tests, split into these sections:

• Section 1
  • Reading comprehension test (70 min)
  • Listening comprehension test (40 min)
• Section 2
  • Written expression and interaction test (80 min)
  • Spoken expression and interaction test (15 min + 15 min to prepare)

(view a sample DELE B2 test paper)

This Diploma shows that the student can express themselves fluently and without any restrictions. It shows that the student has an extensive vocabulary and knows a number of colloquial expressions. The holder of this diploma can understand a wide variety of long, fairly demanding texts and can produce clear, well-structured texts on complex topics. The level C1 examination has different tests, split into these sections:

• Section 1
  • Reading comprehension and use of language (90 minutes).
  • Integrated skills. Listening comprehension and written expression and interaction (80 minutes).
• Section 2
  • Listening comprehension and use of language (50 minutes).
  • Integrated skills. Reading comprehension and oral expression and interaction (20 minutes) (and 20 minutes for preparation).

(view a sample DELE C1 test paper)

Diploma de Español - C2 (DELE C2)
- this replaces the 'Diploma Superior de Español (DSE)'

Superior level - This shows an advanced knowledge of the language allowing communication in all situations requiring advanced use of the language and a knowledge of cultural background. This Diploma shows that the holder can express themselves fluently, with a high degree of specialization and complexity.

The level C2 examination is split into 3 tests

• Use of language, reading and listening comprehension (105 minutes).
• Integrated skills: Listening and reading comprehension, and written expression and interaction (150 minutes).
• Listening comprehension and use of language (50 minutes).
• Integrated skills. Reading comprehension and oral expression and interaction (20 minutes) (and 30 minutes for preparation).

(view a sample DELE C2 test paper)