DELE: Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language

An acronym: Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera.

The term ‘DELE’ refers to the Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera. It is an official certificate issued by the Instituto Cervantes that certifies your level of Spanish. To obtain this diploma you must pass the DELE exam at the level you want to achieve. This exam has several parts, as we will see below.

One advantage of this diploma is that, as well as being internationally recognised, its validity does not expire.

An acronym: Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera.

The DELE has 6 levels established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

– A1: Entry level, the most basic level.

– A2: Second basic level, very popular as it is essential to obtain Spanish nationality.

– B1: Intermediate level, known as ‘threshold level’.

– B2: Advanced level. This is the level required to be able to study at a Spanish university or to validate your foreign university qualifications.

– C1: Proficiency level.

– C2: Mastery level, which very few people take due to its difficulty.

There are also school versions (A1 and A2-B1) adapted for Spanish students between 11 and 17 years of age.

All exams, regardless of level, consist of 4 tests, each assessing different Spanish skills:

1. Reading Comprehension: assesses your ability to understand written texts in Spanish.

2. Listening Comprehension: Measures your ability to understand audios in Spanish, such as conversations or monologues.

3. Written expression and interaction: Checks your ability to write in Spanish and to respond in writing, for example, to e-mails.

4. Oral expression and interaction: Tests your ability to speak in Spanish and communicate in conversation.

You can take the exam in numerous locations around the world. The Instituto Cervantes has more than 1000 examination centres in over 100 countries. You can find your nearest centre on their website.

Exam dates vary according to level and change every year. If you are interested in enrolling, we recommend that you check the official website or contact Hablamos, escuela de español, where we can help you choose the most suitable date for you.

DELE exam results usually take between two and three months to be available after the exam date. This period may vary slightly depending on the volume of exams and the logistics of each exam session. Keep this in mind if you need your certificate by a certain date.

Once the results are ready, you will be able to check them on the Instituto Cervantes website by logging in with your email address. In addition, if you pass, you will receive a diploma with your level. Remember that this certificate does not expire.

To pass the DELE, it is essential to study and familiarise yourself with the test.

One of the most important pieces of advice we at Hablamos can give you is to choose your level well. Take the level that corresponds to your current skills. If you have a B2 level, take the B2 exam, not the C1. If you don’t know what your level is, contact us and take a free level test!

Knowing the test is also very useful. Understanding the format and tasks of the exam will help you to be prepared. It is very useful to take mock exams so that you are not caught by surprise by any questions.

At our school, Hablamos, we understand the importance of good preparation for the DELE. That is why we offer personalised preparation courses for each level of the DELE, adapted to your specific needs. Our courses are taught by native teachers with many years of experience in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. These courses are designed to provide you with the necessary tools and confidence to face the exam successfully.