How To Pass The Spanish DELE A2 Exam First Time

Hi! Would you like to obtain your DELE A2, the popular Spanish language diploma? Excellent! 👏 This post is for you.

The DELE A2 is a, let’s say, easily achievable goal.

The problem is… that’s not entirely true.

Achievable goal… for who? Those who have a romance language as mother tongue, perhaps. Whoever is a native speaker of a Germanic language, may have a different opinion.

A Congolese or a Japanese, I’m quite sure, don’t consider the DELE A2 exam that simple. 😓 Or people from Japan, Afghanistan, Thailand, you name it. Nevertheless, it can be difficult for a British or a French too.

Many people who want to sit it are fully grown adults, with no experience in learning a foreign language: it’s the case of many students I’ve been tutoring from the United Kingdom, North America or Scandinavia.

Many of them are retired, or about to be, and want to request the Spanish citizenship. 🇪🇸

In order to do so, they need to show a proof of knowledge of the Spanish language: the DELE A2 is the minimum level allowing them to initiate the procedure.

The same applies for Sephardic jews: under the Sephardic ancestry law, they can apply for Spanish nationality. Many have already done that, many have been preparing for the next round.

I’ve been working with them too. A great number of them are bilingual or trilingual, but by birth: learning a language as adults is something unusual for them.

Spanish DELE A2: A couple info

I suppose you already know something about the DELE A2, but just in case, let me clarify a couple of points.

DELE is an acronym for Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera.

These are certificates proving your knowledge of Spanish, granted by the Instituto Cervantes in cooperation with the University of Salamanca, on behalf of the Ministry of Education of Spain.

So, the University of Salamanca creates and corrects (part of) the exam.

The Instituto Cervantes is the ambassador of the Spanish language worldwide:

• it promotes the teaching of Spanish,
• handles the exams abroad,
• organizes Spanish courses,
• is broadly speaking a point of reference for Spanish and Hispanic cultures, Spain’s regional languages and Judeo-Spanish or ladino.

As per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), DELE qualifications are available in six levels: A1 (the most basic), A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 (the most advanced).

To have an A1 means, in practice, to know the Spanish alphabet, to be able to introduce oneself, manage the present tense of few verbs, greetings and little else.

If you boast a C2, on the other hand, you’re next to a native educated speaker.

So, at an A2 you have a quite basic level.

Let’s digress for a minute into this citizenship thing.

Spanish DELE A2: The minimum to request the Spanish citizenship

If your mother tongue isn’t Spanish, you need two certificates in order to ignite the procedure to get the Spanish citizenship:

1. The CCSE,
2. The DELE A2, or above.

What is CCSE?

It’s an acronym for Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España, which is, Knowledge on Spanish Constitution, Society and Culture.

Basically, a 25 closed-ended question test. By passing it, you show enough knowledge of Spain to be a productive part of our democratic life.

How difficult it is to pass the CCSE exam? As long as you know enough Spanish, I’d say it’s not difficult. Therefore, if I were you I’d start from the DELE A2; then, I’d take care of the CCSE.

Now, let’s get back to the DELE A2, as we do have stuff to talk about.

Spanish DELE A2: What you should know

What are the descriptors of such level?

Or better said, what knowledge should you have to be able to state “I have an A2 in Spanish”? More or less, you ought to be able to:

• Understand basic expressions about daily activities,
• produce simple sentences concerning everyday needs and actions,
• describe your environment,
• talk about your past, your family life, your most common routines.

💡 Digging into linguistic details, in the DELE A2 you are requested to:

• Distinguish between ser and estar;
• master the verb gustar and the possessive adjectives and pronouns;
• some basic lexicon to sort out basic daily needs;
• make statements and questions;
• give instructions;
• the most common verbal periphrases;
• common linkers and connectors (entonces, además, por lo cual, pues, etc.)
• you are allowed to make one or two orthographic mistakes, as long as it does not hinder communication;
• you are allowed to make some mistakes, in case of usage of expressions above an A2 level.

Spanish DELE A2: Recent changes in the exam

First and foremost, beware the DELE A2 exam has been modified. As of February 2020, that’s a new one. 📅

So, what?

So you have to watch out. Any books published up to December 2019, are certainly not related to this new exam.

If you were familiar with the earlier version of the exam, let me go briefly through what’s new:

• The distribution of the time per prueba and tarea;
• the overall number of tareas (tasks) has been reduced;
• more relevance has been given to topics related with daily life (thanks goodness. What did they want to put in an A2 exam, quantum physics?);
• the grading system is also new. More on the following weeks.

If you were NOT familiar with the earlier exam, let me show you straight how the new DELE A2 is going to be.

Spanish DELE A2: Changes as of 2020

Step by step.

I have mentioned that once you’re at an A2, you should be able to deal with everyday situations with a degree of precision through simple lexicon and structures.

Watch out: in this post, I do not tell you how to reach an A2 level in Spanish ❌,
I rather suggest you how to prepare to pass the DELE A2 first time. ✔️

When you go toward an A2 level, you acquire linguistic tools; on the other hand, when you prepare for the DELE A2, you use these tools you already own to achieve a purpose.

You can either prepare for the test through a course in some school, or on your own.

I like the second option better: the preparation for a language exam is something that can be done for the biggest part on your own, with some help from a language tutor.

Preparación al DELE A2 – Libro del Alumno y Claves, by Mónica María García-Viñó Sánchez: another excellent work from this teacher of Español Lengua Extranjera, a true veteran.

Edelsa is one of the best publishing houses in the realm of Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, and well, preparation for the DELE A2.

It’s also the first to have reacted to the changes introduced by the Instituto Cervantes. I’d use these books together with this:

Competencia Gramatical En Uso A2, also by Edelsa: to fine-tune your grammar before the exam, this is what you need.

These are incredibly helpful.

Get these three, at least, in order to have a minimum amount of mock exams to practice and a grammar support. If you did achieve a solid A2 level, these three texts contain all there is to know about the DELE A2.

This is what the preparation is about: once you know the language, you must get to know each part of the exam like your own pocket.

Now, one critical point needs to be mentioned: no textbooks will allow you to practice the writing or the oral expression. You need to resort to a language tutor, at least for a few hours.

I have been working for years in the field, preparing students to obtain their DELE A2, either in València (Spain) or on the Internet: feel free to drop me a line.

And now, let’s dwell on the specifics.

DELE A2: The new format

Now, a brief outline of each section.

Prueba 1: Reading comprehension

The Comprensión de lectura consists of:

• four tasks (before, five)
• for a total of 25 items
• during 60 minutes.

First, you read easy texts: either public or private sphere, posters, recipes, news, flyers, letters, fragments of guide books, online forums, news, etc.

Items are, basically, multiple-option questions.

The only exception is task 3, the new one: here you shall link three pieces of text with six questions or statements.

You do not have to decipher the Voynich manuscript: you are only required to understand the gist of the texts.

HOW TO PASS THE PRUEBA 1

Focus like a laser beam on the text. I suggest you to:

–> Read it fast just to get the big picture;

–> read the questions, then the text for the second time, now seeking the answers;

–> identify immediately any keyword: linkers, synonyms, antonyms, adverbs, linkers, adverbs, etc;

–> keep in mind that some tasks (the no. 3, for example) may require more time than others. If that has been the case during your preparation, remember it when sitting the examination.

Prueba 2: Oral comprehension

The Comprensión auditiva is made of:

• four tasks (before, five)
• 25 items in total
• 40 minutes to complete it.

Previously they were indeed five tareas. Then, they dropped three but added two new tasks, so we get to the four of today.

You are going to listen to conversations, public address messages, news, ads, voicemails or any other education, private or public message.

Every audio track is going to be played twice.

In the task 1 and 2, items are multiple-answer questions. In the task 3 and 4, you have to connect conversations and messages you hear with written statements.

There is no choppy call between native speakers with thick accents; nevertheless, you have to make use of some oral understanding skills.

HOW TO PASS THE PRUEBA 2

Few key points:

–> Have a look at the questions before you listen, as this will guide your listening;

–> fill your paper as much as you can the first time you listen;

–> fill in the blanks and the uncertain items the second time the track is played;

–> one unknown word is not the end of the world, as long as you get the gist of what’s being said;

–> pay attention to the words spoken but also to the mood of the speaker (quiet, inquiring, nervous, etc.);

–> remember that you’ll have a little time at the end of the listening to complete this part.

Prueba 3: Written expression and interaction

The Expresión e Interacción Escritas consists of:

• 2 tasks (previously, they were 3)
• to be completed in 45 minutes (there was more time before, but then, there were also 1 extra tarea).

In the task 1, you have to write a note, an email, a message or a postcard, in answer to a text that you’re given.

In the task 2, you have to write a text exposing your point of view, describing, narrating something. You can choose between two options:

A: a personal composition, based on instructions given;
B: a narrative or biographical composition, based on images or data.

You do not have to show Miguel Hernández‘s literary prowess, but you shouldn’t deliver a blank page either.

Use simple constructions and simple lexicon to deliver simple communications.

HOW TO PASS THE PRUEBA 3

Simplicity above all. Then:

–> Stick to the instruction given, this is not the place to show off unsolicited creativity or wander off the subject;

–> stick to the amount of words you are asked to write;

–> respect the conventions of the genres (handwritten notes, emails, etc.),

–> use the standard polite forms of address (greetings and salutations),

–> punctuation matters,

–> use the most basic info organizers (en primer lugar, además, luego, etc.),

–> use the most common linkers (entonces, pero, y, también, tampoco, etc.).

You may find useful this little textbook:

Expresión Escrita A2-B1 by Eugenia Criado Clemente and Marcelo Ayala Clemente: this collection, Destrezas Ele by Enclave ELE, is marvellous.

Prueba 4: Oral expression and interaction

The Expresión e Interacción Oral is made of:

• 3 tasks
• 12 minutes preparation + 12 minutes of real examination

Tarea 1: it’s a monologue. You choose one of two topics, both concerning daily life, and you are going to talk about it for 2-3 minutes.

Tarea 2: also monologue. You choose one of two photographs and you describe what it represents.

It’s very likely to have to talk about things as: clothing, physical appearance, daily activities, personal relationships, furniture, environment, time of the day, season, etc.

Tarea 3: that’s a dialogue. You talk with the examiner about the photo chosen for task 2. Again, it’s about common things, informal language, basic needs.

And again, you just need to show to have A2 speaking skills.

You are not a university lecturer and no one asks you that: you just need to understand and produce easy discourses.

HOW TO PASS THE PRUEBA 4

Breathe deeply and consider these points:

–> Examiners aren’t enemies. They are human beings like you whose sole purpose is to evaluate you in the most impartial way;

–> examiners begin by inquiring if you want to be treated the tú or the usted way;

–> their first questions are merely to break the ice;

–> do not write your monologues word by word. It’s better to jot down a few ideas to produce an orderly intervention;

–> make sure the key points arise by a brief brainstorm about your topic and your photograph;

–> use the most common connectors (por lo cual, pues, entonces, etc.);

–> begin and close your interventions in a proper, soft way. Do not settle with an “acabado”, to signal the end of what you have to say, I beg you;

–> in the dialogue, please, interact, talk. Don’t be abrupt.

If you do not feel confident when it comes to talking, get a bit of training with the exercises available in this little volume:

Expresión oral A2-B1 by María José Lobón López, Gregoria López García and Ana Isabel Ron Ron: I repeat here what I’ve said above about this Destrezas Ele collection.

Following its indication, success gets a bit closer.

DELE A2: tips and tricks

Preparing for the DELE A2 and learning the language are two different things

I already said it but it’s very convenient to highlight it again.

A preparation course, or these prep books I suggest above, are not designed to teach you Spanish.

Their purpose is to help you familiarise with the content and format of each part of the examination, as well as to develop the necessary skills to pass the test.

Learning Spanish, is something you should you in a previous stage.

Clarity over complexity

As mentioned above, you’re given breathing space to make some errors, in case of employing a language belonging to higher levels.

Anyway, do not feel too confident: an easy, error-free sentence is better than a complex one with various mistake in it.

In case of doubt, go for clarity and simplicity.

Learn to manage time

It’s one of the main hurdles of the DELE A2. It doesn’t seem so, but during an exam, time flies. Without a strict control of your time, you’re bound to fail.

Point is, in many cases whoever has a mediocre knowledge of Spanish, except in the Speaking part, would pass the examination if given extra time, but, as you know, you are not given extra time.

Remember the format of the test, the structure of each part, what you’re asked in every one of them and how much time you have at your disposal.

Accent matters, to some extent

You are not required to have a native accent. Absolutely not: what matters, is your ability to be understood by the examiner when you talk.

But at an A2, especially if you are not used to speak, it’s very likely that you have a strong accent, with many words pronounced according the bias of your mother tongue.

Work a bit on this, alone or with the help of an experienced language tutor.

Speak!

The two monologues and the dialogue are a risky business. It’s a risk even for those who write decently: the risk of being speechless out of shyness or fear to make mistakes.

If that may be your case, then you have to accept this fundamental truth: if you were a fluent, flawless Spanish speaker, you wouldn’t enrol for an A2 exam, would you? The DELE C1 would be more suited to your skills.

At an A2, you have to show A2 speaking abilities, not to give a lection magistralis as if you were Miguel de Unamuno.

Again, be brief and clear when speaking. And talk!

DELE A2: How much time you need to prepare for it

Good question. Supposing your Spanish does not need extra stamina, I’d say a month and a half, maybe less.

Things to factor in into the equation:

➡️ How much spare time you have on a daily basis;

➡️ your core skills: writing, speaking and getting the gist of what you hear or read within certain time limits;

➡️ your mother tongue;

➡️ how acquainted you are with studying in general;

➡️ if you study with a private tutor, on your own, or in a school.

If I were you, I’d take the last two weeks off to focus exclusively on the DELE A2, with some help from a language tutor.

In one of the last exam sessions, I worked together with two adult British candidates.

DELE A2: FAQ

Q: Can I trust the preparation materials the Instituto Cervantes recommend in its website?

A: Actually, no. Do not trust them. Why? Because they update it very rarely.

Whenever there’s a change in an exam, such as this, it takes ages to see any new suitable prep material appearing there.

The same goes for most of tips & tricks & instructions you’ll find on the Internet, in English or any other language: I still haven’t found a website giving real advice on the new DELE A2.

So, be careful where you get your info from.

Q: I’m worried about these changes. Aren’t they negative for me?

A: Not really. It’s just as before or even better.

Perhaps you’re just a bit baffled, as anybody, by the lack of information from the Instituto Cervantes.

The change has been made long official but it takes them a long while before to explain it to both candidates and examiners. It’s always been like that.

Q: I have old preparation books. Can’t I use them any more?

A: You can’t. Let me explain.

The kind of training they promote can be useful: to reinforce the listening skills, the reading comprehension, skimming through the text to have a glimpse of the essential then answer…

But at an A2, I wouldn’t make my life more difficult than necessary.

The format of the DELE A2 has changed. If I were you, I’d focus only on the new preparation books.

Q: Where should I enrol for the DELE A2?

A: Just wherever it’s more convenient to you. The examiners are just as good or as strict as anywhere else.

Some overseas students do however enrol in Spain, in order to take the exam after some weeks of preparation on site. It’s quite a logical strategy for many.

Q: Does the new exam format involve a price increase?

A: Prices go up every year, one format or another.

It also depend on the country. But on average, the trend is up-going: but anyway, what choice do you have? There is no low-cost track to the DELE A2.

I’d just enrol as soon as possible, in order to avoid any future price increase and get it done once and for all. ✔️

Q: How long is the DELE A2 valid?

A: Forever. No DELE has an expiry date.

Q: Can I use dictionaries?

A: Nope.

Q: How long does it take to get the results?

A: Approximately three months, which is quite frustrating, frankly.

This is all the more reason why you should prepare carefully: if you take the exam in April, you won’t know if you passed it until July. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be able to enrol again before autumn, getting results again at the end of the year…

It’s better to spend a few more bucks and hours to prepare as good as you possibly can, rather than spending more bucks and hours to take the exam a second or third time.

DELE A2: The importance of having a private tutor on your side

It’s hard to exaggerate how crucial a private Spanish tutor is, when preparing for a DELE A2 exam.

I have been teaching Spanish and preparing students of all kind to the obtention of the DELE array of exams. I work either face-to-face or by Internet, through Skype and email. If you think I may be of help, please let me know.