How To Pass The Spanish DELE A2 Exam First Time

Hi! Welcome back to TurboLangs, the dark alley in which we inject languages in our veins as the glottoaddicts we are. Would you like to obtain your DELE A2, the popular Spanish language diploma? Excellent! 👏 Then, 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… for who? Those who have a romance language as mother tongue, perhaps. But maybe not even that much… Whoever tried does not consider the DELE A2 exam that simple. 😓

Many candidates are fully grown adults, with no experience in learning a foreign language: it’s the case of several students I’ve been tutoring from the United Kingdom, North America, Scandinavia or East Asia.

A few others are retired or about to be, and want to request Spanish citizenship. 🇪🇸 That would allow them to live, work, and travel to and from Spain without restrictions.

Besides, Spain’s passport ranks numero uno on the Henley Passport Index, granting you access to 194 countries visa-free 🌍✈️ Indeed, with a few documents in order, you can get Spain’s top-ranking passport.

Whoever you are, first and foremost you need proof of proficiency in the Spanish language: the DELE A2 is the minimum level required to initiate the procedure. So, to assist you in achieving success in your Spanish DELE A2, I’ve put together this post.

Let’s get started.

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, while 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, well, you are doing well linguistically. 😀

So, at an A2 you have a basic level. Let’s now digress for a minute into this citizenship thing.

Spanish DELE A2: The Minimum Requirement for Spanish Citizenship

If Spanish isn’t your mother tongue, you’ll need two certificates to request 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-question closed-ended test: passing it demonstrates sufficient knowledge of Spain to actively participate in our democratic life. How difficult it is to pass the CCSE exam? As long as you know enough Spanish, it’s not difficult. Therefore, if I were you, I’d start from the DELE A2.

Now, let’s get back to the DELE A2, as there are key points to discuss.

Spanish DELE A2: What You Should Know

What knowledge should you possess to confidently state “I have an A2 in Spanish”? In essence, you should be able to:

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

💡 Delving into linguistic details, in the DELE A2 you are required to:

• Distinguish between ser and estar;
• master the verb gustar and the possessive adjectives and pronouns;
• some basic lexicon to handle daily needs;
• form statements and questions;
• give instructions;
• understand the most common verbal periphrases;
• be familiar with common linkers and connectors (entonces, además, por lo cual, pues, …)

Also, there’s space for chilling, since:

• You are allowed to make one or two orthographic mistakes, as long as they do not hinder communication;
• they also would tolerate a few mistakes in the use of expressions that are above an A2 level.

Spanish DELE A2: Changes In The Exam

First and foremost, be aware that the DELE A2 exam has been modified – in 2020. However, since publishing houses and bookshops often hold stocks for decades, it’s crucial to ensure that the preparation material you acquire pertains to the ‘new’ DELE A2: any books published before December 2019 are certainly not relevant to this updated exam.

Just in case you are familiar with the earlier version of the exam, let me briefly outline what’s new:

• Changes in the distribution of time per prueba and tarea;
• reduction in the overall number of tareas (tasks);
• increased relevance of topics related to daily life (thank goodness. After all, what did they want to put in an A2 exam, quantum physics?);
• introduction of a new grading system.

And now, the DELE A2 as it is as of 2020.

Spanish DELE A2: The Roadmap

Once you’ve reached an A2 level, you should be able to navigate everyday situations with a degree of precision, using simple lexicon and structures.

That said, a crucial note: in this post, I won’t be guiding youi on how to reach an A2 level in Spanish ❌, instead, I’ll be offering suggestions you how to prepare to pass the DELE A2 on your first attempt. ✔️

As you progress towards an A2 level, you acquire linguistic tools; on the other hand, when preparing for the DELE A2, you use these tools you’ve already acquired to achieve a specific purpose. You can either prepare for the test through a course in some school, or independently.

I like the second option better: the preparation for a language exam is largely something that you can do on your own, with some guidance from a language tutor. And these are the preparation textbooks I’m inclined to suggest you:

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 stands out as one of the finest publishing houses, particularly in the context of DELE A2 preparation. It’s also the first to respond to the changes that the Instituto Cervantes introduces every now and again. I recommend using it in conjunction with:

Competencia Gramatical En Uso A2, also by Edelsa: this resource is perfect for fine-tuning your grammar skills before the exam.

These are incredibly helpful. Get them to have a minimum number of mock exams for practice and comprehensive grammar support. If you’ve achieved a solid A2 level, these texts encompass 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.

However, it’s crucial to note that no textbooks can adequately prepare you for writing or oral expression. For these aspects, you need a language tutor, even if only for a few hours. I have been preparing candidates for their DELE A2 exams online for years: feel free to drop me a line.

And now, let’s dwell on the specifics.

DELE A2: The Format

Now, a brief outline of each section.

Prueba 1: Reading Comprehension

The Comprensión de lectura consists of:

• four tasks
• a total of 25 items
• a duration of 60 minutes.

In this section, you encounter easy texts from various contexts, such as public or private spheres, posters, recipes, news, flyers, letters, fragments of guidebooks, online forums, etc. The items involve multiple-choice questions.

The only exception is Task 3: you must link three pieces of text with six questions or statements. No worries: you only need to understand the gist of the texts.

Focus like a laser beam on the text. More specifically:

–> Read quickly to grasp the big picture;

–> review the questions, then read the text again, this second time searching for the answers;

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

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

Prueba 2: Oral Comprehension

The Comprensión auditiva is made of:

• four tasks
• 25 items in total
• 40 minutes to complete it.

You are going to listen to conversations, public address messages, news, advertisements, voicemails or any other education, private or public message. Every audio track is going to be played twice.

For Task 1 and 2, items are multiple-answer questions. In Task 3 and 4, you have to connect conversations and messages you hear with written statements. There is no abrupt communication between native speakers with thick accents; nevertheless, you have to make use of your oral understanding skills.

Few tips for success:

–> Have a look at the questions before you listen, as this 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 have a little time at the end of the listening at your disposal, to complete this part.

Prueba 3: Written Expression and Interaction

The Expresión e Interacción Escritas consists of:

• 2 tasks
• to be completed in 45 minutes.

In the Task 1, you must write a note, an email, a message or a postcard in response to a text that you’re given.

In the Task 2, you have to write a text exposing your point of view, describing, or 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.

A few more granular tips:

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

–> adhere to the word count;

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

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

–> punctuation matters;

–> employ basic informational organizers (en primer lugar, además, luego, etc.);

–> utilize common linkers (entonces, pero, y, también, tampoco, etc.).

You may find this concise textbook useful:

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 of preparation + 12 minutes of real examination

Task 1: a monologue where you choose one of two topics concerning daily life and speak about it for 2-3 minutes.

Task 2: another monologue where you choose one of two photographs and describe what it represents. Expect topics such as clothing, physical appearance, daily activities, personal relationships, furniture, environment, time of the day, season, etc.

Task 3: dialogue. You discuss the photo chosen for Task 2 with the examiner. Remember: it revolves around common things, informal language, and basic needs. And also remember: you win when you showcase A2 speaking skills, there is no need to attempt to deliver a Mario Vargas Llosa-style Nobel Lecture.

Breathe deeply and consider these points:

–> Examiners aren’t enemies; they are human beings like you whose sole purpose is to evaluate you impartially;

–> 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: More Tips and Tricks

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

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

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

You are not required to have a native accent: 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 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. And the risk is that 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. Be brief and clear when speaking, and may the Force be with you.

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

Good question. Supposing your Spanish does not need extra stamina, I’d say six to eight weeks. 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.

One of them had difficulties in Speaking. She enrolled in a exam centre here in Valencia, landed here two weeks upfront and worked with me two hours every day.

The other candidate, on the other hand, struggled with Writing. We worked for three hours a day to reinforce this skill, in order to meet the exam requirements.

I’m glad to tell that both of them passed the DELE A2 with good grades. 🥳

DELE A2: FAQ

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

A: Actually, no. Take what the Instituto Cervantes publishes with a pinch of salt. Why? Because they update their website rarely. Whenever there’s a change in an exam, 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 about DELE A2: be careful where you get your info from and what preparation book you purchase.

Q: I’m concerned about changes happening while I prepare for the DELE A2.

A: While Instituto Cervantes doesn’t update rules and certifications daily, changes do occur. It may take some time for information to reach candidates and examiners. Staying as up-to-date as possible is the best approach.

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

A: 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. I’d focus only on the new DELE A2 preparation books.

Q: Where should I enrol for the DELE A2?

A: A: Wherever it’s more convenient to you. The examiners are just as good or as strict as anywhere else. Some overseas students enrol in Spain, in order to take the exam after some weeks of on-site preparation.

Q: Am I wrong or there are price increases every year?

A: Exam fees go up every year, indeed. It also depend on the country. On average, though, the trend is up-going: but anyway, what choice do you have? There is no low-cost track to the DELE A2.

I’d 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 during the exam?

A: Nope.

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

A: Two to three months, which is quite frustrating.

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 pounds and hours to prepare as good as you possibly can, rather than spending more money and hours to take the exam a second or third time.

Q: I have the feeling I can’t remember anything of what I’m studying

A: Provided that you have no brain damage, you sleep somewhat well, you do not study Spanish after 16-hour working shifts , then perhaps you’re studying too much on screens and too little on paper. And that’s wrong.

Not suggested by me, but by the hundreds of thousands who have signed the Ljubljana Manifesto: you can read there the whole sermon, what I’d bring to your attention now is the bit about how research shows that computers, tablets, eReaders and mobiles have negative impact on long-form reading, critical and conscious reading, and reading comprehension.

Let’s not be Luddite, but let’s not discard evidence either: when it comes to deep understanding and memorization, it seems that paper is the way to go, no matter if you’re a troglodite (as myself) or a digital native.

Q: I study on paper but still I can’t retain any conjugation, connector, lexicon… and I’m learning well in other areas of life

A: Are you feeling too nervous? Or perhaps you¡re studying for the DELE A2 with the mobile phone nearby? You can’t fully engage with the DELE A2 preparation material if you’re distracted. Consider trying yoga, mindfulness or similar techniques: they’ve helped me tremendously.

Last but not least, don’t worry: everyone faces challenges in language learning. With the right approach and a little patience, you’ll overcome them. 🙂

DELE A2: Ready to conquer it with confidence!

Now, everything you’ve read here so far sounds right, but you still have doubts: “Are my writing skills good enough?”, “Is my Indian accent too heavy?”, “Am I using these connectors correctly?”, “Would anyone understand my handwriting?”, then why not reach out to me?

For more than ten years, I have been preparing students of all kinds for the DELE A2. I can help you strenghten your weaknesses, acquire fluency and build the confidence you need to make you have the thrill of passing the DELE A2 exam and opening up new opportunities for your personal and professional growth.

Don’t wait: ➡️ book a free consultation today ⬅️ and let’s overcome this challenge together.

Conclusions

And this is, in a nutshell, how you should prepare for the Spanish DELE A2 exam. Did you find this brief guide useful? If so (which I hope), would be so kind to share? There is a lot of people out there lost due to this transition to a new format. 📲

I tried to distil in here all what I know about the DELE A2 📆 However, if you ended up here by mistake, because you are above an A2, you are going to enjoy these two posts:

🇪🇸 How To Pass The Spanish DELE B2

🇪🇸📚 Preparar El DELE C2 De Español: Mi Experiencia y Mis Consejos (Spanish version)

Having said that, I can only wish you… an excellent preparation to the Spanish DELE A2 😉

See you soon around here.

Your personal DELE trainer,
Fabio