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The DELE exam (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) is an internationally recognized Spanish proficiency certificate. Tens of thousands of exams are taken by students in hundreds of examination centres around the world. The DELE is open to anyone wants to test their Spanish language level and students can take the test at different levels.

If you’re interested in taking the DELE exam, GlobalExam can help you!

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What are the levels of the DELE test?

The exams are separated into six levels. Levels A1 and A2 test competency in the basic of Spanish and show an ability to communicate on general topics. Families, work, shopping and a few other common topics are part of these levels. Levels B1 and B2 are a bit more challenging. They deal with understanding texts and navigating situations that might occur when traveling and test your writing skills on simple subjects. They also test the ability to express thoughts and opinions. Levels C1 and C2 are the most difficult exams and certify that those who pass have a high level of competence in the language. The level a candidate takes the test at will affect the cost of the exam.

The DELE test consists of the four main parts of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Candidates can take it at six levels of Spanish proficiency. When taking the DELE exam, students need to decide on a specific level and take all four test areas together. In return, they will get a diploma that never expires. 

How much does the test cost?

Prices for the DELE exams can vary depending on the country and examination centre but also on the level. The following prices for each level are a guide and the amounts given are in Euro’s.

  • A1 € 108
  • A2 € 130
  • A2 € 160 Young Learners
  • B1 € 160
  • B2 € 190
  • C1 € 205
  • C2 € 220

For specific price information it is best to contact the exam centre where you plan on taking the exam for more information and it’s worth asking for details about any discounts that might be available if you are a student or on benefits. You can also ask for advice on the level that you should take which will also affect the cost. Check whether you can pay online, in cash or by cheque and make sure you keep some proof of payment as test centres will ask to see it. 

Which exam centre should I choose?

The centre a candidate chooses will depend on where they are likely to be in the month of the test date they have chosen as there are different months to take the test.  You also need to check whether a centre you are considering does the test at the level you have chosen. Other factors to consider are the cost of the test as it does vary between centres.

What’s the difference of DELE compared to the Bright Spanish test?

The DELE exam is for people who are looking for a more officially recognised certificate whereas the Bright test is more for people wishing to test their level. The DELE test is a more in-depth test with reading, writing, listening and speaking skills all assessed. Depending on the level, DELE exams last between two and four and half hours. Therefore, the Bright exam provides a faster option of testing if time is a factor as it only takes an hour. With the Bright exam the results are immediate whereas there is a longer wait for DELE results. So, the choice of test depends on your overall aims. If a candidate requires official certification of their Spanish language skills for educational purposes or for a government institution then it’s probably better to take the DELE exam. It’s worth bearing in mind that the cost of the DELE exam is higher than the Bright test though. These are the differences between the DELE and the Bright Spanish.

Find out what the costs are if you want to take the DELE.

When will I get the test results?

You’ll receive your certificate a few months after taking the exam. The certificate will be sent to the address you provided at registration.

What’s the DELE test for?

Taking the DELE exam is suitable for people who have already been studying Spanish for a while and want to have an official document to prove their skills. Students who are planning to travel in a Spanish speaking country and want to feel confident that they will be able to communicate well might also think about taking the DELE exam.  A DELE qualification also looks good on your CV if you want to work in a Spanish speaking country and can boost your income in any employment. It is widely recognised by educational and government institutions.

Are there any suggestions to do well in the DELE test?

As with most tests it’s advisable to get plenty of sleep the night before the test. In the months before the test get plenty of German reading, listening and grammar practice by doing some online language tests. If you can’t find any Bright exam examples then try some other tests such as BULATS. You can also try some online German language reading and listening exercises, particularly ones that are set in the context of a workplace environment.

A general Spanish course covering grammar, vocabulary, listening and reading skills would also be useful.  If you are able to have tailored 1 to 1 classes with a personal tutor, this would have obvious benefits.

How can GlobalExam help me in my preparations for the DELE test?

GlobalExam can help you prepare for the DELE Test by offering free materials that give you a sense of the usefulness and quality of our content. There are sample exercises, and vocabulary and grammar study materials. Try out the free materials so that you can see the quality and then sign up for one of our premium plans to get access to more practice exercises that are really similar to the actual test. You will have the chance to do full mock exams under timed conditions – just like in the real DELE language test. This will have the added benefit of helping you choose which level of the DELE exam you should take. 

GlobalExam is an online platform with a team of experts who regularly write new content to deliver effective training and plenty of practice opportunities. On the site you will be able to do reading and listening exercises for the DELE exam and get immediate feedback. You will be able to review your results in the statistics section to check your progress.  Once you know your weak areas you can improve on them with the help of some vocabulary and grammar study sheets.  

Our premium plan prices are as listed below:

  • 29.90€ weekly plan
  • 59.90€ monthly plan
  • 99.90€ quarterly plan
  • 199.90€ yearly plan

Come and sign up for the free trial version today and you’ll have more time to prepare for the DELE Spanish exam to improve your chances of a higher score!