The DELE A1 exam is the entry-level Spanish proficiency test from the Instituto Cervantes. It certifies that you can understand and use everyday expressions, introduce yourself, and handle basic interactions. This page breaks down every section of the syllabus, gives you realistic weightage estimates, and offers no-nonsense study tips for each topic.
Reading Comprehension (25% of total score)
This section tests your ability to understand short, simple texts — signs, ads, forms, menus, and brief personal notes. You’ll have 45 minutes to answer 25–30 questions.
Tasks
- Match notices to correct headings.
- Complete sentences using words from a list.
- Answer true/false or multiple-choice questions on short passages.
Study tips
- Read Spanish menus, bus schedules, and product labels daily.
- Practice skimming for key words (nouns, numbers, dates).
- Do timed drills: aim for 1.5 minutes per question.
Take a free DELE A1 demo mock to find out where you stand: <a href="/demo">Try the demo →</a>
Listening Comprehension (25% of total score)
You’ll hear short recordings — announcements, conversations, instructions — each played twice. Total time: 20 minutes. 25 questions.
Tasks
- Identify the main idea of a dialogue.
- Match spoken statements to images or written options.
- Fill in missing information from a voicemail or message.
Study tips
- Listen to Spanish radio or podcasts at 0.75x speed.
- Focus on numbers, names, and time expressions.
- Use transcripts: listen once without, once with, then again without.
Written Expression & Interaction (25% of total score)
Two writing tasks in 30 minutes. You must produce short texts — a postcard, a simple form, or a brief message.
Tasks
- Fill out a registration form with personal details.
- Write 20–30 words: describe your family, your day, or a hobby.
Study tips
- Memorise key phrases: "Me llamo…", "Vivo en…", "Tengo… años".
- Practise handwriting legibly and quickly.
- Use the same vocabulary you learned for reading and listening.
Oral Expression & Interaction (25% of total score)
A 15-minute face-to-face conversation with an examiner. It includes a guided monologue and a short dialogue.
Tasks
- Introduce yourself (name, nationality, profession).
- Describe a picture (people, objects, colours).
- Ask and answer simple questions about daily life.
Study tips
- Record yourself speaking for 1 minute daily.
- Practise with a partner or language exchange app.
- Prepare 5–7 stock answers for common topics (work, family, hobbies).
See DELE A1 mock-test packs and pricing: <a href="/plans">View plans →</a>
Grammar & Vocabulary Scope (integrated across sections)
DELE A1 expects you to control the present tense (indicative), basic ser/estar distinction, possessive adjectives, and common prepositions (en, con, de, a). Vocabulary covers numbers 0–100, colours, family, food, professions, time, and places.
Study tips
- Use spaced-repetition apps (Anki, Quizlet) for vocabulary.
- Master the present tense of regular -ar, -er, -ir verbs.
- Learn 10 new words per day and use them in a sentence.
Exam Day Logistics
The exam is held at Instituto Cervantes centres and authorised exam centres worldwide. It is a single-day session: written tasks in the morning, oral in the afternoon. Verify exact dates and fees on the official portal — DELE A1 fees were last revised in early 2026.
Where to next?
- Take a full-length DELE A1 mock test to identify weak areas.
- Compare DELE A1 vs DELE A2 syllabus to plan your next step.
- Read our DELE A1 preparation guide for a 4-week study plan.