The DELE A2 exam tests your ability to handle everyday situations in Spanish. It’s the point where you move from memorised phrases to real, improvised communication. The syllabus is split into four skill-based sections (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking). Each section carries roughly 25% weightage, but the scoring is grouped into two main groups (Group 1: Reading & Writing; Group 2: Listening & Speaking) — you need to pass both groups to earn the diploma.
Here’s exactly what’s in each section, how much it counts, and how to prepare without wasting time.
Reading Comprehension (25% of total score)
Duration: 60 minutes Tasks: 4 tasks, about 25 questions.
- Task 1: Match short notices or signs to their correct context (e.g., a sign in a park, a menu item).
- Task 2: Read a longer text (e.g., an email, a short article) and answer multiple-choice questions.
- Task 3: Match short texts (like classified ads) to descriptions.
- Task 4: Read a longer text and identify true/false statements.
What they test: Can you understand main ideas and specific details in simple, everyday texts? You’ll see announcements, personal letters, menus, and short news items.
Study tip: Read Spanish news headlines (El País’s easy reader section) and social media posts. Focus on scanning for key info — dates, prices, names. Practice with timed mock tests to get used to the 60-minute limit.
Take a free DELE A2 demo mock to find out where you stand: <a href="/demo">Try the demo →</a>
Writing Comprehension (25% of total score)
Duration: 50 minutes Tasks: 2 tasks.
- Task 1: Write a short message or note (30–40 words). For example, a note to a neighbour or a message to a friend.
- Task 2: Write a longer text (80–100 words), like a short letter or a description of a recent event.
What they test: Can you produce simple connected text on familiar topics? You need to be clear, use basic connectors (y, pero, porque), and cover the three points in the prompt.
Study tip: Learn 10–15 functional phrases for openings and closings (e.g., Querido amigo, Un abrazo). Practice writing under time pressure — set a timer for 25 minutes per task. Use the DELE A2 sample answer sheets to get used to the format.
Listening Comprehension (25% of total score)
Duration: 35 minutes Tasks: 4 tasks, about 25 questions.
- Task 1: Listen to short dialogues or announcements and identify the correct option (multiple choice).
- Task 2: Listen to a longer conversation and answer true/false questions.
- Task 3: Listen to five short monologues and match them to pictures or situations.
- Task 4: Listen to an interview or conversation and select the correct answers.
What they test: Can you understand the gist and specific details of slow, clear speech on everyday topics? Audio is played twice, so you get a second chance.
Study tip: Watch Spanish TV series with Spanish subtitles (e.g., “Extra” on YouTube). Listen to podcasts like “News in Slow Spanish” at 0.75x speed. Practice the official DELE A2 listening samples — they’re free on the Instituto Cervantes website.
Speaking Comprehension (25% of total score)
Duration: 15 minutes (plus 15 minutes preparation time)
Tasks: 4 tasks.
- Task 1: Introduce yourself — talk about your name, origin, job, hobbies. (2–3 minutes)
- Task 2: Describe a photograph (e.g., a family scene, a street market). (2–3 minutes)
- Task 3: Role-play a situation — you and the examiner act out a scenario (e.g., ordering food, asking for directions). (2–3 minutes)
- Task 4: Talk about a topic (e.g., your weekend plans, a recent trip) and answer follow-up questions. (3–4 minutes)
What they test: Can you hold a basic conversation, describe people and places, and handle simple transactions? Pronunciation doesn’t need to be perfect, but you must be comprehensible.
Study tip: Record yourself answering common prompts (e.g., “Describe your family”). Listen back — note hesitations and grammar slips. Practice with a partner or tutor on italki for 20-minute mock interviews. Use the 15-minute prep time to jot down keywords, not full sentences.
See DELE A2 mock-test packs and pricing: <a href="/plans">View plans →</a>
Weightage & Scoring Groups
The exam uses a two-group scoring system:
- Group 1: Reading (25%) + Writing (25%) = 50%
- Group 2: Listening (25%) + Speaking (25%) = 50%
You must score at least 30 out of 50 in each group to pass. This means you can’t bomb one section entirely — you need balanced preparation. The total passing score is 60 out of 100, but only if both groups clear the 30-point threshold.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Over-relying on memorised phrases: The speaking test throws curveball follow-ups. Practise improvising with basic vocabulary.
- Ignoring the listening section: Many candidates focus only on reading/writing. Do at least 10 full listening mocks.
- Writing too much: In Task 1, stick to 30–40 words. Extra words can lower clarity.
- Not reading instructions carefully: In reading tasks, the prompt might ask for “the correct option” — but some tasks have multiple correct answers. Read each instruction twice.
Where to Next?
- Take a full-length DELE A2 mock test to simulate exam conditions: <a href="/demo">Try the demo →</a>
- Browse our DELE A2 course packages with personalised feedback: <a href="/plans">View plans →</a>
- Read our guide on DELE A2 vs B1: which level should you choose?: <a href="/blog/dele-a2-vs-b1">Read the comparison →</a>