The DELE B1 exam tests your ability to handle everyday situations in Spanish — from ordering food to discussing work or hobbies. Unlike lower levels, B1 expects you to express opinions, describe experiences, and handle unexpected conversations. Here’s exactly what’s in the syllabus, how much each section counts, and how to prepare efficiently.
Exam Structure Overview
The DELE B1 is divided into four tests (called Pruebas), taken over two days. Total duration is about 4 hours.
| Test | Name | Duration | Weightage | |------|------|----------|-----------| | 1 | Reading Comprehension | 70 min | 25% | | 2 | Writing Expression | 60 min | 25% | | 3 | Listening Comprehension | 35 min | 25% | | 4 | Speaking Expression | 15 min + prep | 25% |
Each test is scored out of 25 points. You need a minimum of 30/50 in the written group (Tests 1+2) and 30/50 in the oral group (Tests 3+4) to pass. Partial marks don’t carry over.
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Test 1: Reading Comprehension (70 min, 25%)
Five tasks, 30 questions in total. Texts range from ads and emails to newspaper articles and opinion pieces.
Task breakdown
- Task 1: Match 6 short texts (ads, notices) with 8 options. Tests scanning for key information.
- Task 2: Read 8 short messages (e.g., emails, notes) and match them to 8 responses or contexts.
- Task 3: Fill in 6 gaps in a longer text with given sentences. Tests logical flow and coherence.
- Task 4: Read an article or narrative, answer 8 multiple-choice questions. Focus on main ideas and specific details.
- Task 5: Read 6 short texts (e.g., classifieds, reviews) and match them to 10 statements. Requires careful comparison.
Study tips
- Skim first, then scan: For matching tasks, read the options before the texts. Underline keywords.
- Build vocabulary by topic: Practice reading about travel, work, health, and leisure. Use Spanish news sites (El País, BBC Mundo) at B1 level.
- Time management: Spend about 14 minutes per task. Don’t get stuck on one question.
Test 2: Writing Expression (60 min, 25%)
Two tasks. You must write 150–180 words per task.
Task breakdown
- Task 1: Write a letter or email (formal or informal) based on a prompt. Example: reply to a job ad, complain about a service, or invite a friend.
- Task 2: Write a short article or opinion piece on a given topic. Example: describe a festival, give advice on healthy eating, or discuss a current issue.
Study tips
- Master connectors: Use además, sin embargo, por lo tanto, aunque to link ideas. Examiners reward cohesive writing.
- Practice both registers: Formal (usted, respectful tone) and informal (tú, friendly). Mixing them up costs marks.
- Plan 5 minutes, write 40, review 15: Outline your points first. Check grammar (subjunctive, past tenses) and spelling (accents).
Test 3: Listening Comprehension (35 min, 25%)
Five tasks, 25 questions. Audio is played twice — except Task 1 (once).
Task breakdown
- Task 1: Listen to 6 short dialogues (once only), match each to a picture or context. Tests gist understanding.
- Task 2: Listen to 6 short monologues or conversations, answer multiple-choice questions. Focus on specific information.
- Task 3: Listen to a longer interview or discussion, fill in 6 gaps in a summary.
- Task 4: Listen to 6 announcements or messages, match each to a purpose or speaker.
- Task 5: Listen to a longer talk (e.g., radio program), answer 6 true/false questions.
Study tips
- Expose yourself to accents: DELE uses Peninsular Spanish (Castilian) mainly, but you may hear Latin American variants. Listen to podcasts like Radio Ambulante or Español con Juan.
- Practice with speed: Audio is natural speed. Slow down YouTube videos to 0.75x initially, then speed up.
- Predict before listening: Read questions first. Anticipate vocabulary (e.g., if topic is travel, expect aeropuerto, vuelo, reserva).
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Test 4: Speaking Expression (15 min + 20 min prep, 25%)
Three tasks. You get 20 minutes to prepare Task 1 and Task 2. The examiner is a native speaker.
Task breakdown
- Task 1: Give a 2–3 minute monologue on a topic (e.g., describe a memorable trip, explain a hobby). You choose one of two options.
- Task 2: Describe a photo or situation (1–2 minutes). Then answer the examiner’s follow-up questions (2–3 minutes).
- Task 3: Hold a conversation with the examiner on a familiar topic (e.g., weekend plans, favorite movies) for 3–4 minutes.
Study tips
- Record yourself: Speak for 2 minutes on random topics. Listen for filler words (este, mmm) and work on fluency.
- Use the prep time wisely: Jot down 4–5 key points. Don’t write full sentences — just keywords.
- Practice turn-taking: In Task 3, show you can agree, disagree, and ask questions. Use phrases like ¿Y tú qué piensas? or No estoy de acuerdo porque…
Grammar & Vocabulary You Must Know
DELE B1 expects control of these key structures:
- Indicative tenses: Present, preterite, imperfect, future simple, present perfect, conditional.
- Subjunctive mood: Present subjunctive in common contexts (wishes, doubts, opinions, para que, cuando + subjunctive).
- Imperative: Formal and informal commands (affirmative and negative).
- Ser vs. estar: All uses, including passive voice (ser + participio) and progressive (estar + gerundio).
- Pronouns: Direct/indirect object pronouns, reflexive, relative (que, quien, cuyo).
- Connectors: Cause, consequence, contrast, condition.
- Vocabulary themes: Personal information, daily routines, work, travel, health, environment, media, culture.
How to Prepare in 8 Weeks
| Week | Focus | Action | |------|-------|--------| | 1–2 | Diagnostic & vocabulary | Take a mock test. Identify weak areas. Learn 50 new words per week by topic. | | 3–4 | Reading & listening | Do 2 reading tasks + 2 listening tasks daily. Analyze mistakes. | | 5–6 | Writing & speaking | Write 2 emails/articles per week. Record 3 speaking monologues. | | 7 | Full mock tests | Simulate exam conditions twice. Time yourself strictly. | | 8 | Review & relax | Revise weak grammar points. Practice speaking with a partner. |