Choosing the right DELE B2 book can save you months of wasted effort. The market is flooded with generic Spanish workbooks, but only a few are built for the actual exam. Here are the top 5–8 resources, ranked by how well they mirror the real test, plus a recommended study sequence so you don't run out of time.
1. Las Claves del Nuevo DELE B2 (Difusión)
Best for: Understanding the exam format and practising each task type systematically.
Weak spot: The listening tracks are slower than the real exam. Use it for structure, not speed training.
- Covers all four skills: reading, listening, writing, speaking.
- Includes full mock tests.
- Clear task-by-task explanations.
2. El Cronómetro – DELE B2 (Edinumen)
Best for: Time management and real-exam simulation.
Weak spot: Very little grammar review; assumes you already know B2 grammar.
- Timed exercises force you to work under pressure.
- Audio is closer to real DELE speed.
- Good for the final month of prep.
3. Preparación al DELE B2 (Edelsa)
Best for: Vocabulary building and topic-based learning.
Weak spot: Writing tasks are formulaic; don't rely on it alone for creative writing.
- Thematic units (health, environment, work) expand your lexical range.
- Lots of multiple-choice reading practice.
- Useful for self-study.
4. Uso de la Gramática Española – Nivel Avanzado (Edelsa)
Best for: Fixing grammar gaps.
Weak spot: Not exam-specific. Use it alongside a DELE-focused book, not as a replacement.
- Clear explanations in Spanish.
- Hundreds of exercises.
- Covers subjunctive, conditional clauses, and connectors.
5. DELE B2 – Comprensión de Lectura y Auditiva (Cronómetro series)
Best for: Intensive reading and listening practice.
Weak spot: No writing or speaking sections.
- 10 full reading and listening tests.
- Transcripts and answer keys.
- Great for targeted skill improvement.
6. Hablar por los Codos – DELE B2 Speaking (Difusión)
Best for: Speaking part practice.
Weak spot: Only covers the oral exam; you'll need other books for the rest.
- Real candidate recordings.
- Model answers and common mistakes.
- Useful for the monologue and dialogue tasks.
7. DELE B2 – Writing Guide (Online resource – Instituto Cervantes sample tasks)
Best for: Official writing prompts and examiner criteria.
Weak spot: Not a book; you need to download and print.
- Free on the Instituto Cervantes website.
- Shows exactly how your writing is graded.
- Combine with a tutor for feedback.
How to sequence these books (recommended order)
- 1Month 1–2: Las Claves del Nuevo DELE B2 + Uso de la Gramática. Build familiarity with the exam and fix grammar.
- 2Month 3: Preparación al DELE B2 + Hablar por los Codos. Expand vocabulary and start speaking practice.
- 3Month 4: El Cronómetro DELE B2 + Comprensión de Lectura y Auditiva. Full timed mocks.
- 4Last 2 weeks: Instituto Cervantes sample writing tasks + review weak areas.
Take a free DELE B2 demo mock to find out where you stand: Try the demo →
Common mistakes when using these books
- Skipping the listening sections because they're hard. Don't.
- Using only one book. The exam tests multiple skills; you need multiple resources.
- Ignoring the speaking tasks. Record yourself and compare with model answers.
Final tip
None of these books is perfect. The best strategy is to combine a format-focused book (Las Claves) with a speed-focused one (El Cronómetro) and a grammar reference (Uso de la Gramática). Supplement with real Spanish media (podcasts, news) to build natural listening stamina.
See DELE B2 mock-test packs and pricing: View plans →