The DELE B2 exam tests your ability to handle complex conversations, read opinion pieces, write structured arguments, and understand native-speed audio. Knowing the exact pattern — sections, time limits, question counts, and how marks are awarded — is the first step to a confident preparation.
Below is the full breakdown of the DELE B2 structure, as published by the Instituto Cervantes. Always verify latest details on the official portal, as minor revisions may occur.
DELE B2 Section Overview
The exam has four parts (called pruebas). You take all four on the same day. Total exam time is approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes (excluding breaks).
| Section | Name | Time | Tasks | Questions | |---------|------|------|-------|-----------| | 1 | Reading Comprehension (Comprensión de lectura) | 70 min | 4 tasks | 36 | | 2 | Listening Comprehension (Comprensión auditiva) | 40 min | 4 tasks | 30 | | 3 | Written Expression (Expresión e interacción escritas) | 80 min | 2 tasks | — | | 4 | Oral Expression (Expresión e interacción orales) | 20 min (+20 prep) | 3 tasks | — |
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Section 1: Reading Comprehension (70 min)
Four tasks, 36 multiple-choice questions. You read authentic texts — newspaper articles, opinion columns, advertisements, formal letters.
- Task 1: Match 6 short texts to 6 headings or summaries.
- Task 2: Read a longer text (approx. 500–600 words) and answer 8 comprehension questions.
- Task 3: Read 6 short texts (e.g., reviews, profiles) and match them to 8 statements (2 extra).
- Task 4: Read a longer argumentative text and answer 16 true/false/not stated questions.
All questions are multiple choice (A, B, C) or true/false. No open-ended answers.
Section 2: Listening Comprehension (40 min)
Four tasks, 30 questions. You hear recordings — conversations, interviews, announcements, monologues. Each recording is played twice.
- Task 1: 6 short monologues or dialogues (e.g., voicemails, announcements). 6 questions.
- Task 2: A longer conversation (approx. 4–5 min). 8 multiple-choice questions.
- Task 3: 6 short extracts (e.g., radio snippets). 6 matching questions.
- Task 4: A longer interview or talk (approx. 5–6 min). 10 true/false/not stated questions.
You have a few seconds to read the questions before each recording. Use them.
Section 3: Written Expression (80 min)
Two tasks. You write two texts of 150–200 words each.
- Task 1: Write an email, letter, or note responding to a given situation (e.g., complain about a service, request information, suggest a plan). 150–180 words.
- Task 2: Write an opinion essay or a formal report on a given topic. 180–200 words.
Marking criteria: task completion, coherence, range of vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, and register (formal vs informal). No multiple choice — your writing is evaluated by two examiners.
Section 4: Oral Expression (20 min + 20 min prep)
Three tasks. You get 20 minutes to prepare, then 20 minutes to speak with an examiner.
- Task 1: Monologue on a given topic (e.g., advantages of remote work). You speak for 3–4 minutes. Examiner may ask one follow-up question.
- Task 2: Describe and comment on a photo or infographic. 2–3 minutes.
- Task 3: Conversation with the examiner on a related topic (e.g., technology in education). 4–5 minutes.
Marking criteria: fluency, pronunciation, grammatical range, vocabulary, interaction skills.
Marking Scheme & Pass Criteria
Each of the four sections is scored out of 25 points. Total maximum = 100 points.
To pass, you need:
- At least 60% overall (i.e., 60 out of 100)
- AND at least 50% in each of the two groups:
- Group 1: Reading + Writing (combined score ≥ 25 out of 50)
- Group 2: Listening + Speaking (combined score ≥ 25 out of 50)
If you score 60% overall but fail one group (e.g., 24/50 in Group 1), you do NOT pass. Both groups must meet the threshold.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring time limits: The reading and listening sections are tight. Practise with a timer.
- Writing too much or too little: Word count matters. Going over or under can cost marks.
- Using informal register in formal tasks: Task 2 of writing requires formal language. Task 1 may be semi-formal.
- Not reading instructions carefully: Some tasks have extra options or require matching. Misreading wastes time.
- Speaking too fast or too slow: Aim for natural pace. Pauses are fine — silence is not.
How to Prepare for DELE B2
- Take a diagnostic mock: Identify weak areas before planning your study.
- Practise with real past papers: The Instituto Cervantes publishes sample exams. Use them.
- Focus on Group 2 if needed: Many candidates struggle with listening and speaking. Allocate extra time.
- Build vocabulary by topic: Work, education, environment, technology, health — these appear frequently.
- Record yourself speaking: Listen for errors in grammar and pronunciation.