Each year, around 21 million people start the DELE Spanish Exam B2 Preparation to make sure their Spanish proficiency is accredited.
Among these Spanish learners who want to speak multiple languages proficiently is our dedicated student, Sandra. Her journey at Spanish Express was not restricted to language learning, but she immersed herself in the vibrant culture of Barcelona, Spain.
She is just one of you who aspire to learn Spanish just like her own native language. Her experience narrated in this blog is proof of the fact that to pass the DELE B2 exam, you must go beyond the traditional boundaries and put yourself in the heart of Spain.
Join her journey of learning Spanish here with us to explore how she made it possible and how you can follow in her footsteps or be a trailblazer on this thorny track.
We will also discuss the DELE B2 exam at length, including its structure, essentials, and tips & tricks that you must know.
What is a DELE B2 Exam?
The DELE B2 Exam, to put it simply, stands as one of the milestones in the journey of official qualifications certifying Spanish language proficiency.
Rooted in the guidelines provided by the Common European Framework, this examination is a globally recognized metric. It gauges one’s ability to converse, read, write, and comprehend the Spanish language at an intermediate-high level.
Attaining the DELE Spanish Diploma Level B2 is not just about garnering a certificate; it’s a validation that the learner can navigate through complex topics, understand the main ideas of technical discussions, and engage fluently with native speakers.
For those committed to ensuring their Spanish language skills are recognized and revered, understanding the DELE B2 exam is paramount. With its roots embedded in a structured framework, this exam offers a clear path for learners to showcase their linguistic prowess.
Stuff to keep in mind when planning for the DELE B2
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you decide to take this prestigious exam:
Mock Exams: It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the DELE B2 format. Regularly taking mock exams not only gives you a feel of the real exam but also pinpoints areas you need to strengthen. Take your free Spanish-level test right now.
Exam Preparation: Simply cramming study materials won’t suffice. A structured exam preparation routine is a must. Prioritize topics based on their weightage in the DELE B2, set aside dedicated study hours, and review regularly to ensure retention.
Prep Courses: There’s immense value in expert guidance. At Spanish Express, prep courses are designed with the DELE Spanish diploma level in mind. They not only cover essential content but also offer strategies to tackle different sections of the exam.
Exam Structure
When approaching the DELE B2, it’s essential to understand its structure. This not only helps in preparation but also in managing your time efficiently during the test:
Listening Comprehension:
Purpose: Evaluate your ability to understand spoken Spanish in various contexts.
Tips: Regularly listen to Spanish audio resources like podcasts, news, or music. This will help you tune your ear to different accents and speaking speeds.
Written Expression:
Purpose: Check your skills in conveying ideas, narrating events, or arguing a point in written Spanish.
Tips: Practice writing essays, letters, or short stories. Seek feedback, perhaps from your prep courses or peers, to improve your writing skills.
Oral Expression:
Purpose: Assesses your spoken Spanish capabilities how you express ideas, and engage in conversations.
Tips: Engage in speaking exercises and join Spanish-speaking clubs or group discussions. Spanish Express offers you Lingo Gym to make sure your Spanish sparks way better than others. In this Lingo Gym, you will find Spanish podcasts, sports and much more to speak like a native Spanish.
Reading Comprehension:
Purpose: Measures your proficiency in understanding written Spanish texts, from news articles to literary extracts.
Tips: Regular reading habits, like Spanish newspapers or books, can be beneficial. Additionally, practice skimming and scanning techniques to grasp the essence of lengthy texts quickly.
Separate learning Spanish from DELE preparation
Understanding and mastering a language means you need to learn a language by heart while preparing for an exam is something else. In DELE preparation, you focus on the test syllabus and grasp every bit of it.
Learning Spanish:
Spanish Grammar: Starting with the basics, you’ll dive into verb conjugations, noun-adjective agreement, and articles.
Spanish Grammar Structures: As you advance, your learning will encompass more complex grammar structures. The journey from novice to Spanish grammar, reaching the intermediate level, will introduce you to the intricacies of the language, such as subjunctive moods, compound tenses, and reflexive verbs.
DELE Preparation:
While having a grasp on Spanish orthography and grammar structures, and Idiomatic expression is foundational, DELE preparation hones in on specific test-taking strategies, nuances of the DELE B2 exam, and becoming familiar with the exam format.
Your DELE study should also emphasize practising mock exams, refining your listening and reading comprehension skills, and perfecting written and oral expressions tailored to the test’s requirements.
Prepare DELE B2, as simple as that
When you boil it down, preparing for the DELE B2 isn’t as daunting as it might initially seem. Here’s the straightforward approach:
Focus on the DELE Exam: Understand its structure and expectations. Familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions.
Study Formal Language: While conversational Spanish is essential, the DELE B2 puts a premium on formal language usage. Brush up on it to ace those written segments.
Sharpen Your Listening and Oral Abilities: Regularly practice your listening skills with exercises and engage in Spanish conversations to enhance these skills.
How Sandra Cracked DELE B2 at Spanish Express: A Leaf From Monica’s Diary
Our student, Sandra, is the adolescent who has surprised me the most out of all those who have participated in our Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP) in terms of her passion for nature and animals.
You may wonder why, and the reason is that apart from wanting to speak Spanish with locals, other reasons attracted her to visit Dosrius, Barcelona.
One of the main ones was her curiosity to see the natural park of Montnegre I Corredor.
The wonderful landscape of mountains and vegetation that this park offers allowed her to enjoy the best of Barcelona’s nature.
Sandra was impressed that she had never heard about the green areas that Costa del Maresme, in Barcelona province, hides. Dosrius and its natural parks were undoubtedly an unforgettable memory for her.
On our walk through this important site, we had the best company: my beautiful dogs, Rumba and Samba.
After the walk, when we arrived home, Sandra enjoyed spending quality time with them, and they even took naps together. The bond between the three was immediate.
The contact with nature was not limited to the Montnegre i Corredor park; we also visited Can Gel, a cow farm that allows you to interact with the animals and learn many relevant facts about their care.
Rukimon, a well-known donkey reserve and the only one in the country was our second stop. A visit that resulted in fun photos and videos and opened a special place in our hearts for these adorable animals.
Spanish lessons
As for the classes, our sessions focused on lessons for the DELE B2 since we not only teach general Spanish in this programme, but we also adapt our classes to the needs of each student, thus creating individualized programmes for the preparation of official exams, both at academic and corporate level.
Not only do we prepare you for the DELE, SIELE, IGCSE, GCSE and A-Level exams, but you can also take most of them with us. Spanish Express is one of 7 accredited SIELE centres in the UK.
We are also part of the David Game Group, one of the most prestigious independent colleges and examination centres in England, so you can take your Spanish GCSE, IGCSE and A-Level with us as well as other subjects.
During the lessons, we were lucky, because, on most days, we enjoyed clear days with bright sunshine, which allowed us to have the class on the terrace overlooking the natural park.
A real paradise!
However, on one of the days, the weather changed completely, and snow fell when we were visiting the Corredor sanctuary!
It was a magnificent experience to see all 4 seasons during her 2 weeks in Dosrius with us.
Of course, we went to the centre of Barcelona one day and visited multiple tourist sites in the capital. The Sagrada Familia and the Coco Museum stole the show, as they are unforgettable places that leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits them.
SHIP in Barcelona
Sandra chose one of the best dates to visit Dosrius, in Barcelona, at the end of March, the time when spring starts.
We know how the saying goes: La primavera, la sangre altera. (Literal translation: Spring alters the blood. Proper translation: Spring has sprung).
It was my mother’s birthday, and Sandra and I decided to throw her a surprise party with family and friends.
For Sandra, it was a unique experience to be part of a Spanish family because she had the opportunity to meet many different people and also to integrate into the Spanish culture and, of course, taste the typical gastronomy of one of the most famous regions of Spain.
Without a doubt, Dosrius is the perfect place to enjoy a nice conversation in Spanish, taste exquisite typical dishes both at home and in the famous Catalan farmhouses converted to restaurants and be surprised by its natural parks with its flora and fauna.
Sandra is a sweetheart! She has been studying with us for almost 3 years. She got an A* at the A-Level, and now we are preparing her for the DELE B2 exam.
I do not doubt that she will pass it. She is eager to improve her Spanish and, above all, eager to discover every corner of Spain and Latin America.
Why should you enrol on a Language Programme for Spanish Exam DELE B2?
Nearly 70% of language learners believe that immersion and consistent guidance play a pivotal role in language acquisition.
Drawing inspiration from Sandra’s journey, it becomes evident how pivotal her time at a Spanish language school was
It’s not merely about structured lessons but the opportunity to interact, practice, and receive feedback in real time. These institutions foster a deep understanding of cultural nuances and linguistic intricacies.
Hence, for genuine mastery and nuanced understanding, attending a language school can make a world of difference.
Did English knowledge help? How about Italian, French, and Portuguese speakers?
Knowing English does provide a small advantage when learning Spanish due to the shared Latin roots in many words. This means English speakers might recognize some Spanish vocabulary right away.
Read Our Blog: Cognates and False Cognates: What They Are and Examples
However, those with a background in French or Portuguese will find even more similarities, given the closer linguistic ties between these languages and Spanish. This isn’t just about vocabulary; sentence structures, complex grammar structures and conjugation patterns also share many parallels.
So, if you’re an English speaker, you’ve got a head start. And if you hail from a French or Portuguese background, you’re even closer to understanding Spanish from the get-go. The journey of grasping Spanish becomes smoother and potentially quicker.
Listening, the hardest to master
Listening, particularly in the DELE B2 prep, can be the trickiest part to conquer. Many find it tough because spoken Spanish often has a flat tone compared to other languages. This can cause challenges in distinguishing words and expressions.
Try following the given tips to improve your listening:
Regular Exposure: Listen to Spanish radio, podcasts, and music daily. This exposes you to the natural rhythm and intonation of the language.
Watch Spanish TV Shows and Movies: Opt for those with Spanish subtitles. This way, you can read along, and associate sounds with written words.
Practice Conversations: Engage in dialogues with native speakers. Websites and apps connect learners with native speakers for language exchange.
Audio Lessons: Use Spanish audio lessons that are designed for DELE B2 level preparation. These often come with exercises to test comprehension.
Take Notes: While listening to Spanish content, jot down unfamiliar words or phrases. Later, look them up and incorporate them into your vocabulary.
Challenge Yourself: Occasionally, listen to content slightly above your proficiency level. It pushes you to grasp context even when certain words are unfamiliar.
Review Regularly: Revisit audio lessons or segments of shows that were particularly challenging. Repetition aids in comprehension.
Stay Consistent: Like any skill, improving your listening comprehension requires daily practice. Dedicate a specific amount of time each day to purely listening activities.
BACKGROUND STORY: Why Spanish Express for Your DELE B2 Exam Prep?
When you choose Spanish Express for your DELE B2 preparation, you’re not just opting for a traditional language course; you’re enrolling in a comprehensive Spanish experience.
Our presence across multiple destinations ensures diverse exposure, immersing students in varied cultural nuances. Sandra’s journey with us exemplifies the depth of our commitment. But DELE B2 is just the tip of the iceberg.
Our extensive course roster covers SIELE, IGCSE, GCSE, and A-Level exams. Thanks to our strong affiliation with the David Game Group, a respected exam centre in England, students receive unparalleled exam preparation.
At Spanish Express, it’s more than just mastering the language; it’s about feeling the heartbeats of various Spanish-speaking nations. Join us, and let your DELE B2 preparation be an unforgettable Spanish odyssey.
Would you like to visit the province of Barcelona with Spanish Express? 💃
You can also live Sandra’s experience hand-in-hand with our experienced teachers. 💁
You can live and study Spanish in your teacher’s home! 🎉
Don’t miss the opportunity to join our SHIP to enjoy a unique trip where the main objective is to have fun and learn Spanish.
Find out about the five cities we have available, in addition to Barcelona, by visiting our Spanish Homestay Immersion Programme (SHIP) website 🙌.
Check out all the details of this journey and join us before we set sail 🚢. The opportunity to learn Spanish in Spain is waiting for you, don’t miss it! 👀
FAQs
How do I prepare for the Spanish DELE exam?
The key to DELE exam preparation is structured practice. Familiarise yourself with the format, engage in regular listening and reading exercises, and take several mock exams. Seek feedback on your weak areas and focus on them. Spanish Express provides you with the optimum environment in your teacher’s home to kick-start your Spanish DELE exam preparation.
How hard is the DELE exam?
The DELE exam’s difficulty stems from its comprehensive nature. It assesses all language skills, from reading to speaking. While it is challenging, dedicated and focused preparation can make it achievable.
Should I take DELE B1 or B2?
Your choice between B1 and B2 should reflect your current proficiency and future goals. If you’re confident in handling complex language tasks, aim for B2. If you’re looking for a foundation-level certification, B1 is your pick.
Is Spanish Express enough for my DELE B2 prep?
Absolutely. Spanish Express has a proven track record, offering curated Spanish resources and expert guidance tailored to DELE B2 needs. Many, like Sandra, have found success with their programs.
What is the B2 level of the Spanish test?
B2 represents an advanced understanding of Spanish. At this level, you’re expected to interact with natives fluently and comprehend complex texts, both spoken and written.
How do I get a B2 certificate in Spanish?
After successfully clearing the DELE B2 exam, you’ll be granted the B2 certificate. This document stands as an official recognition of your advanced Spanish proficiency.
How long does it take to get to B2 Spanish?
Reaching B2 can vary for individuals, but with consistent study and exposure, one can typically reach this level in a few years. Immersion in Spanish-speaking environments can expedite the process, so get on board with us!
Is the DELE exam worth it?
Indeed, it is. The DELE certification not only showcases your commitment to learning Spanish but also opens doors in academic and professional realms where Spanish proficiency is valued.
