The DELE exam: Why should I take it?
Why should I take the DELE exam? What is it? Do I need it?
These are all of the questions you must be thinking right now and just hearing the word ‘exam’ can make you feel both anxious and nervous..
Having said that, the DELE exam is actually one of the most beneficial exams that a Spanish learner can take. Not only does it open doors to international job opportunities, but it also correctly certifies your Spanish skills.
What exactly is the DELE exam?
DELE is short for Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera so the DELE exam is an internationally recognized certification of Spanish language proficiency. It’s issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education, which accredits your exact level when it comes to your proficiency in the Spanish language. But why is it so important?
Why do you need it?
It is an internationally recognized measure of the Spanish language, so it can be extremely useful if you are looking for a job in a Spanish speaking country, or even a job in any country that requires Spanish skills. Future employers can use your DELE certification as a way of measuring you against other candidates as it clearly clarifies your language level for them.
It’s often required for academic or professional purposes and is widely accepted by educational institutions and employers globally as proof of Spanish language proficiency.
Or, if you just want to have a measure of your Spanish level, it will surely help to boost your CV and open doors for your future, what with Spanish being the fourth most spoken language in the world!
How to prepare for the DELE exam?
The exam has a specific structure and specific exercises for each skill and it assesses the individual’s ability in reading, writing, speaking and listening in Spanish. So before you take the exam, it is vital to:
Get familiar with the structure of the test
Look over how long you have for each section of the test, the type of exercises you’ll be facing and what type of concepts they will expect you to know
Take classes with a native teacher
It is essential to start practicing the speaking part of the exam as soon as possible. You could even practice with a native friend at times so you can get used to the rhythm of the conversation. Doing this will make you feel a lot more comfortable on the day of the exam!
Music also works for this part. It is essential to listen to different Spanish accents and get familiar with colloquial language because in the test, there won’t just be speakers from mainland Spain!
Read books, magazines and articles on a variety of topics
Expanding your vocabulary before the exam is a perfect way to improve your comprehension skills. The news is always a good place to start as it includes various topics and discussion points.
Lastly, writing practice!
This is the part that can sometimes be forgotten but is still very important. Maybe write a journal or just a summary of a certain day and ask a native teacher or friend to check over it for you. This will encourage you to go over common errors and mistakes which could trip you up on the day of the exam.
If you would like to take a Private or Group course specifically designed to prepare you for the DELE exam, check out the Euroace DELE Preparation Courses here.
