The DELE (Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera) B1 exam is an internationally recognized certification that signifies an intermediate level of proficiency in Spanish. This guide will help you understand the DELE B1 exam format, the skills it tests, and the competencies required to succeed at this level.

Understanding the DELE B1 Exam

Overview of DELE B1

The DELE B1 exam is designed for learners who have reached an intermediate level of Spanish and can handle a range of situations likely to arise while traveling in Spanish-speaking regions. The B1 level corresponds to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and indicates an independent user of the language. This level demonstrates the ability to:

  • Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
  • Deal with most situations likely to arise whilst traveling in an area where the language is spoken.
  • Produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
  • Describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

What a B1 Learner Can Do in Spanish

A B1 learner has developed a functional understanding of the Spanish language, allowing them to communicate effectively in a variety of everyday situations. Here are some specific abilities of a B1 level learner:

  • Social Interaction in Spanish: Engage in conversations on topics like hobbies, interests, work, travel, and current events. They can start, maintain, and close simple face-to-face conversations on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
  • Travel and Daily Life in Spanish-Speaking Countries: Handle most situations that arise when traveling in a Spanish-speaking area. This includes asking for and giving directions, booking accommodations, ordering food at restaurants, and handling everyday transactions.
  • Work and Study in Spanish: Understand and produce simple texts related to their field of work or study. They can participate in routine tasks that require a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities.
  • Narration and Description in Spanish: Describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions in a connected text. They can explain opinions and plans, narrate a story, and relate the plot of a book or film and describe their reactions.
  • Understanding Media in Spanish: Understand the main points of clear, standard speech on familiar matters in work, school, leisure, etc., including short narratives, simple news broadcasts, and announcements.

DELE B1 Exam Structure

The DELE B1 exam is composed of four sections, each designed to assess different language skills:

Reading Comprehension in DELE B1

  • Duration: 70 minutes
  • Tasks: Typically includes five to six texts of varying lengths and topics.
  • Question Types: Multiple-choice questions, true/false statements, and matching exercises.
  • Skills Tested: Ability to understand the main ideas, details, and implied meanings in texts related to everyday life, work, and leisure. Texts can include articles, reports, advertisements, and emails.

Listening Comprehension in DELE B1

  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Tasks: Generally includes five to six audio recordings related to various topics.
  • Question Types: Multiple-choice questions, true/false statements, and matching exercises.
  • Skills Tested: Ability to understand the main points and details in conversations, interviews, reports, and broadcasts on familiar topics. The recordings feature everyday language and may include different accents.

Written Expression and Interaction in DELE B1

  • Duration: 60 minutes
  • Tasks: Usually includes two tasks:
    • Task 1: Writing a short essay, letter, or report.
    • Task 2: Writing a more structured text such as an article or story based on given prompts.
  • Skills Tested: Ability to write coherent and structured texts on familiar topics, express opinions, describe experiences, and narrate events. Emphasis is on clarity, correct use of grammar, and appropriate style for the given task.

Oral Expression and Interaction in DELE B1

  • Duration: 15 minutes (plus 15 minutes of preparation time)
  • Tasks: Typically includes three parts:
    • Part 1: Structured interview with the examiner about personal information and familiar topics.
    • Part 2: Describing a picture or series of pictures and discussing them.
    • Part 3: Role-play or discussion on a topic provided in the preparation time.
  • Skills Tested: Ability to communicate effectively in spoken Spanish, express and justify opinions, describe situations and experiences, and engage in discussions on familiar topics.

Core Differences Between A1/A2 and B1 Learners

Understanding the progression from A1/A2 levels to B1 is crucial for recognizing the increased complexity and depth of language skills required at the B1 level. Here are the key differences:

Language Proficiency

  • A1/A2 Level: At the A1 level, learners can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. A2 learners can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information on familiar topics.
  • B1 Level: B1 learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters and handle most situations likely to arise whilst traveling. They can produce simple connected text on familiar topics and describe experiences and events.

Communication Skills

  • A1/A2 Level: A1 learners can introduce themselves and others, ask and answer questions about personal details, and interact in a simple way. A2 learners can describe their background, immediate environment, and matters related to basic needs.
  • B1 Level: B1 learners can engage in more complex interactions, express and justify opinions, and discuss experiences and events in detail. They can narrate stories, describe ambitions, and explain their plans.

Text Complexity

  • A1/A2 Level: Reading and listening tasks at A1 involve simple texts and dialogues with basic vocabulary and structures. A2 texts and dialogues are slightly more complex but still focus on routine and familiar topics.
  • B1 Level: Texts and audio materials at the B1 level are more varied and complex, covering a broader range of topics and requiring a deeper understanding of the language.

Writing and Speaking

  • A1/A2 Level: A1 learners can write simple phrases and sentences. A2 learners can produce short texts and fill out forms with personal information. Speaking tasks involve basic descriptions and straightforward conversations.
  • B1 Level: B1 learners can write coherent texts on familiar topics, including essays, letters, and reports. They can engage in more extended conversations, describe events and experiences in detail, and participate in discussions on familiar topics.

Conclusion

The DELE B1 exam tests a comprehensive range of language skills, requiring candidates to demonstrate intermediate proficiency in Spanish across reading, writing, listening, and speaking. By understanding the exam structure and focusing on developing the necessary skills, you can effectively prepare for the DELE B1 and achieve a significant milestone in your Spanish language learning journey.