What do you need to know to pass the DELE A2 exam?
The DELE A2 exam tests 4 skills. Here's exactly what each one covers, with real sample items so you can test yourself.
Try the first unit freeLerniyo's exam is built in the style of the official DELE A2 exam — it is not an official registration with the Instituto Cervantes. The Lerniyo certificate is a completion certificate for our own curriculum.
DELE A2 in one minute
The DELE A2 is an official diploma in Spanish at level A2 of the CEFR, issued by the Instituto Cervantes. It is pass or fail, it tests listening, reading, writing and speaking, and once you pass it the diploma does not expire. It is the language proof usually asked for in Spanish citizenship applications, together with a separate civics test, the CCSE.
This guide explains who needs it, what each test asks, the grammar to master and a plan to get ready. It describes the exam in general terms: dates, fees, centers and the exact scoring can change, so always confirm them on the Instituto Cervantes site before you register.
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Who needs the DELE A2?
The people who most often need it are:
Citizenship applicants
The language proof for Spanish citizenship is the DELE A2 or a higher level, together with the CCSE. Check the rules that apply to your case.
People who want an official proof of A2
The diploma never expires, so it is a lasting milestone for a CV, a file or a personal goal.
Learners who want a clear target
A fixed exam date and format can keep a daily study habit going.
The four tests
The DELE A2 is organized in two groups. Each group is marked separately, and you need a pass in both. Check the current scoring rules on the official site.
Reading (comprensión de lectura)
You read short, simple texts such as ads, messages, signs and short articles, then answer questions.
Writing (expresión escrita)
You write short texts, for example a message or a note, on everyday topics. Reading and writing make up the first group.
Listening (comprensión auditiva)
You hear short recordings, such as announcements and short conversations, and answer questions.
Speaking (expresión oral)
You talk with the examiner about yourself and everyday topics, and describe a picture. Listening and speaking make up the second group.
Lerniyo's exam is built in the style of internationally recognized exams (Goethe, telc, ÖSD) — it is not an official registration with any of those institutes. The Lerniyo certificate is a completion certificate for our own curriculum.
What to master for A2
A2 Spanish is simple but it must be accurate. These are the points that come up most.
- Ser and estar
- “Soy de Rabat.” “Estoy en casa.” Ser for identity and origin, estar for place and state.
- Present tense, regular and irregular
- “Vivo en Madrid.” “Tengo dos hermanos.” “Voy al trabajo.”
- Past tenses
- “He comido.” “Ayer fui al médico.” The perfect with “haber” and the simple past for finished events.
- Reflexive verbs
- “Me levanto a las siete.” “Se llama Karim.”
- Near future with “ir a”
- “Voy a viajar en verano.”
- Comparatives
- “Madrid es más grande que mi ciudad.”
- Gender, number and agreement
- “Una casa pequeña.” “Unos libros nuevos.”
- Everyday vocabulary
- Family, work, shopping, health, transport, time and the daily routine.
Mistakes to avoid on the DELE A2
- Mixing up ser and estar, for example “Estoy de Marruecos” instead of “Soy de Marruecos”.
- Forgetting agreement: “una casa pequeño” instead of “una casa pequeña”.
- Using the wrong past tense, or only the present for every situation.
- Writing too little: a message that does not cover every point of the task loses marks.
- Staying silent when you do not know a word, instead of describing it with simpler words.
- Registering before checking the dates, the fee and the documents you must bring.
How to prepare
A simple order for the weeks before the exam:
- 1
Finish the A2 lessons
Cover the grammar and vocabulary above with short daily sessions.
- 2
Practise each skill
Listen to short recordings, read simple texts, write short messages and speak aloud.
- 3
Speak with Nour
Practise answering personal questions and describing a picture, then listen back to yourself.
- 4
Take a mock exam
Sit a timed mock in the DELE A2 style, review your mistakes and repeat.
- 5
Register for the official exam
Book through the Instituto Cervantes or an authorized center, and leave time before any deadline.
Exam format
- 100 points total, you need 60 to pass
- 3 attempts — fail all three and you'll need to wait 7 days before retrying
- Pass, and you get a PDF completion certificate from Lerniyo, ready to share on WhatsApp
Listening (Comprensión auditiva)
You listen to a short recording and answer questions about it.
You hear: "Me llamo Karim y vivo en Casablanca." — Question: ¿Dónde vive Karim?
Answer: En Casablanca.
Reading (Comprensión de lectura)
You read a short text (an ad, a message, a sign) and show you understood it.
You read: "El supermercado abre de 8 a 20 horas." — Question: ¿A qué hora cierra el supermercado?
Answer: A las 20 horas.
Writing (Expresión escrita)
You write a short message or fill in a simple form.
Write: describe your daily routine in 3 sentences.
Example: Me levanto a las siete. Desayuno y voy al trabajo. Por la noche, ceno con mi familia.
Speaking (Expresión oral)
You answer simple questions about yourself, or have a short conversation with Nour.
Question: ¿Cómo te llamas y de dónde eres?
Example: Me llamo Youssef y soy de Rabat.
Why A2 specifically?
A2 is the official language diploma required for Spanish citizenship applications, alongside a separate civics test (CCSE). It's also a realistic level for handling everyday situations once you're living in Spain.
See the path to life in SpainHow to prepare for the DELE A2 exam
- 1
Complete all A2 lessons
- 2
Take the mock exams — the first one is free, no pressure
- 3
Focus on the points you get wrong most often (Nour will flag them for you)
- 4
Once you feel ready, take Lerniyo's official A2 exam
DELE A2: frequently asked questions
What is the DELE A2?
An official diploma in Spanish at level A2, issued by the Instituto Cervantes. It is pass or fail and does not expire.
Is the DELE A2 required for Spanish citizenship?
The language proof for citizenship is the DELE A2 or a higher level, together with a separate civics test, the CCSE. Rules can change, so confirm with an official source.
How long does it take to prepare?
About 4 to 5 months from zero at a steady 15 to 20 minutes a day, based on Lerniyo’s estimates. It depends on your starting point.
Does Lerniyo issue the DELE A2 diploma?
No. Lerniyo prepares you with lessons and a mock exam in the same style, but the official diploma comes from the Instituto Cervantes.
Can I take the exam in Morocco?
The Instituto Cervantes has centers in Morocco and exam sessions are held at authorized centers. Check the current list, dates and fees on the official site.
Do I need the DELE A2 to live in Spain?
Not for everyday life, but it is the usual proof for citizenship. B1 makes daily life and paperwork much easier.