We can group these six levels into three pairs: A1 and A2 are designed for speakers with a basic level of the language; B1 and B2 group together independent speakers with some limitations and finally, C1 and C2 join competent speakers, with C2 reaching near bilingualism.

This certification of communicative capability and/or excellence (depending on the level obtained) requires a certain amount of effort on the part of the candidate: in preparation, study and in the physical participation of the exams. The Cervantes Institute, wishing to help candidates in their test-taking, broadens from time to time the list of cities and organizations that give the DELE exam. On the DELE website and at the don Quijote web site we regularly update all the information you'll need for planning the time and place most suited to your needs for taking the test. Testing usually takes place in May and November, and some locations offer an extra test in August.

To take part in the DELE exam, remember that the deadline to sign up is usually 4 weeks before the date of the exam. Sign up is not complicated: just download the registration form, fill it out and deposit the exam fee in the financial entity as indicated for each location. These exams are given in more than 700 centers and in 100 different countries around the world.

DELE exam preparation

Proper preparation is important for guaranteeing successful exam results. There are some quality materials on the market to help you prepare, but it's important to remember that oral and written expression are skills that must be exercised with the help of a teacher for their improvement. That's why a specific DELE preparation course, such as those offered by don Quijote, is a wonderful way to exponentially increase your chances of passing these exams.

don Quijote offers specific Spanish courses, with a special focus on preparing for different tests that conform to the DELE, and with top quality material and teachers with extensive experience in DELE preparation. At don Quijote you'll find information on courses, dates and places to prepare for it not only in Spain, but also in Latin America.

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Top 3 reasons to take DELE exam

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What is DELE?

D.E.L.E. stands for Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (Diplomas of Spanish as a Second Language). The Cervantes Institute issues these certificates and is the only official organization that awards accreditation in the different levels defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

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What I really enjoyed about this crazy tradition (apart from all the vino...) was that after the very solemn week of Easter celebrations, where the focus is on penance for all your sins, the Salmantinos go above and beyond in enoying themselves for a very un-holy reason! It was one of my favourite days in Salamanca (although the day after was pretty difficult!) and if you’re thinking of visiting, I’d definitely suggest co-ordinating your trip with Lunes de Agua!

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So the prostitutes were rowed away on boats to the outskirts of the city each Ash Wednesday, to await “Water Monday” as it is known, when they were allowed back into the city. The men of Salamanca were so excited at the prospect their return, that every Lunes de Agua, the Salmantinos would spend all day sitting, waiting and being merry by the river until the row boats moored on the banks by the city and the real party got started!

The festivity nowadays

I’m not entirely sure when the prostitutes of Salamanca stopped getting kicked out every Easter, but the festivities remain to this day. Nowadays it’s fun for all of the family, and the city's river banks are full of picnics and parties on the first Monday after Lent. Although it’s not technically a public holiday (sadly I still had to work, although in true Spanish style the party keeps going into the early hours of the morning), many of the smaller businesses shut for the afternoon in order to be part of the merriment!

Another part of Lunes de Agua which has stood the test of time is the hornazo. This amazing meat pie, so full of chorizo, jamón, salchichón and everything else that would horrify a vegetarian, is taken down to the river as sustenance for the day. The hornazos are huge; mine took me the best part a week to finish! They were designed so that the men wouldn’t need to keep popping into town for food and risk missing the prostitutes’ return. They are surprisingly moist for a meat pie, although very often they get washed down with a six-pack or two!

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