Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language
Become internationally accredited
The Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE) is the official accreditation of the degree of fluency of the Spanish language, issued and recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport.
The Instituto Cervantes is in charge of organizing the exams, while the University of Salamanca is in charge of the preparation, correction and final evaluation of all the tests. The exam tests your ability to read, write, speak and understand Spanish. There are six levels of DELEs offered that match the divisions determined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:
Diploma de Español A1
Beginner level: You can understand and use daily expressions frequently used in any part of the Spanish-speaking world, aimed at satisfying immediate needs—asking and giving basic personal information about yourself and daily life, and interacting on a basic level with speakers, whenever they are speaking slowly and clearly and are willing to cooperate.
Diploma de Español A2
Elementary level: You are capable of understanding daily phrases and expressions frequently used related to areas of experience that are particularly relevant to you—basic information about yourself and your family, shopping, places of interest, occupations, etc.
Diploma de Español B1
Pre-intermediate/threshold level: You have sufficient knowledge of the language to allow control in situations which require a basic use of the language.
Diploma de Español B2
Intermediate level: You have the necessary knowledge of the language to allow communication in everyday situations which do not require specialized terms.
Diploma de Español C1
Upper intermediate/proficiency level: You have the ability to cope in common situations of daily life which require a specialized use of the language.
Diploma de Español C2
Mastery/advanced level: You are able to communicate in all situations requiring advanced use of the language and knowledge of cultural background.
The exams are offered in November and May in more than 50 countries around the world. The Department of Spanish and Latin American Studies organizes the examinations at Dalhousie every May.
For more information about the format of the exam, dates and application deadlines, visit the DELE website and contact the Spanish Department DELE coordinator, Dr. María José Giménez.
