DELE B2
Three months is enough time to prepare for the DELE B2 if you're already at a solid B1 level and can dedicate 8-10 hours per week. Here's a realistic week-by-week plan that covers all four sections of the exam.
Prerequisites
This plan assumes you:
- Can already hold conversations in Spanish on everyday topics
- Understand the main points of clear standard speech
- Can write simple connected text on familiar topics
- Have at least B1 grammar (past tenses, subjunctive basics, conditionals)
Weeks 1-4: Foundation and format
The first month is about understanding the exam format and identifying your weak areas.
- Week 1: Take a full practice exam under timed conditions. Score it honestly. Identify which sections need the most work.
- Week 2: Focus on reading comprehension. Practice all 4 task types. Learn to identify paraphrases and distractors.
- Week 3: Focus on listening comprehension. Practice with the 5 task types. Start daily listening habits (podcasts, news).
- Week 4: Focus on writing. Learn the text types (formal letter, article, report, review). Write 4 practice texts.
Weeks 5-8: Skill building
The second month is about strengthening your weakest areas while maintaining the others.
- Daily (20 min): Listen to Spanish content (podcasts, YouTube, news)
- 3x per week (45 min): Practice your weakest section with timed exercises
- 2x per week (40 min): Write a practice text and review it the next day
- 1x per week (30 min): Speaking practice (language exchange, recording yourself)
- Weekend: Take one full timed section (reading OR listening)
Grammar priorities for B2
- Subjunctive in all its uses (wishes, doubt, emotions, temporal clauses)
- Conditional sentences (all types)
- Reported speech
- Connectors and discourse markers
- Ser vs estar in nuanced contexts
Weeks 9-12: Exam simulation
The final month is about simulating real exam conditions.
- Week 9: Full practice exam #2. Compare with your Week 1 score. Adjust focus areas.
- Week 10: Intensive practice on remaining weak points. Write 3-4 texts. Practice speaking tasks daily.
- Week 11: Full practice exam #3. Focus on time management and strategy.
- Week 12: Light review. One final practice exam. Rest the day before.
Key strategies by section
- Reading: Don't read every word. Scan for specific information. Read questions first.
- Listening: Use pause time to read ahead. Don't panic if you miss something — the audio plays twice.
- Writing: Always plan before writing. Count your words. Leave 5 minutes to review.
- Speaking: Prepare vocabulary clusters by topic. Practice thinking aloud in Spanish.
Resources
- DELE B2 Prep app (practice exams in official format)
- Official Instituto Cervantes sample exams (free online)
- Spanish podcasts: Notes in Spanish, Radio Ambulante, Hoy Hablamos
- Grammar reference: any B2-level Spanish grammar book
For detailed strategies on each section, check our guides on listening comprehension and what the DELE B2 is.