What is the DELE B2 and what is it for?

The DELE B2 is one of the most sought-after official Spanish diplomas in the world. If you want to certify your level, here we explain what it is exactly, who issues it, and what doors it opens for you.

What does DELE mean?

DELE stands for Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language. They are official titles that certify the degree of competence and mastery of the Spanish language. They are issued by the Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Ministry of Education of Spain.

There are six levels of DELE, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. The B2 level corresponds to an advanced independent user.

What does the B2 level certify?

With the DELE B2 you demonstrate that you can:

• Understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics
• Interact with native speakers fluently and naturally
• Produce clear and detailed texts on various topics
• Defend a point of view on general topics indicating pros and cons

Who issues the DELE B2?

The diploma is awarded by the Instituto Cervantes, the Spanish public institution responsible for promoting the teaching of Spanish worldwide. The exams are conducted at authorized centers in more than 100 countries.

A fundamental advantage: the DELE does not expire. Once you obtain it, it is valid for life. This sets it apart from other certificates like the SIELE, which has a validity of five years.

Structure of the DELE B2 exam

The exam is divided into 4 tests grouped into 2 groups:

Group 1:

• Reading comprehension: 70 minutes, 4 tasks
• Written expression and interaction: 80 minutes, 2 tasks

Group 2:

• Listening comprehension: 40 minutes, 5 tasks
• Oral expression and interaction: 20 minutes + 20 minutes of preparation, 3 tasks

To pass, you need a minimum of 60 points out of 100 in total, with at least 30 points out of 50 in each group. The result is PASS or FAIL.

What is the DELE B2 for?

Obtaining Spanish nationality

Since 2015, citizens from non-Spanish speaking countries applying for Spanish nationality need to certify a level A2 of Spanish. However, many opt for the B2 to demonstrate a stronger command of the language, especially if they need the certificate for work or academic purposes.

Access to universities

Most Spanish and Latin American universities require a B2 level to admit foreign students into undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It is also a common requirement for international scholarships such as those from the Erasmus+ program.

Job opportunities

Many companies and international organizations value or require the DELE B2 as proof of language competence. It is especially relevant in sectors such as teaching, tourism, translation, and international relations.

Personal development

Beyond practical uses, preparing for and passing the DELE B2 is a motivating goal that structures your learning and gives you a clear target.

How to prepare?

Preparation for the DELE B2 requires familiarization with the exam format and practice with specific materials. We recommend reading our guide on how to pass the DELE B2 in 3 months and consulting our articles on each test: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression, and oral expression.