DDELE ClaroDELE A1–C2
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Exam timing

How long is the DELE exam?

It depends on the level. The written papers take between 95 and 255 minutes in total, and the speaking paper takes between 10 and 20 minutes, with preparation before it. The times come from the Instituto Cervantes exam guides.

Total time by level

Minutes for the written papers and the speaking paper at each level
LevelWritten papersSpeaking paper
A195 min10 min + 10 min preparation
A2145 min12 min + 12 min preparation
B1170 min15 min + 15 min preparation
B2190 min20 min + 20 min preparation
C1220 min20 min + 20 min preparation
C2255 min20 min + 30 min preparation

Time for each paper

DELE A1

  • Reading comprehension: 45 min
  • Listening comprehension: 25 min
  • Written expression and interaction: 25 min
  • Spoken expression and interaction: 10 min (+ 10 min preparation)

DELE A2

  • Reading comprehension: 60 min
  • Listening comprehension: 40 min
  • Written expression and interaction: 45 min
  • Spoken expression and interaction: 12 min (+ 12 min preparation)

DELE C1

  • Reading comprehension and use of Spanish: 90 min
  • Listening comprehension and use of Spanish: 50 min
  • Written expression, mediation and interaction: 80 min
  • Spoken expression, mediation and interaction: 20 min (+ 20 min preparation)

DELE C2

  • Use of Spanish, reading and listening comprehension: 105 min
  • Written expression, mediation and interaction: 150 min
  • Spoken expression, mediation and interaction: 20 min (+ 30 min preparation)

Practise with the exam timer (Spanish)

Common questions

How long is the DELE A1?

The written papers take 95 minutes in total: Reading comprehension (45 min), Listening comprehension (25 min) and Written expression and interaction (25 min). The speaking paper takes 10 minutes, after 10 minutes of preparation.

How long is the DELE A2?

The written papers take 145 minutes in total: Reading comprehension (60 min), Listening comprehension (40 min) and Written expression and interaction (45 min). The speaking paper takes 12 minutes, after 12 minutes of preparation.

How long is the DELE B1?

The written papers take 170 minutes in total: Reading comprehension (70 min), Listening comprehension (40 min) and Written expression and interaction (60 min). The speaking paper takes 15 minutes, after 15 minutes of preparation.

How long is the DELE B2?

The written papers take 190 minutes in total: Reading comprehension (70 min), Listening comprehension (40 min) and Written expression and interaction (80 min). The speaking paper takes 20 minutes, after 20 minutes of preparation.

How long is the DELE C1?

The written papers take 220 minutes in total: Reading comprehension and use of Spanish (90 min), Listening comprehension and use of Spanish (50 min) and Written expression, mediation and interaction (80 min). The speaking paper takes 20 minutes, after 20 minutes of preparation.

How long is the DELE C2?

The written papers take 255 minutes in total: Use of Spanish, reading and listening comprehension (105 min) and Written expression, mediation and interaction (150 min). The speaking paper takes 20 minutes, after 30 minutes of preparation.

Try the format with a sample

The samples are in Spanish. Each one has one task per paper. Listening opens without an account, with audio and a key.

A1 sampleA2 sampleB1 sampleB2 sample

DELE Claro is an independent project. It is not affiliated with the Instituto Cervantes and is not endorsed by it.